How far is Ann Arbor, MI from Houghton Lake, MI?
The driving distance from Ann Arbor, MI to Houghton Lake, MI is about 175.4 miles (282.3 km), with a travel time of about 03h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 149.9 miles (241.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 24m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 03h 12m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Saginaw County, Michigan, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ann Arbor and Houghton Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ann Arbor and Houghton Lake.
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1
Start on South State Street
1325 ft · 43 sec · South State Street
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2
Turn left onto East Huron Street
2058 ft · 1 min · East Huron Street
-
3
Turn right onto North Main Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · North Main Street
-
4
Take the ramp straight toward M 14 East, US 23: Flint, Detroit
835 ft · 20 sec
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5
Merge slight left
1.1 mi · 1 min
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6
Keep left to continue on US 23 North: Flint
94.7 mi · 1 hr 42 min
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7
Keep slight left
62.9 mi · 1 hr 3 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on M 55 West: Houghton Lake, Cadillac
14.6 mi · 21 min
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9
Turn left onto Stone School Road
20 m · 3 sec · Stone School Road
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Stone School Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ann Arbor and Houghton Lake.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 23 North
Keep left to continue on US 23 North: Flint
94.7 mi · 01h 42m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Ann Arbor and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Houghton Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ann Arbor to Houghton Lake?
The road trip is about 175.4 miles (282.3 km) and usually takes 03h 12m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Zilwaukee is a useful midpoint, sitting about 87.7 miles from Ann Arbor and 87.7 miles from Houghton Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 149.9 miles (241.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 25.5 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:36 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.34 one way or $46.68 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 55 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers around Ann Arbor and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Houghton Lake.
Stop Ideas Near Zilwaukee
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Old City Hall
Bay City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Zilwaukee.
Saginaw, MI
Bay City, MI
Flint station
Owosso, MI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ann Arbor and Houghton Lake. Straight-line distance: 149.87 mi (241.2 km).
#1 Ann Arbor
The most populous city in Washtenaw County, Michigan.
| Population | 119,280 |
| Coordinates | 42.2775600, -83.7408800 |
| Altitude | 269 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Houghton Lake
Unincorporated community in Roscommon County, Michigan, USA
| Population | 3,427 |
| Coordinates | 44.3147400, -84.7647500 |
| Altitude | 349 |
| Country | United States |
End: Houghton Lake (-84.76475, 44.31474)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 282 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 30m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.34 | $46.68 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.33 | $52.65 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.81 | $57.62 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.83 | $65.66 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Michigan · Apr 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.