How far is Ann Arbor, MI from Lake, MI?
The driving distance from Ann Arbor, MI to Lake, MI is about 159.4 miles (256.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 126.1 miles (203 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 44m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 02h 52m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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.
Unincorporated community in Michigan, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ann Arbor and Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ann Arbor and 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
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3
Turn right onto North Main Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · North Main Street
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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
93.6 mi · 1 hr 40 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 10 West: Midland
1046 ft · 36 sec
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8
Continue straight
11.3 mi · 11 min
-
9
Keep slight right to continue on US 10: Clare
38 mi · 38 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 10 WEST, TO M 115: Ludington, Cadillac
12.8 mi · 14 min
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11
Turn left onto Gibson Avenue
1617 ft · 1 min · Gibson Avenue
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12
Continue on Terry Street
124 m · 11 sec · Terry Street
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13
Turn right onto Lake Street
19 m · 3 sec · Lake Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Lake Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ann Arbor and 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
93.6 mi · 01h 40m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny leaving Ann Arbor and Mostly Sunny near Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ann Arbor to Lake?
The road trip is about 159.4 miles (256.5 km) and usually takes 02h 52m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Buena Vista is a useful midpoint, sitting about 79.7 miles from Ann Arbor and 79.7 miles from Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 126.1 miles (203 km), while the road route adds roughly 33.3 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:46 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.19 one way or $42.39 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Ann Arbor and Mostly Sunny near Lake.
Stop Ideas Near Buena Vista
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Buena Vista.
Saginaw, MI
Bay City, MI
Flint station
Owosso, MI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ann Arbor and Lake. Straight-line distance: 126.12 mi (202.97 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 Lake
Township in Roscommon County, Michigan
| Population | 1,198 |
| Coordinates | 43.8519700, -85.0053100 |
| Altitude | 324 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lake (-85.00531, 43.85197)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 257 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 18m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.19 | $42.39 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.90 | $47.80 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.16 | $52.31 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.81 | $59.62 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.