How far is Ann Arbor, MI from Waterford, MI?
The driving distance from Ann Arbor, MI to Waterford, MI is about 45.5 miles (73.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 33.2 miles (53.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 01m 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 01h 00m.
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.
Suburb of Detroit, Michigan, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ann Arbor and Waterford.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ann Arbor and Waterford.
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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
22.4 mi · 24 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward M 59: Howell, Pontiac
1550 ft · 38 sec
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8
Keep slight right to continue on M 59 East: Pontiac
93 m · 9 sec
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9
Merge slight left onto Highland Road
16.3 mi · 24 min · Highland Road
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10
Turn left onto Williams Lake Road
3.1 mi · 5 min · Williams Lake Road
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11
Turn left onto David K Drive
1626 ft · 1 min · David K Drive
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · David K Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ann Arbor and Waterford.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
US 23 North
Keep left to continue on US 23 North: Flint
22.4 mi · 00h 24m
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.
Sunny leaving Ann Arbor and Sunny near Waterford.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ann Arbor to Waterford?
The road trip is about 45.5 miles (73.2 km) and usually takes 01h 00m 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?
Brighton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 22.7 miles from Ann Arbor and 22.7 miles from Waterford.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 33.2 miles (53.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.3 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 4:28 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.07 one way or $12.14 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ann Arbor and Sunny near Waterford.
Stop Ideas Near Brighton
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 Brighton.
Ann Arbor station
Pontiac Transportation Center
Durand Union Station
Troy Transit Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ann Arbor and Waterford. Straight-line distance: 33.24 mi (53.5 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 Waterford
Charter township in Oakland county, Michigan
| Population | 75,737 |
| Coordinates | 42.6930300, -83.4118100 |
| Altitude | 294 |
| Country | United States |
End: Waterford (-83.41181, 42.69303)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 73 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.07 | $12.14 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.85 | $13.69 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.49 | $14.99 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.54 | $17.08 |
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 · May 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.