How far is Chelsea, MI from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance from Chelsea, MI to Ann Arbor, MI is about 17.3 miles (27.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 14.6 miles (23.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 51m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 25m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
Village in 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 Chelsea and Ann Arbor.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chelsea and Ann Arbor.
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1
Start on the route
134 m · 35 sec
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto North Main Street
1.3 km · 2 min · North Main Street
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3
Turn left onto East Old US Highway 12
2.6 mi · 4 min · East Old US Highway 12
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4
Take the ramp left toward I 94 East: Ann Arbor
655 ft · 16 sec
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5
Merge slight left
8.5 mi · 9 min
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6
Keep slight right to continue on I 94, I 94 Business: Detroit, Ann Arbor
3011 ft · 37 sec
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 94 Business: Ann Arbor
3 mi · 7 min
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8
Turn right onto South State Street
1325 ft · 36 sec · South State Street
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South State Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Chelsea and Ann Arbor.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
I 94 East
Merge slight left
8.52 mi · 00h 09m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving Chelsea and Sunny near Ann Arbor.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Chelsea to Ann Arbor?
The road trip is about 17.3 miles (27.8 km) and usually takes 00h 25m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Dexter is a useful midpoint, sitting about 8 miles from Chelsea and 9.3 miles from Ann Arbor.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 14.6 miles (23.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 2.7 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:38 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.30 one way or $4.60 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 5.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Chelsea and Sunny near Ann Arbor.
Stop Ideas Near Dexter
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 Dexter.
Ann Arbor station
Jackson station
Greenfield Village, Michigan
John D. Dingell Transit Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Chelsea and Ann Arbor. Straight-line distance: 14.63 mi (23.54 km).
#1 Chelsea
City in Washtenaw County, Michigan, United States of America
| Population | 5,377 |
| Coordinates | 42.3180700, -84.0218100 |
| Altitude | 285 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ann Arbor
The most populous city in Washtenaw County, Michigan.
| Population | 119,280 |
| Coordinates | 42.2775600, -83.7408800 |
| Altitude | 269 |
| Country | United States |
End: South State Street (-83.740762, 42.277562)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 28 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 20m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 17m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $2.30 | $4.60 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $2.59 | $5.19 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $2.84 | $5.68 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $3.24 | $6.47 |
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.