How far is Dafter, MI from Detroit, MI?
The driving distance from Dafter, MI to Detroit, MI is about 338.2 miles (544.3 km), with a travel time of about 04h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 286.6 miles (461.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 58m 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 04h 59m.
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 Michigan
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Dafter and Detroit.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dafter and Detroit.
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1
Start on West 10 Mile Road
15 m · 7 sec · West 10 Mile Road
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2
Turn left onto South Soo Line Road
1.6 km · 4 min · South Soo Line Road
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3
Turn right
2798 ft · 38 sec
-
4
Take the exit right toward I 75 South: Saint Ignace
1790 ft · 44 sec
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5
Merge slight left
135.9 mi · 2 hr 19 min
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6
Keep slight left to continue on I 75: Saginaw, Detroit
124.2 mi · 2 hr 7 min
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7
Keep slight left
11 mi · 12 min
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8
Keep slight left
63 mi · 1 hr 8 min
-
9
Keep slight left to continue on Walter P. Chrysler Freeway
1.2 km · 1 min · Walter P. Chrysler Freeway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Jefferson Avenue East
1185 ft · 29 sec
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11
Turn straight onto Chrysler Drive
41 m · 9 sec · Chrysler Drive
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12
Turn right onto East Congress Street
2674 ft · 2 min · East Congress Street
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13
Turn right onto Woodward Avenue
137 m · 19 sec · Woodward Avenue
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14
Turn right onto Cadillac Square
39 m · 4 sec · Cadillac Square
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Cadillac Square
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Dafter and Detroit.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
I 75 South
Merge slight left
136 mi · 02h 19m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Dafter and Mostly Sunny near Detroit.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Dafter to Detroit?
The road trip is about 338.2 miles (544.3 km) and usually takes 04h 59m 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?
West Branch is a useful midpoint, sitting about 168.8 miles from Dafter and 169.4 miles from Detroit.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 286.6 miles (461.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 51.6 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 7:02 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $45.03 one way or $90.05 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 106.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Dafter and Mostly Sunny near Detroit.
Stop Ideas Near West Branch
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 West Branch.
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Cadillac, Michigan
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Dafter and Detroit. Straight-line distance: 286.58 mi (461.21 km).
#1 Dafter
Township in Chippewa County, Michigan
| Population | 1,238 |
| Coordinates | 46.3600200, -84.4272600 |
| Altitude | 210 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Detroit
The twenty-fourth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Detroit metropolitan area.
| Population | 665,369 |
| Coordinates | 42.3314300, -83.0457500 |
| Altitude | 183 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cadillac Square (-83.04575, 42.331399)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 544 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 11h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 08h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 45m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $45.03 | $90.05 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $50.78 | $101.56 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $55.57 | $111.14 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $63.33 | $126.66 |
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 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.