How far is Dalton, MI from Detroit, MI?
The driving distance from Dalton, MI to Detroit, MI is about 204.2 miles (328.6 km), with a travel time of about 03h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 176.7 miles (284.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 00m 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 03h 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.
Township in Clinton County, Michigan
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Dalton and Detroit.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dalton and Detroit.
-
1
Start on the route
63 m · 20 sec
-
2
Turn left onto West Tyler Road
1.3 mi · 2 min · West Tyler Road
-
3
Turn left onto Russell Road
990 ft · 19 sec · Russell Road
-
4
Take the ramp right
1532 ft · 37 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
4.4 mi · 5 min
-
6
Keep slight left
6.3 mi · 7 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward I 96: Grand Rapids, Lansing
1424 ft · 49 sec
-
8
Merge slight left
96.4 mi · 1 hr 43 min
-
9
Keep slight left to continue on I 96 East: Detroit
66.9 mi · 1 hr 12 min
-
10
Continue on Walter P Reuther Freeway
8.9 mi · 10 min · Walter P Reuther Freeway
-
11
Merge slight left onto John C Lodge Freeway
17.8 mi · 23 min · John C Lodge Freeway
-
12
Take the exit slight left toward Larned Street, Downtown
1773 ft · 45 sec
-
13
Continue on West Larned Street
1024 ft · 34 sec · West Larned Street
-
14
Turn left onto Woodward Avenue
868 ft · 42 sec · Woodward Avenue
-
15
Turn right onto Cadillac Square
39 m · 4 sec · Cadillac Square
-
16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Cadillac Square
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Dalton and Detroit.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 96
Merge slight left
96.4 mi · 01h 43m
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 then Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Dalton and Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Detroit.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Dalton to Detroit?
The road trip is about 204.2 miles (328.6 km) and usually takes 03h 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?
Wacousta is a useful midpoint, sitting about 101.5 miles from Dalton and 102.7 miles from Detroit.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 176.7 miles (284.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.5 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:30 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.19 one way or $54.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 64.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers around Dalton and Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Detroit.
Stop Ideas Near Wacousta
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 Wacousta.
East Lansing station
Owosso, MI
Durand Union Station
Albion station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Dalton and Detroit. Straight-line distance: 176.66 mi (284.3 km).
#1 Dalton
Township in Muskegon County, Michigan
| Population | 9,409 |
| Coordinates | 43.3186200, -86.2617300 |
| Altitude | 201 |
| 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: 329 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 24m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $27.19 | $54.38 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $30.66 | $61.33 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $33.56 | $67.11 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $38.24 | $76.48 |
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 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.