How far is Flint, MI from Elk Rapids, MI?
The driving distance from Flint, MI to Elk Rapids, MI is about 188.1 miles (302.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 39m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 156 miles (251 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 18m 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 03h 39m.
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.
Human settlement in Ogemaw County, Michigan, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Widespread Frost then Chance Rain Showers
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Flint and Elk Rapids.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Flint and Elk Rapids.
-
1
Start on the route
28 m · 11 sec
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2
Turn uturn onto East Court Street
77 m · 18 sec · East Court Street
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3
Turn right onto Saginaw Street
650 ft · 28 sec · Saginaw Street
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4
Turn right onto East Third Street
1868 ft · 1 min · East Third Street
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5
Turn left onto Chavez Drive
147 m · 14 sec · Chavez Drive
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6
Take the ramp straight toward I 475 North
1175 ft · 29 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto UAW Freeway
9.7 mi · 10 min · UAW Freeway
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8
Merge slight left
38 mi · 41 min
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9
Keep slight left
62.9 mi · 1 hr 3 min
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10
Keep slight left
27.2 mi · 27 min
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11
Take the exit slight left toward I 75 Business Loop, M 72: Downtown Grayling, Traverse City
1.8 mi · 4 min
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12
Turn left
24.4 mi · 34 min
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13
At the end of the road, turn right onto South Cedar Street
2 mi · 4 min · South Cedar Street
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14
Turn left onto West Mile Road Northwest
1.6 km · 2 min · West Mile Road Northwest
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15
Continue on M-72 West
7.7 mi · 11 min · M-72 West
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16
Continue on East M 72
3.6 mi · 5 min · East M 72
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17
Turn right onto Elk Lake Road
8.2 mi · 14 min · Elk Lake Road
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18
At the end of the road, turn right onto South US 31 Highway
2295 ft · 49 sec · South US 31 Highway
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19
Turn left onto First Street
1503 ft · 1 min · First Street
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20
Turn right onto Spruce Street
551 ft · 24 sec · Spruce Street
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Spruce Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Flint and Elk Rapids.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
UAW Freeway
Keep slight left
62.9 mi · 01h 03m
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.
Widespread Frost then Chance Rain Showers leaving Flint and Showers And Thunderstorms near Elk Rapids.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Flint to Elk Rapids?
The road trip is about 188.1 miles (302.7 km) and usually takes 03h 39m 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?
Edwards is a useful midpoint, sitting about 94 miles from Flint and 94.1 miles from Elk Rapids.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 156 miles (251 km), while the road route adds roughly 32.1 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 9:42 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.04 one way or $50.08 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 59 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Widespread Frost then Chance Rain Showers around Flint and Showers And Thunderstorms near Elk Rapids.
Stop Ideas Near Edwards
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 Edwards.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Flint and Elk Rapids. Straight-line distance: 155.95 mi (250.98 km).
#1 Flint
The largest city in Genesee County, Michigan.
| Population | 94,968 |
| Coordinates | 43.0125300, -83.6874600 |
| Altitude | 229 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Elk Rapids
City in Antrim County, Michigan, United States of America
| Population | 1,626 |
| Coordinates | 44.8955600, -85.4164600 |
| Altitude | 182 |
| Country | United States |
End: Elk Rapids (-85.41646, 44.89556)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 303 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 42m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 45m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 08m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.04 | $50.08 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.24 | $56.48 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $30.90 | $61.81 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $35.22 | $70.44 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.