How far is Grand Rapids, MI from Ferndale, MI?
The driving distance from Grand Rapids, MI to Ferndale, MI is about 147.9 miles (238.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 133.2 miles (214.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 35m 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 02h 47m.
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.
Unincorporated community in Michigan
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Grand Rapids and Ferndale.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Grand Rapids and Ferndale.
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1
Start on Fulton Street West
17 m · 10 sec · Fulton Street West
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2
Turn left onto Division Avenue North
2034 ft · 1 min · Division Avenue North
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3
Continue on Division Avenue Northeast
609 ft · 18 sec · Division Avenue Northeast
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4
Turn left onto Michigan Street Northeast
71 m · 11 sec · Michigan Street Northeast
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5
Take the ramp slight right toward I 196 East: Lansing
651 ft · 16 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Gerald R Ford Freeway
3.9 mi · 4 min · Gerald R Ford Freeway
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7
Merge slight left
58.8 mi · 1 hr 3 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 96 East: Detroit
66.9 mi · 1 hr 12 min
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9
Continue on Walter P Reuther Freeway
8.9 mi · 10 min · Walter P Reuther Freeway
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10
Merge slight left onto John C Lodge Freeway
3.8 mi · 4 min · John C Lodge Freeway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward 9 Mile Road
876 ft · 21 sec
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12
Turn straight onto Northwestern Highway
1705 ft · 40 sec · Northwestern Highway
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13
Turn left onto West 9 Mile Road
4.5 mi · 11 min · West 9 Mile Road
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 9 Mile Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Grand Rapids and Ferndale.
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 East
Keep slight left to continue on I 96 East: Detroit
66.9 mi · 01h 12m
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 leaving Grand Rapids and Sunny near Ferndale.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Grand Rapids to Ferndale?
The road trip is about 147.9 miles (238.1 km) and usually takes 02h 47m 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?
Holt is a useful midpoint, sitting about 73.8 miles from Grand Rapids and 74.1 miles from Ferndale.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 133.2 miles (214.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.7 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:54 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.68 one way or $39.37 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 46.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Grand Rapids and Sunny near Ferndale.
Stop Ideas Near Holt
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 Holt.
East Lansing station
Jackson station
Albion station
Owosso, MI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Grand Rapids and Ferndale. Straight-line distance: 133.22 mi (214.4 km).
#1 Grand Rapids
The second most populous city in Michigan.
| Population | 200,031 |
| Coordinates | 42.9633600, -85.6680900 |
| Altitude | 195 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ferndale
Town in Humboldt County, California, United States
| Population | 20,198 |
| Coordinates | 42.4605900, -83.1346500 |
| Altitude | 197 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ferndale (-83.13465, 42.46059)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 238 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 41m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 06m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 50m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.68 | $39.37 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.20 | $44.40 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.29 | $48.59 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $27.69 | $55.37 |
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.