How far is Grand Rapids, MI from Ludington, MI?
The driving distance from Grand Rapids, MI to Ludington, MI is about 96.8 miles (155.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 79 miles (127.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 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 01h 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.
City in Muskegon County, Michigan, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny
Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Grand Rapids and Ludington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Grand Rapids and Ludington.
-
1
Start on Fulton Street West
1431 ft · 59 sec · Fulton Street West
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2
Turn left onto Market Avenue Southwest
943 ft · 34 sec · Market Avenue Southwest
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3
Take the ramp right toward US 131 North: Cadillac
944 ft · 23 sec
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4
Merge slight left
3.2 mi · 4 min
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5
Take the exit slight left toward I 96, M 37: Muskegon, Lansing
2409 ft · 35 sec
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6
Keep slight left to continue on I 96: Muskegon
1550 ft · 22 sec
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7
Keep slight right
993 ft · 14 sec
-
8
Merge slight right
30 mi · 32 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward US 31 North: Muskegon, Ludington
2543 ft · 1 min
-
10
Merge slight left
55.9 mi · 58 min
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward US 31 Business: Ludington
2596 ft · 1 min
-
12
Turn left onto South Pere Marquette Highway
3.2 mi · 5 min · South Pere Marquette Highway
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13
At the end of the road, turn left onto West US Highway 10
3046 ft · 1 min · West US Highway 10
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14
Continue on East Ludington Avenue
1.3 mi · 3 min · East Ludington Avenue
-
15
Turn left
34 m · 7 sec
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Grand Rapids and Ludington.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 31 North
Merge slight left
55.9 mi · 00h 58m
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.
Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny leaving Grand Rapids and Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny near Ludington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Grand Rapids to Ludington?
The road trip is about 96.8 miles (155.8 km) and usually takes 01h 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?
Lakewood Club is a useful midpoint, sitting about 48.4 miles from Grand Rapids and 48.4 miles from Ludington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 79 miles (127.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.8 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 2:54 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.90 one way or $25.79 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny around Grand Rapids and Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny near Ludington.
Stop Ideas Near Lakewood Club
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 Lakewood Club.
Rockford, Michigan
Howard City, Michigan
Vernon J. Ehlers Station
Holland station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Grand Rapids and Ludington. Straight-line distance: 79.03 mi (127.18 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 Ludington
City in Mason County, Michigan, United States
| Population | 8,096 |
| Coordinates | 43.9552800, -86.4525800 |
| Altitude | 180 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ludington (-86.45258, 43.95528)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 156 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.90 | $25.79 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.55 | $29.09 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $15.92 | $31.83 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.14 | $36.28 |
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 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.