How far is Higgins Lake, MI from Brighton, MI?
The driving distance from Higgins Lake, MI to Brighton, MI is about 169.5 miles (272.8 km), with a travel time of about 03h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 144 miles (231.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 05m 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 02m.
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.
Township in Bay County, Michigan
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Higgins Lake and Brighton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Higgins Lake and Brighton.
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1
Start on Old US-27
2.3 mi · 4 min · Old US-27
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2
Turn right onto North Higgins Lake Drive
3.9 mi · 5 min · North Higgins Lake Drive
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3
Continue on West Federal Highway
1.3 mi · 2 min · West Federal Highway
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4
Take the ramp right toward I 75 South
2596 ft · 1 min
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5
Merge slight left
117.8 mi · 2 hr 1 min
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6
Keep slight left
11 mi · 12 min
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7
Keep slight right to continue on US 23: Ann Arbor
30.6 mi · 33 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 96 West: Lansing
2989 ft · 1 min
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9
Keep slight right to continue on Spencer Road, Brighton
3242 ft · 1 min
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10
Turn right onto Spencer Road
1497 ft · 36 sec · Spencer Road
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11
Continue on Spencer Street
972 ft · 28 sec · Spencer Street
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12
Turn right onto East Main Street
2451 ft · 2 min · East Main Street
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13
Turn left onto East Grand River Avenue
15 m · 1 sec · East Grand River Avenue
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Grand River Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Higgins Lake and Brighton.
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 75 South
Merge slight left
118 mi · 02h 01m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Higgins Lake and Smoke near Brighton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Higgins Lake to Brighton?
The road trip is about 169.5 miles (272.8 km) and usually takes 03h 02m 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?
Kawkawlin is a useful midpoint, sitting about 84.8 miles from Higgins Lake and 84.8 miles from Brighton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 144 miles (231.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 25.5 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:54 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.55 one way or $45.10 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 53.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Higgins Lake and Smoke near Brighton.
Stop Ideas Near Kawkawlin
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Old City Hall
Bay City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Kawkawlin.
Bay City, MI
Saginaw, MI
Flint station
Owosso, MI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Higgins Lake and Brighton. Straight-line distance: 144.01 mi (231.76 km).
#1 Higgins Lake
Higgins Lake is a place in Michigan, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 44.4836300, -84.7797500 |
| Altitude | 357 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Brighton
Suburb of Detroit, Michigan, United States
| Population | 18,895 |
| Coordinates | 42.5294800, -83.7802200 |
| Altitude | 282 |
| Country | United States |
End: Brighton (-83.78022, 42.52948)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 273 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 06m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.55 | $45.10 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.43 | $50.87 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.83 | $55.66 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.72 | $63.44 |
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 · Jul 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.