How far is Houghton Lake, MI from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance from Houghton Lake, MI to Ann Arbor, MI is about 175.2 miles (282 km), with a travel time of about 02h 43m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 149.9 miles (241.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 26m 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 43m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Saginaw County, Michigan, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Houghton Lake and Ann Arbor.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Houghton Lake and Ann Arbor.
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1
Start on Stone School Road
20 m · 3 sec · Stone School Road
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2
Turn right onto West Houghton Lake Drive
6.8 mi · 10 min · West Houghton Lake Drive
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3
Turn straight onto West Branch Road
108.4 mi · 1 hr 54 min · West Branch Road
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4
Keep slight left
11 mi · 12 min
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5
Keep slight right to continue on US 23: Ann Arbor
45.4 mi · 49 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward M 14 West: Ann Arbor
1.5 mi · 2 min
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7
Take the exit right toward US 23 BUS: Downtown Ann Arbor
1.5 km · 2 min
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8
Turn left onto Depot Street
1969 ft · 1 min · Depot Street
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9
Turn right
36 m · 7 sec
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10
Continue on North State Street
3204 ft · 1 min · North State Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South State Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Houghton Lake and Ann Arbor.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
West Branch Road
Turn straight onto West Branch Road
108 mi · 01h 54m
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 And Snow Showers leaving Houghton Lake and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Ann Arbor.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Houghton Lake to Ann Arbor?
The road trip is about 175.2 miles (282 km) and usually takes 02h 43m 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?
Zilwaukee is a useful midpoint, sitting about 87.5 miles from Houghton Lake and 87.7 miles from Ann Arbor.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 149.9 miles (241.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 25.3 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 1:04 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.30 one way or $46.61 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Houghton Lake and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Ann Arbor.
Stop Ideas Near Zilwaukee
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 Zilwaukee.
Saginaw, MI
Bay City, MI
Flint station
Owosso, MI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Houghton Lake and Ann Arbor. Straight-line distance: 149.87 mi (241.2 km).
#1 Houghton Lake
Unincorporated community in Roscommon County, Michigan, USA
| Population | 3,427 |
| Coordinates | 44.3147400, -84.7647500 |
| Altitude | 349 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ann Arbor
The most populous city in Washtenaw County, Michigan.
| Population | 119,280 |
| Coordinates | 42.2775600, -83.7408800 |
| Altitude | 269 |
| Country | United States |
End: South State Street (-83.740762, 42.277562)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 282 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 30m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.30 | $46.61 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.28 | $52.57 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.76 | $57.52 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.78 | $65.56 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.