How far is Houghton Lake, MI from Dearborn, MI?
The driving distance from Houghton Lake, MI to Dearborn, MI is about 198.1 miles (318.8 km), with a travel time of about 03h 03m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 159.1 miles (256.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 07m 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 03m.
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.
Unincorporated community in Michigan, United States
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 Dearborn.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Houghton Lake and Dearborn.
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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 left
61 mi · 1 hr 5 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 94: Port Huron, Chicago
1512 ft · 37 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 94 West: Chicago
1639 ft · 43 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Edsel Ford Freeway
5.6 mi · 8 min · Edsel Ford Freeway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 12: Michigan Avenue, Dearborn
2026 ft · 56 sec
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10
At the end of the road, turn right onto Michigan Avenue
1.2 km · 2 min · Michigan Avenue
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Michigan Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Houghton Lake and Dearborn.
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 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.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving Houghton Lake and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Dearborn.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Houghton Lake to Dearborn?
The road trip is about 198.1 miles (318.8 km) and usually takes 03h 03m 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?
Buena Vista is a useful midpoint, sitting about 97.2 miles from Houghton Lake and 100.9 miles from Dearborn.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 159.1 miles (256.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 39 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 10:52 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.36 one way or $52.72 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 62.1 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 Dearborn.
Stop Ideas Near Buena Vista
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 Buena Vista.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Houghton Lake and Dearborn. Straight-line distance: 159.14 mi (256.11 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 Dearborn
The most populous city in Wayne County, Michigan.
| Population | 93,367 |
| Coordinates | 42.3222600, -83.1763100 |
| Altitude | 180 |
| Country | United States |
End: Michigan Avenue (-83.176219, 42.322088)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 319 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $26.36 | $52.72 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.73 | $59.46 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $32.53 | $65.06 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $37.07 | $74.15 |
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.