How far is Kalamazoo, MI from Alpena, MI?
The driving distance from Kalamazoo, MI to Alpena, MI is about 300.2 miles (483.2 km), with a travel time of about 05h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 219.6 miles (353.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 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 05h 33m.
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.
Human settlement in Missaukee County, Michigan, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kalamazoo and Alpena.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kalamazoo and Alpena.
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1
Start on North Park Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · North Park Street
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2
Continue straight
4.7 mi · 5 min
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3
Merge slight left
139 mi · 2 hr 24 min
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4
Take the exit slight right toward M 55 East: Lake City
2181 ft · 55 sec
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5
Turn right onto East M-55 Highway
1.5 mi · 2 min · East M-55 Highway
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6
Continue on West Watergate Road
4.6 mi · 6 min · West Watergate Road
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7
Continue on West Blue Road
1.5 mi · 2 min · West Blue Road
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8
Turn left onto South Morey Road
3.5 mi · 5 min · South Morey Road
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9
Continue on Lakeshore Drive
1149 ft · 19 sec · Lakeshore Drive
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10
Continue on South Shore Drive
688 ft · 12 sec · South Shore Drive
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11
Continue on Lake Shore Drive
1.1 km · 1 min · Lake Shore Drive
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12
Continue on Main Street
2727 ft · 51 sec · Main Street
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13
Turn right onto West Houghton Lake Road
17.9 mi · 24 min · West Houghton Lake Road
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14
Continue on West Lake City Road
2.4 mi · 3 min · West Lake City Road
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15
Take the ramp left toward US 127 North: Grayling
1855 ft · 45 sec
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16
Merge slight left
18.3 mi · 18 min
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17
Merge slight right
31.5 mi · 31 min
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18
Take the exit slight right toward M 32: Gaylord, Alpena
1553 ft · 42 sec
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19
Turn right onto West Main Street
13.3 mi · 16 min · West Main Street
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20
Turn right
58 mi · 1 hr 9 min
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21
Turn right onto East Chisholm Street
83 m · 9 sec · East Chisholm Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Chisholm Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kalamazoo and Alpena.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
North Park Street
Merge slight left
139 mi · 02h 24m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Kalamazoo and Showers And Thunderstorms near Alpena.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kalamazoo to Alpena?
The road trip is about 300.2 miles (483.2 km) and usually takes 05h 33m 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?
McBain is a useful midpoint, sitting about 150.1 miles from Kalamazoo and 150.2 miles from Alpena.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 219.6 miles (353.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 80.6 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 5:52 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $39.97 one way or $79.95 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 94.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Kalamazoo and Showers And Thunderstorms near Alpena.
Stop Ideas Near McBain
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 McBain.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kalamazoo and Alpena. Straight-line distance: 219.57 mi (353.36 km).
#1 Kalamazoo
The second most populous city in Kalamazoo County, Michigan.
| Population | 76,009 |
| Coordinates | 42.2917100, -85.5872300 |
| Altitude | 239 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Alpena
City in and county seat of Alpena County, Michigan, United States
| Population | 8,696 |
| Coordinates | 45.0616800, -83.4327500 |
| Altitude | 180 |
| Country | United States |
End: Alpena (-83.43275, 45.06168)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 483 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 10h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $39.97 | $79.95 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $45.08 | $90.16 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $49.33 | $98.66 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $56.22 | $112.44 |
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 · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.