How far is Lansing, MI from Carlton, MI?
The driving distance from Lansing, MI to Carlton, MI is about 38.3 miles (61.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 35.3 miles (56.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 49m 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 00h 54m.
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 Eaton County, Michigan, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lansing and Carlton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lansing and Carlton.
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1
Start on Townsend Street
7 m · 6 sec · Townsend Street
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2
Turn left onto West Allegan Street
126 m · 16 sec · West Allegan Street
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3
Turn left onto South Walnut Street
2269 ft · 1 min · South Walnut Street
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4
Turn right onto West Saint Joseph Street
1098 ft · 24 sec · West Saint Joseph Street
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5
Take the ramp slight left toward I 496 West
2258 ft · 55 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Ransom E Olds Freeway
3.4 mi · 4 min · Ransom E Olds Freeway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward Creyts Road North
2143 ft · 54 sec
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8
Turn right onto South Creyts Road
1647 ft · 45 sec · South Creyts Road
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9
Turn left onto West Saint Joseph Highway
3 mi · 5 min · West Saint Joseph Highway
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10
Turn left onto Nixon Road
1 mi · 1 min · Nixon Road
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11
Turn right onto East Mount Hope Highway
19 mi · 26 min · East Mount Hope Highway
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12
Continue on East Barnum Road
2 mi · 3 min · East Barnum Road
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13
Turn right onto Velte Road
1 mi · 1 min · Velte Road
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14
Turn left onto East Carlton Center Road
2690 ft · 42 sec · East Carlton Center Road
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15
Continue on East Broadway Street
1.6 km · 2 min · East Broadway Street
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16
Continue on East Carlton Center Road
2.5 mi · 3 min · East Carlton Center Road
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17
Continue on East M-43 Highway
3 mi · 4 min · East M-43 Highway
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18
Turn right onto Usborne Road
21 m · 1 sec · Usborne Road
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Usborne Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lansing and Carlton.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
East Mount Hope Highway
Turn right onto East Mount Hope Highway
19 mi · 00h 26m
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 leaving Lansing and Mostly Sunny near Carlton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lansing to Carlton?
The road trip is about 38.3 miles (61.7 km) and usually takes 00h 54m 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?
Mulliken is a useful midpoint, sitting about 19.1 miles from Lansing and 19.2 miles from Carlton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 35.3 miles (56.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 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 4:40 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.09 one way or $10.18 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 12 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Lansing and Mostly Sunny near Carlton.
Stop Ideas Near Mulliken
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 Mulliken.
East Lansing station
Battle Creek Transportation Center
Albion station
Owosso, MI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lansing and Carlton. Straight-line distance: 35.32 mi (56.84 km).
#1 Lansing
The capital of Michigan and the county seat of Ingham County.
| Population | 112,640 |
| Coordinates | 42.7325300, -84.5555300 |
| Altitude | 260 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Carlton
Township in Barry County, Michigan
| Population | 2,459 |
| Coordinates | 42.7267000, -85.2514000 |
| Altitude | 253 |
| Country | United States |
End: Carlton (-85.2514, 42.7267)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 62 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.09 | $10.18 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $5.74 | $11.48 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.28 | $12.57 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $7.16 | $14.32 |
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.