How far is Lansing, MI from Houghton Lake, MI?
The driving distance from Lansing, MI to Houghton Lake, MI is about 123.6 miles (198.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 109.8 miles (176.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 24m 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 12m.
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.
Human settlement in Isabella County, Michigan, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Areas Of Frost then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lansing and Houghton Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lansing and Houghton Lake.
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1
Start on Townsend Street
7 m · 3 sec · Townsend Street
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2
Turn right onto West Allegan Street
861 ft · 32 sec · West Allegan Street
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3
Turn left onto Washington Square South
103 m · 12 sec · Washington Square South
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4
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward East Michigan Avenue
6 m · 1 sec · East Michigan Avenue
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5
Exit the roundabout onto East Michigan Avenue
2002 ft · 1 min · East Michigan Avenue
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6
Turn left onto North Larch Street
2639 ft · 1 min · North Larch Street
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7
Turn right onto East Saginaw Street
1.8 mi · 4 min · East Saginaw Street
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8
Turn left onto North Homer Street
157 m · 16 sec · North Homer Street
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9
Take the ramp straight toward US 127 North
1188 ft · 29 sec
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10
Merge slight left
117.3 mi · 2 hr
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11
Take the exit slight right toward M 55: Cadillac, Houghton Lake
1753 ft · 45 sec
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12
Turn right onto West Lake City Road
3110 ft · 54 sec · West Lake City Road
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13
Continue on West Houghton Lake Drive
2.1 mi · 3 min · West Houghton Lake Drive
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14
Turn sharp right onto Stone School Road
20 m · 3 sec · Stone School Road
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Stone School Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lansing and Houghton Lake.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 127 North
Merge slight left
117 mi · 02h 00m
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.
Areas Of Frost then Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Lansing and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Houghton Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lansing to Houghton Lake?
The road trip is about 123.6 miles (198.9 km) and usually takes 02h 12m 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?
Shepherd is a useful midpoint, sitting about 61.8 miles from Lansing and 61.8 miles from Houghton Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 109.8 miles (176.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.8 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 2:06 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.44 one way or $32.88 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 38.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Areas Of Frost then Slight Chance Rain Showers around Lansing and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Houghton Lake.
Stop Ideas Near Shepherd
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 Shepherd.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lansing and Houghton Lake. Straight-line distance: 109.82 mi (176.74 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 Houghton Lake
Unincorporated community in Roscommon County, Michigan, USA
| Population | 3,427 |
| Coordinates | 44.3147400, -84.7647500 |
| Altitude | 349 |
| Country | United States |
End: Houghton Lake (-84.76475, 44.31474)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 199 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 07m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 05m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 03m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.44 | $32.88 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.54 | $37.09 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.29 | $40.58 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $23.13 | $46.25 |
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.