How far is Lansing, MI from Ludington, MI?
The driving distance from Lansing, MI to Ludington, MI is about 162.2 miles (261.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 127.4 miles (205 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 56m 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 58m.
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 Ottawa 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 Ludington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lansing and Ludington.
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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
4.5 mi · 5 min · Ransom E Olds Freeway
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 69 North, I 96 West: Flint, Grand Rapids
1.2 mi · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left
2.9 mi · 3 min
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9
Keep slight left to continue on I 96 West: Grand Rapids
53.7 mi · 58 min
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10
Keep slight right to continue on I 96 West, M 37 North: Muskegon
36.9 mi · 40 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward US 31 North: Muskegon, Ludington
2543 ft · 1 min
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12
Merge slight left
55.9 mi · 58 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward US 31 Business: Ludington
2596 ft · 1 min
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14
Turn left onto South Pere Marquette Highway
3.2 mi · 5 min · South Pere Marquette Highway
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15
At the end of the road, turn left onto West US Highway 10
3046 ft · 1 min · West US Highway 10
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16
Continue on East Ludington Avenue
1.3 mi · 3 min · East Ludington Avenue
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17
Turn left
34 m · 7 sec
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lansing and Ludington.
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 31 North
Merge slight left
55.9 mi · 00h 58m
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 Ludington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lansing to Ludington?
The road trip is about 162.2 miles (261.1 km) and usually takes 02h 58m 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?
Coopersville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 81 miles from Lansing and 81.2 miles from Ludington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 127.4 miles (205 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.8 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 12:34 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.57 one way or $43.14 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Lansing and Mostly Sunny near Ludington.
Stop Ideas Near Coopersville
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Former City Hall Site
Hudsonville City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Coopersville.
Vernon J. Ehlers Station
Rockford, Michigan
Holland station
Howard City, Michigan
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lansing and Ludington. Straight-line distance: 127.37 mi (204.98 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 Ludington
City in Mason County, Michigan, United States
| Population | 8,096 |
| Coordinates | 43.9552800, -86.4525800 |
| Altitude | 180 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ludington (-86.45258, 43.95528)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 261 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.57 | $43.14 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.33 | $48.65 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.62 | $53.24 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.34 | $60.68 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.