How far is Solon, MI from Empire, MI?
The driving distance from Solon, MI to Empire, MI is about 17.5 miles (28.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 20m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 14.7 miles (23.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 41m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 20m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
Township in Leelanau County, Michigan
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 Solon and Empire.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Solon and Empire.
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1
Start on East Alpine Road
1.3 mi · 2 min · East Alpine Road
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2
At the end of the road, turn left onto South Cedar Road
850 ft · 14 sec · South Cedar Road
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3
Turn right onto East Kasson Road
3.5 mi · 5 min · East Kasson Road
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4
At the end of the road, turn right onto South Maple City Road
1.6 km · 1 min · South Maple City Road
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5
Turn left onto West Kasson Center Road
2 mi · 3 min · West Kasson Center Road
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6
Continue on West Baatz Road
2 mi · 3 min · West Baatz Road
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7
At the end of the road, turn left onto South Gilbert Road
1.6 km · 1 min · South Gilbert Road
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8
Turn right onto West Empire Highway
6.2 mi · 9 min · West Empire Highway
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9
Continue on West Front Street
1299 ft · 37 sec · West Front Street
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10
Turn right onto South Union Street
9 m · 1 sec · South Union Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Union Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Solon and Empire.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
West Empire Highway
Turn right onto West Empire Highway
6.21 mi · 00h 09m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Mostly Sunny leaving Solon and Mostly Sunny near Empire.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Solon to Empire?
The road trip is about 17.5 miles (28.2 km) and usually takes 00h 20m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Cedar is a useful midpoint, sitting about 8.7 miles from Solon and 8.8 miles from Empire.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 14.7 miles (23.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 2.8 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:48 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.34 one way or $4.68 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 5.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Solon and Mostly Sunny near Empire.
Stop Ideas Near Cedar
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 Cedar.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Solon and Empire. Straight-line distance: 14.65 mi (23.58 km).
#1 Solon
Township in Leelanau County, Michigan
| Population | 1,511 |
| Coordinates | 44.8094400, -85.7611900 |
| Altitude | 191 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Empire
Human settlement in Leelanau County, Michigan, United States of America
| Population | 375 |
| Coordinates | 44.8111100, -86.0600900 |
| Altitude | 186 |
| Country | United States |
End: South Union Street (-86.060021, 44.811112)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 28 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 17m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 15m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $2.34 | $4.68 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $2.64 | $5.27 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $2.89 | $5.77 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $3.29 | $6.58 |
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.