Detroit to Traverse City drive

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Detroit to Traverse City. If you're planning a road trip to Traverse City, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops. Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Detroit
drive for about 43 minutes

10:43 am  Waterford (Michigan)
stay for about 1 hour
and leave at 11:43 am
drive for about 1 hour

12:46 pm  Saginaw (Michigan)
stay for about 1 hour
and leave at 1:46 pm
drive for about 34 minutes

2:21 pm  Pinconning
stay for about 1 hour
and leave at 3:21 pm
drive for about 38 minutes

3:59 pm  West Branch
stay for about 1 hour
and leave at 4:59 pm
drive for about 1 hour

6:12 pm  Kalkaska
stay for about 1 hour
and leave at 7:12 pm
drive for about 37 minutes

7:49 pm  arrive in Traverse City

driving ≈ 5 hours

 Mohamed asked:
Road trip  (2 answers)

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Traverse City. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

 Bobbi from asked:
is there a ferry  (3 answers)

 Maggie from asked:
what do in December  (1 answer)

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Traverse City.

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Traverse City to Detroit drive, or go to the main page to plan a new road trip.

Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of Detroit? Try searching for places within 4 hours of Detroit.

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Detroit to Traverse City. Or get a full Detroit to Traverse City flight plan.

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Detroit well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Detroit!