The Ultimate Guide to Driving From Ann Arbor to Sault Ste. Marie

Recently, I had the opportunity to drive from Ann Arbor, Michigan to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The road trip was an adventure! The scenic views and the small-town charm made it a road trip worth remembering.

Before I embarked on this journey, however, I was curious to know the fastest and slowest routes, the distance and, most importantly, the time it would take to drive to Sault Ste. Marie. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing the different routes and approximate drive times based on traffic patterns.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The first thing I did was to check Google Maps for the routes available. From Ann Arbor, the drive to Sault Ste. Marie is approximately 330 miles and can take up to six hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions. The fastest route is via I-75N, and it takes approximately five hours and thirty minutes to get to Sault Ste. Marie. The slowest route is via route M-28E, which takes approximately six hours and thirty minutes.

Traffic Patterns

It’s crucial to account for both low and peak traffic when planning your trip. The time it takes to drive between Ann Arbor and Sault Ste. Marie varies significantly based on traffic patterns, especially during holidays and vacation periods. In low traffic conditions, the drive from Ann Arbor to Sault Ste. Marie takes around five hours, while in peak traffic, it can take up to seven hours.

Routes and Drive Times

Here are some of the routes and approximate drive times you can expect between Ann Arbor and Sault Ste. Marie:

I-75N

This is the fastest route, covering around 330 miles. You can expect to drive for around five and a half hours without making any stops. During peak traffic, it may take up to seven hours to complete the trip.

US-23N and M-28E

If you’re looking for a more scenic route, the US-23N and M-28E route may be your best bet. This route takes you through some of Michigan's small towns and offers some great views. The distance is about 385 miles and can take up to six and a half hours without making any stops. During peak traffic, it may take up to seven and a half hours to complete the trip.

M-52N and M-28E

If you’re looking for a route that’s not as congested as the I-75N, the M-52N and M-28E route may be your best bet. This route covers around 360 miles and takes approximately six hours without making any stops. During peak traffic, it may take up to seven and a half hours to complete the trip.

In conclusion, it’s essential to account for both low and peak traffic when planning your trip. The drive from Ann Arbor to Sault Ste. Marie is an exciting trip, and there are plenty of options for routes with varying drive times. Whether you’re looking for a quick and straightforward route or something more scenic and charming, there’s a route that will suit your needs. I hope you found this blog post helpful in planning your road trip!