The Best and Worst Ways to Get from Brighton to Warren

Brighton, Michigan is a lovely little town with plenty to do, from exploring nature to shopping to enjoying fantastic food. But what if you need to go to Warren, Michigan, for a day trip or appointment? Here's a breakdown of the different routes you can take, the time it takes based on traffic patterns, and the distance - so you can decide the best way to go!

The Fastest Route

If you're in a rush and want to get to Warren as quickly as possible without paying tolls, your best bet is via I-696 East. From Brighton, you'll get on in Novi and head straight east until you get to Warren. This route is about 33 miles long, and during low traffic times, takes about 28-35 minutes.

However, during rush hour - when everyone is heading to work in the morning (around 7-9 am) or coming home in the evening (4-6 pm) - this route can take significantly longer. You might end up spending over an hour in the car, instead.

The Toll Road

If you want to avoid traffic, another route that's approximately the same distance and can save you time is by taking I-96 East to I-275 South to I-94 East. However, be aware that this route requires payment of tolls, with about $2.50 for passenger vehicles one-way.

During low traffic times, this route is about the same length as the first one, and takes around 28 to 35 minutes. However, if you're driving during rush hour, it may take a little longer - from around 35 to 45 minutes.

The Scenic Route

If you're not in a rush and want to enjoy the sights on the way to Warren, you can take Grand River Avenue and M-53 South. This route covers approximately 40 miles and goes through several towns, including Farmington and Rochester.

During low traffic times, this route will take around 42 to 50 minutes, but during rush hour, it can take even longer. You could spend over an hour on the road, especially if there are accidents or roadwork along the way.

The Slowest Route

If you're not in a rush and want to avoid tolls, you can take Grand River Avenue to Telegraph Road and head straight south until you reach Warren. This route is the longest, at about 47 miles, and during low traffic times, it can take about 50 to 55 minutes.

However, during peak traffic times, especially during rush hour, this route can take over an hour and a half, even up to almost two hours.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of the route you choose, it's an important consideration to be aware of peak traffic times and the level of congestion expected. It can save you a lot of time and headaches - especially in the Detroit metro area.