The Cost of a Road Trip between Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids: How Much Will You Spend on Gas?

If you've been planning a trip from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids, chances are you've been wondering about the cost of gas. Whether you're traveling alone or with family or friends, the cost of gas can quickly add up. In this article, we'll break down the cost of a trip between these two Michigan cities, including various routes and gas prices, to help you plan your journey.

Possible Routes

Before we talk about gas prices, you need to know about the different routes you can take from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids. These include:

Route 1: Via I-96 W

The first route you can take is via I-96 W. This route covers a distance of around 130 miles and takes roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete. It's the fastest and most direct route, but it's also busiest and can have heavy traffic at times.

Route 2: Via I-94 W and I-196 W

The second route you can take is via I-94 W and I-196 W. This route covers a distance of around 140 miles and takes roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. It's slightly longer than the first route, but it's a good alternative if you want to avoid heavy traffic or if you're coming from the east side of Ann Arbor.

Route 3: Via M-14 W and US-131 N

The third route you can take is via M-14 W and US-131 N. This route covers a distance of around 140 miles and takes roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete. It's the least busy of the three routes and offers scenic views of Michigan's countryside. However, it's also the longest of the three routes.

Gas Prices

Now that you know about the different routes you can take, let's talk about gas prices. The cost of gas can vary depending on where you fill up, so we've included an average price per gallon for each route as of May 2021. Keep in mind that gas prices can fluctuate, so these prices may not be the same when you take your trip.

Route 1: Via I-96 W

If you're taking Route 1 via I-96 W, you'll travel through cities like Brighton and Howell. According to GasBuddy, the average price of gas in these areas is around $2.90 per gallon. Based on the distance of the route and the average fuel economy of a car in the United States (24.7 miles per gallon), it will cost you approximately $15 to $20 for gas.

Route 2: Via I-94 W and I-196 W

If you're taking Route 2 via I-94 W and I-196 W, you'll travel through cities like Kalamazoo and Paw Paw. According to GasBuddy, the average price of gas in these areas is around $2.95 per gallon. Based on the distance of the route and the average fuel economy of a car in the United States, it will cost you approximately $15 to $21 for gas.

Route 3: Via M-14 W and US-131 N

If you're taking Route 3 via M-14 W and US-131 N, you'll travel through cities like Chelsea and Grand Rapids. According to GasBuddy, the average price of gas in these areas is around $2.85 per gallon. Based on the distance of the route and the average fuel economy of a car in the United States, it will cost you approximately $16 to $22 for gas.

Recommendations

Based on the information provided, we recommend taking Route 1 via I-96 W. It's the fastest and most direct route and has the lowest gas prices, meaning you'll save a little extra money on fuel. However, if you want to avoid heavy traffic or take a more scenic route, Routes 2 and 3 are suitable options as well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a road trip from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids can cost you approximately $15 to $22 for gas, depending on the route you take and the gas prices at the time of your trip. As we recommended, Route 1 via I-96 W offers the fastest and most direct route with the lowest gas prices. Whether you're traveling for vacation or business, plan your route and gas budget accordingly to make the most of your trip.