Driving Cost from Brighton, Michigan to East Lansing, Michigan

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving From Brighton, MI to East Lansing, MI Based on Today's Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Brighton to East Lansing, Michigan? There are several possible routes that you could take, depending on your preferences and priorities. To help you plan your journey and budget for your expenses, let's take a closer look at the cost of driving from Brighton to East Lansing based on current gas prices.

Route 1: I-96 W and I-69 N

This is the most direct and popular route, spanning about 61 miles and taking approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes without traffic. However, there are also tolls on this route that you should factor into your cost calculations. Here's a breakdown of the major expenses:

  • Gas: Assuming an average MPG of 25 and a gas price of $2.85 per gallon, you would need about 2.4 gallons of gas for this trip. That's a total cost of $6.84.
  • Tolls: If you use the Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) toll calculator, you'll see that a passenger vehicle crossing the Brighton Tolls and the Lansing Tolls would pay a total of $9.30.
  • Total cost: Combining these two expenses, your estimated total cost for this route would be $16.14.

Route 2: M-36 W and M-52 N

If you want to avoid tolls and take a more scenic and rural route, you could consider this option. It covers a total distance of approximately 69 miles and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes without traffic. Here are the cost breakdowns:

  • Gas: Assuming the same MPG and price as before, you would need about 2.8 gallons of gas for this route. That's a total cost of $7.98.
  • Tolls: There are no tolls on this route, so you can skip that expense.
  • Total cost: Combining just the gas expense, your estimated total cost for this route would be $7.98.

Route 3: I-96 W and M-43 W

Finally, if you want a blend of easy highway driving and small-town charm, you could opt for this route covering 74 miles and taking about 1 hour and 40 minutes without traffic. Here are the cost details:

  • Gas: With the same MPG and gas price as above, you would need about 3 gallons of gas for this route. That's a total cost of $8.55.
  • Tolls: You'd have to pay a toll only for the eastbound exit at I-96 and US-127, which would cost you $1.50 according to MDOT.
  • Total cost: Adding both expenses together, your estimated total cost for this route would be $10.05.

Conclusion:

As you can see, there are several factors to consider when calculating the cost of driving from Brighton to East Lansing. Depending on your route choice, gas prices, and any tolls you may have to pay, you could pay anywhere from $7.98 to $16.14 round trip for your adventure. Make sure you factor in these costs when planning your budget, and enjoy your road trip!