You're standing in downtown Detroit, eyeing a Coney dog, but suddenly you have this itch for a real New York bagel. It happens. But then the reality hits: exactly how far is Michigan from New York, and are you actually going to survive that drive?
Most people assume these two are neighbors because they’re both "up north." They aren't. Not even close. You’ve got a whole lot of Ohio, Pennsylvania, or even Ontario standing in your way depending on which route you pick.
The basic breakdown of the distance
If you’re looking for a quick number to settle a bet, here it is: the straight-line distance—as the crow flies—from the center of Michigan to the center of New York is roughly 520 miles.
But nobody travels as a crow.
If you're driving from Detroit to Manhattan, you’re looking at about 615 miles. That’s roughly 10 hours of staring at asphalt if the traffic gods are kind (which, let’s be honest, they rarely are once you hit the George Washington Bridge).
Start further west in Grand Rapids? Now you’re pushing 730 miles and a 12-hour day.
Why the "How Far" question is tricky
Michigan is huge. New York is huge.
If you are in Ironwood, in the far reaches of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and you want to get to Montauk on the tip of Long Island, you are embarking on a 1,200-mile odyssey. That’s more than 18 hours of driving. You could drive from New York to Florida in less time.
Geography is funny like that.
Getting there by car: Three ways to do it
Honestly, the drive is a rite of passage. Most folks take the "Lake Erie" route. You dip south out of Michigan, skim through Toledo, blast across the top of Ohio, and then spend what feels like an eternity on I-80 in Pennsylvania.
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- The South Route (I-80): This is the standard. It's efficient, boring, and full of semi-trucks. You pass through Cleveland and the Poconos. It’s the fastest way to hit NYC.
- The Canadian Shortcut: If you have an enhanced license or a passport, cutting through Ontario is a game-changer. You cross at Detroit or Port Huron, drive through London and Hamilton, and re-enter at Buffalo. It’s often shorter and way more scenic. Plus, you get to see Niagara Falls if you want to stretch your legs.
- The Upstate Scenic Route: If your destination is Albany or the Adirondacks, you’ll stay north. You take the I-90 (the New York State Thruway) across the top of the state. It’s a toll-heavy road, but it’s well-maintained.
Flying vs. Driving: The time tax
How much is your time worth?
A direct flight from Detroit Metropolitan (DTW) to LaGuardia (LGA) or JFK takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. Even when you add the two hours of TSA "security theater" and the trek to the airport, you’re still looking at a 5-hour total trip.
Compare that to 10+ hours in a car.
If you’re traveling solo, flying is almost always cheaper when you factor in gas and tolls. But if you’ve got a family of four and a dog? Pack the SUV. The tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike or the NY Thruway alone can cost more than a fancy dinner.
Trains and Buses (The "I don't want to drive" options)
Amtrak is an option, but it’s not for the faint of heart. The Lake Shore Limited runs from Chicago through Michigan (near the border) to New York. It’s slow. We’re talking 16 to 20 hours.
Buses like Greyhound or FlixBus are the budget kings. You can find tickets for $80, but you'll be on that bus for 17 to 23 hours. It’s a long time to spend with a stranger sleeping on your shoulder.
Key stops to make the trip bearable
If you decide to drive, don't just power through. That’s how you end up grumpy and sore.
Cleveland, Ohio is almost exactly the halfway point for many. Hit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It’s worth the two hours.
If you take the Canadian route, Niagara Falls is right there. Even if you’ve seen it a dozen times, the sheer power of the water is a good reset for a tired brain.
In Pennsylvania, the Allegheny National Forest offers some of the best hiking in the Northeast. If you’ve got an extra day, getting off the interstate to see the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania" (Pine Creek Gorge) is a massive upgrade over another rest-stop burger.
What most people get wrong about the border
People forget that Michigan and New York actually "touch" via water—sort of. They share the Great Lakes system. If you had a serious boat, you could sail from Detroit, through Lake Erie, into the Welland Canal, and pop out in Lake Ontario near Rochester.
Is it practical? No. Is it cool? Absolutely.
Actionable travel tips for your Michigan to New York trek
- Check the George Washington Bridge (GWB) traffic: If you are heading into NYC, check the bridge status when you are still two hours away. If it’s a mess, consider taking the Tappan Zee (now the Mario Cuomo Bridge) to skip the chaos.
- Tolls are no longer cash-friendly: Most tolls in NY and PA are "EasyPass" or "Toll-by-Plate." If you don't have a transponder, they’ll mail you a bill, but it’s usually more expensive.
- Watch the weather in the "Snow Belt": Between November and March, the stretch of I-90 near Erie, PA, and Buffalo, NY, is notorious for lake-effect snow. It can go from clear skies to a whiteout in five minutes.
- Gas up in Ohio: Michigan and New York typically have higher gas taxes. If you can, fill your tank in Ohio or the middle of Pennsylvania to save a few bucks.
The trip is a solid day's work. Whether you're moving for a job or just visiting family, knowing the distance is only half the battle—preparing for the varied terrain and the inevitable traffic is what actually gets you there.
Check your tire pressure before you leave. If you're driving through Canada, call your bank to make sure your credit card won't get flagged. Stick to the 65-mph limit in the small towns of PA; the state troopers there don't have much of a sense of humor. Enjoy the change in scenery from the Great Lakes to the Empire State.