Ohio → Michigan · Interstate 71 / Interstate 75
The drive from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Detroit, Michigan, covers about 448 km (278 miles) along Interstate 71 / Interstate 75, with an estimated travel time of 4h 16m in normal traffic conditions. Cincinnati is the Ohio River metropolis and historic Queen City of the Midwest, while Detroit stands out as the Motor City and historic capital of the American auto industry. Sales reps, consultants, real-estate agents and field service professionals who run this route regularly typically depart at sunrise to clear the urban congestion before rush hour and arrive in time for scheduled morning meetings. It also pays to scout two or three reliable fuel-and-rest stops along the way before departure. Assuming average fuel economy of about 26 mpg on regular unleaded, the trip burns roughly 40.7 liters (10.8 gallons), costing about $37.44 at typical pump prices. For mileage reimbursement, applying the IRS standard mileage rate (2025) of $0.43/km ($0.69/mile) yields a one-way payout of $192.64. Keep the trip log, business purpose, odometer readings, and exact route documented in your Clara receipt for IRS compliance and internal audit defensibility.