How far is Alpena, MI from Sterling Heights, MI?
The driving distance from Alpena, MI to Sterling Heights, MI is about 237.9 miles (382.8 km), with a travel time of about 03h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 172.6 miles (277.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 34m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 03h 47m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Bay County, Michigan, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Alpena and Sterling Heights.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alpena and Sterling Heights.
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1
Start on East Chisholm Street
738 ft · 24 sec · East Chisholm Street
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2
Turn left onto South 3rd Avenue
1003 ft · 29 sec · South 3rd Avenue
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3
At the end of the road, turn right onto West Washington Avenue
15.4 mi · 20 min · West Washington Avenue
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4
Continue straight
82.2 mi · 1 hr 36 min
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5
Turn right onto West Huron Road
2 mi · 3 min · West Huron Road
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6
Continue on Center Road
1 km · 1 min · Center Road
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7
Continue on West Huron Road
6.3 mi · 9 min · West Huron Road
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8
Continue on North Main Street
2903 ft · 1 min · North Main Street
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9
Turn right onto West Cedar Street
3191 ft · 54 sec · West Cedar Street
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10
Continue on West M-61
2.4 mi · 4 min · West M-61
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11
Take the ramp left toward I 75 South: Saginaw
1735 ft · 42 sec
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12
Merge slight left onto Saginaw
64.5 mi · 1 hr 7 min
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13
Keep slight left
11 mi · 12 min
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14
Keep slight left
36.8 mi · 39 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward M 59 East: Utica
1392 ft · 47 sec
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16
Merge slight left
9.6 mi · 10 min
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17
Take the exit slight right toward Mound Road, Merrill Road
1449 ft · 35 sec
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18
Continue on Dobry Drive
1046 ft · 26 sec · Dobry Drive
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19
Turn right onto Mound Road
3.3 mi · 5 min · Mound Road
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20
Continue on Mound Road
1212 ft · 36 sec · Mound Road
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21
Turn right onto 17 Mile Road
1.6 km · 2 min · 17 Mile Road
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 17 Mile Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Alpena and Sterling Heights.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
West Washington Avenue
Continue straight
82.2 mi · 01h 36m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Sunny leaving Alpena and Sunny near Sterling Heights.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Alpena to Sterling Heights?
The road trip is about 237.9 miles (382.8 km) and usually takes 03h 47m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Pinconning is a useful midpoint, sitting about 118.9 miles from Alpena and 119 miles from Sterling Heights.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 172.6 miles (277.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 65.3 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:26 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $31.68 one way or $63.35 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 74.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Alpena and Sunny near Sterling Heights.
Stop Ideas Near Pinconning
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Pinconning.
Bay City, MI
Saginaw, MI
Tawas City, MI
Flint station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Alpena and Sterling Heights. Straight-line distance: 172.62 mi (277.8 km).
#1 Alpena
City in and county seat of Alpena County, Michigan, United States
| Population | 8,696 |
| Coordinates | 45.0616800, -83.4327500 |
| Altitude | 180 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Sterling Heights
The second most populous city in Macomb County, Michigan.
| Population | 131,709 |
| Coordinates | 42.5803100, -83.0302000 |
| Altitude | 187 |
| Country | United States |
End: 17 Mile Road (-83.030204, 42.580347)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 383 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 45m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $31.68 | $63.35 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $35.73 | $71.45 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $39.09 | $78.19 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $44.55 | $89.11 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Michigan · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.