How far is Bad Axe, MI from Sterling Heights, MI?
The driving distance from Bad Axe, MI to Sterling Heights, MI is about 90.3 miles (145.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 84.4 miles (135.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 23m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 01h 41m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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.
Township in Lapeer County, Michigan
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Widespread Frost then Rain Showers
Patchy Frost then Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Bad Axe and Sterling Heights.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bad Axe and Sterling Heights.
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1
Start on West Huron Avenue
3255 ft · 42 sec · West Huron Avenue
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2
Continue on South Van Dyke Road
34.8 mi · 40 min · South Van Dyke Road
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3
Continue on Main Street
1.5 mi · 2 min · Main Street
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4
Continue on South Van Dyke Road
19.7 mi · 25 min · South Van Dyke Road
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5
Continue on North Cedar Street
2.2 mi · 4 min · North Cedar Street
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6
Continue on Van Dyke Road
5.6 mi · 8 min · Van Dyke Road
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7
Turn right onto North Main Street
1.4 km · 2 min · North Main Street
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8
Continue on Van Dyke Road
24.5 mi · 30 min · Van Dyke Road
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9
Turn right onto 17 Mile Road
755 ft · 17 sec · 17 Mile Road
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10
Turn right
41 m · 15 sec
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11
Turn left
66 m · 16 sec
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12
Turn right
41 m · 12 sec
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13
Turn right
60 m · 20 sec
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14
At the end of the road, turn left onto 17 Mile Road
819 ft · 20 sec · 17 Mile Road
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 17 Mile Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Bad Axe and Sterling Heights.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
South Van Dyke Road
Continue on South Van Dyke Road
34.8 mi · 00h 40m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Widespread Frost then Rain Showers leaving Bad Axe and Patchy Frost then Chance Rain Showers near Sterling Heights.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Bad Axe to Sterling Heights?
The road trip is about 90.3 miles (145.4 km) and usually takes 01h 41m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Burnside is a useful midpoint, sitting about 45.2 miles from Bad Axe and 45.2 miles from Sterling Heights.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 84.4 miles (135.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.9 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:06 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.03 one way or $24.06 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 28.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Widespread Frost then Rain Showers around Bad Axe and Patchy Frost then Chance Rain Showers near Sterling Heights.
Stop Ideas Near Burnside
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 Burnside.
Lapeer station
Flint station
Port Huron
Pontiac Transportation Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Bad Axe and Sterling Heights. Straight-line distance: 84.42 mi (135.86 km).
#1 Bad Axe
City in Michigan
| Population | 2,889 |
| Coordinates | 43.8019600, -83.0007800 |
| Altitude | 231 |
| 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: 145 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.03 | $24.06 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.57 | $27.13 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.85 | $29.69 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $16.92 | $33.84 |
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 · May 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.