How far is Dayton, MI from Sterling Heights, MI?
The driving distance from Dayton, MI to Sterling Heights, MI is about 71.3 miles (114.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 62.3 miles (100.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 48m 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 24m.
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.
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Dayton and Sterling Heights.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dayton and Sterling Heights.
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1
Start on South Hurds Corner Road
3.5 mi · 14 min · South Hurds Corner Road
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2
Turn left onto East Sanilac Road
4.5 mi · 5 min · East Sanilac Road
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3
Continue on State Street
1 mi · 1 min · State Street
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4
Continue on Sanilac Road
4.5 mi · 5 min · Sanilac Road
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5
Turn right onto South Van Dyke Road
5.2 mi · 6 min · South Van Dyke Road
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6
Continue on Main Street
1.5 mi · 2 min · Main Street
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7
Continue on South Van Dyke Road
19.7 mi · 25 min · South Van Dyke Road
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8
Continue on North Cedar Street
2.2 mi · 4 min · North Cedar Street
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9
Continue on Van Dyke Road
5.6 mi · 8 min · Van Dyke Road
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10
Turn right onto North Main Street
1.4 km · 2 min · North Main Street
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11
Continue on Van Dyke Road
24.5 mi · 30 min · Van Dyke Road
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12
Turn right onto 17 Mile Road
755 ft · 17 sec · 17 Mile Road
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13
Turn right
41 m · 15 sec
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14
Turn left
66 m · 16 sec
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15
Turn right
41 m · 12 sec
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16
Turn right
60 m · 20 sec
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17
At the end of the road, turn left onto 17 Mile Road
819 ft · 20 sec · 17 Mile Road
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 17 Mile Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Dayton 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.
Van Dyke Road
Continue on Van Dyke Road
24.5 mi · 00h 30m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Dayton and Partly Sunny near Sterling Heights.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Dayton to Sterling Heights?
The road trip is about 71.3 miles (114.7 km) and usually takes 01h 24m 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?
Goodland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 36.8 miles from Dayton and 34.4 miles from Sterling Heights.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 62.3 miles (100.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 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 3:42 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.47 one way or $18.93 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 22.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Dayton and Partly Sunny near Sterling Heights.
Stop Ideas Near Goodland
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 Goodland.
Lapeer station
Flint station
Port Huron
Pontiac Transportation Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Dayton and Sterling Heights. Straight-line distance: 62.27 mi (100.21 km).
#1 Dayton
Township of Tuscola County, Michigan, USA
| Population | 1,755 |
| Coordinates | 43.4616900, -83.2874500 |
| Altitude | 225 |
| 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: 115 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.47 | $18.93 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $10.68 | $21.35 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $11.68 | $23.36 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $13.31 | $26.63 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.