How far is East Tawas, MI from Sterling Heights, MI?
The driving distance from East Tawas, MI to Sterling Heights, MI is about 168.1 miles (270.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 119.7 miles (192.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 22m 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 02h 41m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Unincorporated community in Michigan, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between East Tawas and Sterling Heights.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between East Tawas and Sterling Heights.
-
1
Start on West Bay Street
3166 ft · 1 min · West Bay Street
-
2
Continue on East Lake Street
2.7 mi · 6 min · East Lake Street
-
3
Continue on North Huron Road
26.2 mi · 37 min · North Huron Road
-
4
Continue on Center Road
1 km · 1 min · Center Road
-
5
Continue on West Huron Road
6.3 mi · 9 min · West Huron Road
-
6
Continue on North Main Street
2903 ft · 1 min · North Main Street
-
7
Turn right onto West Cedar Street
3191 ft · 54 sec · West Cedar Street
-
8
Continue on West M-61
2.4 mi · 4 min · West M-61
-
9
Take the ramp left toward I 75 South: Saginaw
1735 ft · 42 sec
-
10
Merge slight left onto Saginaw
64.5 mi · 1 hr 7 min
-
11
Keep slight left
11 mi · 12 min
-
12
Keep slight left
36.8 mi · 39 min
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward M 59 East: Utica
1392 ft · 47 sec
-
14
Merge slight left
9.6 mi · 10 min
-
15
Take the exit slight right toward Mound Road, Merrill Road
1449 ft · 35 sec
-
16
Continue on Dobry Drive
1046 ft · 26 sec · Dobry Drive
-
17
Turn right onto Mound Road
3.3 mi · 5 min · Mound Road
-
18
Continue on Mound Road
1212 ft · 36 sec · Mound Road
-
19
Turn right onto 17 Mile Road
1.6 km · 2 min · 17 Mile Road
-
20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 17 Mile Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between East Tawas 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.
Saginaw
Merge slight left onto Saginaw
64.5 mi · 01h 07m
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.
Sunny leaving East Tawas 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 East Tawas to Sterling Heights?
The road trip is about 168.1 miles (270.5 km) and usually takes 02h 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?
Buena Vista is a useful midpoint, sitting about 83.6 miles from East Tawas and 84.5 miles from Sterling Heights.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 119.7 miles (192.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 48.4 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 1:08 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.36 one way or $44.72 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around East Tawas and Sunny near Sterling Heights.
Stop Ideas Near Buena Vista
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Old City Hall
Bay City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Buena Vista.
Saginaw, MI
Bay City, MI
Flint station
Owosso, MI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between East Tawas and Sterling Heights. Straight-line distance: 119.64 mi (192.55 km).
#1 East Tawas
City in Iosco County, Michigan, United States of America
| Population | 2,721 |
| Coordinates | 44.2794600, -83.4902500 |
| Altitude | 178 |
| 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: 271 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.36 | $44.72 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.22 | $50.44 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.60 | $55.20 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.45 | $62.91 |
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 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.