How far is Highland, MI from Sterling Heights, MI?
The driving distance from Highland, MI to Sterling Heights, MI is about 36.7 miles (59.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 30.1 miles (48.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 38m 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 00h 49m.
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.
The most populous city in Oakland County, Michigan.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Snow Showers
Chance Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Highland and Sterling Heights.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Highland and Sterling Heights.
-
1
Start on the route
53 m · 15 sec
-
2
Turn right onto North Milford Road
1197 ft · 33 sec · North Milford Road
-
3
Turn right onto Highland Road
14.6 mi · 22 min · Highland Road
-
4
Continue on West Huron Street
15.6 mi · 21 min · West Huron Street
-
5
Take the exit slight right toward Mound Road, Merrill Road
1449 ft · 35 sec
-
6
Continue on Dobry Drive
1046 ft · 26 sec · Dobry Drive
-
7
Turn right onto Mound Road
3.3 mi · 5 min · Mound Road
-
8
Continue on Mound Road
1212 ft · 36 sec · Mound Road
-
9
Turn right onto 17 Mile Road
1.6 km · 2 min · 17 Mile Road
-
10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 17 Mile Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Highland 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.
West Huron Street
Continue on West Huron Street
15.6 mi · 00h 21m
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.
Slight Chance Snow Showers leaving Highland and Chance Snow Showers near Sterling Heights.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Highland to Sterling Heights?
The road trip is about 36.7 miles (59.1 km) and usually takes 00h 49m 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?
Pontiac is a useful midpoint, sitting about 17.7 miles from Highland and 19.1 miles from Sterling Heights.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 30.1 miles (48.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.6 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 4:52 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.90 one way or $9.80 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 11.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Snow Showers around Highland and Chance Snow Showers near Sterling Heights.
Stop Ideas Near Pontiac
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Rochester Municipal Complex
City of Madison Heights
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Pontiac.
Pontiac Transportation Center
Birmingham, Michigan
Troy Transit Center
Royal Oak station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Highland and Sterling Heights. Straight-line distance: 30.11 mi (48.46 km).
#1 Highland
Township in Oakland County, Michigan
| Population | 1,250 |
| Coordinates | 42.6380900, -83.6171700 |
| Altitude | 309 |
| 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: 59 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $4.90 | $9.80 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $5.53 | $11.06 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.05 | $12.10 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $6.90 | $13.79 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.