How far is Inkster, MI from Sterling Heights, MI?
Fastest route
Traveling from Inkster, Michigan 48141 to Sterling Heights, Michigan covers a distance of approximately 36.1 miles (58.2 kilometers) and takes about 53 minutes via I-696 E. The route passes through various cities and roads, including Dearborn, Detroit, Southfield, and Warren.
Directions
- Head west on Michigan Ave toward Inkster Rd.
- Sharp left to stay on Michigan Ave.
- Turn right toward S Telegraph Rd (signs for U.S. 24 N/Telegraph Road N).
- Sharp right onto S Telegraph Rd.
- Get on M-39 N in Detroit.
- Turn right onto M-153 E/Ford Rd.
- Take the exit toward MI-39 N/Southfield Fwy.
- Slight right onto Southfield Rd.
- Take the ramp on the left onto M-39 N.
- Follow M-39 N to Southfield Rd in Southfield. Take the Southfield Rd exit from M-39 N.
- Use the right 2 lanes to take the Southfield Rd exit.
- Get on I-696 E.
- Continue onto Southfield Rd.
- Turn right onto W Eleven Mile Rd.
- Use the middle lane to take the ramp onto I-696 E.
- Continue on I-696 E to Warren. Take exit 22 from I-696 E.
- Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 22 to merge onto Mound Rd.
- Continue on Mound Rd.
- Drive to 17 Mile Rd in Sterling Heights.
- Turn right onto 17 Mile Rd.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Plan for potential traffic delays, especially during peak hours.
- 🛣️ Follow signs and directions to stay on the correct roads.
- ⛽ Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel for the journey.
- ☕ Consider taking a short break during the journey to rest and refresh.
- 🚧 Stay updated on road conditions and potential construction areas.
- 📱 Use a navigation app or GPS to stay on track.
- 🕑 Leave with some extra time in case of unexpected delays.
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 47m.
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.
City in Michigan
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Patchy Frost then Chance Rain Showers
Patchy Frost then Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Inkster and Sterling Heights.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Inkster and Sterling Heights.
-
1
Start on Inkster Road
2.8 mi · 5 min · Inkster Road
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2
Turn left onto Ecorse Road
1415 ft · 32 sec · Ecorse Road
-
3
Take the ramp slight right toward I 94 East: Detroit
1262 ft · 31 sec
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4
Merge slight right onto Detroit Industrial Expressway
9.8 mi · 11 min · Detroit Industrial Expressway
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5
Continue on Edsel Ford Freeway
5.6 mi · 8 min · Edsel Ford Freeway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 75: Flint, Toledo
92 m · 6 sec
-
7
Keep slight left to continue on I 75 North: Flint
2575 ft · 1 min
-
8
Merge slight left onto North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway
7.8 mi · 9 min · North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward I 696: Lansing, Port Huron
1036 ft · 25 sec
-
10
Keep slight right to continue on I-75 North to I-696 East
2136 ft · 52 sec · I-75 North to I-696 East
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11
Continue on Walter P Reuther Freeway
3.1 mi · 3 min · Walter P Reuther Freeway
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward Mound Road
1569 ft · 38 sec · I-696 East
-
13
Keep slight left to continue on I-696 East to Northbound Mound Road
1.2 km · 2 min · I-696 East to Northbound Mound Road
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14
Turn straight onto Mound Road
5.9 mi · 9 min · Mound Road
-
15
Turn right onto 17 Mile Road
1.6 km · 2 min · 17 Mile Road
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 17 Mile Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Inkster and Sterling Heights.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Detroit Industrial Expressway
Merge slight right onto Detroit Industrial Expressway
9.78 mi · 00h 11m
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.
Patchy Frost then Chance Rain Showers leaving Inkster 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 Inkster to Sterling Heights?
The road trip is about 37.7 miles (60.6 km) and usually takes 00h 47m 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?
Hamtramck is a useful midpoint, sitting about 19.3 miles from Inkster and 18.4 miles from Sterling Heights.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 24.4 miles (39.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.3 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:56 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.02 one way or $10.03 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 11.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Patchy Frost then Chance Rain Showers around Inkster and Patchy Frost then Chance Rain Showers near Sterling Heights.
Stop Ideas Near Hamtramck
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 Hamtramck.
Detroit
Royal Oak station
John D. Dingell Transit Center
Greenfield Village, Michigan
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Inkster and Sterling Heights. Straight-line distance: 24.38 mi (39.23 km).
#1 Inkster
City in Wayne County, Michigan, United States of America
| Population | 24,115 |
| Coordinates | 42.2942000, -83.3099300 |
| Altitude | 191 |
| 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: 61 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.02 | $10.03 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $5.66 | $11.31 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.19 | $12.38 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $7.05 | $14.11 |
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 · May 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.