How far is Orchard Lake, MI from Sterling Heights, MI?
The driving distance from Orchard Lake, MI to Sterling Heights, MI is about 26.2 miles (42.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 32m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 16.8 miles (27 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 05m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 32m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
Chance Snow Showers
Chance Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Orchard Lake and Sterling Heights.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Orchard Lake and Sterling Heights.
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1
Start on West Long Lake Road
6 mi · 11 min · West Long Lake Road
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2
Continue on East Long Lake Road
8.3 mi · 15 min · East Long Lake Road
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3
Turn right onto Dequindre Road
1 mi · 2 min · Dequindre Road
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4
Turn left onto 17 Mile Road
3 mi · 5 min · 17 Mile Road
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5
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 17 Mile Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Orchard Lake 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.
East Long Lake Road
Continue on East Long Lake Road
8.32 mi · 00h 15m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Chance Snow Showers leaving Orchard Lake 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 Orchard Lake to Sterling Heights?
The road trip is about 26.2 miles (42.1 km) and usually takes 00h 32m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Bloomfield Hills is a useful midpoint, sitting about 9.1 miles from Orchard Lake and 17 miles from Sterling Heights.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 16.8 miles (27 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.4 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:24 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.47 one way or $6.94 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 8.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Snow Showers around Orchard Lake and Chance Snow Showers near Sterling Heights.
Stop Ideas Near Bloomfield Hills
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Ferndale City Hall
City of Madison Heights
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Bloomfield Hills.
Troy Transit Center
Birmingham, Michigan
Pontiac Transportation Center
Royal Oak station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Orchard Lake and Sterling Heights. Straight-line distance: 16.75 mi (26.95 km).
#1 Orchard Lake
Lake in Oakland County, Michigan, United States of America
| Population | 2,245 |
| Coordinates | 42.5830900, -83.3593800 |
| Altitude | 292 |
| 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: 42 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 19m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $3.47 | $6.94 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $3.91 | $7.83 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $4.28 | $8.56 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $4.88 | $9.76 |
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.