How far is South Lyon, MI from Sterling Heights, MI?
The driving distance from South Lyon, MI to Sterling Heights, MI is about 44.7 miles (71.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 32.7 miles (52.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 44m 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 52m.
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, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between South Lyon and Sterling Heights.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between South Lyon and Sterling Heights.
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1
Start on West Lake Street
2709 ft · 1 min · West Lake Street
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2
Continue on 10 Mile Road
4.5 mi · 7 min · 10 Mile Road
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3
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward 10 Mile Road
30 m · 2 sec · 10 Mile Road
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4
Exit the roundabout onto 10 Mile Road
1231 ft · 22 sec · 10 Mile Road
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5
Continue on West 10 Mile Road
1.8 mi · 3 min · West 10 Mile Road
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6
Turn left onto Beck Road
1.8 mi · 3 min · Beck Road
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7
Take the ramp slight right toward I 96 East: Detroit
2515 ft · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left
2.5 mi · 3 min
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9
Continue on Walter P Reuther Freeway
8.9 mi · 10 min · Walter P Reuther Freeway
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10
Merge slight left onto John C Lodge Freeway
2206 ft · 27 sec · John C Lodge Freeway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward US 24 North: Telegraph Road
1664 ft · 57 sec
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12
Continue on Telegraph Road
4.7 mi · 7 min · Telegraph Road
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13
Turn right onto Quarton Road
3.2 mi · 7 min · Quarton Road
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14
Continue on West Big Beaver Road
6.9 mi · 13 min · West Big Beaver Road
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15
Continue on Metropolitan Parkway
2.1 mi · 3 min · Metropolitan Parkway
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16
Continue on Metropolitan Parkway
580 ft · 22 sec · Metropolitan Parkway
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17
Turn right onto Mound Road
1 mi · 2 min · Mound Road
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18
Turn right onto 17 Mile Road
1.6 km · 2 min · 17 Mile Road
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 17 Mile Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between South Lyon and Sterling Heights.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Walter P Reuther Freeway
Continue on Walter P Reuther Freeway
8.93 mi · 00h 10m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving South Lyon 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 South Lyon to Sterling Heights?
The road trip is about 44.7 miles (71.9 km) and usually takes 00h 52m 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?
Franklin is a useful midpoint, sitting about 20.3 miles from South Lyon and 24.5 miles from Sterling Heights.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 32.7 miles (52.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 12 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 4:46 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.96 one way or $11.92 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around South Lyon and Sunny near Sterling Heights.
Stop Ideas Near Franklin
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 Franklin.
Birmingham, Michigan
Troy Transit Center
Pontiac Transportation Center
Royal Oak station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between South Lyon and Sterling Heights. Straight-line distance: 32.71 mi (52.64 km).
#1 South Lyon
City in southwestern Oakland County in the U.
| Population | 11,846 |
| Coordinates | 42.4605900, -83.6516100 |
| Altitude | 282 |
| 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: 72 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.96 | $11.92 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.72 | $13.44 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.35 | $14.71 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.38 | $16.76 |
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 · Jun 01, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.