How far is Sterling Heights, MI from Ada, MI?
The driving distance from Sterling Heights, MI to Ada, MI is about 151.1 miles (243.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 51m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 127.4 miles (205 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 43m 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 51m.
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.
Human settlement in Ingham County, Michigan, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sterling Heights and Ada.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sterling Heights and Ada.
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1
Start on 17 Mile Road
1.6 km · 2 min · 17 Mile Road
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2
Turn right onto Mound Road
92 m · 5 sec · Mound Road
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3
Continue on Mound Road
6 mi · 10 min · Mound Road
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4
Keep slight left to continue on Mound Road
953 ft · 16 sec · Mound Road
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5
Take the ramp straight toward I 696: Lansing, Port Huron
1445 ft · 35 sec
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6
Keep slight right to continue on Southbound Mound Road to I-696 West
2073 ft · 51 sec · Southbound Mound Road to I-696 West
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7
Merge slight left onto Walter P Reuther Freeway
21.8 mi · 23 min · Walter P Reuther Freeway
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8
Merge slight right
17.9 mi · 19 min
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9
Keep slight left
54.8 mi · 59 min
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10
Keep slight left to continue on I 96 West: Grand Rapids
38.4 mi · 41 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward M 50: Lowell
1470 ft · 39 sec
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12
Turn right onto Alden Nash Avenue Southeast
2201 ft · 41 sec · Alden Nash Avenue Southeast
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13
Turn left onto Cascade Road Southeast
3 mi · 4 min · Cascade Road Southeast
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14
Turn right onto Snow Avenue Southeast
2.4 mi · 3 min · Snow Avenue Southeast
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15
At the end of the road, turn left onto Grand River Drive Southeast
3 mi · 4 min · Grand River Drive Southeast
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16
At the end of the road, turn right onto Buttrick Avenue Southeast
2306 ft · 47 sec · Buttrick Avenue Southeast
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17
Turn right onto Thornapple River Drive Southeast
2558 ft · 1 min · Thornapple River Drive Southeast
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18
Continue on Headley Street Southeast
107 m · 19 sec · Headley Street Southeast
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19
Turn left onto Ada Drive Southeast
690 ft · 23 sec · Ada Drive Southeast
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Ada Drive Southeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sterling Heights and Ada.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Walter P Reuther Freeway
Keep slight left
54.8 mi · 00h 59m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Sterling Heights and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ada.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sterling Heights to Ada?
The road trip is about 151.1 miles (243.1 km) and usually takes 02h 51m 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?
Williamston is a useful midpoint, sitting about 75.4 miles from Sterling Heights and 75.7 miles from Ada.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 127.4 miles (205 km), while the road route adds roughly 23.7 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 12:46 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.10 one way or $40.20 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Sterling Heights and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Ada.
Stop Ideas Near Williamston
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 Williamston.
East Lansing station
Owosso, MI
Durand Union Station
Jackson station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sterling Heights and Ada. Straight-line distance: 127.36 mi (204.96 km).
#1 Sterling Heights
The second most populous city in Macomb County, Michigan.
| Population | 131,709 |
| Coordinates | 42.5803100, -83.0302000 |
| Altitude | 187 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ada
Township in Kent County, Michigan
| Population | 14,892 |
| Coordinates | 42.9542000, -85.4889100 |
| Altitude | 195 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ada (-85.48891, 42.9542)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 243 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 02m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 46m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.10 | $40.20 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.67 | $45.34 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.81 | $49.61 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.27 | $56.54 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.