How far is Sterling Heights, MI from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance from Sterling Heights, MI to Ann Arbor, MI is about 55.9 miles (89.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 01m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 41.8 miles (67.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 03m 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 01h 01m.
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 second most populous city in Oakland County, Michigan.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sterling Heights and Ann Arbor.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sterling Heights and Ann Arbor.
-
1
Start on 17 Mile Road
1.6 km · 2 min · 17 Mile Road
-
2
Turn right onto Mound Road
92 m · 5 sec · Mound Road
-
3
Continue on Mound Road
6 mi · 10 min · Mound Road
-
4
Keep slight left to continue on Mound Road
953 ft · 16 sec · Mound Road
-
5
Take the ramp straight toward I 696: Lansing, Port Huron
1445 ft · 35 sec
-
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
-
7
Merge slight left onto Walter P Reuther Freeway
20 mi · 22 min · Walter P Reuther Freeway
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward I 96 East, I 275: Toledo
2135 ft · 52 sec
-
9
Keep slight left to continue on I 96 East, I 275: Toledo
1.3 km · 2 min
-
10
Keep slight left to continue on I 96, I 275: Detroit, Toledo
1875 ft · 23 sec
-
11
Merge slight right onto Disabled American Veterans Memorial Highway
5.8 mi · 6 min · Disabled American Veterans Memorial Highway
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward M 14: Ann Arbor
1 km · 1 min
-
13
Merge slight left
16.5 mi · 18 min
-
14
Keep slight left to continue on M 14: Ann Arbor
1.7 mi · 2 min
-
15
Take the exit right toward US 23 BUS: Downtown Ann Arbor
1.5 km · 2 min
-
16
Turn left onto Depot Street
1969 ft · 1 min · Depot Street
-
17
Turn right
36 m · 7 sec
-
18
Continue on North State Street
3204 ft · 1 min · North State Street
-
19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South State Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sterling Heights and Ann Arbor.
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
Merge slight left onto Walter P Reuther Freeway
20 mi · 00h 22m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Sterling Heights and Mostly Sunny near Ann Arbor.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sterling Heights to Ann Arbor?
The road trip is about 55.9 miles (89.9 km) and usually takes 01h 01m 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?
Farmington Hills is a useful midpoint, sitting about 28 miles from Sterling Heights and 27.8 miles from Ann Arbor.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 41.8 miles (67.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.1 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 4:26 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.43 one way or $14.86 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Sterling Heights and Mostly Sunny near Ann Arbor.
Stop Ideas Near Farmington Hills
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 Farmington Hills.
Birmingham, Michigan
Troy Transit Center
Pontiac Transportation Center
Royal Oak station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sterling Heights and Ann Arbor. Straight-line distance: 41.85 mi (67.35 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 Ann Arbor
The most populous city in Washtenaw County, Michigan.
| Population | 119,280 |
| Coordinates | 42.2775600, -83.7408800 |
| Altitude | 269 |
| Country | United States |
End: South State Street (-83.740762, 42.277562)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 90 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 51m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.43 | $14.86 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.38 | $16.76 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.17 | $18.34 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.45 | $20.90 |
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 07, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.