How far is Sterling Heights, MI from Atlas, MI?
The driving distance from Sterling Heights, MI to Atlas, MI is about 43.9 miles (70.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 35.5 miles (57.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 58m 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 59m.
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 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 Atlas.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sterling Heights and Atlas.
-
1
Start on 17 Mile Road
1.6 km · 2 min · 17 Mile Road
-
2
Turn right onto Mound Road
3.2 mi · 5 min · Mound Road
-
3
Continue on Mound Road
784 ft · 24 sec · Mound Road
-
4
Turn right onto M-59 Service Drive
996 ft · 24 sec · M-59 Service Drive
-
5
Take the ramp straight toward M 59 West
1742 ft · 43 sec
-
6
Merge slight left
9.1 mi · 10 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward I 75 North: Flint
2907 ft · 1 min
-
8
Merge slight left
12.8 mi · 14 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward M 15: Clarkston, Davison
1903 ft · 50 sec
-
10
Turn right onto Ortonville Road
9.7 mi · 14 min · Ortonville Road
-
11
Continue on South State Road
4.9 mi · 7 min · South State Road
-
12
Turn left onto Perry Road
1.6 mi · 4 min · Perry Road
-
13
At the end of the road, turn left onto Gale Road
6 m · 1 sec · Gale Road
-
14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Gale Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sterling Heights and Atlas.
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.
I 75 North
Merge slight left
12.8 mi · 00h 14m
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 Atlas.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sterling Heights to Atlas?
The road trip is about 43.9 miles (70.6 km) and usually takes 00h 59m 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?
Lake Angelus is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21.9 miles from Sterling Heights and 22 miles from Atlas.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 35.5 miles (57.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.4 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:32 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.85 one way or $11.69 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Sterling Heights and Mostly Sunny near Atlas.
Stop Ideas Near Lake Angelus
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Rochester Municipal Complex
City of Pontiac
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Lake Angelus.
Pontiac Transportation Center
Birmingham, Michigan
Troy Transit Center
Royal Oak station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sterling Heights and Atlas. Straight-line distance: 35.55 mi (57.22 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 Atlas
Township in Genesee County, Michigan
| Population | 7,851 |
| Coordinates | 42.9378100, -83.5343900 |
| Altitude | 262 |
| Country | United States |
End: Atlas (-83.53439, 42.93781)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 71 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.85 | $11.69 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.59 | $13.18 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.21 | $14.43 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.22 | $16.44 |
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 26, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.