How far is Sterling Heights, MI from Birmingham, MI?
The driving distance from Sterling Heights, MI to Birmingham, MI is about 11.4 miles (18.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 9.5 miles (15.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 43m 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 21m.
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 Oakland County in the U.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Patchy Frost then Chance Rain Showers
Patchy Frost
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sterling Heights and Birmingham.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sterling Heights and Birmingham.
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1
Start on 17 Mile Road
2 mi · 4 min · 17 Mile Road
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2
Turn left onto Ryan Road
1.6 km · 2 min · Ryan Road
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3
Turn right onto Metropolitan Parkway
1.5 km · 1 min · Metropolitan Parkway
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4
Continue on East Big Beaver Road
6 mi · 11 min · East Big Beaver Road
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5
Turn left onto Adams Road
1.5 km · 3 min · Adams Road
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6
Turn right onto East Maple Road
1437 ft · 54 sec · East Maple Road
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7
Turn right onto North Woodward Avenue
85 m · 6 sec · North Woodward Avenue
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8
Continue on Woodward Avenue
853 ft · 28 sec · Woodward Avenue
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Woodward Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sterling Heights and Birmingham.
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.
East Big Beaver Road
Continue on East Big Beaver Road
6.02 mi · 00h 11m
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.
Patchy Frost then Chance Rain Showers leaving Sterling Heights and Patchy Frost near Birmingham.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sterling Heights to Birmingham?
The road trip is about 11.4 miles (18.4 km) and usually takes 00h 21m 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?
Clawson is a useful midpoint, sitting about 5.7 miles from Sterling Heights and 5.7 miles from Birmingham.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 9.5 miles (15.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 1.9 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 7:46 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.51 one way or $3.02 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 3.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Patchy Frost then Chance Rain Showers around Sterling Heights and Patchy Frost near Birmingham.
Stop Ideas Near Clawson
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 Clawson.
Troy Transit Center
Birmingham, Michigan
Royal Oak station
Pontiac Transportation Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sterling Heights and Birmingham. Straight-line distance: 9.51 mi (15.3 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 Birmingham
City in Michigan
| Population | 21,312 |
| Coordinates | 42.5467000, -83.2113200 |
| Altitude | 237 |
| Country | United States |
End: Birmingham (-83.21132, 42.5467)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 18 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 17m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 11m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $1.51 | $3.02 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $1.70 | $3.40 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $1.86 | $3.72 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $2.12 | $4.24 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.