How far is Sterling Heights, MI from Clare County, MI?
The driving distance from Sterling Heights, MI to Clare County, MI is about 165.1 miles (265.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 07m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 133.5 miles (214.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 14m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 07m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Unincorporated community in Michigan, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Rain Showers Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sterling Heights and Clare County.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sterling Heights and Clare County.
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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
3.2 mi · 5 min · Mound Road
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3
Continue on Mound Road
784 ft · 24 sec · Mound Road
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4
Turn right onto M-59 Service Drive
996 ft · 24 sec · M-59 Service Drive
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5
Take the ramp straight toward M 59 West
1742 ft · 43 sec
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6
Merge slight left
9.1 mi · 10 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 75 North: Flint
2907 ft · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left
32.8 mi · 35 min
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9
Keep slight left to continue on I 75: Saginaw
51.3 mi · 55 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 10 West: Midland
1046 ft · 36 sec
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11
Continue straight
11.3 mi · 11 min
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12
Keep slight right to continue on US 10: Clare
46.8 mi · 47 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward BUS US 127, M 61: Harrison, Gladwin
1537 ft · 46 sec
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14
Continue on North Clare Avenue
2.1 mi · 3 min · North Clare Avenue
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15
Continue on East Park Street
1951 ft · 42 sec · East Park Street
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16
Continue on 1st Street
1963 ft · 41 sec · 1st Street
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17
Turn left onto East Main Street
1.1 km · 1 min · East Main Street
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18
Continue on State Highway 61
1.9 mi · 3 min · State Highway 61
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19
Turn left onto North Coolidge Avenue
2 mi · 8 min · North Coolidge Avenue
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20
At the end of the road, turn right onto West Larch Road
1003 ft · 49 sec · West Larch Road
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21
Turn left
1638 ft · 1 min
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sterling Heights and Clare County.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 75
Keep slight left to continue on I 75: Saginaw
51.3 mi · 00h 55m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Sterling Heights and Rain Showers Likely near Clare County.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sterling Heights to Clare County?
The road trip is about 165.1 miles (265.7 km) and usually takes 03h 07m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Buena Vista is a useful midpoint, sitting about 82.5 miles from Sterling Heights and 82.6 miles from Clare County.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 133.5 miles (214.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 31.6 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:46 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.95 one way or $43.89 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Sterling Heights and Rain Showers Likely near Clare County.
Stop Ideas Near Buena Vista
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 Buena Vista.
Saginaw, MI
Bay City, MI
Flint station
Owosso, MI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sterling Heights and Clare County. Straight-line distance: 133.47 mi (214.8 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 Clare County
County in Michigan, United States
| Population | 30,771 |
| Coordinates | 43.9878700, -84.8478400 |
| Altitude | 371 |
| Country | United States |
End: Clare County (-84.84784, 43.98787)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 266 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 07m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 18m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 03m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.95 | $43.89 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.75 | $49.50 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.09 | $54.17 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.87 | $61.74 |
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.