How far is Sterling Heights, MI from Dalton, MI?
The driving distance from Sterling Heights, MI to Dalton, MI is about 206 miles (331.6 km), with a travel time of about 03h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 171.2 miles (275.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 35m 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 47m.
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.
Township in Clinton County, Michigan
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sterling Heights and Dalton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sterling Heights and Dalton.
-
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
21.8 mi · 23 min · Walter P Reuther Freeway
-
8
Merge slight right
17.9 mi · 19 min
-
9
Keep slight left
54.8 mi · 59 min
-
10
Keep slight left to continue on I 96 West: Grand Rapids
53.7 mi · 58 min
-
11
Keep slight right to continue on I 96 West, M 37 North: Muskegon
36.9 mi · 40 min
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward US 31 North: Muskegon, Ludington
2543 ft · 1 min
-
13
Merge slight left
10.4 mi · 11 min
-
14
Take the exit slight right toward CR B23
1872 ft · 54 sec
-
15
Turn left onto Russell Road
2381 ft · 43 sec · Russell Road
-
16
Turn right onto East Tyler Road
1.3 mi · 2 min · East Tyler Road
-
17
Turn right
63 m · 15 sec
-
18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sterling Heights and Dalton.
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 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.
Sunny leaving Sterling Heights and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Dalton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sterling Heights to Dalton?
The road trip is about 206 miles (331.6 km) and usually takes 03h 47m 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?
Wacousta is a useful midpoint, sitting about 102.8 miles from Sterling Heights and 103.2 miles from Dalton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 171.2 miles (275.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.8 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 9:24 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.42 one way or $54.83 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 64.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Sterling Heights and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Dalton.
Stop Ideas Near Wacousta
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 Wacousta.
East Lansing station
Owosso, MI
Durand Union Station
Albion station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sterling Heights and Dalton. Straight-line distance: 171.19 mi (275.51 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 Dalton
Township in Muskegon County, Michigan
| Population | 9,409 |
| Coordinates | 43.3186200, -86.2617300 |
| Altitude | 201 |
| Country | United States |
End: Dalton (-86.26173, 43.31862)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 332 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 51m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 56m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $27.42 | $54.83 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $30.92 | $61.84 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $33.83 | $67.67 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $38.56 | $77.12 |
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 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.