How far is Sterling Heights, MI from Gaines, MI?
The driving distance from Sterling Heights, MI to Gaines, MI is about 60.3 miles (97 km), with a travel time of about 01h 19m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 49.2 miles (79.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 38m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EST.
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 19m.
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.
Township in Oakland County, Michigan
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Light Rain
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sterling Heights and Gaines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sterling Heights and Gaines.
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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
27.3 mi · 29 min
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9
Take the exit slight right
1389 ft · 34 sec
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10
Turn straight onto South Saginaw Road
1.5 km · 1 min · South Saginaw Road
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11
Turn left onto East Baldwin Road
12.7 mi · 17 min · East Baldwin Road
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12
Turn left onto Seymour Road
1.6 km · 2 min · Seymour Road
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13
Turn right onto Ray Road
3.1 mi · 7 min · Ray Road
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14
Continue on East Lansing Street
1683 ft · 48 sec · East Lansing Street
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15
Turn right onto Genesee Avenue
93 m · 14 sec · Genesee Avenue
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16
Turn left onto West Lord Street
27 m · 4 sec · West Lord Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Lord Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sterling Heights and Gaines.
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
27.3 mi · 00h 29m
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.
Chance Light Rain leaving Sterling Heights and Cloudy near Gaines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sterling Heights to Gaines?
The road trip is about 60.3 miles (97 km) and usually takes 01h 19m 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?
Springfield is a useful midpoint, sitting about 30.1 miles from Sterling Heights and 30.2 miles from Gaines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 49.2 miles (79.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.1 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 EST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:52 PM EST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.38 one way or $18.76 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Rain around Sterling Heights and Cloudy near Gaines.
Stop Ideas Near Springfield
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 Springfield.
Pontiac Transportation Center
Birmingham, Michigan
Troy Transit Center
Flint station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sterling Heights and Gaines. Straight-line distance: 49.2 mi (79.18 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 Gaines
Human settlement in Genesee County, Michigan, United States of America
| Population | 357 |
| Coordinates | 42.8725300, -83.9141300 |
| Altitude | 261 |
| Country | United States |
End: Gaines (-83.91413, 42.87253)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 97 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 45m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.40 | $9.38 | $18.76 |
| Mid-grade | $5.08 | $10.82 | $21.64 |
| Premium | $5.68 | $12.10 | $24.20 |
| Diesel | $6.63 | $14.12 | $28.24 |
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 · Nov 05, 2026