How far is Sterling Heights, MI from Gaylord, MI?
The driving distance from Sterling Heights, MI to Gaylord, MI is about 218.5 miles (351.6 km), with a travel time of about 03h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 187.9 miles (302.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 41m 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 50m.
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 Newaygo County, Michigan
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sterling Heights and Gaylord.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sterling Heights and Gaylord.
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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
52.4 mi · 56 min
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10
Keep slight left
62.9 mi · 1 hr 3 min
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11
Keep slight left
54.9 mi · 55 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward M 32: Gaylord, Alpena
1553 ft · 42 sec
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13
Turn right onto West Main Street
3094 ft · 1 min · West Main Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sterling Heights and Gaylord.
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
62.9 mi · 01h 03m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Sterling Heights and Partly Sunny near Gaylord.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sterling Heights to Gaylord?
The road trip is about 218.5 miles (351.6 km) and usually takes 03h 50m 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?
Beaver is a useful midpoint, sitting about 109.2 miles from Sterling Heights and 109.3 miles from Gaylord.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 187.9 miles (302.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 30.6 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 9:18 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $29.07 one way or $58.15 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 68.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Sterling Heights and Partly Sunny near Gaylord.
Stop Ideas Near Beaver
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Old City Hall
Bay City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Beaver.
Bay City, MI
Saginaw, MI
Tawas City, MI
Owosso, MI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sterling Heights and Gaylord. Straight-line distance: 187.91 mi (302.41 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 Gaylord
City in Michigan, United States
| Population | 3,665 |
| Coordinates | 45.0275100, -84.6747500 |
| Altitude | 411 |
| Country | United States |
End: Gaylord (-84.67475, 45.02751)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 352 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $29.07 | $58.15 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $32.79 | $65.58 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $35.88 | $71.76 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $40.89 | $81.79 |
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 29, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.