How far is Sterling Heights, MI from Indian River, MI?
The driving distance from Sterling Heights, MI to Indian River, MI is about 247.3 miles (398 km), with a travel time of about 04h 20m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 210.9 miles (339.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 40m 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 04h 20m.
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.
Civil township in Sanilac County, Michigan.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sterling Heights and Indian River.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sterling Heights and Indian River.
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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
83 mi · 1 hr 23 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward M 68: Rogers City, Petoskey, Indian River
1788 ft · 47 sec
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13
Turn left onto M-68
3129 ft · 1 min · M-68
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14
Turn right onto South Straits Highway
2843 ft · 1 min · South Straits Highway
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15
Turn left onto Lake Street
47 m · 9 sec · Lake Street
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16
Turn right
75 m · 18 sec
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sterling Heights and Indian River.
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
83 mi · 01h 23m
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 Sunny near Indian River.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sterling Heights to Indian River?
The road trip is about 247.3 miles (398 km) and usually takes 04h 20m 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?
Worth is a useful midpoint, sitting about 123.6 miles from Sterling Heights and 123.7 miles from Indian River.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 210.9 miles (339.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 36.4 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 8:20 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $32.92 one way or $65.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 77.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Sterling Heights and Sunny near Indian River.
Stop Ideas Near Worth
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 Worth.
Bay City, MI
Tawas City, MI
Saginaw, MI
Flint station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sterling Heights and Indian River. Straight-line distance: 210.89 mi (339.39 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 Indian River
Census-designated place in Cheboygan County, Michigan
| Population | 1,959 |
| Coordinates | 45.4125100, -84.6125400 |
| Altitude | 186 |
| Country | United States |
End: Indian River (-84.61254, 45.41251)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 398 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 14m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 10m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 07m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $32.92 | $65.84 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $37.13 | $74.26 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $40.63 | $81.26 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $46.30 | $92.61 |
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 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.