How far is Sterling Heights, MI from Lake, MI?
The driving distance from Sterling Heights, MI to Lake, MI is about 161.4 miles (259.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 132.7 miles (213.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 50m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
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 02h 55m.
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.
Unincorporated community in Michigan, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Patchy Frost then Chance Rain Showers
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sterling Heights and Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sterling Heights and Lake.
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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
38 mi · 38 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward US 10 WEST, TO M 115: Ludington, Cadillac
12.8 mi · 14 min
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14
Turn left onto Gibson Avenue
1617 ft · 1 min · Gibson Avenue
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15
Continue on Terry Street
124 m · 11 sec · Terry Street
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16
Turn right onto Lake Street
19 m · 3 sec · Lake Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Lake Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sterling Heights and Lake.
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 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.
Patchy Frost then Chance Rain Showers leaving Sterling Heights and Showers And Thunderstorms near Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sterling Heights to Lake?
The road trip is about 161.4 miles (259.7 km) and usually takes 02h 55m 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?
Buena Vista is a useful midpoint, sitting about 80.6 miles from Sterling Heights and 80.8 miles from Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 132.7 miles (213.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 28.7 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 EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:40 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.49 one way or $42.99 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Patchy Frost then Chance Rain Showers around Sterling Heights and Showers And Thunderstorms near Lake.
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 Lake. Straight-line distance: 132.7 mi (213.56 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 Lake
Township in Roscommon County, Michigan
| Population | 1,198 |
| Coordinates | 43.8519700, -85.0053100 |
| Altitude | 324 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lake (-85.00531, 43.85197)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 260 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 22m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 13m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 00m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.49 | $42.99 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.24 | $48.48 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.53 | $53.06 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.23 | $60.47 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.