How far is Sterling Heights, MI from Ludington, MI?
The driving distance from Sterling Heights, MI to Ludington, MI is about 254.9 miles (410.3 km), with a travel time of about 04h 40m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 196.6 miles (316.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 21m 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 40m.
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.
City in Ionia County, Michigan, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sterling Heights and Ludington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sterling Heights and Ludington.
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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
92 m · 5 sec · Mound Road
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3
Continue on Mound Road
6 mi · 10 min · Mound Road
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4
Keep slight left to continue on Mound Road
953 ft · 16 sec · Mound Road
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5
Take the ramp straight toward I 696: Lansing, Port Huron
1445 ft · 35 sec
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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
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7
Merge slight left onto Walter P Reuther Freeway
21.8 mi · 23 min · Walter P Reuther Freeway
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8
Merge slight right
17.9 mi · 19 min
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9
Keep slight left
54.8 mi · 59 min
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10
Keep slight left to continue on I 96 West: Grand Rapids
53.7 mi · 58 min
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11
Keep slight right to continue on I 96 West, M 37 North: Muskegon
36.9 mi · 40 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward US 31 North: Muskegon, Ludington
2543 ft · 1 min
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13
Merge slight left
55.9 mi · 58 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward US 31 Business: Ludington
2596 ft · 1 min
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15
Turn left onto South Pere Marquette Highway
3.2 mi · 5 min · South Pere Marquette Highway
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16
At the end of the road, turn left onto West US Highway 10
3046 ft · 1 min · West US Highway 10
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17
Continue on East Ludington Avenue
1.3 mi · 3 min · East Ludington Avenue
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18
Turn left
34 m · 7 sec
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sterling Heights and Ludington.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 31 North
Merge slight left
55.9 mi · 00h 58m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Sterling Heights and Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny near Ludington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sterling Heights to Ludington?
The road trip is about 254.9 miles (410.3 km) and usually takes 04h 40m 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?
Saranac is a useful midpoint, sitting about 127.3 miles from Sterling Heights and 127.6 miles from Ludington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 196.6 miles (316.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 58.3 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 7:38 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $33.94 one way or $67.88 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 80 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Sterling Heights and Widespread Frost then Mostly Sunny near Ludington.
Stop Ideas Near Saranac
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 Saranac.
Rockford, Michigan
Vernon J. Ehlers Station
Howard City, Michigan
East Lansing station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sterling Heights and Ludington. Straight-line distance: 196.63 mi (316.44 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 Ludington
City in Mason County, Michigan, United States
| Population | 8,096 |
| Coordinates | 43.9552800, -86.4525800 |
| Altitude | 180 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ludington (-86.45258, 43.95528)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 410 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 29m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 14m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $33.94 | $67.88 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $38.28 | $76.55 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $41.89 | $83.77 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $47.74 | $95.47 |
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 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.