How far is Sterling Heights, MI from Thomas, MI?
The driving distance from Sterling Heights, MI to Thomas, MI is about 32.6 miles (52.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 24.7 miles (39.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 34m 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 00h 47m.
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.
City in Oakland County, Michigan
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sterling Heights and Thomas.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sterling Heights and Thomas.
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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
3.1 mi · 3 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward M 24: Lapeer
1010 ft · 25 sec
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10
Continue straight
1159 ft · 27 sec
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11
Keep slight left to continue on M 24 North: Lapeer
2084 ft · 58 sec
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12
Turn straight onto South Lapeer Road
9 mi · 14 min · South Lapeer Road
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13
Continue on South Washington Street
1.5 km · 2 min · South Washington Street
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14
Continue on North Lapeer Road
3.7 mi · 5 min · North Lapeer Road
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15
Turn right onto Thomas Road
1114 ft · 23 sec · Thomas Road
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16
Turn right onto First Street
1014 ft · 34 sec · First Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · First Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sterling Heights and Thomas.
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.
M 59 West
Merge slight left
9.15 mi · 00h 10m
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.
Sunny leaving Sterling Heights and Mostly Sunny near Thomas.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sterling Heights to Thomas?
The road trip is about 32.6 miles (52.4 km) and usually takes 00h 47m 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?
Auburn Hills is a useful midpoint, sitting about 16.3 miles from Sterling Heights and 16.3 miles from Thomas.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 24.7 miles (39.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.9 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 4:56 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.34 one way or $8.67 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Sterling Heights and Mostly Sunny near Thomas.
Stop Ideas Near Auburn Hills
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Rochester Municipal Complex
City of Madison Heights
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Auburn Hills.
Pontiac Transportation Center
Birmingham, Michigan
Troy Transit Center
Royal Oak station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sterling Heights and Thomas. Straight-line distance: 24.71 mi (39.77 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 Thomas
Township in Monroe County, Michigan
| Population | 11,419 |
| Coordinates | 42.8794700, -83.2971600 |
| Altitude | 330 |
| Country | United States |
End: Thomas (-83.29716, 42.87947)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 52 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $4.34 | $8.67 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $4.89 | $9.78 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $5.35 | $10.70 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $6.10 | $12.20 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.