How far is Washington, MI from Sterling Heights, MI?
Fastest route
The distance between Washington, Michigan 48094, and Sterling Heights, Michigan is approximately 11.4 miles (18.3 kilometers). The suggested route to reach Sterling Heights from Washington involves taking M-53 S. The estimated travel time is 13 minutes.
Directions
- Head west on Carole Ln toward Van Dyke Ave.
- Turn left onto Van Dyke Ave.
- Turn right onto 26 Mile Rd.
- Use the left 2 lanes to make a U-turn.
- Use the right lane to take the MI-53 S ramp.
- Follow M-53 S for about 9.1 miles.
- Take the exit toward Plumbrook Rd.
- Merge onto Plumbrook Rd.
- Turn right onto 17 Mile Rd.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 It is recommended to use the M-53 S route for the fastest journey.
- 🛣️ Keep an eye on traffic conditions and consider alternative routes if necessary.
- ⛽ Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel for the journey.
- 🕐 Allow extra time in case of unexpected delays.
- 🚦 Obey traffic rules and signals for a safe trip.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 15m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in and the county seat of Cleveland County, North Carolina, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Washington and Sterling Heights.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Washington and Sterling Heights.
-
1
Start on West Road
11 m · 3 sec · West Road
-
2
Turn right onto Van Dyke Road
1.2 km · 1 min · Van Dyke Road
-
3
Turn right onto 26 Mile Road
57 m · 3 sec · 26 Mile Road
-
4
Turn slight left
107 m · 21 sec
-
5
Turn left onto 26 Mile Road
1928 ft · 35 sec · 26 Mile Road
-
6
Take the ramp slight right toward M 53 South
1927 ft · 48 sec
-
7
Merge slight left onto Christopher Columbus Freeway
9.4 mi · 11 min · Christopher Columbus Freeway
-
8
Turn right onto 17 Mile Road
755 ft · 17 sec · 17 Mile Road
-
9
Turn right
41 m · 15 sec
-
10
Turn left
66 m · 16 sec
-
11
Turn right
41 m · 12 sec
-
12
Turn right
60 m · 20 sec
-
13
At the end of the road, turn left onto 17 Mile Road
819 ft · 20 sec · 17 Mile Road
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 17 Mile Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Washington and Sterling Heights.
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.
Christopher Columbus Freeway
Merge slight left onto Christopher Columbus Freeway
9.44 mi · 00h 11m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Washington and Showers And Thunderstorms near Sterling Heights.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Washington to Sterling Heights?
The road trip is about 11.4 miles (18.4 km) and usually takes 00h 15m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Shelby is a useful midpoint, sitting about 5.7 miles from Washington and 5.7 miles from Sterling Heights.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 9.9 miles (16 km), while the road route adds roughly 1.5 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:00 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.51 one way or $3.02 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 3.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Washington and Showers And Thunderstorms near Sterling Heights.
Stop Ideas Near Shelby
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Ferndale City Hall
Rochester Municipal Complex
City of Madison Heights
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Shelby.
Birmingham, Michigan
Troy Transit Center
Pontiac Transportation Center
Royal Oak station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Washington and Sterling Heights. Straight-line distance: 9.97 mi (16.04 km).
#1 Washington
Township in Macomb County, Michigan
| Population | 28,846 |
| Coordinates | 42.7244800, -83.0360400 |
| Altitude | 214 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Sterling Heights
The second most populous city in Macomb County, Michigan.
| Population | 131,709 |
| Coordinates | 42.5803100, -83.0302000 |
| Altitude | 187 |
| Country | United States |
End: 17 Mile Road (-83.030204, 42.580347)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 18 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 17m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 11m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $1.51 | $3.02 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $1.70 | $3.40 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $1.86 | $3.72 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $2.12 | $4.24 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.