How far is Waterford, MI from Sterling Heights, MI?
The driving distance from Waterford, MI to Sterling Heights, MI is about 26.9 miles (43.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 20.9 miles (33.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 13m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT.
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 36m.
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.
A city in Oakland County, Michigan.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterford and Sterling Heights.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterford and Sterling Heights.
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1
Start on David K Drive
1626 ft · 1 min · David K Drive
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2
At the end of the road, turn left onto Williams Lake Road
1.3 mi · 2 min · Williams Lake Road
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3
Turn right onto Dixie Highway
3.6 mi · 6 min · Dixie Highway
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4
Continue on Cesar E. Chavez Avenue
2.2 mi · 4 min · Cesar E. Chavez Avenue
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5
Continue on Oakland Avenue
998 ft · 23 sec · Oakland Avenue
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6
Turn straight onto North Saginaw Street
697 ft · 24 sec · North Saginaw Street
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7
Turn left onto East Huron Street
12.4 mi · 14 min · East Huron Street
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8
Take the exit slight right toward Mound Road, Merrill Road
1449 ft · 35 sec
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9
Continue on Dobry Drive
1046 ft · 26 sec · Dobry Drive
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10
Turn right onto Mound Road
3.3 mi · 5 min · Mound Road
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11
Continue on Mound Road
1212 ft · 36 sec · Mound Road
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12
Turn right onto 17 Mile Road
1.6 km · 2 min · 17 Mile Road
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 17 Mile Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterford 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.
East Huron Street
Turn left onto East Huron Street
12.4 mi · 00h 14m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Waterford and Mostly Sunny near Sterling Heights.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterford to Sterling Heights?
The road trip is about 26.9 miles (43.3 km) and usually takes 00h 36m 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?
Rochester Hills is a useful midpoint, sitting about 12.5 miles from Waterford and 14.4 miles from Sterling Heights.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 20.9 miles (33.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 6 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 7:16 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.58 one way or $7.16 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 8.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Waterford and Mostly Sunny near Sterling Heights.
Stop Ideas Near Rochester Hills
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 Rochester Hills.
Pontiac Transportation Center
Troy Transit Center
Birmingham, Michigan
Royal Oak station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterford and Sterling Heights. Straight-line distance: 20.9 mi (33.64 km).
#1 Waterford
Charter township in Oakland county, Michigan
| Population | 75,737 |
| Coordinates | 42.6930300, -83.4118100 |
| Altitude | 294 |
| 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: 43 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $3.58 | $7.16 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $4.04 | $8.08 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $4.42 | $8.84 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $5.04 | $10.08 |
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 21, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.