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Trip from Almena, MI to Sterling Heights, MI

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 18m

Distance

168.2 mi

271 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 6m ★
6 AM
3h 18m
8 AM
3h 42m
10 AM
3h 27m
12 PM
3h 24m
3 PM
3h 28m
5 PM
3h 41m
8 PM
3h 11m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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township in Van Buren County, Michigan

Almena, MI

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Sterling Heights, MI, MI

Sterling Heights, MI

fish socks

Trip Overview

This 168.3-mile drive from Almena, Michigan, to Sterling Heights, Michigan, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 43 minutes. You'll be navigating primarily local roads, with no highway driving, making it a more hands-on experience. Budget around $26 for fuel, and plan for about one stop along the way. This route offers a straightforward journey through the Midwest, suitable for a relaxed day trip where you can set your own pace.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

84.1 miles from Almena, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 37m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 94 104.8 mi 1h 52m
M 14 22.2 mi 23m
I 96 9.2 mi 9m
Mound Road 5.9 mi 9m
Jeffries Freeway (Express) 5.3 mi 5m
North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway 4.6 mi 4m
Walter P Reuther Freeway 3.1 mi 3m
County Road 652 2.9 mi 7m
Longest stretch: I 94 — 104.8 mi, about 1h 52m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Almena, MI and Sterling Heights, MI.

1

Start on 653

18 ft · 6 sec · County Road 653
2

Turn left onto 375

1.3 mi · 3 min · County Road 375
3

Turn right onto 652

2.4 mi · 5 min · County Road 652
4

Turn left onto Red Arrow Highway

0.8 mi · 1 min · Red Arrow Highway
5

Turn right onto 652

0.5 mi · 1 min · County Road 652
6

Continue on 652

0.4 mi · 1 min · North Main Street
7

Enter roundabout onto North Main Street

167 ft · 9 sec · North Main Street
8

Continue on North Main Street

499 ft · 13 sec · North Main Street
9

Enter roundabout

303 ft · 17 sec
10

Continue

0.2 mi · 31 sec
11

Merge onto I 94

105 mi · 1 hr 52 min · I 94
12

Keep slight left at fork onto M 14

4.7 mi · 5 min · M 14
Exit 171 Toward M 14: Plymouth
13

Keep right at fork onto M 14

2.4 mi · 2 min · M 14
Toward M 14 East, US 23 South: Plymouth
14

Keep slight left at fork onto M 14

15 mi · 16 min · M 14
Exit 42 Toward M 14 East: Plymouth, Livonia Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Continue on I 96

9.2 mi · 9 min · I 96
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight left at fork onto I 96

5.3 mi · 5 min · Jeffries Freeway (Express)
Toward I 96 Express: Downtown Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Exit 186B Toward Davison Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Continue on M 8

2.2 mi · 5 min · M 8
19

Continue on M 8

1.3 mi · 1 min · Davison Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 55 sec
Toward I 75: Flint, Toledo Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 56 sec
Toward I 75 North: Flint Use the slight left lane.
22

Merge onto I 75

4.6 mi · 4 min · North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Exit 61 Toward I 696: Lansing, Port Huron Use the slight right lane.
24

Keep slight right at fork onto I-75 North to I-696 East

0.4 mi · 52 sec · I-75 North to I-696 East
Toward I 696 East: Port Huron Use the slight right lane.
25

Continue on I 696

3.1 mi · 3 min · Walter P Reuther Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Take the exit onto I-696 East

0.3 mi · 38 sec · I-696 East
Exit 22 Toward Mound Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27

Keep slight left at fork onto I-696 East to Northbound Mound Road

0.7 mi · 1 min · I-696 East to Northbound Mound Road
Toward Mound Road North Use the slight left lane.
28

Turn straight onto Mound Road

5.9 mi · 9 min · Mound Road
29

Turn right onto 17 Mile Road

1.0 mi · 1 min · 17 Mile Road
30

Arrive at destination

17 Mile Road

Trip Plan

Given the 2-hour and 43-minute duration and 168.3-mile length, this route is easily accomplished in a single day. You might consider leaving mid-morning to allow for a leisurely start and arrive in Sterling Heights in the afternoon. With a fuel cost estimate of $26 and only one recommended stop, you have flexibility. Keep an eye on your navigation, as the turn-heavy nature of the drive means paying attention to directions is key to staying on track. This route is ideal for those who prefer a more involved driving experience over highway miles.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 84.1 miles from Almena, MI, or about 1h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 104.8 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 37 miles or 47m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 84.1 miles or 1h 37m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 35m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sterling Heights, MI than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Almena, MI so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Almena, MI

This is one driving day of about 168.2 miles and 3h 18m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Almena, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 94 for about 104.8 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Ann Arbor, MI, MI

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ann Arbor, MI

84 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Oak Park, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Michigan Center, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 84.1 miles from Almena, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 94 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 104.8 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Panera Bread

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Battle Creek, Michigan

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 36

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12697198887

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Battle Creek, Michigan

1.4 mi

Starbucks Coffee Company

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Battle Creek, MI

1.8 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Coffee First Cafe & Bake Shoppe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sterling Heights, Michigan

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 168.2

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15868385353

Visit website

Meridian Coffee Co.

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Plymouth, Michigan

0.9 mi

Sweetwater's Donut Mill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Battle Creek, Michigan

0.9 mi

Panera Bread

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 36

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12697198887

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 36

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12692237508

Visit website

Starbucks Coffee Company

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 36

Battle Creek, MI

Hours: 5 am–9 pm

+12699793918

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 60.1

Albion, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+15176299800

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 48.1

Marshall, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+12697814806

Visit website

Foundry Bakehouse and Deli

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 60.1

Albion, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–4 pm

+15176800092

Visit website

BIGGBY COFFEE

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 36

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12697192031

Visit website

Scooter's Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 36

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 5:30 am–8 pm

+12697889349

Visit website

Coffee First Cafe & Bake Shoppe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 168.2

Sterling Heights, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15868385353

Visit website

Meridian Coffee Co.

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 132.2

Plymouth, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+17342598580

Sweetwater's Donut Mill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 36

Battle Creek, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+12699791944

Visit website

Plymouth Coffee Bean

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 132.2

Plymouth, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17344540178

Visit website

Stirling Books & Brew

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 60.1

Albion, Michigan

Hours: 12–6 pm

+15176297560

Visit website

ALWADI COFFEE

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 132.2

Plymouth, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17344046349

Visit website

RēNū Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 132.2

Northville, Michigan

Hours: 8:30 am–3:30 pm

+12483745955

Visit website

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Royal Oak

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 156.2

Royal Oak, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+12483077161

Visit website

The Fifth Wall Escape Rooms

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 156.2

Ferndale, Michigan

Hours: 3–10 pm

+12482914305

Visit website

Painting with a Twist

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 156.2

Ferndale, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+12488507182

Visit website

Breakout Escape Rooms Royal Oak

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 156.2

Royal Oak, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–11:30 pm

+15863596944

Visit website

LegaSea Aquarium & The Reptarium

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 168.2

Utica, Michigan

Hours: 11 am–7 pm

+15868846941

Visit website

Leslie Science & Nature Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 120.1

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+17349971553

Visit website

Lillian Anderson Arboretum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 12

Kalamazoo, Michigan

+18002533602

Visit website

Hamtramck Disneyland

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 156.2

Hamtramck, Michigan

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13133465465

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 117.7 and 156.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

9
117.7 mi into trip | ~2h 14m in | M 14

Keep slight left at fork onto M 14 toward M 14 East: Plymouth, Livonia

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 42 Toward M 14 East: Plymouth, Livonia
7
142 mi into trip | ~2h 40m in | I 96 / Jeffries Freeway (Express)

Keep slight left at fork onto I 96 / Jeffries Freeway (Express) toward I 96 Express: Downtown

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 96 Express: Downtown
7
147.3 mi into trip | ~2h 45m in

Take the exit toward Davison Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 186B Toward Davison Avenue
7
151.1 mi into trip | ~2h 53m in

Take the exit toward I 75: Flint, Toledo

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 75: Flint, Toledo
8
156.6 mi into trip | ~3h in

Take the exit toward I 696: Lansing, Port Huron

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 61 Toward I 696: Lansing, Port Huron

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.30 one way

$52.59 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 59 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $28.87 $57.74
premium $4.89 $32.37 $64.74
diesel $5.61 $37.14 $74.27

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 58.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 50.5 0 $17.66 $8.07
Efficient EV 42.1 0 $14.72 $6.73
EV Truck/SUV 67.3 0 $23.55 $10.76

Gas CO2

59 kg

EV CO2

20 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Almena, MI

Late night in Almena on Sunday

Local time

4:01 AM

EDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Sterling Heights, MI

Late night in Sterling Heights on Sunday

Local time

4:01 AM

EDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

2 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 18m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive for the entirety of this 168.3-mile journey, as indicated by the 0% highway share. This means you'll be actively steering and navigating through various county roads and the Red Arrow Highway. Without long stretches of uninterrupted driving, you'll likely find yourself making frequent adjustments. The profile suggests a constant engagement with the road, making the 2-hour and 43-minute duration feel more dynamic than a typical highway cruise.

77% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 104.8 mi on I 94.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and M 14. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 117.7 miles in near M 14.

Driving Effort 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 168.2 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 117.7 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 142 miles (I 96 / Jeffries Freeway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 147.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Almena, MI and Sterling Heights, MI, road signs point toward M 14: Plymouth, M 14 East, M 14 East: Plymouth, Livonia, Toledo and Port Huron.

M 14: Plymouth

110.6 mi in | ~2h 6m | via M 14

M 14 East

115.3 mi in | ~2h 11m | via M 14

M 14 East: Plymouth

117.7 mi in | ~2h 14m | via M 14

Livonia

117.7 mi in | ~2h 14m | via M 14

Toledo

151.1 mi in | ~2h 53m

Port Huron

156.6 mi in | ~3h

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 18m. Total distance: 168.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (77%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 104.8 miles on I 94. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Sterling Heights, MI before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 117.7 miles (M 14): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 142 miles (I 96 / Jeffries Freeway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 147.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Sterling Heights, MI, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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