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Trip from Fillmore, 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 25m

Distance

188.4 mi

303 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$29

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 14m ★
6 AM
3h 26m
8 AM
3h 50m
10 AM
3h 34m
12 PM
3h 32m
3 PM
3h 35m
5 PM
3h 49m
8 PM
3h 18m

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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Downtown Fillmore, MI, MI

Fillmore, MI

RDNE Stock project

Downtown Sterling Heights, MI, MI

Sterling Heights, MI

fish socks

Trip Overview

This 188.4-mile drive from Fillmore, MI to Sterling Heights, MI will take approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes, making it a very manageable one-day trip. The route is heavily focused on highway travel, with 88% of the journey on major interstates like I-69, I-96, and I-75. You can expect a fuel cost of around $29 for this relatively short distance. Given its efficiency, this trip is ideal for a single day, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. The drive remains within the Midwest region, offering a straightforward path between two Michigan locations.

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

94.2 miles from Fillmore, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 42m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 69 51.5 mi 52m
I 96 42.3 mi 45m
I 75 38.7 mi 41m
Paul B. Henry Freeway 18.4 mi 19m
Gerald R Ford Freeway 15.1 mi 16m
M 59 9.6 mi 10m
Mound Road 3.5 mi 5m
Lincoln Road 2 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 69 — 51.5 mi, about 52m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Fillmore Road

0.2 mi · 20 sec · Fillmore Road
2

Continue on 141st Avenue

444 ft · 7 sec · 141st Avenue
3

Turn right onto M 40

2.0 mi · 2 min · Lincoln Road
4

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 51 sec
Toward I 196 East
5

Merge onto I 196

15 mi · 16 min · Gerald R Ford Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 1 min
Exit 64 Toward M 6 East: Lansing Use the slight right lane.
7

Continue on M 6

18 mi · 19 min · Paul B. Henry Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight right at fork

0.7 mi · 55 sec
Toward I-96 East: Lansing Use the slight right lane.
9

Merge onto I 96

42 mi · 45 min · I 96
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

2.5 mi · 2 min
Exit 89 Toward I 69 East: Flint
11

Merge onto I 69

52 mi · 52 min · I 69
12

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 48 sec
Toward I 75, US 23: Saginaw, Detroit Use the slight right lane.
13

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 46 sec
Toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Detroit
14

Merge onto I 75; US 23

1.9 mi · 2 min · I 75; US 23
15

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75

37 mi · 39 min · I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 47 sec
Exit 77A Toward M 59 East: Utica Use the right lane.
17

Merge onto M 59

9.6 mi · 10 min · M 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Exit 50 Toward Mound Road, Merrill Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Continue on Dobry Drive

0.2 mi · 25 sec · Dobry Drive
20

Turn right onto Mound Road

3.3 mi · 5 min · Mound Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
21

Continue on Mound Road

0.2 mi · 35 sec · Mound Road
22

Turn right onto 17 Mile Road

1.0 mi · 1 min · 17 Mile Road
23

Arrive at destination

17 Mile Road

Trip Plan

With a duration of just over three hours, this trip is best suited for a single day. Consider departing in the morning to take advantage of lighter traffic, especially as you approach Sterling Heights. You'll encounter one primary fuel cost estimate of $29, so ensure your tank is full before you leave Fillmore to minimize stops. While the longest stretch without a major exit is 51.5 miles on I-69, you'll have opportunities for breaks along I-96 and I-75. The flexibility of a one-day trip means you can adjust your departure time based on your schedule.

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 94.2 miles from Fillmore, MI, or about 1h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 51.5 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 41 miles or 45m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 94.2 miles or 1h 42m 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 45m

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 Fillmore, 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 Fillmore, MI

This is one driving day of about 188.4 miles and 3h 25m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 41 miles from Fillmore, 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 69 for about 51.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Haslett, MI, MI

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Haslett, MI

94 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

Caledonia, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 41 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Lansing, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 94.2 miles from Fillmore, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Stomping Grounds Coffee Shop

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Durand, Michigan

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 121.1

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+19895411550

Visit website

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 188.4

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15868385353

Visit website

Courageous Coffee Cafe & Bakery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Portland, Michigan

0.9 mi

Stomping Grounds Coffee Shop

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 121.1

Durand, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+19895411550

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 188.4

Sterling Heights, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15868385353

Visit website

Courageous Coffee Cafe & Bakery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 67.3

Portland, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–1 pm

+15179754213

Visit website

Fireside Coffee Co

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 134.6

Swartz Creek, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+18106359196

Visit website

Stovetop Coffee Roasters

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10

Holland, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+16168555353

Visit website

Battle Alley Coffee Co.

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 148

Holly, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+12482450512

Visit website

Moka & Co

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 94.2

East Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+15176790533

Visit website

Foster Coffee Company

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 94.2

East Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+15176790303

Visit website

Coffee Clubhouse LLC

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 26.9

Kentwood, Michigan

Hours: 9 am–1 pm

+16168035450

Visit website

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 134.6

Flint, Michigan

Hours: 12–8 pm

+18104078972

Visit website

Independence Oaks County Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 161.5

Village of Clarkston, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–7:30 pm

+12486250877

Visit website

Flint Children's Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 134.6

Flint, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+18107675437

Visit website

Frog Hollow

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 26.9

Wyoming, Michigan

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16165303164

Visit website

LegaSea Aquarium & The Reptarium

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 188.4

Utica, Michigan

Hours: 11 am–7 pm

+15868846941

Visit website

Sloan Museum of Discovery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 134.6

Flint, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18102373450

Visit website

Fitzgerald Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 80.7

Grand Ledge, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+15176277351

Visit website

Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 94.2

East Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15178844800

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 17

5 decision points cluster between mile 17.8 and 183.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
17.8 mi into trip | ~20m in

Take the exit toward M 6 East: Lansing

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 64 Toward M 6 East: Lansing
7
37.1 mi into trip | ~41m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I-96 East: Lansing

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I-96 East: Lansing
7
134.1 mi into trip | ~2h 23m in

Take the exit toward I 75, US 23: Saginaw, Detroit

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 75, US 23: Saginaw, Detroit
7
173.6 mi into trip | ~3h 6m in

Take the exit toward M 59 East: Utica

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

Use the right lane. Exit 77A Toward M 59 East: Utica
8
183.4 mi into trip | ~3h 17m in

Take the exit toward Mound Road, Merrill Road

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. Exit 50 Toward Mound Road, Merrill Road

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$29.45 one way

$58.91 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 66 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $32.34 $64.68
premium $4.89 $36.26 $72.51
diesel $5.61 $41.60 $83.19

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$29

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$54–$79

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 65.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 56.5 0 $19.78 $9.04
Efficient EV 47.1 0 $16.49 $7.54
EV Truck/SUV 75.4 0 $26.38 $12.06

Gas CO2

66 kg

EV CO2

22 kg (67% 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

Fillmore, MI

Morning in Fillmore on Sunday

Local time

9:41 AM

EDT

Current temp

64°F

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

W 10 mph 17% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 3:21PM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI

Flash Flood Warning

Flash Flood Warning issued April 16 at 1:53PM EDT until April 17 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI

Destination

Sterling Heights, MI

Morning in Sterling Heights on Sunday

Local time

9:41 AM

EDT

Current temp

74°F

Showers And Thunderstorms

WSW 10 mph 84% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 3:21PM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI

Flash Flood Warning

Flash Flood Warning issued April 16 at 1:53PM EDT until April 17 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI

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

10 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 25m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused experience for 88% of this 188.4-mile journey. The primary roads guiding you are I-69, I-96, and I-75, suggesting a predominantly fast-paced drive. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 51.5 miles on I-69, providing a good opportunity to settle into a rhythm. While this profile indicates a consistent highway feel, the transition between these major interstates is generally smooth, keeping your momentum. It's a route designed for efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways.

88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 51.5 mi on I 69.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 69 and I 96. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 17.8 miles in.

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 17 significant decision points across 188.4 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 17.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 37.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 134.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

Between Fillmore, MI and Sterling Heights, MI, road signs point toward M 6 East: Lansing, Detroit and M 59 East: Utica.

M 6 East: Lansing

17.8 mi in | ~20m

Detroit

134.1 mi in | ~2h 23m

M 59 East: Utica

173.6 mi in | ~3h 6m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 25m. Total distance: 188.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 51.5 miles on I 69. 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 17.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 37.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 134.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.9 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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