Origin
Comstock Park, MI
Evening in Comstock Park on Sunday
Local time
5:23 PM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Comstock Park, MI to Sterling Heights, MI
Drive Time
3h 4m
Distance
168.4 mi
271 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 53m
★
6 AM
3h 5m
8 AM
3h 28m
10 AM
3h 13m
12 PM
3h 10m
3 PM
3h 14m
5 PM
3h 26m
8 PM
2h 58m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Comstock Park, MI
fish socks
Sterling Heights, MI
fish socks
Trip Overview
Connecting Comstock Park to Sterling Heights, this 168.4-mile journey across Michigan is a straightforward transit through the Midwest. You can expect to spend about 3 hours and 4 minutes on the road, making this a very manageable single-day trip. By utilizing I-96, I-69, and I-75, you’ll stay on major thoroughfares for the vast majority of your travel. Budget roughly $26 for fuel to complete the trek. Since the entire route stays within Michigan, you won't face any regional transitions, but the shift from the western side of the state toward the metro Detroit area is notable. It is a practical, efficient drive that doesn't require an overnight stay.
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
84.2 miles from Comstock Park, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 31m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is heavily focused on highway travel, with 89% of your journey spent on high-speed interstates. You will settle into a rhythm quickly, especially during the longest uninterrupted stretch of 57.4 miles along I-96. The road maintains a consistent, highway-focused personality that favors efficiency over winding backroads. While you will transition between several major interstates, the experience remains predictable and fast-paced. Expect a steady, interstate-heavy grind that helps you cover the distance quickly as you move from the Comstock Park area toward Sterling Heights.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 96 is the longest continuous segment at about 57.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 96 and I 69. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.5 miles in.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 168.4 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 2.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
2.5 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Take the exit toward I 96 East, M 37 South: Lansing
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 89A
Toward I 96 East, M 37 South: Lansing
7
114.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 1m 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
6
114.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 2m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Detroit
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Detroit
7
153.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 44m 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
163.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 55m 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
Towns Along This Route
Between Comstock Park, MI and Sterling Heights, MI, road signs point toward Detroit and M 59 East: Utica.
Detroit
114.1 mi in
|
~2h 1m
M 59 East: Utica
153.6 mi in
|
~2h 44m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 96 | 57.4 mi | 1h 1m |
| I 69 | 51.5 mi | 52m |
| I 75 | 38.7 mi | 41m |
| M 59 | 9.6 mi | 10m |
| Mound Road | 3.5 mi | 5m |
| US 131 | 1.6 mi | 1m |
| 17 Mile Road | 1 mi | 1m |
| North Division Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 96
— 57.4 mi, about 1h 1m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Comstock Park, MI and Sterling Heights, MI.
1
Start on Bud Drive Northeast
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Bud Drive Northeast
2
Turn right onto North Division Avenue
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
North Division Avenue
3
Turn left onto West River Drive Northeast
484 ft
·
15 sec
·
West River Drive Northeast
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Toward US 131 South: Kalamazoo
5
Merge onto US 131
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
US 131
Use the none lane.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
Exit 89A
Toward I 96 East, M 37 South: Lansing
Use the right lane.
7
Merge onto I 96; M 37
57 mi
·
1 hr 1 min
·
I 96; M 37
Use the none lane.
8
Take the exit
2.5 mi
·
2 min
Exit 89
Toward I 69 East: Flint
9
Merge onto I 69
52 mi
·
52 min
·
I 69
Use the none lane.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Toward I 75, US 23: Saginaw, Detroit
Use the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Detroit
12
Merge onto I 75; US 23
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
I 75; US 23
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
37 mi
·
39 min
·
I 75
Use the none lane.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
47 sec
Exit 77A
Toward M 59 East: Utica
Use the right lane.
15
Merge onto M 59
9.6 mi
·
10 min
·
M 59
Use the none lane.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 50
Toward Mound Road, Merrill Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on Dobry Drive
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
Dobry Drive
Use the none lane.
18
Turn right onto Mound Road
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Mound Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Continue on Mound Road
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
Mound Road
20
Turn right onto 17 Mile Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
17 Mile Road
21
Arrive at destination
17 Mile Road
Trip Plan
Because this is a relatively short drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. Plan for at least one stop during your 3-hour journey to keep your energy levels up and break up the interstate monotony. Traffic density will likely increase as you approach your destination, so keep an eye on your timing to avoid peak congestion. With a total fuel cost of $26, it is easy to budget for a round trip if you are heading back shortly after arriving. Take advantage of the single planned stop to refuel or stretch your legs midway through the 168.4-mile trip to ensure a comfortable arrival in Sterling Heights.
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 84.2 miles from Comstock Park, MI, or about 1h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 57.4 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 80 miles or 1h 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84.2 miles or 1h 31m 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 28m
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 Comstock Park, 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 Comstock Park, MI
This is one driving day of about 168.4 miles and 3h 4m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Comstock Park, 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 96 for about 57.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 84.2 mi from Comstock Park, MI · 1h 31m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 84.2 miles from Comstock Park, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Sterling Heights, MI
The final approach into Sterling Heights, MI usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Sterling Heights, MI.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.58 one way
$51.16 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
59 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $28.20 | $56.39 |
| premium | $4.80 | $31.79 | $63.58 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $37.41 | $74.83 |
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, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 50.5 | 0 | $17.68 | $8.08 |
| Efficient EV | 42.1 | 0 | $14.74 | $6.74 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 67.4 | 0 | $23.58 | $10.78 |
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.
Destination
Sterling Heights, MI
Evening in Sterling Heights on Sunday
Local time
5:23 PM
EDT
Current temp
48°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
21 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 4m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Comstock Park, MI to Sterling Heights, MI covers 168.4 miles and takes about 3h 4m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 96, I 69, I 75. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 84.2 miles from Comstock Park, MI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.58 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 168.4 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Comstock Park, MI and Sterling Heights, MI, road signs point toward Detroit and M 59 East: Utica.
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Return Trip
Sterling Heights, MI to Comstock Park, MIPlan the drive back the other way.
164.8 mi
3h 3m
Continue From Sterling Heights, MI
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