Origin
Ida, MI
Evening in Ida on Friday
Local time
5:10 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ida, MI to Sterling Heights, MI
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 33m
Distance
70.2 mi
113 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$11
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 26m
★
6 AM
1h 33m
8 AM
1h 47m
10 AM
1h 38m
12 PM
1h 37m
3 PM
1h 39m
5 PM
1h 47m
8 PM
1h 29m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ida, MI
fish socks
Sterling Heights, MI
fish socks
Trip Overview
This straightforward 70.2-mile drive from Ida, MI to Sterling Heights, MI is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 33 minutes. You'll primarily be on major roadways like the Detroit-Toledo Expressway and Fisher Freeway, with 65% of the journey on highways. With an estimated fuel cost of $11, this route offers an economical way to travel within the Midwest region. Given its relatively short duration and focused highway profile, it's an efficient option for getting between these two Michigan locations without needing an overnight stop.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
35.1 miles from Ida, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 46m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 33m. Total distance: 70.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (65%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this 70.2-mile journey. Sixty-five percent of your drive will be on high-speed roads, including stretches on the Detroit-Toledo Expressway, Fisher Freeway, and North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway. The longest uninterrupted segment you'll encounter is 16.6 miles on the Detroit-Toledo Expressway. This profile suggests a relatively consistent driving pace, minimizing time spent on slower, local roads as you make your way north.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Detroit-Toledo Expressway is the longest continuous segment at about 16.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Detroit-Toledo Expressway and Fisher Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 45.7 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 70.2 miles you will encounter 21 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 45.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 47.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 48 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 21 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
45.7 mi into trip
|
~58m in
Take the exit toward I 96 West: Lansing, Michigan Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 48
Toward I 96 West: Lansing, Michigan Avenue
8
47.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 1m in
Take the exit toward I 94 West, I 94 East: Chicago, 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 190A
Toward I 94 West, I 94 East: Chicago, Port Huro...
8
48 mi into trip
|
~1h 2m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 94 East: Port Huron
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 94 East: Port Huron
8
50.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 5m 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.
Exit 216A
Toward I 75: Flint, Toledo
8
58.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 15m 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
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Ida, MI and Sterling Heights, MI, road signs point toward Port Huron, Toledo and Mound Road North.
Port Huron
47.8 mi in
|
~1h 1m
Toledo
50.3 mi in
|
~1h 5m
Mound Road North
62.6 mi in
|
~1h 20m
|
via I-696 East to Northbound Mound Road
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit-Toledo Expressway | 16.6 mi | 17m |
| Fisher Freeway | 12.8 mi | 14m |
| North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway | 7.8 mi | 8m |
| M 50 | 7.7 mi | 11m |
| Mound Road | 5.9 mi | 9m |
| South Telegraph Road | 3.9 mi | 6m |
| Walter P Reuther Freeway | 3.1 mi | 3m |
| Lewis Avenue | 2.5 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
Detroit-Toledo Expressway
— 16.6 mi, about 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ida, MI and Sterling Heights, MI.
1
Start on Lewis Avenue
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Lewis Avenue
2
Turn right onto M 50
7.7 mi
·
11 min
·
M 50
3
Turn left onto US 24
3.9 mi
·
6 min
·
South Telegraph Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Turn right onto Heiss Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Heiss Road
5
Turn left onto M 125
455 ft
·
11 sec
·
North Monroe Street
6
Turn right onto Nadeau Road
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Nadeau Road
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Toward I 75 North: Detroit
8
Merge onto I 75
17 mi
·
17 min
·
Detroit-Toledo Expressway
9
Continue on I 75
11 mi
·
12 min
·
Fisher Freeway
Toward I 75
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Fisher Freeway
11
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
47 sec
Exit 48
Toward I 96 West: Lansing, Michigan Avenue
Use the slight left lane.
12
Continue on I 96
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Jeffries Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 190A
Toward I 94 West, I 94 East: Chicago, Port Huron
Use the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Toward I 94 East: Port Huron
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 94
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Edsel Ford Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
302 ft
·
5 sec
Exit 216A
Toward I 75: Flint, Toledo
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 75 North: Flint
Use the slight left lane.
18
Merge onto I 75
7.8 mi
·
8 min
·
North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Exit 61
Toward I 696: Lansing, Port Huron
Use the slight right lane.
20
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.
21
Continue on I 696
3.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Walter P Reuther Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
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.
23
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.
24
Turn straight onto Mound Road
5.9 mi
·
9 min
·
Mound Road
25
Turn right onto 17 Mile Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
17 Mile Road
26
Arrive at destination
17 Mile Road
Trip Plan
This 1 hour and 33-minute drive is short enough to allow for flexibility in your departure time. Since there are no recommended stops, you can easily adjust your schedule based on traffic or personal needs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially if you plan on doing any additional driving upon arrival; the estimated fuel cost is around $11 for the 70.2 miles. A good tip for this route is to check real-time traffic conditions before you leave, as the Detroit-area freeways can experience congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 35.1 miles from Ida, MI, or about 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 16.6 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 15 miles or 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 35.1 miles or 46m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 16m
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 Ida, MI so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Ida, MI
This is one driving day of about 70.2 miles and 1h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 15 miles from Ida, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Detroit-Toledo Expressway for about 16.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 35.1 mi from Ida, MI · 46m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
35 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 15 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 35.1 miles from Ida, 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.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$10.97 one way
$21.95 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
25 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $12.05 | $24.10 |
| premium | $4.89 | $13.51 | $27.02 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $15.50 | $31.00 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$11
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$36–$61
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 24.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 21.1 | 0 | $7.37 | $3.37 |
| Efficient EV | 17.6 | 0 | $6.14 | $2.81 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 28.1 | 0 | $9.83 | $4.49 |
Gas CO2
25 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (68% 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 Friday
Local time
5:10 PM
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
19 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
1h 33m 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 Ida, MI to Sterling Heights, MI covers 70.2 miles and takes about 1h 33m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Detroit-Toledo Expressway, Fisher Freeway, North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 35.1 miles from Ida, MI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $10.97 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 70.2 miles you will encounter 21 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 45.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 47.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 48 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Ida, MI and Sterling Heights, MI, road signs point toward Port Huron, Toledo and Mound Road North.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh 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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