Origin
Sterling Heights, MI
Evening in Sterling Heights on Thursday
Local time
6:15 PM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Sterling Heights, MI to Stony Point, MI
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
3h 3m
Distance
145.6 mi
234 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$23
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 52m
★
6 AM
3h 3m
8 AM
3h 26m
10 AM
3h 11m
12 PM
3h 9m
3 PM
3h 12m
5 PM
3h 25m
8 PM
2h 56m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Sterling Heights, MI
fish socks
Stony Point, MI
Marian Florinel Condruz
Trip Overview
This 145.6-mile journey from Sterling Heights, MI to Stony Point, MI is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that can easily be completed in about 3 hours. With a fuel cost estimated at $23, it's an economical day trip option, meaning you won't need to worry about overnight accommodations. The route primarily uses I-96 and I-69, making it a familiar Midwest driving experience. You'll spend most of your time on well-maintained interstates, so pack some good tunes and be prepared for a quick transition between these 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
72.8 miles from Sterling Heights, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 23m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 3m. Total distance: 145.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for this trip, with 67% of the route utilizing major interstates like I-96 and the Walter P. Reuther Freeway. The majority of your time will be spent on faster roads, including a significant uninterrupted stretch of 65.9 miles on I-96. While the focus is on efficient travel, the transition between these main arteries offers a slight change in the driving experience. This isn't a winding, scenic byway, but rather a direct connection designed for getting you to your destination with minimal fuss.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 30 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 65.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 96 and Walter P Reuther Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 7.2 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 19 significant decision points across 145.6 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 7.2 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.5 miles (Southbound Mound Road to I-696 West): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.9 miles (I 696 / Walter P Reuther Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
7.2 mi into trip
|
~11m in
Take the ramp toward I 696: Lansing, Port Huron
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 696: Lansing, Port Huron
7
7.5 mi into trip
|
~12m in
|
Southbound Mound Road to I-696 West
Keep slight right at fork onto Southbound Mound Road to I-696 West toward I 696 West: Lansing
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 696 West: Lansing
5
7.9 mi into trip
|
~13m in
|
I 696 / Walter P Reuther Freeway
Merge onto I 696 / Walter P Reuther Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
47.6 mi into trip
|
~56m in
|
I 96
Keep slight left at fork onto I 96
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
95.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 47m in
Take the exit toward Lansing Rd SOUTH
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 98A
Toward Lansing Rd SOUTH
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Sterling Heights, MI and Stony Point, MI, road signs point toward Lansing Rd South and Charlotte.
Lansing Rd South
95.6 mi in
|
~1h 47m
Charlotte
107.2 mi in
|
~2h 1m
|
via I 69 BL
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 96 | 65.9 mi | 1h 10m |
| Walter P Reuther Freeway | 21.8 mi | 23m |
| I 69 | 8.9 mi | 9m |
| West Lawrence Highway | 8.1 mi | 12m |
| Lacey Road | 6.7 mi | 9m |
| Mound Road | 6.2 mi | 10m |
| East Pifer Road | 5.5 mi | 7m |
| South Ionia Road | 4 mi | 9m |
Longest stretch:
I 96
— 65.9 mi, about 1h 10m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sterling Heights, MI and Stony Point, MI.
1
Start on 17 Mile Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
17 Mile Road
2
Turn right onto Mound Road
302 ft
·
5 sec
·
Mound Road
3
Continue on Mound Road
6.0 mi
·
9 min
·
Mound Road
Use the right lane.
4
Keep slight left at fork onto Mound Road
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
Mound Road
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward I 696: Lansing, Port Huron
6
Keep slight right at fork onto Southbound Mound Road to I-696 West
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
Southbound Mound Road to I-696 West
Toward I 696 West: Lansing
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 696
22 mi
·
23 min
·
Walter P Reuther Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 96
18 mi
·
19 min
·
I 96
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 96
48 mi
·
51 min
·
I 96
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 98A
Toward Lansing Rd SOUTH
Use the slight right lane.
11
Turn straight onto Lansing Road
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Lansing Road
12
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Toward I 69 South: Ft Wayne
13
Merge onto I 69
8.9 mi
·
9 min
·
I 69
14
Take the exit onto I 69 BL
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
·
I 69 BL
Toward BL I 69: Lansing Rd, Charlotte
15
Turn right onto I 69 BL
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Lansing Street
16
Continue on I 69 BL
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
East Lawrence Avenue
17
Continue on M 79
8.1 mi
·
12 min
·
West Lawrence Highway
18
Turn left onto South Ionia Road
4.0 mi
·
9 min
·
South Ionia Road
19
Turn right onto Five Point Highway
3.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Five Point Highway
20
Continue on Butler Road
3.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Butler Road
21
Turn left onto M 66
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
South M-66 Highway
22
Turn right onto Lacey Road
6.7 mi
·
9 min
·
Lacey Road
23
Continue on East Pifer Road
5.5 mi
·
7 min
·
East Pifer Road
24
Continue on Kingsbury Road
0.6 mi
·
47 sec
·
Kingsbury Road
25
Continue on Orchard Road
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Orchard Road
26
Continue on East Orchard Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Orchard Street
27
Turn right onto M 43
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
·
North Grove Street
28
Turn left onto Delton Road
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Delton Road
29
Turn left onto Stoney Point Drive
0.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Stoney Point Drive
30
Arrive at destination
Stoney Point Drive
Trip Plan
Given its 3-hour duration, this route is ideal for a day trip, so you have the flexibility to leave whenever suits you best. Plan your one recommended stop strategically, perhaps around the halfway point, to break up the drive. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer 65.9-mile stretch on I-96, as services can be spaced out on interstates. The estimated fuel cost of $23 is a good baseline, but always factor in potential price fluctuations. Starting your journey in the morning will allow you to arrive with plenty of daylight.
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 72.8 miles from Sterling Heights, MI, or about 1h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 65.9 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 32 miles or 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 72.8 miles or 1h 23m 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 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Stony Point, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Sterling Heights, 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 Sterling Heights, MI
This is one driving day of about 145.6 miles and 3h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Sterling Heights, 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 65.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 72.8 mi from Sterling Heights, MI · 1h 23m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
73 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 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 72.8 miles from Sterling Heights, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 96 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 65.9 miles.
Arriving in Stony Point, MI
The final approach into Stony Point, 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 Stony Point, 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
$22.76 one way
$45.53 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
51 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $24.99 | $49.99 |
| premium | $4.89 | $28.02 | $56.04 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $32.15 | $64.29 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 50.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 43.7 | 0 | $15.29 | $6.99 |
| Efficient EV | 36.4 | 0 | $12.74 | $5.82 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 58.2 | 0 | $20.38 | $9.32 |
Gas CO2
51 kg
EV CO2
17 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.
Destination
Stony Point, MI
Evening in Stony Point on Thursday
Local time
6:15 PM
EDT
Current temp
45°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
23 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 3m 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 Sterling Heights, MI to Stony Point, MI covers 145.6 miles and takes about 3h 3m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 96, Walter P Reuther Freeway, I 69. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 72.8 miles from Sterling Heights, MI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $22.76 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 19 significant decision points across 145.6 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 7.2 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.5 miles (Southbound Mound Road to I-696 West): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.9 miles (I 696 / Walter P Reuther Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Sterling Heights, MI and Stony Point, MI, road signs point toward Lansing Rd South and Charlotte.
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