Trip from Akron, OH to Dayton, OH

Drive Time

3h 42m

Distance

195.1 mi

314 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$29

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min

4 AM

3h 30m ★

6 AM

3h 42m

8 AM

4h 7m

10 AM

3h 51m

12 PM

3h 49m

3 PM

3h 52m

5 PM

4h 6m

8 PM

3h 35m

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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Dayton, OH

Israyosoy S.

Trip Overview

Connecting Akron to Dayton is a straightforward 195.1-mile journey that typically takes about 3 hours and 42 minutes behind the wheel. Because the route is entirely within the Midwest, you will experience a consistent regional feel as you transition across Ohio. Budgeting approximately $29 for fuel makes this a budget-friendly option for a quick getaway. Since the drive is manageable in a single day, you can easily tackle it in one go without needing an overnight stay. It is a highly efficient trip, perfect for those who prioritize a direct, highway-focused travel experience over slow-paced backroads.

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

97.6 miles from Akron, OH

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 51m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a high-speed travel experience, as 97% of this trip consists of highway driving. You will spend the bulk of your time navigating via I-71, the West Freeway, and the Kenmore Expressway. The most significant portion of your journey involves a 98.8-mile stretch on I-71, which provides a long, uninterrupted flow for your commute. While the road’s personality is defined by interstate efficiency rather than winding scenic routes, the transitions between these major arteries keep the drive moving steadily. Prepare for a predictable, highway-focused grind that prioritizes speed and directness over technical or complex maneuvering.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 18 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 71 is the longest continuous segment at about 98.8 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and West Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.3 miles in near I 76 / Kenmore Expressway.

Route Complexity 10/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 195.1 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 3.3 miles (I 76 / Kenmore Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 123.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

3.3 mi into trip | ~5m in | I 76 / Kenmore Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 76 / Kenmore Expressway toward I 76 West: Barberton

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 76 West: Barberton

23.1 mi into trip | ~29m in

Take the exit toward I 71 South: Columbus

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 1A Toward I 71 South: Columbus

123.1 mi into trip | ~2h 19m in

Take the exit toward I 670 East, I 670 West: Airport, Dayton

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 109A Toward I 670 East, I 670 West: Airport, Dayton

182.7 mi into trip | ~3h 25m in | SR 4

Take the exit onto SR 4 toward SR 4, SR 235: Dayton, New Carlisle

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 41 Toward SR 4, SR 235: Dayton, New Carlisle

183 mi into trip | ~3h 25m in | SR 4

Keep slight left at fork onto SR 4 toward SR 4, SR 235 South: Dayton

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

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward SR 4, SR 235 South: Dayton

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Akron, OH to Dayton, OH, road signs begin pointing toward New Carlisle along the way.

New Carlisle

182.7 mi in | ~3h 25m | via SR 4

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 71	98.8 mi	1h 46m
West Freeway	54.2 mi	58m
Kenmore Expressway	19.8 mi	24m
SR 4	11.4 mi	14m
I 670	4.5 mi	5m
Innerbelt	1.8 mi	2m
I 76	1 mi	1m
North Main Street	0.8 mi	1m

Longest stretch: I 71 — 98.8 mi, about 1h 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Akron, OH and Dayton, OH.

Start on West Bowery Street

0.2 mi · 36 sec · West Bowery Street

Turn right onto West Center Street

0.2 mi · 37 sec · West Center Street

At end of road, turn left onto SR 59

0.1 mi · 15 sec · Rand Avenue

Turn straight onto SR 59

1.8 mi · 2 min · Innerbelt

Merge onto I 76; I 77

1.0 mi · 1 min · I 76; I 77

Use the none lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 76

20 mi · 24 min · Kenmore Expressway

Toward I 76 West: Barberton Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

1.2 mi · 2 min

Exit 1A Toward I 71 South: Columbus Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 71

99 mi · 1 hr 46 min · I 71

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 41 sec

Exit 109A Toward I 670 East, I 670 West: Airport, Dayton Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 36 sec

Toward I 670 West: Dayton Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 670

0.2 mi · 19 sec · Northeast Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 670

4.5 mi · 5 min · I 670

Use the none lane.

Merge onto I 70

54 mi · 58 min · West Freeway

Use the none lane.

Take the exit onto SR 4

0.3 mi · 42 sec · SR 4

Exit 41 Toward SR 4, SR 235: Dayton, New Carlisle Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto SR 4

11 mi · 14 min · SR 4

Toward SR 4, SR 235 South: Dayton Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec

Toward SR 48: Main Street, Grand Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn left onto SR 48

0.8 mi · 1 min · North Main Street

Use the left / straight lanes.

Arrive at destination

South Main Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 3 hour and 42 minute drive, aim to leave during off-peak hours to avoid potential congestion on the main interstates. With only one recommended stop planned, you have plenty of flexibility to decide where to pull over for a break or a quick meal. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge throughout the trip, keeping in mind that your total fuel cost will hover around $29. Because the longest stretch is nearly 100 miles, plan your single rest break somewhere near the midpoint of that I-71 segment to keep your energy levels high. This simple, one-day itinerary allows you to reach Dayton without the stress of over-planning.

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 97.6 miles from Akron, OH, or about 1h 51m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 98.8 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 80 miles or 1h 32m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 97.6 miles or 1h 51m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Dayton, OH than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Akron, OH 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 Akron, OH

This is one driving day of about 195.1 miles and 3h 42m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Akron, OH.

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 71 for about 98.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 97.6 mi from Akron, OH · 1h 51m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Mansfield, OH

98 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

Mansfield, OH

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Columbus, OH

Meal break

The midpoint is around 97.6 miles from Akron, OH, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 71 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 98.8 miles.

Arriving in Dayton, OH

The final approach into Dayton, OH 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 Dayton, OH.

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$29.18 one way

$58.36 round trip

$3.80/gal 25.4 MPG avg 68 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.24	$32.58	$65.17
premium	$4.79	$36.79	$73.58
diesel	$5.64	$43.34	$86.69

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: 68.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	58.5	$20.49	$9.36
Efficient EV	48.8	$17.07	$7.80
EV Truck/SUV	78	$27.31	$12.49

Gas CO2

68 kg

EV CO2

23 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Akron, OH

Night in Akron on Sunday

Local time

9:33 PM

EDT

Current temp

75°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Dayton, OH

Night in Dayton on Sunday

Local time

9:33 PM

EDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

54°F

Mansfield, OH

98 mi in

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

24 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 42m 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 Akron, OH to Dayton, OH covers 195.1 miles and takes about 3h 42m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 71, West Freeway, Kenmore Expressway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 97.6 miles from Akron, OH. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $29.18 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.

On the drive from Akron, OH to Dayton, OH, road signs begin pointing toward New Carlisle along the way.

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Trip from Akron, OH to Dayton, OH

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Dayton, OH

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Akron, OH

Dayton, OH

Same local time

24 degrees cooler at arrival

3h 42m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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