Origin
Chester, OH
Afternoon in Chester on Friday
Local time
2:33 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Chester, OH to Akron, OH
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 14m
Distance
171.8 mi
277 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 3m
★
6 AM
3h 15m
8 AM
3h 39m
10 AM
3h 23m
12 PM
3h 21m
3 PM
3h 24m
5 PM
3h 37m
8 PM
3h 8m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Chester, OH
Jovan Vasiljević
Trip Overview
Chester, OH to Akron, OH is 171.8 miles and takes about 3h 14m via I 77 and SR 7, with a fuel budget near $27 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward drive primarily within Ohio, taking you from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. Given its relatively short duration and highway-focused profile, this trip is ideal for a single-day journey. You'll spend most of your time on major roadways, making it a practical option for getting from point A to point B efficiently. Consider this route if you're looking for a quick and uncomplicated transit between these two Ohio 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
85.9 miles from Chester, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 38m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 14m. Total distance: 171.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This drive is predominantly a highway-focused experience, with 96% of the route utilizing major roads like I 77 and SR 7. You'll encounter one significant stretch of uninterrupted driving for 136.8 miles on I 77, suggesting long periods of consistent speed. The character of the drive is largely consistent, offering a predictable experience for much of the journey. Expect a smooth and efficient transit, as the route prioritizes direct travel on well-maintained highways.
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 77 is the longest continuous segment at about 136.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 77 and SR 7. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near SR 7.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 171.8 miles you will encounter 13 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 0.2 miles (SR 7): Lane positioning matters here; at 21.9 miles (US 50): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22.1 miles (US 50): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
SR 7
Turn right onto SR 7
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
21.9 mi into trip
|
~26m in
|
US 50
Take the exit onto US 50 toward US 50, SR 339: Parkersburg, Beverly
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 50, SR 339: Parkersburg, Beverly
7
22.1 mi into trip
|
~26m in
|
US 50
Keep slight left at fork onto US 50 toward US 50 East: Parkersburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 50 East: Parkersburg
5
33.5 mi into trip
|
~40m in
|
I 77; WV 2
Merge onto I 77; WV 2
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
170.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 10m in
Take the exit toward Carroll Street, Buchtel Avenue
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 1A
Toward Carroll Street, Buchtel Avenue
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Chester, OH to Akron, OH, road signs begin pointing toward Beverly along the way.
Beverly
21.9 mi in
|
~26m
|
via US 50
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 77 | 136.8 mi | 2h 30m |
| SR 7 | 21.8 mi | 25m |
| US 50 | 6.7 mi | 8m |
| Corridor D | 4.7 mi | 5m |
| East Mill Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Fountain Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| South Forge Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| State Route 248 | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 77
— 136.8 mi, about 2h 30m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chester, OH and Akron, OH.
1
Start on SR 248
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
State Route 248
2
Turn right onto SR 7
21 mi
·
24 min
·
SR 7
Use the straight lane.
3
Keep slight right at fork onto US 50; SR 7; SR 32
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
US 50; SR 7; SR 32
4
Take the exit onto US 50
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
US 50
Toward US 50, SR 339: Parkersburg, Beverly
5
Keep slight left at fork onto US 50
6.5 mi
·
8 min
·
US 50
Toward US 50 East: Parkersburg
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto US 50
4.7 mi
·
5 min
·
Corridor D
7
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
8
Merge onto I 77; WV 2
137 mi
·
2 hr 30 min
·
I 77; WV 2
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Exit 1A
Toward Carroll Street, Buchtel Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
10
Turn straight onto Fountain Street
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
Fountain Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
11
Continue on Fountain Street
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
Fountain Street
12
Turn left onto SR 18
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
East Market Street
13
Turn left onto South Forge Street
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
South Forge Street
14
Continue on East Mill Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Mill Street
15
Enter roundabout onto South Main Street
162 ft
·
3 sec
·
South Main Street
16
Continue on South Main Street
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
South Main Street
17
Turn right onto West Bowery Street
72 ft
·
1 sec
·
West Bowery Street
18
Arrive at destination
West Bowery Street
Trip Plan
With a total drive time of just over 3 hours, this trip is easily manageable in a single day, allowing for a flexible departure time. Given the 171.8-mile distance, you won't need to worry about splitting the journey. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before departing, as the longest stretch on I 77 is quite substantial at 136.8 miles. While there's only one recommended stop, plan for a brief break around the halfway point to stretch your legs and stay alert. The $27 fuel cost estimate is helpful for budgeting your travel expenses.
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 85.9 miles from Chester, OH, or about 1h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 136.8 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 38 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 85.9 miles or 1h 38m 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 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Akron, OH than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Chester, 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 Chester, OH
This is one driving day of about 171.8 miles and 3h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Chester, 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 77 for about 136.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 85.9 mi from Chester, OH · 1h 38m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
86 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 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 85.9 miles from Chester, OH, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 77 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 136.8 miles.
Arriving in Akron, OH
The final approach into Akron, 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 Akron, OH.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.66 one way
$53.33 round trip
$3.94/gal
25.4 MPG avg
60 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.38 | $29.59 | $59.18 |
| premium | $4.91 | $33.20 | $66.41 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $37.93 | $75.86 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 60.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 51.5 | 0 | $18.04 | $8.25 |
| Efficient EV | 43 | 0 | $15.03 | $6.87 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 68.7 | 0 | $24.05 | $11.00 |
Gas CO2
60 kg
EV CO2
20 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
Akron, OH
Afternoon in Akron on Friday
Local time
2:33 PM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
48°F
Caldwell, OH
86 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
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 14m 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 Chester, OH to Akron, OH covers 171.8 miles and takes about 3h 14m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 77, SR 7, US 50. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 85.9 miles from Chester, OH. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $26.66 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 171.8 miles you will encounter 13 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 0.2 miles (SR 7): Lane positioning matters here; at 21.9 miles (US 50): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22.1 miles (US 50): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Chester, OH to Akron, OH, road signs begin pointing toward Beverly along the way.
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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