Cleveland to Malta is 157.7 miles and takes about 3h 17m via I 77 and State Route 21, with a fuel budget near $24 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive primarily stays within the Midwest, taking you from Ohio's urban center into more rural landscapes. Given its relatively short duration and focus on major roadways, this trip is well-suited for a single-day excursion. You'll spend most of your time on highways, making it a straightforward journey. Consider this route if you're looking for an efficient drive to reach your destination.
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
78.8 miles from Cleveland, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 41m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 17m. Total distance: 157.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This trip is largely a highway-focused drive, with 83% of the route utilizing major highways like I 77 and Willow Freeway. You'll experience a significant stretch of 55.9 miles on I 77 without needing to divert, allowing for consistent momentum. As you transition to State Route 21, the character may shift slightly, but the overall feel remains one of efficient travel. Expect a driving experience that prioritizes covering ground over intricate local exploration.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 23 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 55.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 77 and State Route 21. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near US 422; SR 8; SR 14; SR 43; SR 87 / Ontario Street.
Driving Effort6/10
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 157.7 miles you will encounter 15 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 (US 422; SR 8; SR 14; SR 43; SR 87 / Ontario Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.7 miles (SR 10): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 27.9 miles (SR 21 / State Route 21): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.2 mi into trip|~1m in|US 422; SR 8; SR 14; SR 43; SR 87 / Ontario Street
Turn right onto US 422; SR 8; SR 14; SR 43; SR 87 / Ontario Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
1.7 mi into trip|~4m in|SR 10
Take the ramp onto SR 10 toward I 77 South, I 490: Akron
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 77 South, I 490: Akron
6
27.9 mi into trip|~36m in|SR 21 / State Route 21
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 21 / State Route 21
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7
69.4 mi into trip|~1h 30m in|US 250
Take the exit onto US 250
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
131.9 mi into trip|~2h 38m in
Take the exit toward SR 78: Caldwell, Woodsfield
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 25
Toward SR 78: Caldwell, Woodsfield
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 Cleveland, OH to Malta, OH, road signs begin pointing toward Woodsfield along the way.
Woodsfield
131.9 mi in|~2h 38m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 77
55.9 mi
59m
State Route 21
28.7 mi
35m
Willow Freeway
26 mi
31m
McConnelsville Road
24.4 mi
36m
US 62
9.8 mi
15m
US 250
9.6 mi
11m
Ontario Street
0.8 mi
1m
Orange Avenue
0.7 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 77
— 55.9 mi, about 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cleveland, OH and Malta, OH.
1
Start on Frankfort Avenue
156 ft·12 sec·Frankfort Avenue
2
Turn left onto West 3rd Street
339 ft·16 sec·West 3rd Street
3
Turn left onto US 6; US 20; US 42; SR 3
315 ft·14 sec·West Superior Avenue
4
Turn right onto US 6; US 20
503 ft·23 sec·West Roadway
5
Turn right onto US 422; SR 8; SR 14; SR 43; SR 87
0.8 mi·1 min·Ontario Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Continue on US 422; SR 8; SR 10; SR 14; SR 43; SR 87
0.7 mi·1 min·Orange Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
7
Take the ramp onto SR 10
0.2 mi·27 sec·SR 10
Toward I 77 South, I 490: AkronUse the straight lane.
8
Merge onto I 77; SR 10
26 mi·31 min·Willow Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 21
29 mi·35 min·State Route 21
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
10
Turn straight onto US 62; SR 21
9.8 mi·15 min·US 62; SR 21
11
Continue on US 250
3.0 mi·3 min·US 250
12
Take the exit onto US 250
6.6 mi·7 min·US 250
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 77
56 mi·59 min·I 77
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi·55 sec
Exit 25Toward SR 78: Caldwell, WoodsfieldUse the slight right lane.
15
Turn right onto SR 78
24 mi·36 min·McConnelsville Road
16
Continue on SR 78
249 ft·4 sec·North 8th Street
17
Continue on SR 78
0.3 mi·25 sec·North 7th Street
18
Turn right onto SR 60; SR 78; SR 376
371 ft·6 sec·East Main Street
19
Continue on SR 60; SR 78
0.2 mi·25 sec·West Main Street
20
Turn left onto 3rd Street
0.1 mi·19 sec·3rd Street
21
At end of road, turn right onto Front Street
0.2 mi·31 sec·Front Street
22
Turn left onto 5th Street
341 ft·15 sec·5th Street
23
Arrive at destination
5th Street
Trip Plan
With a drive time of just over 3 hours, this route offers plenty of flexibility for departure. Leaving Cleveland in the morning will get you to Malta with ample time to spare. The longest stretch without a major change is 55.9 miles on I 77, so plan any necessary stops before or after this segment. Given the $24 fuel cost estimate, it's wise to ensure you have a full tank before departing Cleveland to minimize potential detours for gas. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach Malta, as services may be more spread out in the latter part of the drive.
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 78.8 miles from Cleveland, OH, or about 1h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 55.9 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 35 miles or 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 78.8 miles or 1h 41m 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 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Malta, OH than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cleveland, 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 Cleveland, OH
This is one driving day of about 157.7 miles and 3h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Cleveland, 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 55.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 78.8 mi from Cleveland, OH
· 1h 41m into the drive
The midpoint is around 78.8 miles from Cleveland, OH, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Malta, OH
The final approach into Malta, 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 Malta, OH.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
National Park
Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife, and provides routes of discov...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 16.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.47 one way
$48.95 round trip
$3.94/gal25.4 MPG avg55 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.38
$27.16
$54.33
premium
$4.91
$30.48
$60.96
diesel
$5.61
$34.82
$69.64
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 55.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
47.3
0
$16.56
$7.57
Efficient EV
39.4
0
$13.80
$6.31
EV Truck/SUV
63.1
0
$22.08
$10.09
Gas CO2
55 kg
EV CO2
18 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Cleveland, OH
Morning
in Cleveland on Friday
Local time
8:12 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Malta, OH
Morning
in Malta on Friday
Local time
8:12 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Dover, OH
79 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
12 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 17m 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 Cleveland, OH to Malta, OH covers 157.7 miles and takes about 3h 17m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 77, State Route 21, Willow 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 78.8 miles from Cleveland, OH. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.47 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 157.7 miles you will encounter 15 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 (US 422; SR 8; SR 14; SR 43; SR 87 / Ontario Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.7 miles (SR 10): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 27.9 miles (SR 21 / State Route 21): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Cleveland, OH to Malta, OH, road signs begin pointing toward Woodsfield along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap.
Fuel cost uses
EIA
weekly regional averages.
National park proximity is from the
NPS API.
Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our
methodology page
documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
