Origin
Columbus, OH
Evening in Columbus on Sunday
Local time
6:55 PM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Columbus, OH to Youngstown, OH
Drive Time
3h 19m
Distance
173 mi
278 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 7m
★
6 AM
3h 19m
8 AM
3h 43m
10 AM
3h 28m
12 PM
3h 25m
3 PM
3h 29m
5 PM
3h 42m
8 PM
3h 12m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Columbus, OH
Andy Staver
Trip Overview
Connecting Columbus to Youngstown is a straightforward 173-mile journey that typically takes about 3 hours and 19 minutes. Because this is a compact trip across the Ohio Midwest, it is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $26 on fuel for the round trip, making it an affordable option for travelers. The route relies heavily on major interstate infrastructure, ensuring a direct path between these two cities. Whether you are heading out for business or a quick change of scenery, the simplicity of this drive allows for plenty of flexibility in your schedule.
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
86.5 miles from Columbus, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 37m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highly efficient, highway-focused experience, as 98% of your travel takes place on major interstates. You will primarily navigate I-71, I-76, and I-680, which provide a consistent pace for the duration of the trip. The longest uninterrupted segment you will encounter is a 99.5-mile stretch along I-71, allowing you to settle into a steady rhythm behind the wheel. Because this route is designed for speed rather than winding backroads, it functions as a utilitarian transit between regions. You should prepare for a standard interstate driving experience that prioritizes getting you to your destination quickly and reliably.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 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 99.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and I 76. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.4 miles in.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 173 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 1.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
1.4 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Take the ramp toward I 71, I 670 East
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward I 71, I 670 East
8
1.4 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 71 North, I 670 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 71 North, I 670 East
7
1.8 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 71 North: Cleveland
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 71 North: Cleveland
8
101.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 54m in
Take the exit toward I 76, US 224: Lodi, Akron
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 209A-B
Toward I 76, US 224: Lodi, Akron
9
101.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 54m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 76, US 224 East: Akron
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 209A
Toward I 76, US 224 East: Akron
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Columbus, OH to Youngstown, OH, road signs begin pointing toward Akron along the way.
Akron
101.6 mi in
|
~1h 54m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 71 | 99.5 mi | 1h 47m |
| I 76 | 57.6 mi | 1h 6m |
| I 680 | 5.9 mi | 8m |
| I 80 | 4 mi | 4m |
| Kenmore Expressway | 1.9 mi | 2m |
| Market Street | 0.6 mi | <1m |
| East Long Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Cleveland Avenue | 0.4 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 99.5 mi, about 1h 47m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbus, OH and Youngstown, OH.
1
Start on this road
77 ft
·
5 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto East State Street
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
·
East State Street
3
Turn right onto South High Street
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
South High Street
Use the right lane.
4
Turn right onto US 33
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Long Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Turn left onto SR 3
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Cleveland Avenue
Use the left lane.
6
Take the ramp
197 ft
·
4 sec
Toward I 71, I 670 East
Use the right lane.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Toward I 71 North, I 670 East
Use the slight left lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward I 71 North: Cleveland
Use the slight left lane.
9
Merge onto I 71
100 mi
·
1 hr 47 min
·
I 71
Use the none lane.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 209A-B
Toward I 76, US 224: Lodi, Akron
Use the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 209A
Toward I 76, US 224 East: Akron
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 76; US 224
17 mi
·
20 min
·
I 76; US 224
Use the none lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Kenmore Expressway
Use the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
I 76
Toward I 76 East: Akron
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 76; I 77
39 mi
·
43 min
·
I 76; I 77
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 80
4.0 mi
·
4 min
·
I 80
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 680
5.9 mi
·
8 min
·
I 680
Toward I 680: Youngstown
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
19
Turn sharp left onto Market Street
0.6 mi
·
59 sec
·
Market Street
20
Keep slight right at fork onto Central Square
124 ft
·
2 sec
·
Central Square
21
Arrive at destination
Central Square
Trip Plan
Since the total drive time is just over three hours, you have the advantage of being able to depart whenever it best suits your plans without needing an elaborate itinerary. While the trip is short enough to drive in one go, scheduling at least one stop is recommended to break up the monotony of the interstate. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before merging onto the longer highway segments to ensure you aren't caught off guard by fluctuating prices. Planning your departure to avoid peak commuter traffic in the Columbus area will help you maintain your estimated arrival time. Remember that the route is heavily reliant on I-71, so check for any major interstate construction or closures before you leave your driveway.
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 86.5 miles from Columbus, OH, or about 1h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.5 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 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 86.5 miles or 1h 37m 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 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Youngstown, OH than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Columbus, 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 Columbus, OH
This is one driving day of about 173 miles and 3h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Columbus, 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 99.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 86.5 mi from Columbus, OH · 1h 37m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
87 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 86.5 miles from Columbus, OH, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 71 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 99.5 miles.
Arriving in Youngstown, OH
The final approach into Youngstown, 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 Youngstown, 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
$25.88 one way
$51.75 round trip
$3.80/gal
25.4 MPG avg
61 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.24 | $28.89 | $57.78 |
| premium | $4.79 | $32.62 | $65.25 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $38.43 | $76.87 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 60.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 51.9 | 0 | $18.17 | $8.30 |
| Efficient EV | 43.3 | 0 | $15.14 | $6.92 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 69.2 | 0 | $24.22 | $11.07 |
Gas CO2
61 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
Youngstown, OH
Evening in Youngstown on Sunday
Local time
6:55 PM
EDT
Current temp
55°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
20 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 19m 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 Columbus, OH to Youngstown, OH covers 173 miles and takes about 3h 19m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 71, I 76, I 680. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 86.5 miles from Columbus, OH. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.88 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 18 significant decision points across 173 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 1.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Columbus, OH to Youngstown, OH, road signs begin pointing toward Akron along the way.
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