This 169.6-mile drive from Jackson Center, OH, to Akron, OH, is a straightforward 3-hour and 15-minute journey, making it an ideal day trip. You'll primarily navigate via I-71 and I-76, with a brief section on US-33, keeping you on well-maintained highways for most of the way. With an estimated fuel cost of $26, this trip is budget-friendly for a single day of travel. The route stays within the Midwest region, offering a consistent Midwestern driving experience. It's a practical choice if you're looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B without extensive planning.
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
84.8 miles from Jackson Center, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 39m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 15m. Total distance: 169.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 15m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for 80% of this trip, designed for steady progress. The main arteries, I-71 and I-76, provide a smooth, high-speed experience for much of the 169.6 miles. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a significant 78.1 miles on I-71, allowing for extended periods of consistent travel. While primarily interstate, the inclusion of US-33 offers a slight variation before you rejoin the faster highways. This route prioritizes efficient travel over winding scenic byways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 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 78.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and US 33. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 43.4 miles in near US 36.
Driving Effort9/10
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 12 significant decision points across 169.6 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 43.4 miles (US 36): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 145.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 145.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
43.4 mi into trip|~51m in|US 36
Take the exit onto US 36 toward US 36 East: Delaware
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 93
Toward US 36 East: Delaware
8
145.7 mi into trip|~2h 45m 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
145.9 mi into trip|~2h 45m 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
7
165.9 mi into trip|~3h 9m in|I 76
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76 toward I 76 East: Akron
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 76 East: Akron
8
167.1 mi into trip|~3h 11m in|SR 59 / Innerbelt
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 59 / Innerbelt toward SR 59 East: Downtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 21C
Toward SR 59 East: Downtown
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 71
78.1 mi
1h 23m
US 33
31.8 mi
35m
I 76
18.4 mi
22m
Delaware Avenue
14.4 mi
16m
Pike Street
11.6 mi
16m
State Route 37 East
5.9 mi
8m
West William Street
2.4 mi
2m
Innerbelt
2.1 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 78.1 mi, about 1h 23m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jackson Center, OH and Akron, OH.
1
Start on SR 65
91 ft·4 sec·South Main Street
2
Turn right onto SR 274
12 mi·16 min·Pike Street
3
Turn right onto US 33
32 mi·35 min·US 33
4
Take the exit onto US 36
0.3 mi·36 sec·US 36
Exit 93Toward US 36 East: DelawareUse the slight right lane.
5
Turn left onto US 36
14 mi·16 min·Delaware Avenue
6
Continue on US 36
2.4 mi·2 min·West William Street
7
Continue on US 36; SR 37; SR 521
0.9 mi·1 min·Sunbury Road
8
Continue on US 36; SR 37
5.9 mi·8 min·State Route 37 East
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi·39 sec
10
Merge onto I 71
78 mi·1 hr 23 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 209A-BToward I 76, US 224: Lodi, AkronUse the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 209AToward I 76, US 224 East: AkronUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 76; US 224
17 mi·20 min·I 76; US 224
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76
1.9 mi·2 min·Kenmore Expressway
Use the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76
1.2 mi·1 min·I 76
Toward I 76 East: AkronUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 59
2.1 mi·2 min·Innerbelt
Exit 21CToward SR 59 East: DowntownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on SR 59
406 ft·13 sec·Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
18
Turn right onto West Center Street
459 ft·19 sec·West Center Street
19
Turn left onto West Bowery Street
0.2 mi·33 sec·West Bowery Street
20
Arrive at destination
West Bowery Street
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 3 hours and 15 minutes, this route is easily manageable in a single day. Consider departing in the morning to maximize daylight and arrive with ample time to settle in. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility; however, plan for a break around the halfway point, potentially during the 78.1-mile stretch on I-71, to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before entering longer highway segments, to ensure you're prepared for the approximately $26 fuel cost. This efficient drive doesn't require extensive pacing, allowing for a relaxed travel day.
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 84.8 miles from Jackson Center, OH, or about 1h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 78.1 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 37 miles or 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84.8 miles or 1h 39m 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 37m
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 Jackson Center, 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 Jackson Center, OH
This is one driving day of about 169.6 miles and 3h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Jackson Center, 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 78.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 84.8 mi from Jackson Center, OH
· 1h 39m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
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...
13 mi from route
~32 min detour
Free
near mile 169.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.32 one way
$52.64 round trip
$3.94/gal25.4 MPG avg59 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.38
$29.21
$58.43
premium
$4.91
$32.78
$65.56
diesel
$5.61
$37.45
$74.89
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: 59.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
50.9
0
$17.81
$8.14
Efficient EV
42.4
0
$14.84
$6.78
EV Truck/SUV
67.8
0
$23.74
$10.85
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 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 as of Apr 17, 2026
Origin
Jackson Center, OH
Morning
in Jackson Center on Saturday
Local time
6:35 AM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Akron, OH
Morning
in Akron on Saturday
Local time
6:35 AM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 2 to 6 mph32% chanceLive 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
5 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 15m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Jackson Center, OH to Akron, OH covers 169.6 miles and takes about 3h 15m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 71, US 33, I 76. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 84.8 miles from Jackson Center, OH. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $26.32 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 12 significant decision points across 169.6 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 43.4 miles (US 36): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 145.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 145.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Jackson Center, OH to Akron, OH does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
