Origin
Jefferson, OH
Afternoon in Jefferson on Thursday
Local time
3:35 PM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Jefferson, OH to Akron, OH
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
2h 46m
Distance
142.9 mi
230 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 36m
★
6 AM
2h 47m
8 AM
3h 8m
10 AM
2h 54m
12 PM
2h 52m
3 PM
2h 55m
5 PM
3h 7m
8 PM
2h 40m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Jefferson, OH
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 142.9-mile drive from Jefferson, OH to Akron, OH is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 46 minutes. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 93% of the journey on interstates like I-71 and I-76, including the Southeast Expressway. With an estimated fuel cost of $22, this is an economical option for travelers within the Midwest region. Given its relatively short duration and highway nature, you won't need an overnight stop, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times.
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
71.5 miles from Jefferson, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 24m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 46m. Total distance: 142.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this trip, with 93% of the 142.9 miles spent on interstates. The most significant uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 100.8 miles on I-71, so be prepared for consistent high-speed travel. While the route is predominantly interstate, the inclusion of I-76 and the Southeast Expressway suggests a transition through different urban or semi-urban landscapes as you approach Akron. This profile means you'll be covering ground efficiently with minimal distractions.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 25 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 100.8 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 14 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 19 significant decision points across 142.9 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 14 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 119 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
14 mi into trip
|
~20m in
Take the exit toward I 70 West: Columbus
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 128A
Toward I 70 West: Columbus
8
17.6 mi into trip
|
~25m in
Take the exit toward I 71 North, US 40: Cleveland, Broad Street
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 101A
Toward I 71 North, US 40: Cleveland, Broad Stre...
8
119 mi into trip
|
~2h 16m 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
119.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 16m 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
8
140.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 42m 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 | 100.8 mi | 1h 49m |
| I 76 | 18.4 mi | 22m |
| Southeast Expressway | 8.9 mi | 11m |
| East Freeway | 3.3 mi | 4m |
| Innerbelt | 2.1 mi | 2m |
| Winchester Road Northwest | 2 mi | 3m |
| Kenmore Expressway | 1.9 mi | 2m |
| Waterloo Road Northwest | 0.9 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 100.8 mi, about 1h 49m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jefferson, OH and Akron, OH.
1
Start on CR 23
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Winchester Road Northwest
2
Turn right onto Waterloo Road Northwest
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Waterloo Road Northwest
3
At end of road, turn right onto CR 18
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
Hill Road Northwest
4
Continue on CR 18
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
·
Diley Road Northwest
5
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward Columbus
6
Merge onto US 33
0.5 mi
·
34 sec
·
Columbus-Lancaster Road Northwest
7
Continue on US 33
8.5 mi
·
10 min
·
Southeast Expressway
Use the straight lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto US 33
0.4 mi
·
31 sec
·
Southeast Expressway
Use the slight left lane.
9
Continue on US 33
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
·
College Avenue
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
10
Continue on US 33
0.3 mi
·
27 sec
·
College Avenue
Use the straight lane.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Exit 128A
Toward I 70 West: Columbus
Use the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto I 70
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
East Freeway
13
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 101A
Toward I 71 North, US 40: Cleveland, Broad Street
Use the slight right lane.
14
Merge onto I 71
0.4 mi
·
32 sec
·
I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 71
100 mi
·
1 hr 49 min
·
I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 209A-B
Toward I 76, US 224: Lodi, Akron
Use the slight right lane.
17
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.
18
Merge onto I 76; US 224
17 mi
·
20 min
·
I 76; US 224
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Kenmore Expressway
Use the slight right lane.
20
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.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 59
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Innerbelt
Exit 21C
Toward SR 59 East: Downtown
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on SR 59
406 ft
·
13 sec
·
Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
23
Turn right onto West Center Street
459 ft
·
19 sec
·
West Center Street
24
Turn left onto West Bowery Street
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
West Bowery Street
25
Arrive at destination
West Bowery Street
Trip Plan
For this 2 hour and 46 minute drive, consider leaving mid-morning to avoid potential rush hour traffic as you get closer to Akron. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of around $22, planning is straightforward. The longest stretch, 100.8 miles on I-71, means you'll want to ensure you're fueled up before embarking on that segment. Since this is a manageable day trip, you have the advantage of flexibility; however, be aware of the Southeast Expressway as you near your destination, as it can experience congestion.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 71.5 miles from Jefferson, OH, or about 1h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 100.8 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 31 miles or 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 71.5 miles or 1h 24m 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 14m
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 Jefferson, 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 Jefferson, OH
This is one driving day of about 142.9 miles and 2h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Jefferson, 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 100.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 71.5 mi from Jefferson, OH · 1h 24m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
71 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 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 71.5 miles from Jefferson, 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 100.8 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
$22.18 one way
$44.36 round trip
$3.94/gal
25.4 MPG avg
50 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.38 | $24.61 | $49.23 |
| premium | $4.91 | $27.62 | $55.24 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $31.55 | $63.10 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 50 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 42.9 | 0 | $15.00 | $6.86 |
| Efficient EV | 35.7 | 0 | $12.50 | $5.72 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 57.2 | 0 | $20.01 | $9.15 |
Gas CO2
50 kg
EV CO2
17 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.
Destination
Akron, OH
Afternoon in Akron on Thursday
Local time
3:35 PM
EDT
Current temp
78°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
W 13 mph
86% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 16 at 3:16PM EDT until April 16 at 4:00PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 3:08PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
68°F
Mansfield, OH
71 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
7 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
2h 46m 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 Jefferson, OH to Akron, OH covers 142.9 miles and takes about 2h 46m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 71, I 76, Southeast 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 71.5 miles from Jefferson, OH. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $22.18 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
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 19 significant decision points across 142.9 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 14 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 119 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Jefferson, OH to Akron, OH does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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