Skip to main content

Trip from Kenton, 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

2h 42m

Distance

134.8 mi

217 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
2h 32m ★
6 AM
2h 43m
8 AM
3h 4m
10 AM
2h 50m
12 PM
2h 48m
3 PM
2h 51m
5 PM
3h 3m
8 PM
2h 36m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

city in Hardin County, Ohio, United States

Kenton, OH

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 134.8-mile journey from Kenton, OH to Akron, OH, is designed for a single day of driving, taking approximately 2 hours and 42 minutes. The route is predominantly highway-focused, with 86% of the drive utilizing major roads like US 30, I-71, and I-76. With a projected fuel cost of $21, this trip offers an economical option for travelers. It's a straightforward drive connecting two points within the Midwest region, making it a convenient option for those looking to cover ground efficiently without the need for an overnight stop.

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

67.4 miles from Kenton, 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 42m. Total distance: 134.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (86%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 134.8-mile trip, with 86% of it spent on major thoroughfares. You'll experience a significant stretch of 63.9 miles on US 30, offering a consistent pace. The transition to I-71 and then I-76 will provide a more interstate feel as you approach Akron. While not a winding scenic byway, this route is engineered for steady progress, minimizing delays and maximizing your time on the road.

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.
US 30 is the longest continuous segment at about 63.9 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 30 and I 71. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 12.1 miles in near SR 37 / North Martin Street.

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 18 significant decision points across 134.8 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 12.1 miles (SR 37 / North Martin Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 110.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 111 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 18 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

6
12.1 mi into trip | ~21m in | SR 37 / North Martin Street

At end of road, turn right onto SR 37 / North Martin Street

Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch

8
110.8 mi into trip | ~2h 12m 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
111 mi into trip | ~2h 12m 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
131 mi into trip | ~2h 36m 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
132.2 mi into trip | ~2h 38m 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
US 30 63.9 mi 1h 10m
I 71 31.9 mi 34m
I 76 18.4 mi 22m
North Main Street 11.4 mi 19m
Innerbelt 2.1 mi 2m
Kenmore Expressway 1.9 mi 2m
Wells Road 1.4 mi 2m
Mad River Street 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: US 30 — 63.9 mi, about 1h 10m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Kenton, OH and Akron, OH.

1

Start on SR 309

460 ft · 15 sec · West Franklin Street
2

Turn left onto SR 31; SR 53

11 mi · 19 min · North Main Street
3

Continue on SR 53

0.4 mi · 56 sec · Mad River Street
4

Continue on SR 53

448 ft · 18 sec · Warehouse Street
5

Turn left onto SR 37

0.1 mi · 15 sec · West Lima Street
6

At end of road, turn right onto SR 37

0.1 mi · 18 sec · North Martin Street
7

Turn left onto SR 37

0.3 mi · 31 sec · West Gage Street
8

Turn right onto SR 37

1.4 mi · 2 min · Wells Road
9

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 45 sec
10

Merge onto US 30

17 mi · 19 min · US 30
11

Take the exit onto US 30

46 mi · 51 min · US 30
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 176 Toward I 71 North: Cleveland
13

Merge onto I 71

32 mi · 34 min · I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Exit 209A-B Toward I 76, US 224: Lodi, Akron Use the slight right lane.
15

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.
16

Merge onto I 76; US 224

17 mi · 20 min · I 76; US 224
Use the straight / right lanes.
17

Keep slight right at fork onto I 76

1.9 mi · 2 min · Kenmore Expressway
Use the slight right lane.
18

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.
19

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.
20

Continue on SR 59

406 ft · 13 sec · Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
21

Turn right onto West Center Street

459 ft · 19 sec · West Center Street
22

Turn left onto West Bowery Street

0.2 mi · 33 sec · West Bowery Street
23

Arrive at destination

West Bowery Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 2-hour and 42-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Kenton to bypass potential traffic as you near Akron. With only one recommended stop and a manageable 134.8 miles, you have flexibility in pacing. The $21 fuel cost is modest, but it's always wise to fill up before leaving Kenton, especially since the longest uninterrupted stretch is 63.9 miles on US 30. This route is ideal for completing in a single day, allowing you to arrive in Akron refreshed.

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 67.4 miles from Kenton, OH, or about 1h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 63.9 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 30 miles or 42m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 67.4 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 11m

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 Kenton, 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 Kenton, OH

This is one driving day of about 134.8 miles and 2h 42m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Kenton, 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 US 30 for about 63.9 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 67.4 mi from Kenton, OH · 1h 24m into the drive

Downtown Mansfield, OH, OH

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Mansfield, OH

67 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

Upper Sandusky, OH

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Mansfield, OH

Meal break

The midpoint is around 67.4 miles from Kenton, OH, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 30 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 63.9 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.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Midway Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kenton, Ohio

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 5:30 am–2 pm

+14196739188

Visit website

The Lockview Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Akron, Ohio

0.1 mi

Akron Family Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Akron, Ohio

0.6 mi

Midway Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20

Kenton, Ohio

Hours: 5:30 am–2 pm

+14196739188

Visit website

The Lockview Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 134.8

Akron, Ohio

Hours: 4–9 pm

+13302525128

Visit website

Akron Family Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 134.8

Akron, Ohio

Hours: 5:30 am–6 pm

+13303760600

Visit website

Little Athens Greek Restaurant - Bucyrus, OH

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 48.1

Bucyrus, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14195621260

Visit website

The Village Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 28.9

Upper Sandusky, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–4 pm

+14192942945

Visit website

Al's Corner Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 125.1

Barberton, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13304757978

Visit website

A Walk In The Park Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 134.8

Akron, Ohio

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+13305369255

Visit website

Crazy Lady Restaurant & Bar

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 9.6

Forest, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14192733094

Visit website

Ken Stewart's Grille

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $100 or ab mile 134.8

Akron, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13308672555

Visit website

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

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 140.9
Caution: Vehicle Break-in and Theft Warning
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.92 one way

$41.84 round trip

$3.94/gal 25.4 MPG avg 47 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.38 $23.22 $46.44
premium $4.91 $26.05 $52.10
diesel $5.61 $29.76 $59.52

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$21

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 47.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 40.4 0 $14.15 $6.47
Efficient EV 33.7 0 $11.80 $5.39
EV Truck/SUV 53.9 0 $18.87 $8.63

Gas CO2

47 kg

EV CO2

16 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 16, 2026

Origin

Kenton, OH

Morning in Kenton on Friday

Local time

6:01 AM

EDT

Current temp

76°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 17 mph 44% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 16 at 11:54AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 16 at 11:54AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana

Destination

Akron, OH

Morning in Akron on Friday

Local time

6:01 AM

EDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

68°F

Mansfield, OH

67 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

17 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

2h 42m 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 Kenton, OH to Akron, OH covers 134.8 miles and takes about 2h 42m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are US 30, I 71, 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 67.4 miles from Kenton, OH. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.92 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 18 significant decision points across 134.8 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 12.1 miles (SR 37 / North Martin Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 110.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 111 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

The route from Kenton, 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 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.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from Kenton, OH or browse trips ending in Akron, OH.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse OH road trips.