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Trip from McDonald, OH to Cleveland, OH

Data updated 2 hours ago

Drive Time

3h 4m

Distance

139.1 mi

224 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
2h 53m ★
6 AM
3h 5m
8 AM
3h 28m
10 AM
3h 13m
12 PM
3h 10m
3 PM
3h 14m
5 PM
3h 26m
8 PM
2h 58m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown McDonald, OH, OH

McDonald, OH

Kenneth Surillo

city in and county seat of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, United States

Cleveland, OH

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 139.1-mile drive from McDonald, OH to Cleveland, OH is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 4 minutes. The majority of your journey, 85% to be exact, will be on highways, primarily utilizing SR 21, I-77, and I-70. With a projected fuel cost of $22, this route offers an economical option for travelers within the Midwest. The overall feel of this drive is focused on efficient highway travel, making it a straightforward option for reaching your destination. One stop is recommended along the way, allowing for a brief break during your travels.

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

69.6 miles from McDonald, OH

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 33m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 139.1-mile trip. With 85% of the route on major roadways like SR 21, I-77, and I-70, you'll experience consistent speeds and a direct path. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 65.2 miles on SR 21, offering a significant period of consistent driving. While primarily highway, the transition between these roads will guide you through various sections of Ohio. This profile suggests a drive where efficiency is key, with minimal deviations from the main thoroughfares.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
SR 21 is the longest continuous segment at about 65.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on SR 21 and I 77. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 68.9 miles in near US 250.

Route Complexity 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 139.1 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 68.9 miles (US 250): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 137.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 137.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 18 key points

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

8
68.9 mi into trip | ~1h 31m in | US 250

Take the exit onto US 250 toward US 250: Strasburg, Massillon

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 87 Toward US 250: Strasburg, Massillon
8
137.6 mi into trip | ~3h in

Take the exit toward East 22nd Street, East 14th 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 162B Toward East 22nd Street, East 14th Street
8
137.7 mi into trip | ~3h in

Keep slight left at fork toward East 14th Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward East 14th Street
7
138.9 mi into trip | ~3h 3m in | US 6; US 20 / East Roadway

At end of road, turn right onto US 6; US 20 / East Roadway

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
7
139 mi into trip | ~3h 4m in | US 6; US 20 / Rockwell Avenue

At end of road, turn left onto US 6; US 20 / Rockwell Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.

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 McDonald, OH to Cleveland, OH, road signs begin pointing toward Massillon along the way.

Massillon

68.9 mi in | ~1h 31m | via US 250

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
SR 21 65.2 mi 1h 23m
I 77 43.1 mi 46m
I 70 9.6 mi 10m
Claysville Road 7.1 mi 12m
West Road 3.4 mi 5m
South Wooster Avenue 3.2 mi 3m
McDonald Road 2.8 mi 10m
Clay Pike Road 1.3 mi 2m
Longest stretch: SR 21 — 65.2 mi, about 1h 23m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between McDonald, OH and Cleveland, OH.

1

Start on McDonald Road

2.8 mi · 10 min · McDonald Road
2

At end of road, turn right onto SR 146

0.1 mi · 18 sec · Chandlersville Road
3

Turn left onto SR 313

7.1 mi · 12 min · Claysville Road
4

Continue on SR 313

1.3 mi · 2 min · Clay Pike Road
5

At end of road, turn left onto SR 83

3.4 mi · 5 min · West Road
6

Continue on SR 83

0.4 mi · 42 sec · South Friendship Drive
7

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 58 sec
8

Merge onto I 70

9.6 mi · 10 min · I 70
9

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 180B Toward I 77 North: Cleveland
10

Merge onto I 77

43 mi · 46 min · I 77
11

Take the exit onto US 250

0.3 mi · 41 sec · US 250
Exit 87 Toward US 250: Strasburg, Massillon Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Turn left onto US 250

3.2 mi · 3 min · South Wooster Avenue
13

Continue on SR 21

65 mi · 1 hr 23 min · SR 21
Use the straight / right lanes.
14

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 17 sec
Exit 162B Toward East 22nd Street, East 14th Street Use the slight right lane.
15

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 16 sec
Toward East 14th Street Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
16

Turn straight onto East 14th Street

0.1 mi · 9 sec · East 14th Street
17

Keep slight left at fork onto East 14th Street

0.3 mi · 28 sec · East 14th Street
18

Turn left onto Prospect Avenue East

0.3 mi · 41 sec · Prospect Avenue East
Use the straight / left lanes.
19

Turn right onto East 9th Street

523 ft · 19 sec · East 9th Street
20

Turn left onto US 20

0.3 mi · 1 min · Euclid Avenue
21

At end of road, turn right onto US 6; US 20

518 ft · 27 sec · East Roadway
Use the right lane.
22

At end of road, turn left onto US 6; US 20

513 ft · 20 sec · Rockwell Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
23

Turn right onto Frankfort Avenue

186 ft · 6 sec · Frankfort Avenue
24

Arrive at destination

Frankfort Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour duration, this route from McDonald to Cleveland is ideal for a single-day excursion, offering flexibility in your departure time. You can leave in the morning and arrive by midday, or depart later and reach Cleveland in the evening. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of around $22, planning is simple. Pay attention to the longest stretch of 65.2 miles on SR 21; this is a good point to consider a brief pause if needed before continuing on the interstate sections. This straightforward drive allows you to focus on reaching your destination efficiently.

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 69.6 miles from McDonald, OH, or about 1h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 65.2 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 46m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 69.6 miles or 1h 33m 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 30m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cleveland, OH than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving McDonald, 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 McDonald, OH

This is one driving day of about 139.1 miles and 3h 4m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from McDonald, 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 SR 21 for about 65.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 69.6 mi from McDonald, OH · 1h 33m into the drive

Downtown Mechanicsburg, PA, PA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Mechanicsburg, PA

70 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

Mechanicsburg, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Mechanicsburg, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 69.6 miles from McDonald, OH, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before SR 21 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 65.2 miles.

Arriving in Cleveland, OH

The final approach into Cleveland, 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 Cleveland, 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

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...

3 mi from route ~8 min detour Free near mile 119.9
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

$21.59 one way

$43.18 round trip

$3.94/gal 25.4 MPG avg 49 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.38 $23.96 $47.92
premium $4.91 $26.88 $53.77
diesel $5.61 $30.71 $61.42

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: 48.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 41.7 0 $14.61 $6.68
Efficient EV 34.8 0 $12.17 $5.56
EV Truck/SUV 55.6 0 $19.47 $8.90

Gas CO2

49 kg

EV CO2

16 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 data refreshed 24 minutes ago

Origin

McDonald, OH

Evening in McDonald on Tuesday

Local time

8:47 PM

EDT

Current temp

64°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Cleveland, OH

Evening in Cleveland on Tuesday

Local time

8:47 PM

EDT

Current temp

60°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

60°F

Mechanicsburg, PA

70 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

4 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 4m 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 McDonald, OH to Cleveland, OH covers 139.1 miles and takes about 3h 4m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are SR 21, I 77, I 70. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 69.6 miles from McDonald, OH. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.59 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 139.1 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 68.9 miles (US 250): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 137.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 137.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from McDonald, OH to Cleveland, OH, road signs begin pointing toward Massillon along the way.

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