Middlebury to Akron is 189.5 miles and takes about 3h 35m via US 30 and I-71, with a fuel budget near $29 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive keeps you within Ohio, moving through the Midwest region. The profile is highway-focused, meaning you'll spend most of your time on faster roads. With only one recommended stop and a relatively short duration, this trip is easily manageable as a single-day journey. It's a straightforward connection between two points in Ohio.
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
94.8 miles from Middlebury, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 46m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 30
96 mi
1h 45m
US 224
36.9 mi
43m
I 71
31.9 mi
34m
I 76
18.4 mi
22m
Innerbelt
2.1 mi
2m
Kenmore Expressway
1.9 mi
2m
West Bowery Street
0.2 mi
<1m
West Center Street
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
US 30
— 96 mi, about 1h 45m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Middlebury, OH and Akron, OH.
1
Start on CR 35
32 ft·7 sec·Harrison Willshire Road
2
Turn left onto US 224; SR 49
8.9 mi·12 min·US 224; SR 49
3
Keep slight right at fork onto US 224
28 mi·30 min·US 224
4
Continue on US 30
50 mi·53 min·US 30
5
Take the exit onto US 30
46 mi·51 min·US 30
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 176Toward I 71 North: Cleveland
7
Merge onto I 71
32 mi·34 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 209A-BToward I 76, US 224: Lodi, AkronUse the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 209AToward I 76, US 224 East: AkronUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 76; US 224
17 mi·20 min·I 76; US 224
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76
1.9 mi·2 min·Kenmore Expressway
Use the slight right lane.
12
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.
13
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.
14
Continue on SR 59
406 ft·13 sec·Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
15
Turn right onto West Center Street
459 ft·19 sec·West Center Street
16
Turn left onto West Bowery Street
0.2 mi·33 sec·West Bowery Street
17
Arrive at destination
West Bowery Street
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 35m duration, departing Middlebury in the morning allows ample time to reach Akron before evening. With only one recommended stop, you can easily complete this trip without feeling rushed. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 96 miles on US 30, so plan your fuel and restroom breaks accordingly before entering this segment. Since the highway share is so high, you can expect consistent travel speeds, making the 189.5-mile distance feel manageable. The $29 fuel cost is a helpful estimate for budgeting.
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 94.8 miles from Middlebury, OH, or about 1h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 96 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 42 miles or 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 94.8 miles or 1h 46m 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 53m
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 Middlebury, 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 Middlebury, OH
This is one driving day of about 189.5 miles and 3h 35m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from Middlebury, 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 96 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 165.6 and 187 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
165.6 mi into trip|~3h 4m 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
165.8 mi into trip|~3h 5m 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
6
183.9 mi into trip|~3h 26m in|I 76 / Kenmore Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76 / Kenmore Expressway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
7
185.8 mi into trip|~3h 29m 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
187 mi into trip|~3h 31m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$29.41 one way
$58.82 round trip
$3.94/gal25.4 MPG avg66 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.38
$32.64
$65.28
premium
$4.91
$36.62
$73.25
diesel
$5.61
$41.84
$83.68
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 66.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
56.9
0
$19.90
$9.10
Efficient EV
47.4
0
$16.58
$7.58
EV Truck/SUV
75.8
0
$26.53
$12.13
Gas CO2
66 kg
EV CO2
22 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 as of Apr 14, 2026
Origin
Middlebury, OH
Afternoon
in Middlebury on Saturday
Local time
1:56 PM
EDT
Current temp
36°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Akron, OH
Afternoon
in Akron on Saturday
Local time
1:56 PM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
69°F
Shelby, OH
95 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
23 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 35m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 98% of the journey on major roads. You'll experience long stretches of consistent speed, including a significant 96-mile segment on US 30. The primary roads guiding you are US 30 and I-71, facilitating a smooth and direct passage. Expect a driving experience characterized by efficiency and minimal time spent on slower, local roads. This makes for a predictable and often brisk journey.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 96 mi on US 30.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 30 and US 224. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 165.6 miles in.
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 13 significant decision points across 189.5 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 165.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 165.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 183.9 miles (I 76 / Kenmore Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 35m. Total distance: 189.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 96 miles on US 30. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Akron, OH before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 165.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 165.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 183.9 miles (I 76 / Kenmore Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Akron, OH, but most travelers stay overnight.
