Embark on a 232.9-mile journey from New Matamoras, Ohio, to Cincinnati, Ohio, a trip that will take approximately 4 hours and 47 minutes. This route is best tackled in a single day, making it an ideal day trip for those looking to explore more of the Midwest. You'll primarily navigate along the James A. Rhodes Appalachian Highway, US 50, and WV 2. With an estimated fuel cost of $36, this drive offers an affordable way to connect two points within the same region. Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, suggesting a more engaging experience than a pure interstate cruise. Plan for one stop along the way to break up the drive.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
116.4 miles from New Matamoras, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 24m into the drive
.
Cincinnati is Ohio's third largest city and the largest metro region, and lies on the north bank of the Ohio River in Southwest Ohio in the United States of America.
Cincinnati is distinct amongst Midwestern cities. Its culture is a mixture of the Northeast, Old South, Midwest, and Appalachia blended with a strong German-Catholic heritage. It was one of the United States' early boomtowns, and the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood is the largest National Historic District in the country. Today, it's part of a fast-growing metro area, and home to a remarkable blend of industry and architecture. Downtown Cincinnati is surrounded by picturesque foothills that add a beautiful backdrop to the Queen City and its legendary skyline – celebrated in the opening credits of television show WKRP in Cincinnati.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 47m. Total distance: 232.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
This drive is characterized by its 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, meaning you'll encounter more frequent turns and potentially slower speeds than on a major interstate. Only 29% of the route is on highways, so much of your time will be spent on local roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a significant 129.1 miles on the James A. Rhodes Appalachian Highway, offering a sustained period of driving. As you progress, the character of the road will likely shift from more rural to more developed as you approach Cincinnati, offering a dynamic driving experience.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 29 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
James A. Rhodes Appalachian Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 129.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 43.9 miles in near US 50.
Driving Effort10/10
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 20 significant decision points across 232.9 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 43.9 miles (US 50): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 55.4 miles (US 50; SR 32): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 224.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
43.9 mi into trip|~55m in|US 50
Keep slight left at fork onto US 50 toward US 50 West, SR 32 West, SR 7 South: Athens, Pomeroy
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 50 West, SR 32 West, SR 7 South: Athe...
7
55.4 mi into trip|~1h 10m in|US 50; SR 32
Take the exit onto US 50; SR 32 toward US 50 West, SR 32 West: Athens, Chillicothe
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 50 West, SR 32 West: Athens, Chillico...
8
224.9 mi into trip|~4h 35m in
Take the exit toward I 471 North: Newport, Cincinnati
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 74B
Toward I 471 North: Newport, Cincinnati
9
231 mi into trip|~4h 42m in
Take the exit toward US 42 North: Reading Road, Eden Park Drive
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 2
Toward US 42 North: Reading Road, Eden Park Dri...
8
231.2 mi into trip|~4h 42m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 42 North: Reading Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward US 42 North: Reading Road
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between New Matamoras, OH and Cincinnati, OH, road signs point toward Pomeroy and Chillicothe.
Pomeroy
43.9 mi in|~55m|via US 50
Chillicothe
55.4 mi in|~1h 10m|via US 50; SR 32
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
James A. Rhodes Appalachian Highway
129.1 mi
2h 35m
US 50
21.9 mi
27m
WV 2
19.4 mi
22m
Park Avenue
12.9 mi
19m
SR 7
10.9 mi
13m
Corridor D
10.2 mi
11m
Circle Freeway
10 mi
11m
East Bentbrook Drive
7.1 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
James A. Rhodes Appalachian Highway
— 129.1 mi, about 2h 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New Matamoras, OH and Cincinnati, OH.
1
Start on Main Street
83 ft·11 sec·Main Street
2
Turn left onto SR 260
0.2 mi·28 sec·Broadway Street
3
Turn right onto SR 7
13 mi·19 min·Park Avenue
4
Turn right onto SR 807
0.7 mi·1 min·Carpenter Bridge
5
Take the ramp
118 ft·5 sec
6
Turn right onto WV 2
16 mi·18 min·WV 2
7
Take the exit onto WV 2
3.4 mi·3 min·WV 2
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward US 50: Downtown Parkersburg
9
Turn right onto US 50
10 mi·11 min·Corridor D
10
Keep slight left at fork onto US 50
0.6 mi·1 min·US 50
Toward US 50 West, SR 32 West, SR 7 South: Athens, Pomeroy
11
Merge onto US 50; SR 7; SR 32
11 mi·13 min·US 50; SR 7; SR 32
Use the straight lane.
12
Take the exit onto US 50; SR 32
21 mi·26 min·US 50; SR 32
Toward US 50 West, SR 32 West: Athens, ChillicotheUse the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto US 50; SR 32
0.7 mi·47 sec·James A. Rhodes Appalachian Highway
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on US 50; SR 32
7.1 mi·9 min·East Bentbrook Drive
Use the straight lane.
15
Continue on US 50; SR 32
128 mi·2 hr 34 min·James A. Rhodes Appalachian Highway
Use the straight lane.
16
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 275 South: Kentucky
17
Merge onto I 275
10.0 mi·11 min·Circle Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on I 275
1.6 mi·1 min·Ronald Reagan Highway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.4 mi·55 sec
Exit 74BToward I 471 North: Newport, CincinnatiUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on I 471
5.4 mi·6 min·I 471
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto I 71
0.2 mi·19 sec·Northeast Expressway
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Exit 2Toward US 42 North: Reading Road, Eden Park DriveUse the slight left lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork
520 ft·12 sec
Toward US 42 North: Reading RoadUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
24
Turn straight onto US 42
0.6 mi·1 min·Reading Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Turn straight onto Burnet Avenue
0.2 mi·33 sec·Burnet Avenue
26
Turn left onto William Howard Taft Road
0.5 mi·1 min·William Howard Taft Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
27
Continue on Calhoun Street
0.2 mi·37 sec·Calhoun Street
28
Turn left onto Ohio Avenue
340 ft·13 sec·Ohio Avenue
29
Arrive at destination
Ohio Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour and 47-minute duration, starting your drive in the morning is recommended to ensure you reach Cincinnati with ample daylight. While this route is manageable in one day, factor in the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile; it might feel longer than its 232.9 miles suggest. Plan for your single stop strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or when you feel ready for a break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 129.1-mile stretch on the James A. Rhodes Appalachian Highway, as services might be more spread out. Your fuel cost is estimated at $36, so budget accordingly.
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 116.4 miles from New Matamoras, OH, or about 2h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 129.1 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 51 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 116.4 miles or 2h 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 3h 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cincinnati, OH than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving New Matamoras, 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 New Matamoras, OH
This is one driving day of about 232.9 miles and 4h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from New Matamoras, 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 James A. Rhodes Appalachian Highway for about 129.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 116.4 mi from New Matamoras, OH
· 2h 24m into the drive
The midpoint is around 116.4 miles from New Matamoras, OH, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before James A. Rhodes Appalachian Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 129.1 miles.
Arriving in Cincinnati, OH
The final approach into Cincinnati, 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 Cincinnati, 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Nearly 2000 years ago, Native Americans built dozens of monumental mounds and earthen enclosures in southern Ohio. These earthwork complexes were ceremonial landscapes used for feasts, funerals, ritua...
19 mi from route
~47 min detour
Free
near mile 136.5
Caution: Hopeton Earthworks Closed for Construction Until May 2026
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.15 one way
$72.29 round trip
$3.94/gal25.4 MPG avg82 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.38
$40.12
$80.23
premium
$4.91
$45.01
$90.02
diesel
$5.61
$51.42
$102.84
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 81.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
69.9
0
$24.45
$11.18
Efficient EV
58.2
0
$20.38
$9.32
EV Truck/SUV
93.2
1
$32.61
$14.91
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 15, 2026
Origin
New Matamoras, OH
Night
in New Matamoras on Friday
Local time
10:20 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Cincinnati, OH
Night
in Cincinnati on Friday
Local time
10:20 PM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live 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
9 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
4h 47m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from New Matamoras, OH to Cincinnati, OH covers 232.9 miles and takes about 4h 47m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are James A. Rhodes Appalachian Highway, US 50, WV 2. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 116.4 miles from New Matamoras, OH. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $36.15 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 232.9 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 43.9 miles (US 50): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 55.4 miles (US 50; SR 32): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 224.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between New Matamoras, OH and Cincinnati, OH, road signs point toward Pomeroy and Chillicothe.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Hopewell Culture National Historical 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.
