Trip from Thompson, OH to Dayton, OH

Data updated 0 seconds ago

Drive Time

4h 44m

Distance

252 mi

406 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$39

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min

4 AM

4h 31m ★

6 AM

4h 45m

8 AM

5h 12m

10 AM

4h 54m

12 PM

4h 52m

3 PM

4h 56m

5 PM

5h 10m

8 PM

4h 37m

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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Thompson, OH

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Dayton, OH

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Trip Overview

Embarking on a journey from Thompson, Ohio, to Dayton, Ohio, covers 252 miles and is estimated to take around 4 hours and 44 minutes. This drive is primarily on major highways, with I-71 being a significant part of your travels. Considering its duration and focus on interstate travel, this route is well-suited for a single-day trip, requiring no overnight stops. Your estimated fuel cost for this 252-mile adventure is approximately $39. The Midwest regions of both states offer a consistent, familiar driving experience for this straightforward route.

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

126 miles from Thompson, OH

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 23m into the drive .

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Drive Character

This is a highway-focused drive, with 97% of the route utilizing interstates, meaning you'll spend most of your time on high-speed roads like I-71, West Freeway, and I-271. Expect a generally efficient and uninterrupted journey, with the longest stretch without a major change in direction or road type extending for 110.2 miles on I-71. While it's not a route known for winding country lanes, its predictability makes for a smooth experience, allowing you to cover ground quickly.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 22 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 110.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and West Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 180 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 252 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 180 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 180.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 239.6 miles (SR 4): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 17 key points

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

180 mi into trip | ~3h 21m in

Take the exit toward I 670 East, I 670 West: Airport, Dayton

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 109A Toward I 670 East, I 670 West: Airport, Dayton

180.4 mi into trip | ~3h 22m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 670 West: Dayton

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 670 West: Dayton

239.6 mi into trip | ~4h 27m in | SR 4

Take the exit onto SR 4 toward SR 4, SR 235: Dayton, New Carlisle

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 41 Toward SR 4, SR 235: Dayton, New Carlisle

239.9 mi into trip | ~4h 28m in | SR 4

Keep slight left at fork onto SR 4 toward SR 4, SR 235 South: Dayton

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward SR 4, SR 235 South: Dayton

251 mi into trip | ~4h 42m in

Take the exit toward SR 48: Main Street, Grand Avenue

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. Toward SR 48: Main Street, Grand Avenue

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 71	110.2 mi	1h 59m
West Freeway	54.2 mi	58m
I 271	24.3 mi	26m
I 90	22.5 mi	25m
I 271 Express	13.9 mi	17m
SR 4	11.4 mi	14m
Madison Road	5 mi	7m
I 670	4.5 mi	5m

Longest stretch: I 71 — 110.2 mi, about 1h 59m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Thompson, OH and Dayton, OH.

Start on SR 528

31 ft · 0 sec · Thompson Road

Continue on SR 528

0.1 mi · 12 sec · Madison Road

Continue on SR 528

0.1 mi · 15 sec · Madison Road

Turn left onto SR 528

33 ft · 0 sec · Thompson Road

Turn right onto SR 528

4.8 mi · 7 min · Madison Road

Continue on SR 528

0.2 mi · 34 sec · River Street

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 42 sec

Merge onto I 90

23 mi · 25 min · I 90

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 271 Express

14 mi · 17 min · I 271 Express

Merge onto I 271

3.6 mi · 4 min · Outerbelt East Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 271

24 mi · 26 min · I 271

Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto I 71

110 mi · 1 hr 59 min · I 71

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 41 sec

Exit 109A Toward I 670 East, I 670 West: Airport, Dayton Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 36 sec

Toward I 670 West: Dayton Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 670

0.2 mi · 19 sec · Northeast Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 670

4.5 mi · 5 min · I 670

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 70

54 mi · 58 min · West Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit onto SR 4

0.3 mi · 42 sec · SR 4

Exit 41 Toward SR 4, SR 235: Dayton, New Carlisle Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto SR 4

11 mi · 14 min · SR 4

Toward SR 4, SR 235 South: Dayton Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec

Toward SR 48: Main Street, Grand Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn left onto SR 48

0.8 mi · 1 min · North Main Street

Use the left / straight lanes.

Arrive at destination

South Main Street

Trip Plan

Given that this 4-hour, 44-minute drive is manageable in a single day, you have flexibility in your departure time. Leaving early can help you avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach the Dayton area. With only one recommended stop, plan it strategically for a stretch and perhaps a quick refuel. The longest uninterrupted stretch is over 110 miles, so ensure you're comfortable with that duration on I-71 before setting out. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $39 estimated cost suggests efficient travel, but it's always wise to top off before hitting those longer highway segments.

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 126 miles from Thompson, OH, or about 2h 23m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 110.2 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 33m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 126 miles or 2h 23m 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 52m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Thompson, 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 Thompson, OH

This is one driving day of about 252 miles and 4h 44m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Thompson, 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 110.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 126 mi from Thompson, OH · 2h 23m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Mansfield, OH

126 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

Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Fuel and coffee

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

Mansfield, OH

Meal break

The midpoint is around 126 miles from Thompson, OH, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 71 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 110.2 miles.

Arriving in Dayton, OH

The final approach into Dayton, 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 Dayton, 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

$39.11 one way

$78.22 round trip

$3.94/gal 25.4 MPG avg 88 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.38	$43.41	$86.81
premium	$4.91	$48.70	$97.41
diesel	$5.61	$55.64	$111.28

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$39

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$64–$89

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 88.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	75.6	0	$26.46	$12.10
Efficient EV	63	0	$22.05	$10.08
EV Truck/SUV	100.8	1	$35.28	$16.13

Gas CO2

88 kg

EV CO2

29 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 data refreshed 5 days ago

Origin

Thompson, OH

Evening in Thompson on Tuesday

Local time

8:51 PM

EDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Dayton, OH

Evening in Dayton on Tuesday

Local time

8:51 PM

EDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

54°F

Mansfield, OH

126 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

16 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 44m 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 Thompson, OH to Dayton, OH covers 252 miles and takes about 4h 44m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 71, West Freeway, I 271. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 126 miles from Thompson, OH. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $39.11 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.

The route from Thompson, OH to Dayton, OH does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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Return Trip

Dayton, OH to Thompson, OH

Plan the drive back the other way.

251.8 mi 4h 44m

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Trip from Thompson, OH to Dayton, OH

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Dayton, OH

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Thompson, OH

Dayton, OH

Same local time

16 degrees warmer at arrival

4h 44m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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