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...
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Drive Time
3h 10m
Distance
160.4 mi
258 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$25
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
15 DC fast
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Thompson, OH
WoodysMedia
Toledo, OH
Wikimedia Commons
This 160.4-mile drive from Thompson, OH to Toledo, OH is easily managed as a single-day trip, taking about 3 hours and 10 minutes. You'll primarily be on the Ohio Turnpike Connector and I-90, with about 88% of the journey on highways, making it a straightforward, highway-focused experience. With a fuel cost estimated at $25, this route offers an economical way to travel within the Midwest region. The journey is direct, with one main stopping point suggested, and the longest continuous stretch covers 72.7 miles on the Ohio Turnpike Connector, so plan your breaks accordingly. This trip is ideal for those seeking an efficient transit between these two Ohio cities.
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
80.2 miles from Thompson, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 38m into the drive .
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Expect a highway-centric experience for most of this 160.4-mile trip, with 88% of the drive on major interstates like I-90 and I-280. The Ohio Turnpike Connector forms the longest uninterrupted stretch at 72.7 miles, offering a consistent pace. While this route is predominantly highway driving, it's designed for efficient travel rather than scenic exploration. You'll find the character of the drive to be consistent, allowing for steady progress toward your destination without significant changes in road type or complexity. It's a practical path for getting from point A to point B.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Ohio Turnpike Connector and I 90. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 29.4 miles in near I 90 / Euclid Spur.
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 160.4 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 29.4 miles (I 90 / Euclid Spur): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 43.8 miles (I 90 / Innerbelt): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 47.3 miles (I 90): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Keep slight right at fork onto I 90 / Euclid Spur toward Cleveland
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90 / Innerbelt
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight right at fork onto I 90 toward I 90 East, I 71 South, SR 176 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit toward I 280 North: Toledo, Detroit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork toward I 280 North: Toledo, Detroit
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Thompson, OH and Toledo, OH, road signs point toward Cleveland and Detroit.
Cleveland
Detroit
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Turnpike Connector | 72.7 mi | 1h 18m |
| I 90 | 50 mi | 58m |
| I 280 | 9.1 mi | 10m |
| Lakeland Freeway | 8.8 mi | 10m |
| Madison Road | 5 mi | 7m |
| Euclid Spur | 3.8 mi | 4m |
| Innerbelt | 3.5 mi | 5m |
| Cleveland Memorial Shoreway | 1.9 mi | 2m |
Step-by-step road directions between Thompson, OH and Toledo, OH.
Start on SR 528
Continue on SR 528
Continue on SR 528
Turn left onto SR 528
Turn right onto SR 528
Continue on SR 528
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 90
Keep slight right at fork onto I 90
Keep slight right at fork onto I 90
Merge onto I 90; SR 2
Continue on I 90; SR 2
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
Keep slight right at fork onto I 90
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Continue on I 280
Take the exit
Continue on SR 65
Turn left onto SR 65
Turn right onto SR 120
Turn left onto East Bancroft Street
Arrive at destination
Given the 3-hour, 10-minute duration, this trip from Thompson to Toledo is perfectly suited for a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to take advantage of lighter traffic and maximize your daylight hours. With an estimated fuel cost of $25, keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 72.7-mile stretch on the Ohio Turnpike Connector where services might be less frequent. Since there's only one recommended stop, be strategic about when you choose to pull over for a break or fuel. This route's highway focus means you can maintain a steady speed, but always be aware of your surroundings and any potential construction zones.
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.
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 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 80.2 miles or 1h 38m 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 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Toledo, OH than in the middle of the route.
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 160.4 miles and 3h 10m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 80.2 mi from Thompson, OH · 1h 38m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
80 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.
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 80.2 miles from Thompson, OH, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Ohio Turnpike Connector if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 72.7 miles.
The final approach into Toledo, 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 Toledo, OH.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Regular Gas
$24.89 one way
$49.79 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.38 | $27.63 | $55.26 |
| premium | $4.91 | $31.00 | $62.00 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $35.41 | $70.83 |
Estimated Tolls: $3.63
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 56.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
15 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
Shoregate Town Center - Tesla Supercharger
Willowick, OH
12 DCFC
Shops at Church Square - Tesla Supercharger
Cleveland, OH
12 DCFC
Willoughby, OH Rechargery @ Sheetz - OH 306
Willoughby, OH
10 DCFC
GetGo - Tesla Supercharger
Mentor, OH
8 DCFC
Church Square
Cleveland, OH
6 DCFC
Classic Ford
Mentor, OH
4 DCFC
Sheetz 394 - Mentor, OH
Mentor, OH
4 DCFC
Eastgate Shopping Center
Mayfield Heights, OH
4 DCFC
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 48.1 | 0 | $16.84 | $7.70 |
| Efficient EV | 40.1 | 0 | $14.04 | $6.42 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 64.2 | 0 | $22.46 | $10.27 |
Gas CO2
56 kg
EV CO2
19 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Night in Thompson on Tuesday
Local time
11:16 PM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Destination
Night in Toledo on Tuesday
Local time
11:16 PM
EDT
Current temp
80°F
Mostly Sunny
59°F
Lakewood, OH
80 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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
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