Origin
Vandalia, OH
Night in Vandalia on Wednesday
Local time
11:28 PM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Vandalia, OH to Akron, OH
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
3h 37m
Distance
193.3 mi
311 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 25m
★
6 AM
3h 38m
8 AM
4h 3m
10 AM
3h 47m
12 PM
3h 44m
3 PM
3h 48m
5 PM
4h 2m
8 PM
3h 30m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Vandalia, OH
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This straightforward 193.3-mile drive from Vandalia, Ohio, to Akron, Ohio, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 37 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-71, I-70, and I-76, this route is almost entirely highway, making for a quick and efficient journey through the Midwest. With an estimated fuel cost of around $30, it's an economical option for a day trip. The drive is focused on covering distance, so don't expect many scenic detours, but it's a practical choice for getting 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
96.6 miles from Vandalia, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 48m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for 97% of this 193.3-mile journey. The primary arteries are I-71, I-70, and I-76, which means you'll be on high-speed interstates for the vast majority of the drive. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 99.5 miles on I-71, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. This route prioritizes efficient travel over varied landscapes, offering a predictable and direct path from point A to point B.
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.
I 71 is the longest continuous segment at about 99.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and I 70. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 193.3 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 2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 68.9 miles (North Innerbelt): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 169.3 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 pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
2 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 70 East: Columbus
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 70 East: Columbus
8
68.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 17m in
|
North Innerbelt
Keep slight right at fork onto North Innerbelt toward I 71: Cincinnati, Cleveland
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 71: Cincinnati, Cleveland
8
169.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 7m 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
169.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 7m 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
8
190.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 33m 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
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 Vandalia, OH to Akron, OH, road signs begin pointing toward Cleveland along the way.
Cleveland
68.9 mi in
|
~1h 17m
|
via North Innerbelt
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 71 | 99.5 mi | 1h 47m |
| I 70 | 61.6 mi | 1h 7m |
| I 76 | 18.4 mi | 22m |
| I 670 | 4.3 mi | 5m |
| Innerbelt | 2.1 mi | 2m |
| Kenmore Expressway | 1.9 mi | 2m |
| I 75 | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| East National Road | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 99.5 mi, about 1h 47m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Vandalia, OH and Akron, OH.
1
Start on this road
73 ft
·
10 sec
·
this road
2
Turn sharp left onto South Dixie Drive
136 ft
·
6 sec
·
South Dixie Drive
3
Turn right onto US 40
0.4 mi
·
37 sec
·
East National Road
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
5
Merge onto I 75
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
I 75
6
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Exit 61
Toward I 70: Indianapolis, Columbus
7
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 70 East: Columbus
Use the slight left lane.
8
Merge onto I 70
12 mi
·
13 min
·
I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70
49 mi
·
53 min
·
I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 670
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
I 670
Toward I 670 East: Airport
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto North Innerbelt
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
North Innerbelt
Toward I 71: Cincinnati, Cleveland
Use the slight right lane.
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
Toward I 71 North: Cleveland
Use the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward I 71 North: Cleveland
Use the slight left lane.
14
Merge onto I 71
100 mi
·
1 hr 47 min
·
I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 209A-B
Toward I 76, US 224: Lodi, Akron
Use the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 209A
Toward I 76, US 224 East: Akron
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto I 76; US 224
17 mi
·
20 min
·
I 76; US 224
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Kenmore Expressway
Use the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
I 76
Toward I 76 East: Akron
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 59
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Innerbelt
Exit 21C
Toward SR 59 East: Downtown
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on SR 59
406 ft
·
13 sec
·
Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
22
Turn right onto West Center Street
459 ft
·
19 sec
·
West Center Street
23
Turn left onto West Bowery Street
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
West Bowery Street
24
Arrive at destination
West Bowery Street
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour and 37-minute drive, you have the flexibility to leave whenever suits you best, but an early start can help you avoid any potential midday traffic. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of approximately $30, this is a trip where you can easily power through. The longest stretch is 99.5 miles on I-71, so plan to take a break before or after that segment if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you approach the 99.5-mile mark on I-71, to ensure you don't need to search for a gas station unexpectedly.
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 96.6 miles from Vandalia, OH, or about 1h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.5 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 43 miles or 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 96.6 miles or 1h 48m 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 55m
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 Vandalia, 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 Vandalia, OH
This is one driving day of about 193.3 miles and 3h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from Vandalia, 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 99.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 96.6 mi from Vandalia, OH · 1h 48m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
97 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 96.6 miles from Vandalia, OH, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 71 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 99.5 miles.
Arriving in Akron, OH
The final approach into Akron, 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 Akron, OH.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.00 one way
$60.00 round trip
$3.94/gal
25.4 MPG avg
68 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.38 | $33.29 | $66.59 |
| premium | $4.91 | $37.36 | $74.72 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $42.68 | $85.36 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 67.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 58 | 0 | $20.30 | $9.28 |
| Efficient EV | 48.3 | 0 | $16.91 | $7.73 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 77.3 | 0 | $27.06 | $12.37 |
Gas CO2
68 kg
EV CO2
23 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.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Akron, OH
Night in Akron on Wednesday
Local time
11:28 PM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 9 mph
60% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued April 14 at 6:41PM EDT until April 14 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 6:34PM EDT until April 14 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
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
1 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 37m on the road
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Vandalia, OH to Akron, OH covers 193.3 miles and takes about 3h 37m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 71, I 70, I 76. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 96.6 miles from Vandalia, OH. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $30.00 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 20 significant decision points across 193.3 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 2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 68.9 miles (North Innerbelt): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 169.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Vandalia, OH to Akron, OH, road signs begin pointing toward Cleveland along the way.
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