Origin
Youngstown, OH
Night in Youngstown on Sunday
Local time
9:24 PM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Youngstown, OH to Cleveland, OH
Drive Time
1h 30m
Distance
73.6 mi
118 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$11
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 24m
★
6 AM
1h 31m
8 AM
1h 45m
10 AM
1h 36m
12 PM
1h 34m
3 PM
1h 36m
5 PM
1h 44m
8 PM
1h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Cleveland, OH
Jay Brand
Trip Overview
Traveling between Youngstown and Cleveland covers 73.6 miles of Midwestern terrain, making for a straightforward 1-hour and 30-minute journey. Because the route is compact, you can easily complete it as a one-day trip without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily utilize the Ohio Turnpike, I-480, and the Outerbelt South Freeway to navigate between these two Ohio cities. Budgeting around $11 for fuel is sufficient for the transit, keeping your overhead costs low. This drive is ideal if you are looking for an efficient, no-fuss connection within the region. It is a highly practical option for commuters or travelers looking to move quickly between these two hubs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
36.8 miles from Youngstown, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 43m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a focused, highway-heavy experience, as 95% of this trip takes place on major interstates. You will settle into a consistent rhythm behind the wheel, especially during the longest stretch of 31.1 miles on the Ohio Turnpike. The road maintains a steady, fast-paced character throughout, favoring efficiency over local scenic detours. Transitioning from the turnpike onto the Outerbelt South Freeway and I-480 keeps the drive moving at a reliable clip. This is a classic interstate-focused route designed for getting you to your destination with minimal interruption.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 31 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Ohio Turnpike is the longest continuous segment at about 31.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Ohio Turnpike and I 480. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 42.9 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 73.6 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 42.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 57.3 miles (I 480 / Outerbelt South Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 65.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 25 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
9
42.9 mi into trip
|
~50m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 480, SR 14: Cleveland, Streetsboro
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 187
Toward I 480, SR 14: Cleveland, Streetsboro
8
57.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 7m in
|
I 480 / Outerbelt South Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 480 / Outerbelt South Freeway toward I 480 West: Rockside Road, Cleveland
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 480 West: Rockside Road, Cleveland
8
65.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 17m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 77 North: Cleveland
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 20B
Toward I 77 North: Cleveland
8
72.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 26m in
Take the exit toward East 22nd Street, East 14th Street
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 162B
Toward East 22nd Street, East 14th Street
8
72.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 26m in
Keep slight left at fork toward East 14th Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward East 14th Street
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Youngstown, OH to Cleveland, OH, road signs begin pointing toward Streetsboro along the way.
Streetsboro
42.9 mi in
|
~50m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Turnpike | 31.1 mi | 33m |
| I 480 | 11.2 mi | 13m |
| Outerbelt South Freeway | 8.2 mi | 10m |
| Willow Freeway | 5.9 mi | 7m |
| I 80 | 5 mi | 6m |
| Wickliffe Expressway | 4.6 mi | 6m |
| Outerbelt East Freeway | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| South Shore Expressway | 1.5 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Ohio Turnpike
— 31.1 mi, about 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Youngstown, OH and Cleveland, OH.
1
Start on Central Square
123 ft
·
9 sec
·
Central Square
2
Continue on Central Square
340 ft
·
14 sec
·
Central Square
3
Turn straight onto Market Street
0.5 mi
·
50 sec
·
Market Street
Use the none lane.
4
Turn right onto West Woodland Avenue
230 ft
·
4 sec
·
West Woodland Avenue
5
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
6
Merge onto I 680
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
South Shore Expressway
7
Continue on I 680
4.6 mi
·
6 min
·
Wickliffe Expressway
8
Merge onto I 80
4.1 mi
·
4 min
·
I 80
9
Take the exit onto I 80
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
I 80
Toward I 80 West, I 76 East
Use the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
I 80
Toward I 80 West: Cleveland
11
Merge onto I 80
31 mi
·
33 min
·
Ohio Turnpike
Use the none lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 187
Toward I 480, SR 14: Cleveland, Streetsboro
Use the slight right lane.
13
Continue on this road
0.1 mi
·
9 sec
·
this road
Toward I 480 West, SR 14 West: Cleveland
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 480; SR 14
11 mi
·
13 min
·
I 480; SR 14
Use the none lane.
15
Continue on I 271; I 480
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Outerbelt East Freeway
Use the none lane.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 480
7.1 mi
·
8 min
·
Outerbelt South Freeway
Toward I 480 West: Rockside Road, Cleveland
Use the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 480
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Outerbelt South Freeway
18
Take the exit
470 ft
·
11 sec
Toward I 77 South, I 77 North: Akron, Cleveland
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 20B
Toward I 77 North: Cleveland
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto I 77
5.9 mi
·
7 min
·
Willow Freeway
Use the none lane.
21
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Exit 162B
Toward East 22nd Street, East 14th Street
Use the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Toward East 14th Street
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
23
Turn straight onto East 14th Street
0.1 mi
·
9 sec
·
East 14th Street
24
Keep slight left at fork onto East 14th Street
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
·
East 14th Street
Use the none lane.
25
Turn left onto Prospect Avenue East
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
Prospect Avenue East
Use the straight / left lanes.
26
Turn right onto East 9th Street
523 ft
·
19 sec
·
East 9th Street
27
Turn left onto US 20
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Euclid Avenue
28
At end of road, turn right onto US 6; US 20
518 ft
·
27 sec
·
East Roadway
Use the none / right lanes.
29
At end of road, turn left onto US 6; US 20
513 ft
·
20 sec
·
Rockwell Avenue
Use the none / straight / right lanes.
30
Turn right onto Frankfort Avenue
186 ft
·
6 sec
·
Frankfort Avenue
31
Arrive at destination
Frankfort Avenue
Trip Plan
Since the total drive time is only 1.5 hours, you have significant flexibility regarding your departure schedule. You do not need to worry about planning formal stops, as the duration is short enough to drive through in one go. However, keep an eye on traffic patterns when connecting to I-480, as urban highway interchanges can become congested during peak hours. If you want to ensure a smooth arrival, check local traffic reports for the Cleveland area before you leave Youngstown. Having your $11 fuel budget ready before you hit the road will help keep your travel plans simple and stress-free.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 36.8 miles from Youngstown, OH, or about 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 31.1 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 73.6 miles or 1h 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 36.8 miles or 43m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 13m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cleveland, OH than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Youngstown, 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 Youngstown, OH
This is one driving day of about 73.6 miles and 1h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Youngstown, OH.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Ohio Turnpike for about 31.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 36.8 mi from Youngstown, OH · 43m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
37 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 73.6 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 36.8 miles from Youngstown, OH, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Cleveland, OH
The final approach into Cleveland, 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 Cleveland, 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
$11.01 one way
$22.02 round trip
$3.80/gal
25.4 MPG avg
26 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.24 | $12.29 | $24.58 |
| premium | $4.79 | $13.88 | $27.76 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $16.35 | $32.70 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.55
Ohio Turnpike
(31.1 mi)
$1.55
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
$11
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 25.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 22.1 | 0 | $7.73 | $3.53 |
| Efficient EV | 18.4 | 0 | $6.44 | $2.94 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 29.4 | 0 | $10.30 | $4.71 |
Gas CO2
26 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (65% 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
Cleveland, OH
Night in Cleveland on Sunday
Local time
9:24 PM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
60°F
Mechanicsburg, PA
37 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
18 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
1h 30m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Youngstown, OH to Cleveland, OH covers 73.6 miles and takes about 1h 30m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Ohio Turnpike, I 480, Outerbelt South Freeway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 36.8 miles from Youngstown, OH. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $11.01 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 73.6 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 42.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 57.3 miles (I 480 / Outerbelt South Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 65.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Youngstown, OH to Cleveland, OH, road signs begin pointing toward Streetsboro along the way.
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