Akron to Glendale is 224 miles and takes about 4h 14m via I 71, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, primarily traversing Ohio. Expect a straightforward drive that's largely on the interstate, making it a good option for a day trip or as a segment of a longer Midwestern adventure. The route is designed for efficiency, so if you're looking for a quick hop between these two points, this is a solid choice.
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
112 miles from Akron, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 8m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 71
191 mi
3h 29m
Kenmore Expressway
19.8 mi
24m
Circle Freeway
5 mi
5m
Innerbelt
1.8 mi
2m
I 76
1 mi
1m
East Sharon Road
0.9 mi
1m
Mill Creek Expressway
0.9 mi
1m
West Bowery Street
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 191 mi, about 3h 29m
Traffic on I-71
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 79 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,087 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,731
Quietest
2 AM
~225 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Akron, OH and Glendale, OH.
1
Start on West Bowery Street
0.2 mi·36 sec·West Bowery Street
2
Turn right onto West Center Street
0.2 mi·37 sec·West Center Street
3
At end of road, turn left onto SR 59
0.1 mi·15 sec·Rand Avenue
4
Turn straight onto SR 59
1.8 mi·2 min·Innerbelt
5
Merge onto I 76; I 77
1.0 mi·1 min·I 76; I 77
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76
20 mi·24 min·Kenmore Expressway
Toward I 76 West: BarbertonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
1.2 mi·2 min
Exit 1AToward I 71 South: ColumbusUse the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto I 71
102 mi·1 hr 51 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 71
89 mi·1 hr 38 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 17BToward I 275 WestUse the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto I 275
5.0 mi·5 min·Circle Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Exit 43AToward I 75 South: CincinnatiUse the right lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward I 75 South: CincinnatiUse the slight left lane.
14
Merge onto I 75
0.9 mi·1 min·Mill Creek Expressway
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 15Toward Sharon Road, Sharonville, GlendaleUse the slight right lane.
16
Turn right onto East Sharon Road
0.9 mi·1 min·East Sharon Road
Use the right lane.
17
Turn left onto Greenville Avenue
339 ft·19 sec·Greenville Avenue
Use the left lane.
18
Turn slight right onto Village Square
215 ft·21 sec·Village Square
19
At end of road, turn left onto Greenville Avenue
161 ft·7 sec·Greenville Avenue
20
Arrive at destination
Greenville Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short 4h 14m duration, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. Consider leaving Akron in the morning to allow ample time for the drive and any brief stops you might need. The longest stretch without a major exit opportunity is 191 miles on I 71, so plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly before embarking on this segment. The fuel cost estimate of $43 is helpful for budgeting, and with plenty of daylight available, you have flexibility in your departure time.
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 112 miles from Akron, OH, or about 2h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 191 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 49 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 112 miles or 2h 8m 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 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Glendale, OH than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Akron, 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 Akron, OH
This is one driving day of about 224 miles and 4h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Akron, 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 191 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.3 and 222.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
3.3 mi into trip|~5m in|I 76 / Kenmore Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76 / Kenmore Expressway toward I 76 West: Barberton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 76 West: Barberton
7
23.1 mi into trip|~29m in
Take the exit toward I 71 South: Columbus
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 1A
Toward I 71 South: Columbus
7
215.4 mi into trip|~4h 1m in
Take the exit toward I 275 West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 17B
Toward I 275 West
7
221.2 mi into trip|~4h 8m in
Take the exit toward I 75 South: Cincinnati
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 43A
Toward I 75 South: Cincinnati
8
222.7 mi into trip|~4h 11m in
Take the exit toward Sharon Road, Sharonville, Glendale
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 15
Toward Sharon Road, Sharonville, Glendale
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.42 one way
$68.84 round trip
$3.90/gal25.4 MPG avg78 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$38.82
$77.64
premium
$4.99
$43.98
$87.96
diesel
$4.80
$42.30
$84.59
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
67.2
0
$23.52
$10.75
Efficient EV
56
0
$19.60
$8.96
EV Truck/SUV
89.6
1
$31.36
$14.34
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Akron, OH
Morning
in Akron on Sunday
Local time
6:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
89°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
W 16 mph86% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 3:45PM EDT until July 18 at 6:45PM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 3:45PM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Destination
Glendale, OH
Morning
in Glendale on Sunday
Local time
6:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
91°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
W 12 mph55% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 3:45PM EDT until July 18 at 6:45PM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 3:45PM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
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
2 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 14m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument
National Monument
Throughout his life, Charles Young overcame countless obstacles in his ascent to prominence. In spite of overt racism and stifling inequality, Young rose through the military ranks to become one of th...
13 mi from route
~34 min detour
Free
near mile 177.7
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...
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park was established to honor the lives and achievements of poet and author Paul Laurence Dunbar and aviation pioneers Wilbur and Orville Wright. Through p...
23 mi from route
~57 min detour
Free
near mile 185.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 97% of the 224 miles on major roads like I 71 and the Kenmore Expressway. You'll encounter a long stretch of 191 miles on I 71, indicating extended periods of consistent cruising. The transition to surface streets will likely be toward the end of your drive. Expect a high volume of exits and potential for merging traffic as you approach your destination.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 191 mi on I 71.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and Kenmore Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.3 miles in near I 76 / Kenmore Expressway.
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 16 significant decision points across 224 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 3.3 miles (I 76 / Kenmore Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 215.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Akron is a city of almost 200,000 people (2019) in the Northeast Ohio region in Summit County. Akron is proud of its heritage as a center of industry, and now offers visitors a wide range of recreational and cultural attractions, food experiences, and shopping.
Top landmarks
•Goodyear Airdock — located in Akron, Ohio
•Akron Public Library — Carnegie library in Akron, Ohio
•CitiCenter Building — historic building in Akron, Ohio, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 14m. Total distance: 224 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 191 miles on I 71. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Glendale, OH before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.3 miles (I 76 / Kenmore Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 215.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Glendale, OH, but most travelers stay overnight.
