Akron to Northgate is 232 miles and takes about 4 hours 23 minutes via I 71, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays entirely within Ohio, covering a familiar Midwest landscape. With 97% of the drive on highways, it's a straightforward connection, ideal if you're looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B without much fuss. Plan for a single day of driving; it's a manageable distance for most drivers.
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
116 miles from Akron, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 12m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 71
191 mi
3h 29m
Kenmore Expressway
19.8 mi
24m
Circle Freeway
14.4 mi
16m
Innerbelt
1.8 mi
2m
I 76
1 mi
1m
Colerain Avenue
0.7 mi
1m
Springdale Road
0.4 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 Northgate, 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
14 mi·16 min·Circle Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi·39 sec
Exit 33Toward US 27, SR 126: Colerain AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto US 27; SR 126
0.7 mi·1 min·Colerain Avenue
Use the left lane.
14
Turn left onto Springdale Road
0.4 mi·1 min·Springdale Road
Use the left lane.
15
Turn left
339 ft·30 sec
16
At end of road, turn left
130 ft·9 sec
17
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour, 23-minute drive, you can easily complete it in a single day. Leaving Akron in the morning should give you plenty of time to reach Northgate before evening. The longest stretch without a major road change is 191 miles on I 71, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly, perhaps around the halfway point of that segment. Given the relatively short duration, you have flexibility to depart later if needed, but keeping an eye on fuel levels is always wise, especially since the estimated cost is $43.
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 116 miles from Akron, OH, or about 2h 12m 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 51 miles or 1h 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 116 miles or 2h 12m 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 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Northgate, 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 232 miles and 4h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 230.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.4 mi into trip|~1m in|SR 59 / Rand Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto SR 59 / Rand Avenue
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
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
8
230.6 mi into trip|~4h 19m in
Take the exit toward US 27, SR 126: Colerain 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.
Exit 33
Toward US 27, SR 126: Colerain Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.65 one way
$71.30 round trip
$3.90/gal25.4 MPG avg81 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$40.21
$80.41
premium
$4.99
$45.55
$91.10
diesel
$4.80
$43.81
$87.61
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 81.2 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
69.6
0
$24.36
$11.14
Efficient EV
58
0
$20.30
$9.28
EV Truck/SUV
92.8
1
$32.48
$14.85
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 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
6:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
89°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 10 to 14 mph95% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:35PM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 9:49AM EDT until July 19 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Destination
Northgate, OH
Morning
in Northgate on Sunday
Local time
6:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
90°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 12 mph52% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:35PM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 9:49AM EDT until July 19 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
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 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 23m 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.
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...
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...
14 mi from route
~34 min detour
Free
near mile 184
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 184
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is almost entirely highway, with 97% of the 232 miles on interstates like I 71 and the Kenmore Expressway. You'll experience 191 miles straight on I 71, which means you'll encounter numerous exits and interchanges as you travel. Surface roads will likely become more prominent only in the final few miles as you approach Northgate.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 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?
9/10
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 0.4 miles in near SR 59 / Rand Avenue.
Driving Effort9/10
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 14 significant decision points across 232 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 0.4 miles (SR 59 / Rand Avenue): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; 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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,312 ft771 ft
Total Climb
662 ft
Total Descent
745 ft
Highest Point
1,312 ft
~66.3 mi in
Elevation Range
540 ft
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
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
Cincinnati is Ohio's third largest city and the largest metro region, and lies on the north bank of the Ohio River in Southwest Ohio in the United States of America.
Cincinnati is distinct amongst Midwestern cities. Its culture is a mixture of the Northeast, Old South, Midwest, and Appalachia blended with a strong German-Catholic heritage. It was one of the United States' early boomtowns, and the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood is the largest National Historic District in the country. Today, it's part of a fast-growing metro area, and home to a remarkable blend of industry and architecture. Downtown Cincinnati is surrounded by picturesque foothills that add a beautiful backdrop to the Queen City and its legendary skyline – celebrated in the opening credits of television show WKRP in Cincinnati.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 23m. Total distance: 232 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 23m 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.
Yes — we found about 28 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Northgate, 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. There are 28 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (SR 59 / Rand Avenue): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; 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.
Yes — Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument and Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Northgate, OH, but most travelers stay overnight.
