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Trip from Bellefontaine, OH to Youngstown, OH

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 48m

Distance

199.7 mi

321 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$31

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 36m ★
6 AM
3h 49m
8 AM
4h 14m
10 AM
3h 58m
12 PM
3h 55m
3 PM
3h 59m
5 PM
4h 13m
8 PM
3h 41m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Bellefontaine, OH, OH

Bellefontaine, OH

Jovan Vasiljević

Trip Overview

This straightforward 199.7-mile journey from Bellefontaine, Ohio, to Youngstown, Ohio, is designed for efficiency, taking approximately 3 hours and 48 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-71 and I-76, this drive focuses on highway travel, making it an excellent candidate for a single-day trip. With a projected fuel cost of around $31, it’s an economical option for traversing the Midwest. You'll find this route offers a direct path, ideal if your priority is reaching your destination without extensive detours. The experience is largely highway-focused, so plan accordingly for your comfort on this relatively short but purposeful trip.

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

99.8 miles from Bellefontaine, OH

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 53m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 71 78.1 mi 1h 23m
I 76 57.6 mi 1h 6m
US Route 33 24.1 mi 26m
Delaware Avenue 14.4 mi 16m
I 680 5.9 mi 8m
State Route 37 East 5.9 mi 8m
I 80 4 mi 4m
West William Street 2.4 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 71 — 78.1 mi, about 1h 23m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bellefontaine, OH and Youngstown, OH.

1

Start on East Columbus Avenue

19 ft · 4 sec · East Columbus Avenue
2

Turn right onto North Main Street

524 ft · 14 sec · North Main Street
3

Turn right onto US 68; SR 47; SR 540

1.5 mi · 2 min · East Sandusky Avenue
4

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 50 sec
Toward US 33 East
5

Merge onto US 33

24 mi · 26 min · US Route 33
6

Take the exit onto US 36

0.3 mi · 36 sec · US 36
Exit 93 Toward US 36 East: Delaware Use the slight right lane.
7

Turn left onto US 36

14 mi · 16 min · Delaware Avenue
8

Continue on US 36

2.4 mi · 2 min · West William Street
9

Continue on US 36; SR 37; SR 521

0.9 mi · 1 min · Sunbury Road
10

Continue on US 36; SR 37

5.9 mi · 8 min · State Route 37 East
11

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec
12

Merge onto I 71

78 mi · 1 hr 23 min · I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Exit 209A-B Toward I 76, US 224: Lodi, Akron Use the slight right lane.
14

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.
15

Merge onto I 76; US 224

17 mi · 20 min · I 76; US 224
Use the straight / right lanes.
16

Keep slight right at fork onto I 76

1.9 mi · 2 min · Kenmore Expressway
Use the slight right lane.
17

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.
18

Keep slight left at fork onto I 76; I 77

39 mi · 43 min · I 76; I 77
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Continue on I 80

4.0 mi · 4 min · I 80
20

Keep slight right at fork onto I 680

5.9 mi · 8 min · I 680
Toward I 680: Youngstown
21

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 39 sec
22

Turn sharp left onto Market Street

0.6 mi · 59 sec · Market Street
23

Keep slight right at fork onto Central Square

124 ft · 2 sec · Central Square
24

Arrive at destination

Central Square

Trip Plan

Given its 3-hour and 48-minute duration, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion from Bellefontaine to Youngstown. Consider an early morning departure to maximize your daylight hours and potentially avoid heavier traffic. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing; however, ensure you take breaks as needed, especially during the longest stretch on I-71. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the total distance of 199.7 miles will require careful planning if you're starting with a low tank. A practical tip for this highway-centric drive is to pre-download offline maps, as cell service can be spotty in some sections between major cities.

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 99.8 miles from Bellefontaine, OH, or about 1h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 78.1 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 44 miles or 51m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 99.8 miles or 1h 53m 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 5m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Youngstown, OH than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Bellefontaine, 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 Bellefontaine, OH

This is one driving day of about 199.7 miles and 3h 48m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 miles from Bellefontaine, 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 78.1 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Westfield Center, OH, OH

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Westfield Center, OH

100 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

Dublin, OH

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 44 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Mansfield, OH

Meal break

The midpoint is around 99.8 miles from Bellefontaine, OH, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 71 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 78.1 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Golden Dawn Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Youngstown, Ohio

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 199.7

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+13307460393

Visit website

Chefhouse

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bellefontaine, Ohio

1.4 mi

CHC Restaurant & Pizza

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

North Jackson, Ohio

1.9 mi

Golden Dawn Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 199.7

Youngstown, Ohio

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+13307460393

Visit website

Chefhouse

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour

Bellefontaine, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+19372105550

Visit website

CHC Restaurant & Pizza

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 185.4

North Jackson, Ohio

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+13305387480

Culver’s

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 28.5

Marysville, Ohio

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+19375539279

Visit website

Paul Revere Family Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 85.6

Mansfield, Ohio

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+14198841811

Visit website

Tres Potrillos Mexican Restaurant Marysville

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 28.5

Marysville, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19377387253

Visit website

Al's Corner Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 142.6

Barberton, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13304757978

Visit website

La Palma mexican Restaurant

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Bellefontaine, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19375921601

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 199.7

Youngstown, Ohio

PowerCharge Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 199.7

Youngstown, Ohio

+18332172197

Visit website

PowerCharge Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 199.7

Youngstown, Ohio

+18332172197

Visit website

ViaLynk Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 185.4

North Jackson, Ohio

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15186913119

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 156.9

Kent, Ohio

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 199.7

Youngstown, Ohio

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 199.7

Girard, Ohio

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 199.7

Youngstown, Ohio

Hours: 4 am–10 pm

+18887584389

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 17

5 decision points cluster between mile 26 and 148.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
26 mi into trip | ~29m in | US 36

Take the exit onto US 36 toward US 36 East: Delaware

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 93 Toward US 36 East: Delaware
8
128.3 mi into trip | ~2h 23m 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
128.5 mi into trip | ~2h 24m 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
6
146.6 mi into trip | ~2h 45m in | I 76 / Kenmore Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 76 / Kenmore Expressway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane.
7
148.5 mi into trip | ~2h 48m in | I 76

Keep slight right at fork onto I 76 toward I 76 East: Akron

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 76 East: Akron

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$30.99 one way

$61.99 round trip

$3.94/gal 25.4 MPG avg 70 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.38 $34.40 $68.79
premium $4.91 $38.60 $77.19
diesel $5.61 $44.09 $88.18

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$31

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$56–$81

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 69.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 59.9 0 $20.97 $9.59
Efficient EV 49.9 0 $17.47 $7.99
EV Truck/SUV 79.9 0 $27.96 $12.78

Gas CO2

70 kg

EV CO2

23 kg (67% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Bellefontaine, OH

Afternoon in Bellefontaine on Sunday

Local time

1:31 PM

EDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Youngstown, OH

Afternoon in Youngstown on Sunday

Local time

1:31 PM

EDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

14 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 48m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

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...

14 mi from route ~35 min detour Free near mile 151.5
Caution: Vehicle Break-in and Theft Warning
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 89% of the route on major interstates like I-71 and I-76. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 78.1 miles on I-71, offering a period of uninterrupted driving. While US Route 33 is part of the itinerary, the bulk of your time will be spent on faster-paced highway segments. This profile suggests a driving experience geared towards covering ground efficiently rather than seeking out winding scenic byways. The character is consistent, making it predictable and easy to navigate.

89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 78.1 mi on I 71.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and I 76. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 26 miles in near US 36.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 17 significant decision points across 199.7 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 26 miles (US 36): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 128.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 128.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Bellefontaine, OH to Youngstown, OH, road signs begin pointing toward Akron along the way.

Akron

128.3 mi in | ~2h 23m

About the Cities

Starting in Bellefontaine, OH

Full guide →

Bellefontaine, Ohio is a city in the Miami - Scioto basins, and the seat of Logan county.

Arriving in Youngstown, OH

Full guide →

Youngstown is a city of 60,000 people (2020) in Northeast Ohio and is the county seat of Mahoning County. For Youngstown, it was all about coal and steel, until deindustrialization occurred in the second half of the 20th century.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 48m. Total distance: 199.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 78.1 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 Youngstown, 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 26 miles (US 36): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 128.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 128.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Cuyahoga Valley National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Youngstown, OH, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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