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Trip from Bradford, OH to Cleveland, OH

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

Drive Time

4h 18m

Distance

211.4 mi

340 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$33

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
4h 6m ★
6 AM
4h 19m
8 AM
4h 45m
10 AM
4h 28m
12 PM
4h 26m
3 PM
4h 30m
5 PM
4h 44m
8 PM
4h 11m

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

Downtown Bradford, OH, OH

Bradford, OH

Israyosoy S.

city in and county seat of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, United States

Cleveland, OH

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 211.4-mile drive from Bradford to Cleveland, Ohio, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 18 minutes. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 69% of the journey on interstates, making it a straightforward transit through the Midwest. You can expect a fuel cost of around $33 for this journey. While there's one recommended stop, the drive is mostly about covering ground efficiently. It's a practical option for getting from one part of Ohio to another with minimal fuss.

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

105.7 miles from Bradford, OH

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 20m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 71 117 mi 2h 7m
East Ash Street 26.2 mi 36m
Delaware Avenue 14.4 mi 16m
US 36 13.9 mi 20m
Scioto Street 10.7 mi 16m
SR 4 9.6 mi 10m
State Route 37 East 5.9 mi 8m
East Sandusky Street 5.4 mi 7m
Longest stretch: I 71 — 117 mi, about 2h 7m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bradford, OH and Cleveland, OH.

1

Start on East Main Street

34 ft · 9 sec · East Main Street
2

Turn left onto SR 721

1.2 mi · 2 min · North Miami Avenue
3

Turn left onto US 36

9.9 mi · 14 min · US 36
4

At end of road, turn left onto US 36

0.1 mi · 12 sec · South College Street
5

Turn right onto US 36

0.6 mi · 56 sec · West Water Street
6

Turn left onto US 36

0.1 mi · 17 sec · Spring Street
7

Turn right onto US 36

26 mi · 36 min · East Ash Street
8

Enter roundabout onto US 36; SR 29

97 ft · 1 sec · Scioto Street
9

Continue on US 36; SR 29

1.2 mi · 2 min · Scioto Street
10

Keep slight right at fork onto SR 29

9.5 mi · 14 min · Scioto Street
11

Continue on SR 29; SR 559

0.3 mi · 29 sec · North Main Street
12

Turn left onto SR 4

5.4 mi · 7 min · East Sandusky Street
13

Turn slight left onto SR 4

9.6 mi · 10 min · SR 4
14

Keep slight right at fork onto US 36; SR 4

3.7 mi · 4 min · US 36; SR 4
15

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.
16

Turn left onto US 36

14 mi · 16 min · Delaware Avenue
17

Continue on US 36

2.4 mi · 2 min · West William Street
18

Continue on US 36; SR 37; SR 521

0.9 mi · 1 min · Sunbury Road
19

Continue on US 36; SR 37

5.9 mi · 8 min · State Route 37 East
20

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec
21

Merge onto I 71

89 mi · 1 hr 35 min · I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Keep slight left at fork onto I 71

28 mi · 31 min · I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Merge onto I 90

0.9 mi · 1 min · Innerbelt
24

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec
Exit 171 Toward US 422, SR 14: Orange Avenue, Ontario Street Use the slight right lane.
25

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 42 sec
Toward US 422 West, SR 14 West: Ontario Street Use the slight right lane.
26

Turn straight onto US 422; SR 8; SR 10; SR 14; SR 43; SR 87

0.7 mi · 1 min · Ontario Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
27

At end of road, turn right onto US 6; US 20

232 ft · 10 sec · South Roadway
Use the right lane.
28

Continue on US 6; US 20

0.1 mi · 28 sec · East Roadway
Use the left / straight lanes.
29

At end of road, turn left onto US 6; US 20

513 ft · 20 sec · Rockwell Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
30

Turn right onto Frankfort Avenue

186 ft · 6 sec · Frankfort Avenue
31

Arrive at destination

Frankfort Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour and 18-minute duration, starting your journey from Bradford in the morning is ideal to reach Cleveland with ample daylight. While the drive is efficient, plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs, especially considering the 117-mile stretch on I-71. With a fuel cost estimated at $33, it's a budget-friendly trip. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach Cleveland, as services might be more concentrated in certain areas. This route offers flexibility, so you can adjust your departure time based on your schedule.

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 105.7 miles from Bradford, OH, or about 2h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 117 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 47 miles or 1h 9m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 105.7 miles or 2h 20m 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 32m

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 Bradford, 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 Bradford, OH

This is one driving day of about 211.4 miles and 4h 18m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Bradford, 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 117 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Ohio, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Dublin, OH

106 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

Plain City, OH

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 47 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Cardington, OH

Meal break

The midpoint is around 105.7 miles from Bradford, 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 117 miles.

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 22

5 decision points cluster between mile 67.9 and 211.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
67.9 mi into trip | ~1h 35m 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
209.9 mi into trip | ~4h 14m in

Take the exit toward US 422, SR 14: Orange Avenue, Ontario 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 171 Toward US 422, SR 14: Orange Avenue, Ontario St...
9
210.2 mi into trip | ~4h 15m in

Keep slight right at fork toward US 422 West, SR 14 West: Ontario Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward US 422 West, SR 14 West: Ontario Street
7
211.1 mi into trip | ~4h 17m in | US 6; US 20 / South Roadway

At end of road, turn right onto US 6; US 20 / South Roadway

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
7
211.2 mi into trip | ~4h 18m in | US 6; US 20 / Rockwell Avenue

At end of road, turn left onto US 6; US 20 / Rockwell Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$32.81 one way

$65.62 round trip

$3.94/gal 25.4 MPG avg 74 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.38 $36.41 $72.82
premium $4.91 $40.86 $81.71
diesel $5.61 $46.67 $93.35

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$33

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$58–$83

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 74 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 63.4 0 $22.20 $10.15
Efficient EV 52.9 0 $18.50 $8.46
EV Truck/SUV 84.6 1 $29.60 $13.53

Gas CO2

74 kg

EV CO2

25 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.

Forecast as of Apr 14, 2026

Origin

Bradford, OH

Afternoon in Bradford on Sunday

Local time

2:06 PM

EDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Cleveland, OH

Afternoon in Cleveland on Sunday

Local time

2:06 PM

EDT

Current temp

78°F

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 12 to 15 mph 24% chance Live forecast

73°F

Dublin, OH

106 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

26 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 18m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 211.4-mile journey. With 69% of the route on interstates, you'll spend a good portion of your time on high-speed roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 117 miles on I-71, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. While the profile is largely interstate, the initial and final segments involve surface streets like East Ash Street and Delaware Avenue, offering a slight change of pace before you merge onto the highway and again upon arrival in Cleveland.

69% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 117 mi on I 71.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and East Ash Street. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 67.9 miles in near US 36.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 22 significant decision points across 211.4 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 67.9 miles (US 36): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 209.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 210.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Arriving in Cleveland, OH

Full guide →

Cleveland is a culturally diverse city on the shores of Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes, in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, USA. Recreational, cultural and educational opportunities are abundant throughout Northeast Ohio. You'll find world-class museums, cultural events, professional sports, and amusement parks.

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 4h 18m. Total distance: 211.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 117 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 Cleveland, 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 67.9 miles (US 36): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 209.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 210.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Cleveland, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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