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Trip from Caldwell, OH to Columbus, OH

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

Drive Time

1h 54m

Distance

100.7 mi

162 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 25 min
4 AM
1h 46m ★
6 AM
1h 54m
8 AM
2h 11m
10 AM
2h 0m
12 PM
1h 58m
3 PM
2h 1m
5 PM
2h 10m
8 PM
1h 49m

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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village in Noble County, Ohio, United States

Caldwell, OH

Wikimedia Commons

capital city of Ohio, United States of America

Columbus, OH

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 100.7-mile drive from Caldwell, OH to Columbus, OH is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 54 minutes to complete. With a fuel cost estimated at $16, it's an economical option for exploring the Midwest. The journey primarily utilizes local roads like West Street, Marietta Road, and McConnelsville Road, indicating a more intimate connection with the landscape rather than a high-speed interstate experience. Given its relatively short duration and the lack of designated overnight stops, this route is perfectly suited for a single day's adventure, allowing for flexibility and spontaneous detours.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

50.3 miles from Caldwell, OH

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 56m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 70 78.5 mi 1h 26m
I 77 18.9 mi 20m
Marietta Road 0.6 mi 1m
East State Street 0.4 mi 1m
South Grant Avenue 0.4 mi 1m
McConnelsville Road 0.4 mi <1m
East Mound Street 0.3 mi <1m
West Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 70 — 78.5 mi, about 1h 26m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Caldwell, OH and Columbus, OH.

1

Start on North Street

56 ft · 9 sec · North Street
2

Continue on SR 821

0.2 mi · 19 sec · West Street
3

Turn straight onto SR 821

0.6 mi · 1 min · Marietta Road
4

Turn right onto SR 78

0.4 mi · 40 sec · McConnelsville Road
5

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Toward I 77 North
6

Merge onto I 77

19 mi · 20 min · I 77
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 44B Toward I 70 West: Columbus
8

Merge onto I 70

79 mi · 1 hr 26 min · I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 25 sec
Exit 101B Toward Downtown Use the slight right lane.
10

Continue on East Mound Street

0.3 mi · 56 sec · East Mound Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
11

Turn right onto South Grant Avenue

0.4 mi · 1 min · South Grant Avenue
Use the right lane.
12

Turn left onto East State Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · East State Street
Use the straight lane.
13

Turn right

88 ft · 6 sec
14

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 1 hour and 54-minute duration, this trip is easily accomplished in a single day. You can depart Caldwell, OH at your leisure, as there's no need to split the journey. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially since this route involves local roads where services might be more spread out. While there are no specific long stretches to worry about, be prepared for the numerous turns indicated by the route's profile; it's wise to have your navigation set up before you leave. The estimated fuel cost of $16 makes it a budget-friendly excursion.

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 50.3 miles from Caldwell, OH, or about 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 78.5 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 22 miles or 25m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 50.3 miles or 56m 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 31m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Caldwell, OH so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Caldwell, OH

This is one driving day of about 100.7 miles and 1h 54m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Caldwell, OH.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 70 for about 78.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Hopewell, OH, OH

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Hopewell, OH

50 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.

Popular next leg

Hopewell, OH to Columbus, OH

46.6 mi · 56m

Pacing Suggestions

Cambridge, OH

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 22 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hopewell, OH

Meal break

The midpoint is around 50.3 miles from Caldwell, OH, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 70 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 78.5 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

4th & State

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbus, Ohio

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 100.7

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+16142245461

Visit website

Haveli Bistro

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbus, Ohio

0.4 mi

Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Columbus, Ohio

0.7 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Bottoms Up Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbus, Ohio

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 100.7

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+16146622212

Visit website

Cure Coffee and Cocktails

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbus, Ohio

0.4 mi

Moonbird Coffee Co.

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbus, Ohio

2.6 mi

4th & State

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 100.7

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+16142245461

Visit website

Haveli Bistro

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 100.7

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16148675008

Visit website

Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 100.7

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+16146213287

Visit website

The Eagle | Short North

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30 mile 100.7

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 4–10 pm

+16147453397

Visit website

King Gyros Greek Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 93.5

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+16148669008

Visit website

Buckeye Food Stop

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 100.7

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 9 am–2 pm

Visit website

Darshan | Restaurant & Bar

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 86.3

Reynoldsburg, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16147623797

Visit website

Sakana Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 86.3

Reynoldsburg, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+16148666160

Visit website

Bottoms Up Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 100.7

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+16146622212

Visit website

Cure Coffee and Cocktails

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 100.7

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Visit website

Moonbird Coffee Co.

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 100.7

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Scioto Audubon Metro Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 100.7

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+16142025197

Visit website

National Museum of Cambridge Glass

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 21.6

Cambridge, Ohio

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+17404324245

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 9

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.1 and 99.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
1.1 mi into trip | ~2m in

Take the ramp toward I 77 North

Navigation decision point

Toward I 77 North
5
1.3 mi into trip | ~2m in | I 77

Merge onto I 77

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
20.2 mi into trip | ~22m in

Take the exit toward I 70 West: Columbus

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 44B Toward I 70 West: Columbus
7
99.3 mi into trip | ~1h 50m in

Take the exit toward Downtown

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 101B Toward Downtown
6
99.9 mi into trip | ~1h 51m in | South Grant Avenue

Turn right onto South Grant Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$15.63 one way

$31.26 round trip

$3.94/gal 25.4 MPG avg 35 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.38 $17.34 $34.69
premium $4.91 $19.46 $38.92
diesel $5.61 $22.23 $44.47

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$41–$66

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 35.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 30.2 0 $10.57 $4.83
Efficient EV 25.2 0 $8.81 $4.03
EV Truck/SUV 40.3 0 $14.10 $6.44

Gas CO2

35 kg

EV CO2

12 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 15, 2026

Origin

Caldwell, OH

Afternoon in Caldwell on Sunday

Local time

3:19 PM

EDT

Current temp

48°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Columbus, OH

Afternoon in Columbus on Sunday

Local time

3:19 PM

EDT

Current temp

66°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

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 54m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive on this route, with a 0% highway share. This means you'll be navigating a series of connecting roads rather than cruising on multi-lane highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch is not specified, but the 'turn-heavy' profile suggests frequent changes in direction and pace. This type of driving can offer a more engaging experience, allowing you to see more of the local scenery and get a feel for the communities you pass through. The focus is on the journey itself, rather than covering distance quickly.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 78.5 mi on I 70.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 70 and I 77. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.1 miles in.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 100.7 miles you will encounter 9 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 1.1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 1.3 miles (I 77): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 20.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

About the Cities

Starting in Caldwell, OH

Full guide →

Caldwell is in Noble County. Located along the West Fork of Duck Creek, Caldwell is the county seat of Noble County. The village is named for Joseph and Samuel Caldwell, its original landowners.

Arriving in Columbus, OH

Full guide →

Columbus is the capital of the American state of Ohio and is located centrally within the state as the core of the Greater Columbus area. Sited in an area where the Rust Belt, Bible Belt, Appalachia, and the Farm Belt meet, Columbus is a fusion of many different parts of America. It is the home of the Ohio State University. The combination of Ohio Government and the Ohio State University has fueled amazing growth both financially and physically in Columbus. It has created a business and research environment that has provided substantial employment opportunities to the diverse ethnic and local graduates of the Ohio State University, and other academic institutions in Columbus. The Ohio Supercomputer Center (OSC), is projected to be one of the top 50 supercomputers in the world and among the top 10 supercomputing academic centers.

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 1h 54m. Total distance: 100.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 54m 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 78.5 miles on I 70. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 1.1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 1.3 miles (I 77): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 20.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Columbus, OH before heading back.

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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