Trip from Cincinnati, OH to Clayton, 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 43m

Distance

63.7 mi

103 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$10

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 23 min

4 AM

1h 35m ★

6 AM

1h 43m

8 AM

1h 58m

10 AM

1h 48m

12 PM

1h 47m

3 PM

1h 49m

5 PM

1h 58m

8 PM

1h 38m

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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city in Ohio, United States; county seat of Hamilton County

Cincinnati, OH

Wikimedia Commons

Clayton, OH

Jovan Vasiljević

Trip Overview

If you are planning a trip from Cincinnati to Clayton, Ohio, expect a straightforward journey covering 63.7 miles. You should set aside about 1 hour and 43 minutes of travel time, making this an ideal day trip that doesn't require an overnight stay. Your route will primarily utilize Plane Street, the Circle Freeway, and Day-Hill Arnheim Road to navigate through the Midwest. With a fuel budget of approximately $10, it is a cost-effective excursion for those looking to traverse the region. Since both cities are located within Ohio, you will remain in the Midwest throughout the entire drive, keeping navigation simple and consistent.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

31.9 miles from Cincinnati, OH

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 46m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Plane Street	13.4 mi	21m
Circle Freeway	7.2 mi	8m
Day-Hill Arnheim Road	6 mi	8m
I 471	5.3 mi	6m
State Route 125	4.7 mi	7m
SR 353	4.6 mi	8m
SR 763	4.5 mi	7m
Ohio Pike	4.3 mi	7m

Longest stretch: Plane Street — 13.4 mi, about 21m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Cincinnati, OH and Clayton, OH.

Start on Ohio Avenue

99 ft · 6 sec · Ohio Avenue

Turn right onto West McMillan Avenue

0.2 mi · 26 sec · West McMillan Avenue

Continue on East McMillan Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · East McMillan Street

Use the straight lane.

Turn right onto Maplewood Avenue

0.1 mi · 24 sec · Maplewood Avenue

Turn left onto Kinsey Avenue

0.2 mi · 31 sec · Kinsey Avenue

Turn right onto US 42

1.0 mi · 2 min · Reading Road

Use the straight lane.

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 32 sec

Toward I 471 South: Newport Use the left lane.

Merge onto I 471

5.3 mi · 6 min · I 471

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min

Exit 1A Toward I 275 East: Columbus, Ohio Use the slight left / straight lanes.

Merge onto I 275

1.6 mi · 1 min · Ronald Reagan Highway

Continue on I 275

7.2 mi · 8 min · Circle Freeway

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 48 sec

Exit 65 Toward SR 125: Beechmont Avenue, Amelia Use the slight right lane.

Turn right onto SR 125

4.3 mi · 7 min · Ohio Pike

Use the right lane.

Continue on SR 125

1.6 mi · 2 min · West Main Street

Use the straight lane.

Continue on SR 125

2.1 mi · 3 min · East Ohio Pike

Continue on SR 125; SR 222

4.7 mi · 7 min · State Route 125

Continue on SR 125

13 mi · 21 min · Plane Street

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on SR 125

2.0 mi · 3 min · West State Street

Use the straight lane.

Turn right onto US 68; SR 125

6.0 mi · 8 min · Day-Hill Arnheim Road

Use the right lane.

Turn left onto US 62

0.3 mi · 32 sec · US 62

Toward US 62 East: Red Oak Use the left lane.

Turn right onto SR 353

4.6 mi · 8 min · SR 353

Turn right onto SR 763

4.5 mi · 7 min · SR 763

Turn left onto C-106

1.6 mi · 3 min · Suck Run Road

Turn right onto CR 33

1.5 mi · 5 min · Ebenezer Road

Turn left onto Clayton Pike

385 ft · 16 sec · Clayton Pike

Arrive at destination

Clayton Pike

Trip Plan

Because this is a relatively short drive, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience without needing to schedule formal stops. You can easily complete the entire 1 hour and 43-minute trip in one go, as no mandatory rest periods are required. Keep your $10 fuel budget in mind as you plan your departure, ensuring you are fueled up before hitting the longer highway sections. A practical tip for this specific route is to stay alert when transitioning onto the Circle Freeway, as road conditions can change quickly compared to the local stretches of Day-Hill Arnheim Road. By staying mindful of these road transitions, you will have a smoother and more predictable arrival in Clayton.

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 31.9 miles from Cincinnati, OH, or about 46m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 13.4 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 14 miles or 19m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 31.9 miles or 46m 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 21m

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

Before You Leave

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

Day 1

Settle into the route from Cincinnati, OH

This is one driving day of about 63.7 miles and 1h 43m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 14 miles from Cincinnati, OH.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

The longest stretch is on Plane Street for about 13.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Laurel, OH

32 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

Fairfax, OH

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 14 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Laurel, OH

Meal break

The midpoint is around 31.9 miles from Cincinnati, OH, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

The Indian Bistro Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cincinnati, Ohio

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 18.2

Hours: 11:30 am–2 pm

+15134747500

Visit website

Pho Lang Thang

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cincinnati, Ohio

0.8 mi

Baladi Restaurant & Bakery

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cincinnati, Ohio

1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Cincy cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cincinnati, Ohio

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7:30 am–10 pm

+15133833000

The 86 Coffee Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cincinnati, Ohio

0.5 mi

Lola's Coffee + Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cincinnati, Ohio

2 mi

The Indian Bistro Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 18.2

Cincinnati, Ohio

Hours: 11:30 am–2 pm

+15134747500

Visit website

Pho Lang Thang

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Cincinnati, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15133769177

Visit website

Baladi Restaurant & Bakery

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Cincinnati, Ohio

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+15132217222

Visit website

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $30 to $50

Cincinnati, Ohio

Hours: 5–10 pm

Visit website

Scotti's Italian Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately

Cincinnati, Ohio

Hours: 11:30 am–1:30 pm

+15137219484

Visit website

Cincy cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Cincinnati, Ohio

Hours: 7:30 am–10 pm

+15133833000

The 86 Coffee Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Cincinnati, Ohio

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

Visit website

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Cincinnati, Ohio

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+15135416366

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 1.8 and 51.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

1.8 mi into trip | ~4m in

Take the ramp toward I 471 South: Newport

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward I 471 South: Newport

7.4 mi into trip | ~11m in

Take the exit toward I 275 East: Columbus, Ohio

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Exit 1A Toward I 275 East: Columbus, Ohio

16.7 mi into trip | ~22m in

Take the exit toward SR 125: Beechmont Avenue, Amelia

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 65 Toward SR 125: Beechmont Avenue, Amelia

17.1 mi into trip | ~23m in | SR 125 / Ohio Pike

Turn right onto SR 125 / Ohio Pike

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

51.2 mi into trip | ~1h 16m in | US 62

Turn left onto US 62 toward US 62 East: Red Oak

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward US 62 East: Red Oak

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$9.89 one way

$19.77 round trip

$3.94/gal 25.4 MPG avg 22 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.38	$10.97	$21.94
premium	$4.91	$12.31	$24.62
diesel	$5.61	$14.06	$28.13

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$10

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$35–$60

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 22.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	19.1	$6.69	$3.06
Efficient EV	15.9	$5.57	$2.55
EV Truck/SUV	25.5	$8.92	$4.08

Gas CO2

22 kg

EV CO2

7 kg (68% 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 17, 2026

Origin

Cincinnati, OH

Late night in Cincinnati on Sunday

Local time

12:48 AM

EDT

Current temp

58°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Clayton, OH

Late night in Clayton on Sunday

Local time

12:48 AM

EDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

53°F

Laurel, OH

32 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

6 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

1h 43m 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?

This 63.7-mile trek offers a mixed driving experience, balancing local roads with busier thoroughfares. Highways make up 42% of the journey, providing a shift in pace from the more localized sections. You will encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 13.4 miles while navigating Plane Street, which serves as a key segment of your transit. Expect the road's personality to evolve as you transition between the urban infrastructure of Cincinnati and the surroundings of Clayton. The combination of different road types keeps the drive engaging without being overly strenuous.

42% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.

26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 13.4 mi on Plane Street.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.8 miles in.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 63.7 miles you will encounter 17 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 1.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 7.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.

Between Cincinnati, OH and Clayton, OH, road signs point toward Ohio and Amelia.

Ohio

7.4 mi in | ~11m

Amelia

16.7 mi in | ~22m

About the Cities

Starting in Cincinnati, OH

Full guide →

Founded 1788

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.

Top landmarks

• Carew Tower — skyscraper in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
• Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains — cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati in downtown Cincinnati...
• Cincinnati Observatory — other organization in Cincinnati, United States

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 43m. Total distance: 63.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (42%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 13.4 miles on Plane Street. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Clayton, OH before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

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

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Clayton, 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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Trip from Cincinnati, OH to Clayton, OH

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

The Indian Bistro Restaurant

Cincy cafe

The Indian Bistro Restaurant

Pho Lang Thang

Baladi Restaurant & Bakery

La Mexicana Restaurant

Pepper Pod Restaurant

Sotto

Mid City Restaurant

Scotti's Italian Restaurant

Cincy cafe

The 86 Coffee Bar

Lola's Coffee + Bar

Deeper Roots Coffee

Urbana Cafe Atlas Building

Reality Tuesday Cafe

Ludlow Coffee

American Sign Museum

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Cincinnati, OH

Clayton, OH

Same local time

6 degrees cooler at arrival

1h 43m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Starting in Cincinnati, OH

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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