This 130.9-mile drive from Cleveland to Steubenville, Ohio, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in about 2 hours and 42 minutes. Primarily utilizing SR 11 and the Ohio Turnpike, this route is almost entirely highway, making it a convenient option for a day trip within the Midwest. With a projected fuel cost of around $20, it's an economical choice for getting between these two Ohio cities. The drive is focused on efficient travel, so if you're looking for a quick and simple transit, this route fits the bill without needing an overnight stay.
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
65.5 miles from Cleveland, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 20m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
SR 11
33.5 mi
36m
Ohio Turnpike
30.8 mi
32m
SR 7
22.6 mi
31m
Outerbelt East Freeway
13.4 mi
15m
Outerbelt South Freeway
8.2 mi
10m
River Lake Highway
5.3 mi
6m
Willow Freeway
5.3 mi
6m
I 80
5.2 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
SR 11
— 33.5 mi, about 36m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cleveland, OH and Steubenville, OH.
1
Start on Frankfort Avenue
156 ft·12 sec·Frankfort Avenue
2
Turn left onto West 3rd Street
339 ft·16 sec·West 3rd Street
3
Turn left onto US 6; US 20; US 42; SR 3
315 ft·14 sec·West Superior Avenue
4
Turn right onto US 6; US 20
503 ft·23 sec·West Roadway
5
Turn right onto US 422; SR 8; SR 14; SR 43; SR 87
0.8 mi·1 min·Ontario Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Continue on US 422; SR 8; SR 10; SR 14; SR 43; SR 87
0.7 mi·1 min·Orange Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
7
Take the ramp onto SR 10
0.2 mi·27 sec·SR 10
Toward I 77 South, I 490: AkronUse the straight lane.
8
Merge onto I 77; SR 10
5.3 mi·6 min·Willow Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 156Toward I 480: Youngstown, ToledoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 480 East: YoungstownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 480
5.6 mi·6 min·Outerbelt South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 480
2.6 mi·3 min·Outerbelt South Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 271; I 480
1.1 mi·1 min·Outerbelt East Freeway
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 271; I 480
0.3 mi·20 sec·Outerbelt East Freeway
Exit 23A-BToward I 480 East, SR 14: Streetsboro, YoungstownUse the slight right lane.
15
Continue on I 271; I 480
12 mi·14 min·Outerbelt East Freeway
Exit 23AToward I 480 East, SR 14 East: Streetsboro, YoungstownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn slight right
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 42Toward I 80, Ohio Turnpike: Youngstown, ToledoUse the slight right lane.
17
Continue on this road
0.3 mi·22 sec·this road
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
18
Merge onto I 80
31 mi·32 min·Ohio Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit onto I 80
0.9 mi·1 min·I 80
Exit 218Toward I 80 EastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
0.3 mi·32 sec·I 80
Toward I 80 East, CR 18: Youngstown, Mahoning Avenue
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
4.0 mi·5 min·I 80
Toward I 80 East: Youngstown
22
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward SR 11 South: Canfield
23
Merge onto SR 11; I 80 Alt
33 mi·36 min·SR 11; I 80 Alt
24
Continue on US 30; SR 7; SR 11
5.3 mi·6 min·River Lake Highway
25
Take the exit onto SR 7
22 mi·30 min·SR 7
26
Take the exit onto SR 7
1.1 mi·1 min·SR 7
27
Keep slight right at fork onto US 22
0.3 mi·26 sec·US 22
28
Take the exit
0.2 mi·24 sec
Exit 244B
29
Turn right onto University Boulevard
0.9 mi·1 min·University Boulevard
30
Continue on Brady Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Brady Avenue
31
Turn right onto Langley Avenue
103 ft·8 sec·Langley Avenue
32
Turn left onto SR 43
255 ft·8 sec·Sunset Boulevard
33
Turn right onto Brady Circle West
309 ft·14 sec·Brady Circle West
34
Turn right
403 ft·31 sec
35
Turn right
308 ft·26 sec
36
Turn left
42 ft·3 sec
37
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 2 hour and 42 minute duration, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion. You'll want to plan for one stop, perhaps midway, to stretch your legs and refuel if needed, especially given the longest uninterrupted stretch is 33.5 miles on SR 11. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you head south on SR 11; while the fuel cost is estimated at $20, it's always wise to top off before embarking on longer highway segments. Leaving in the morning will give you ample time to reach Steubenville and still have a good portion of the day ahead of you.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 65.5 miles from Cleveland, OH, or about 1h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 33.5 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 29 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 65.5 miles or 1h 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 2h 7m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Steubenville, OH than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cleveland, 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 Cleveland, OH
This is one driving day of about 130.9 miles and 2h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Cleveland, 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 SR 11 for about 33.5 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 31
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 61.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.2 mi into trip|~1m in|US 422; SR 8; SR 14; SR 43; SR 87 / Ontario Street
Turn right onto US 422; SR 8; SR 14; SR 43; SR 87 / Ontario Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
7.2 mi into trip|~11m in
Take the exit toward I 480: Youngstown, Toledo
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 156
Toward I 480: Youngstown, Toledo
7
7.5 mi into trip|~12m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 480 East: Youngstown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 480 East: Youngstown
9
17.6 mi into trip|~25m in|I 271; I 480 / Outerbelt East Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 271; I 480 / Outerbelt East Freeway toward I 480 East, SR 14: Streetsboro, Youngstown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 23A-B
Toward I 480 East, SR 14: Streetsboro, Youngsto...
7
61.6 mi into trip|~1h 14m in|I 80
Take the exit onto I 80 toward I 80 East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 218
Toward I 80 East
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$20.32 one way
$40.63 round trip
$3.94/gal25.4 MPG avg46 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.38
$22.55
$45.09
premium
$4.91
$25.30
$50.60
diesel
$5.61
$28.90
$57.80
Estimated Tolls: $1.54
Ohio Turnpike
(30.8 mi)$1.54
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$20
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 45.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
39.3
0
$13.74
$6.28
Efficient EV
32.7
0
$11.45
$5.24
EV Truck/SUV
52.4
0
$18.33
$8.38
Gas CO2
46 kg
EV CO2
15 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 18, 2026
Origin
Cleveland, OH
Late night
in Cleveland on Sunday
Local time
4:06 AM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Steubenville, OH
Late night
in Steubenville on Sunday
Local time
4:06 AM
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
2 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
2h 42m 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
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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 22.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highly highway-focused experience on this journey, with 91% of the drive taking place on high-speed roads. You'll be on SR 11 for a significant portion, including a continuous stretch of 33.5 miles, offering a consistent pace. The route predominantly follows SR 11 and SR 7, with a segment on the Ohio Turnpike, ensuring minimal interruptions and steady progress. This profile suggests a drive characterized by efficiency rather than winding backroads, allowing you to cover ground quickly.
91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 33.5 mi on SR 11.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on SR 11 and Ohio Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near US 422; SR 8; SR 14; SR 43; SR 87 / Ontario Street.
Driving Effort10/10
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 31 significant decision points across 130.9 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 0.2 miles (US 422; SR 8; SR 14; SR 43; SR 87 / Ontario Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 7.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Cleveland, OH and Steubenville, OH, road signs point toward Toledo, Youngstown, Ohio Turnpike: Youngstown and Cr 18: Youngstown.
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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 42m. Total distance: 130.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 33.5 miles on SR 11. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.54 in tolls one way, starting with Ohio Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
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 Steubenville, 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 0.2 miles (US 422; SR 8; SR 14; SR 43; SR 87 / Ontario Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 7.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Cuyahoga Valley National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Steubenville, OH before heading back.
