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Trip from Columbus, OH to Arlington, OH

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 52m

Distance

81.5 mi

131 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$13

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 25 min
4 AM
1h 44m ★
6 AM
1h 53m
8 AM
2h 9m
10 AM
1h 58m
12 PM
1h 57m
3 PM
1h 59m
5 PM
2h 8m
8 PM
1h 48m

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

capital city of Ohio, United States of America

Columbus, OH

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Arlington, OH, OH

Arlington, OH

Dominik Gryzbon

Trip Overview

This 81.5-mile drive from Columbus, OH to Arlington, OH is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in about 1 hour and 52 minutes. With 85% of the route on highways, it's a convenient option for a day trip, especially considering the estimated fuel cost of $13. The drive stays within the Midwest region, offering a familiar landscape as you travel north. You won't need to worry about overnight stays for this relatively short distance. It's a practical option if you're looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B without extensive planning.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

40.7 miles from Columbus, OH

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 52m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
SR 31 22.3 mi 32m
US 33 16.7 mi 18m
United States Highway 68 8.5 mi 12m
State Route 31 8.4 mi 11m
Jack Nicklaus Freeway 8 mi 9m
Main Street 7.9 mi 11m
West Freeway 5.6 mi 6m
South Innerbelt 0.6 mi <1m
Longest stretch: SR 31 — 22.3 mi, about 32m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on this road

77 ft · 5 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto East State Street

0.1 mi · 26 sec · East State Street
3

Turn left onto South High Street

494 ft · 20 sec · South High Street
Use the left lane.
4

Turn right onto West Town Street

0.2 mi · 32 sec · West Town Street
5

At end of road, turn left onto Civic Center Drive

0.2 mi · 27 sec · Civic Center Drive
Use the straight lane.
6

Continue on South 2nd Street

0.1 mi · 30 sec · South 2nd Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
7

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Toward I-70 West
8

Merge onto I 70

0.6 mi · 49 sec · South Innerbelt
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
9

Continue on I 70

5.6 mi · 6 min · West Freeway
10

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 46 sec
Exit 93 Toward I 270 Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight right at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 270 North: Cleveland Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
12

Merge onto I 270

8.0 mi · 9 min · Jack Nicklaus Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Exit 17B Toward US 33 West, SR 161 West: Marysville Use the right lane.
14

Merge onto US 33; SR 161

17 mi · 18 min · US 33; SR 161
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec
Exit 92 Toward SR 4 North, SR 31: Marion, Kenton
16

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Toward SR 31: Kenton Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight right at fork

370 ft · 9 sec
Toward SR 31: Kenton
18

Keep slight left at fork

419 ft · 12 sec
Toward Maple Street
19

Turn right onto SR 31

0.1 mi · 15 sec · North Maple Street
20

Continue on SR 31

0.8 mi · 1 min · State Route 31
21

Enter roundabout onto State Route 31

92 ft · 1 sec · State Route 31
22

Continue on State Route 31

7.6 mi · 10 min · State Route 31
23

Continue on SR 31

22 mi · 32 min · SR 31
24

Turn left onto West Eliza Street

358 ft · 17 sec · West Eliza Street
25

Turn right onto US 68

0.3 mi · 41 sec · North Detroit Street
26

Continue on US 68

8.5 mi · 12 min · United States Highway 68
27

Continue on US 68

7.9 mi · 11 min · Main Street
28

Turn right onto East Liberty Street

205 ft · 10 sec · East Liberty Street
29

Turn left

98 ft · 7 sec
30

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the manageable 1 hour and 52-minute duration and 81.5-mile length, this route offers plenty of flexibility. You can depart at your convenience, but consider leaving mid-morning to avoid potential rush hour traffic around Columbus. With the longest stretch being 22.3 miles on SR 31, you'll find opportunities for quick stops if needed, though with only 0 listed stops, it's designed for efficiency. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $13, and plan your refueling accordingly before you depart or at a convenient point along US 33.

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 40.7 miles from Columbus, OH, or about 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 22.3 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 18 miles or 24m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 40.7 miles or 52m 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 34m

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

Before You Leave

+

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

Day 1

Settle into the route from Columbus, OH

This is one driving day of about 81.5 miles and 1h 52m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Columbus, OH.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on SR 31 for about 22.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown North Lewisburg, OH, OH

Mid-route town

Meal stop

North Lewisburg, OH

41 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 18 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

North Lewisburg, OH

Meal break

The midpoint is around 40.7 miles from Columbus, 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.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 22

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 33.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | South High Street

Turn left onto South High Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
7
0.4 mi into trip | ~1m in | Civic Center Drive

At end of road, turn left onto Civic Center Drive

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
7
7.1 mi into trip | ~10m in

Take the exit toward I 270

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 93 Toward I 270
8
16.1 mi into trip | ~21m in

Take the exit toward US 33 West, SR 161 West: Marysville

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

Use the right lane. Exit 17B Toward US 33 West, SR 161 West: Marysville
8
33.4 mi into trip | ~41m in

Keep slight left at fork toward SR 31: Kenton

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward SR 31: Kenton

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$12.65 one way

$25.30 round trip

$3.94/gal 25.4 MPG avg 29 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.38 $14.04 $28.08
premium $4.91 $15.75 $31.50
diesel $5.61 $17.99 $35.99

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$13

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$38–$63

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 28.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 24.5 0 $8.56 $3.91
Efficient EV 20.4 0 $7.13 $3.26
EV Truck/SUV 32.6 0 $11.41 $5.22

Gas CO2

29 kg

EV CO2

10 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 19, 2026

Origin

Columbus, OH

Late night in Columbus on Tuesday

Local time

5:12 AM

EDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Arlington, OH

Late night in Arlington on Tuesday

Local time

5:12 AM

EDT

Current temp

71°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

20 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 52m 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 predominantly highway experience on this trip, with 85% of your journey utilizing major roadways. The route is characterized by stretches of efficient travel, including one uninterrupted segment of 22.3 miles on SR 31. You'll navigate primarily on SR 31, US 33, and United States Highway 68. This highway-focused profile suggests consistent speeds and a clear path, minimizing complex turns or slow-downs. It’s a drive designed for making good time rather than lingering on scenic detours.

85% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 22.3 mi on SR 31.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on SR 31 and US 33. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near South High Street.

Driving Effort 10/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 81.5 miles you will encounter 22 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 0.1 miles (South High Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.4 miles (Civic Center Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 7.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.

On the drive from Columbus, OH to Arlington, OH, road signs begin pointing toward Kenton along the way.

Kenton

33.1 mi in | ~40m

About the Cities

Starting in Columbus, OH

Full guide →

Founded 1812

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.

Top landmarks

  • Ohio Stadium — stadium in Columbus, Ohio, USA
  • Columbus Museum of Art — Museum in Columbus, Ohio, United States
  • Wexner Center for the Arts — center at Ohio State University

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 52m. Total distance: 81.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 52m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (85%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 22.3 miles on SR 31. 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 Arlington, 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.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (South High Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.4 miles (Civic Center Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 7.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Arlington, 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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