Trip from Columbus, OH to Thompson, OH

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

Drive Time

3h 28m

Distance

182.2 mi

293 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min

4 AM

3h 16m ★

6 AM

3h 28m

8 AM

3h 53m

10 AM

3h 37m

12 PM

3h 34m

3 PM

3h 38m

5 PM

3h 51m

8 PM

3h 21m

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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capital city of Ohio, United States of America

Columbus, OH

Wikimedia Commons

Thompson, OH

WoodysMedia

Trip Overview

This 182.2-mile drive from Columbus, OH, to Thompson, OH, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day, with an estimated duration of 3 hours and 28 minutes. The route primarily utilizes I-71, I-271, and I-90, with 96% of the drive on highways, making it a highly efficient trip. With a projected fuel cost of around $28, this route is an economical option for exploring within the Midwest. Consider this a convenient way to travel between these two Ohio locations without significant detours.

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

91.1 miles from Columbus, OH

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 42m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 71	110.9 mi	2h
I 271	25.4 mi	28m
I 90	23.7 mi	26m
Outerbelt East Freeway	15 mi	18m
South Madison Road	4.8 mi	7m
East Long Street	0.6 mi	1m
Cleveland Avenue	0.4 mi	1m
South High Street	0.3 mi	1m

Longest stretch: I 71 — 110.9 mi, about 2h

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on this road

77 ft · 5 sec · this road

Turn right onto East State Street

0.1 mi · 23 sec · East State Street

Turn right onto South High Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · South High Street

Use the right lane.

Turn right onto US 33

0.6 mi · 1 min · East Long Street

Use the straight / right lanes.

Turn left onto SR 3

0.4 mi · 1 min · Cleveland Avenue

Use the left lane.

Take the ramp

197 ft · 4 sec

Toward I 71, I 670 East Use the right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 47 sec

Toward I 71 North, I 670 East Use the slight left lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 37 sec

Toward I 71 North: Cleveland Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto I 71

111 mi · 2 hr · I 71

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 271

25 mi · 28 min · I 271

Keep slight left at fork onto I 271

2.4 mi · 3 min · Outerbelt East Freeway

Toward I 271 North: Erie Pennsylvania

Keep slight right at fork onto I 271

13 mi · 15 min · Outerbelt East Freeway

Toward I 271 North Local, US 422 West: All Exits Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Continue on I 271

24 mi · 26 min · I 90

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec

Exit 212 Toward SR 528: Madison, Thompson

Turn right onto SR 528

182 ft · 4 sec · River Street

Continue on SR 528

4.8 mi · 7 min · South Madison Road

Turn right onto SR 528

96 ft · 4 sec · Thompson Road

Arrive at destination

SR 528

Trip Plan

Given that this 182.2-mile drive is estimated at just under 3.5 hours, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience. Aiming for an early morning start can help you avoid potential midday traffic, especially as you approach the more populated areas closer to Thompson. With only one stop suggested, you can easily manage your breaks, perhaps planning a quick refuel and stretch around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without exits is over 110 miles on I-71.

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 91.1 miles from Columbus, OH, or about 1h 42m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 110.9 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 40 miles or 47m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 91.1 miles or 1h 42m 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 48m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Thompson, 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.

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 Columbus, OH

This is one driving day of about 182.2 miles and 3h 28m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 miles from Columbus, 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 110.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Westfield Center, OH

91 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

Cardington, OH

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 40 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Westfield Center, OH

Meal break

The midpoint is around 91.1 miles from Columbus, 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 110.9 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 start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+16142245461

Visit website

Haveli Bistro

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbus, Ohio

0.4 mi

No Fork Restaurant- Beachwood

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Beachwood, Ohio

0.3 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Bottoms Up Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbus, Ohio

Near the start, right off the route

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

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+16146622212

Visit website

Cure Coffee and Cocktails

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbus, Ohio

0.4 mi

Java Central Café and Roaster

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Westerville, Ohio

2.2 mi

4th & State

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+16142245461

Visit website

Haveli Bistro

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16148675008

Visit website

No Fork Restaurant- Beachwood

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately mile 143.2

Beachwood, Ohio

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+12163424133

Visit website

Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+16146213287

Visit website

Dragon Land Chinese Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 13

Worthington, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+16148479991

Visit website

The Eagle | Short North

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 4–10 pm

+16147453397

Visit website

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30 mile 13

Polaris, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+16148851800

Visit website

Noodles and Company

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 13

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+16144680500

Visit website

Bottoms Up Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+16146622212

Visit website

Cure Coffee and Cocktails

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Visit website

Java Central Café and Roaster

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 13

Westerville, Ohio

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+16148390698

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 143.2

Solon, Ohio

EVgo Charging Station

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 143.2

Mayfield Heights, Ohio

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 13

Westerville, Ohio

+16149016500

Visit website

Coulby Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 156.2

Wickliffe, Ohio

Hours: 9 am–10 pm

+14409437120

Visit website

Nature Center At Shaker Lakes

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 143.2

Cleveland, Ohio

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+12163215935

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 140.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

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

Turn right onto South High Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

1.4 mi into trip | ~4m in

Take the ramp toward I 71, I 670 East

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Toward I 71, I 670 East

1.4 mi into trip | ~4m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 71 North, I 670 East

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

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 71 North, I 670 East

1.8 mi into trip | ~5m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 71 North: Cleveland

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 71 North: Cleveland

140.9 mi into trip | ~2h 37m in | I 271 / Outerbelt East Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 271 / Outerbelt East Freeway toward I 271 North Local, US 422 West: All Exits

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

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Toward I 271 North Local, US 422 West: All Exit...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$28.28 one way

$56.55 round trip

$3.94/gal 25.4 MPG avg 64 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.38	$31.38	$62.77
premium	$4.91	$35.21	$70.43
diesel	$5.61	$40.23	$80.45

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 63.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	54.7	$19.13	$8.75
Efficient EV	45.6	$15.94	$7.29
EV Truck/SUV	72.9	$25.51	$11.66

Gas CO2

64 kg

EV CO2

21 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

Columbus, OH

Late night in Columbus on Sunday

Local time

3:58 AM

EDT

Current temp

63°F

Mostly Cloudy

S 9 mph 6% chance Live forecast

Destination

Thompson, OH

Late night in Thompson on Sunday

Local time

3:58 AM

EDT

Current temp

48°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

15 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

3h 28m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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...

1 mi from route ~4 min detour Free near mile 125.7

Caution: Vehicle Break-in and Theft Warning

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused experience for the majority of this 182.2-mile trip, as 96% of the route is on major interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 110.9 miles on I-71, offering a consistent pace. While predominantly interstate, the transition onto I-271 and then I-90 will subtly alter the driving environment as you progress north. This drive prioritizes efficiency over scenic byways, so settle in for a smooth, albeit direct, journey.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

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

Longest single stretch: 110.9 mi on I 71.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and I 271. 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 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 182.2 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 0.1 miles (South High Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Starting 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 3h 28m. Total distance: 182.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 110.9 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 Thompson, 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.

Yes — Cuyahoga Valley National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Thompson, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from Columbus, OH or browse trips ending in Thompson, OH.

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Trip from Columbus, OH to Thompson, 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

4th & State

Bottoms Up Coffee

4th & State

Haveli Bistro

No Fork Restaurant- Beachwood

Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant

Dragon Land Chinese Restaurant

The Eagle | Short North

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

Noodles and Company

Bottoms Up Coffee

Cure Coffee and Cocktails

Java Central Café and Roaster

Moonbird Coffee Co.

Tesla Supercharger

EVgo Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

ChargePoint Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

EVgo Charging Station

Chevrolet Charging Station

Scioto Audubon Metro Park

The Maltz Museum

Squire's Castle

Millstone Creek Park

Coulby Park

Nature Center At Shaker Lakes

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Columbus, OH

Thompson, OH

Same local time

15 degrees cooler at arrival

3h 28m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

About the Cities

Starting in Columbus, OH

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

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

How this page is built

Explore More

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