If you are planning a trip from Day Heights to Lorain, expect a straightforward journey covering 229.8 miles. You can comfortably complete this 4-hour and 41-minute drive in a single day, making it an efficient option for those looking to reach the destination quickly. With a fuel budget of approximately $34, it remains an economical choice for travelers. The route primarily utilizes I-71, US 22, and Avon Lake Road to navigate through the Midwest. Given the duration, you likely won't need an overnight stay, allowing you to maximize your time once you arrive in Lorain.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
114.9 miles from Day Heights, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 25m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 71
156.9 mi
2h 51m
Avon Lake Road
13.3 mi
15m
US 22
10 mi
14m
SR 132
6.7 mi
11m
John F. Kennedy Memorial Parkway
6.6 mi
9m
State Route 28
5.4 mi
9m
Avon Belden Road
4.2 mi
4m
Grafton Road
3.8 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 156.9 mi, about 2h 51m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Day Heights, OH and Lorain, OH.
1
Start on Kent Drive
0.1 mi·29 sec·Kent Drive
2
At end of road, turn right onto Betty Lane
0.2 mi·39 sec·Betty Lane
3
Turn right onto SR 131
0.4 mi·44 sec·SR 131
4
Continue on SR 131
0.4 mi·39 sec·SR 131
Use the straight lane.
5
Continue on SR 131
156 ft·10 sec·SR 131
6
Turn left onto Buckwheat Road
1.8 mi·3 min·Buckwheat Road
Use the left lane.
7
Turn right onto SR 28
5.4 mi·9 min·State Route 28
Use the straight lane.
8
Turn left onto SR 132
6.7 mi·11 min·SR 132
Use the left lane.
9
Turn left onto SR 123
3.0 mi·5 min·SR 123
10
Turn right onto US 22; SR 3
10.0 mi·14 min·US 22; SR 3
11
Turn left onto SR 380
3.5 mi·6 min·SR 380
12
Turn left onto SR 73
0.2 mi·20 sec·State Route 73
13
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 71 North: Columbus
14
Merge onto I 71
61 mi·1 hr 5 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit onto I 71
0.4 mi·45 sec·I 71
Toward I 71 North, I 70 East: Cleveland, WheelingUse the slight right lane.
16
Merge onto I 70; I 71
1.3 mi·1 min·South Innerbelt
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 71
1.0 mi·1 min·I 71
Exit 101AToward I 71 North: ClevelandUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 71
95 mi·1 hr 43 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·39 sec
Exit 204Toward SR 83: Lodi, WoosterUse the slight right lane.
20
Turn left onto SR 83
2.1 mi·3 min·Avon Lake Road
Use the left lane.
21
Continue on SR 83
0.9 mi·1 min·Wooster Street
22
Continue on SR 83
0.5 mi·1 min·Elyria Street
23
Continue on SR 83
8.9 mi·10 min·Avon Lake Road
24
Enter roundabout onto SR 83
524 ft·8 sec·Avon Lake Road
25
Continue on SR 83
2.2 mi·2 min·Avon Lake Road
26
Continue on SR 83
2.5 mi·2 min·Avon Belden Road
27
Enter roundabout onto SR 83; SR 303
78 ft·1 sec·Avon Belden Road
28
Continue on SR 83; SR 303
229 ft·3 sec·Avon Belden Road
29
Enter roundabout onto SR 57; SR 83
139 ft·1 sec·Avon Belden Road
30
Continue on SR 57; SR 83
1.5 mi·1 min·Avon Belden Road
31
Turn left onto SR 57
1.6 mi·1 min·Grafton Road
32
Continue on SR 57
2.0 mi·2 min·Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
33
Continue on SR 57
2.3 mi·2 min·Grafton Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
34
Continue on SR 57
6.6 mi·9 min·John F. Kennedy Memorial Parkway
Use the left lane.
35
Turn right onto SR 57
2.9 mi·4 min·Lorain Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
36
Continue on SR 57
1.5 mi·2 min·Grove Avenue
37
Turn left onto SR 57
2.3 mi·3 min·East 28th Street
38
Turn right onto SR 57
0.5 mi·47 sec·Broadway
39
Turn left onto SR 611
0.8 mi·1 min·West 21st Street
40
Turn right onto Hamilton Avenue
0.1 mi·31 sec·Hamilton Avenue
41
Arrive at destination
Hamilton Avenue
Trip Plan
Because this is a manageable one-day trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. Aim to leave early to avoid potential congestion on the interstate segments, though the overall duration of 4 hours and 41 minutes allows for a relaxed start. You should plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and refuel, as the long 156.9-mile stretch on I-71 can be monotonous. Since your fuel costs are estimated at $34, keep an eye on your gauge during the interstate portion to ensure you aren't paying premium prices at busy highway service plazas. Factor in the transition to local roads like Avon Lake Road, as traffic patterns will change once you exit the main highway system.
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 114.9 miles from Day Heights, OH, or about 2h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 156.9 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 51 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 114.9 miles or 2h 25m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lorain, OH than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Day Heights, 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 Day Heights, OH
This is one driving day of about 229.8 miles and 4h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Day Heights, 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 156.9 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 26
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 190.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|Betty Lane
At end of road, turn right onto Betty Lane
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
6
1.1 mi into trip|~2m in|Buckwheat Road
Turn left onto Buckwheat Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
92.5 mi into trip|~2h in|I 71
Take the exit onto I 71 toward I 71 North, I 70 East: Cleveland, Wheeling
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 71 North, I 70 East: Cleveland, Wheeli...
8
94.2 mi into trip|~2h 3m in|I 71
Keep slight right at fork onto I 71 toward I 71 North: Cleveland
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 101A
Toward I 71 North: Cleveland
8
190.2 mi into trip|~3h 47m in
Take the exit toward SR 83: Lodi, Wooster
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 204
Toward SR 83: Lodi, Wooster
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.66 one way
$71.33 round trip
$3.94/gal25.4 MPG avg80 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.38
$39.58
$79.16
premium
$4.91
$44.41
$88.83
diesel
$5.61
$50.74
$101.47
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
68.9
0
$24.13
$11.03
Efficient EV
57.5
0
$20.11
$9.19
EV Truck/SUV
91.9
1
$32.17
$14.71
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 20, 2026
Origin
Day Heights, OH
Morning
in Day Heights on Tuesday
Local time
10:29 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Lorain, OH
Morning
in Lorain on Tuesday
Local time
10:29 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
70°F
Dublin, OH
115 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
26 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
4h 41m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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.
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument
National Monument
Throughout his life, Charles Young overcame countless obstacles in his ascent to prominence. In spite of overt racism and stifling inequality, Young rose through the military ranks to become one of th...
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
Free
near mile 39.6
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park was established to honor the lives and achievements of poet and author Paul Laurence Dunbar and aviation pioneers Wilbur and Orville Wright. Through p...
23 mi from route
~57 min detour
Free
near mile 31.7
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...
24 mi from route
~59 min detour
Free
near mile 206
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 84% of your time spent on major thoroughfares. You will spend the bulk of your journey on a long, 156.9-mile stretch along I-71, which provides a consistent pace for the majority of the drive. The personality of the road shifts from the high-speed rhythm of the interstate to the more localized feel of US 22 and Avon Lake Road as you approach your destination. Expect a functional, direct experience that prioritizes steady progress over technical maneuvering or winding backroads. It is a classic Midwestern drive that keeps you moving efficiently toward the coast of Lake Erie.
84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
41 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 156.9 mi on I 71.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and Avon Lake Road. 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 Betty Lane.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 229.8 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 (Betty Lane): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 1.1 miles (Buckwheat Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 92.5 miles (I 71): 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 Day Heights, OH and Lorain, OH, road signs point toward Wheeling and Wooster.
Lorain is a city of 64,000 people (2019) 30 miles west of Cleveland in Northeast Ohio. A former industrial center for shipbuilding, auto manufacturing, and steel, like other Rust Belt cities, the city faces population decline and urban decay.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 41m. Total distance: 229.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 41m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 156.9 miles on I 71. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 22 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Lorain, 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. There are 22 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Betty Lane): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 1.1 miles (Buckwheat Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 92.5 miles (I 71): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Lorain, OH, but most travelers stay overnight.
