Origin
Dodson, OH
Morning in Dodson on Tuesday
Local time
7:43 AM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Dodson, OH to Cleveland, OH
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 13m
Distance
223.5 mi
360 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$35
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 0m
★
6 AM
4h 14m
8 AM
4h 40m
10 AM
4h 23m
12 PM
4h 20m
3 PM
4h 24m
5 PM
4h 39m
8 PM
4h 6m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Dodson, OH
Jovan Vasiljević
Cleveland, OH
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Dodson to Cleveland is 223.5 miles and takes about 4h 13m via I-71, I-70, and I-670, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This Midwest journey stays within Ohio, making it a straightforward trip. With a highway share of 97%, expect a direct drive focused on covering distance efficiently. This route is recommended for a single day, so plan to depart with enough time to reach your destination comfortably. It's a practical choice for getting from point A to point B without much fuss.
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
111.8 miles from Dodson, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 7m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 71 | 138.4 mi | 2h 31m |
| I 70 | 70.1 mi | 1h 16m |
| I 670 | 4.3 mi | 5m |
| US 40 | 3.5 mi | 5m |
| South Dayton Greenville Pike | 2.9 mi | 3m |
| Innerbelt | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Dodson Road | 0.9 mi | 3m |
| Ontario Street | 0.7 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 138.4 mi, about 2h 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dodson, OH and Cleveland, OH.
1
Start on Kemple Street
486 ft
·
22 sec
·
Kemple Street
2
Turn right onto Dodson Road
0.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Dodson Road
3
Turn right onto US 40
3.5 mi
·
5 min
·
US 40
4
Turn right onto SR 49
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
South Dayton Greenville Pike
Use the straight lane.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70
21 mi
·
23 min
·
I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70
49 mi
·
53 min
·
I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 670
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
I 670
Toward I 670 East: Airport
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto North Innerbelt
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
North Innerbelt
Toward I 71: Cincinnati, Cleveland
Use the slight right lane.
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
Toward I 71 North: Cleveland
Use the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward I 71 North: Cleveland
Use the slight left lane.
11
Merge onto I 71
111 mi
·
2 hr
·
I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 71
28 mi
·
31 min
·
I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 90
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Innerbelt
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Exit 171
Toward US 422, SR 14: Orange Avenue, Ontario Street
Use the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
42 sec
Toward US 422 West, SR 14 West: Ontario Street
Use the slight right lane.
16
Turn straight onto US 422; SR 8; SR 10; SR 14; SR 43; SR 87
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Ontario Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
At end of road, turn right onto US 6; US 20
232 ft
·
10 sec
·
South Roadway
Use the right lane.
18
Continue on US 6; US 20
0.1 mi
·
28 sec
·
East Roadway
Use the left / straight lanes.
19
At end of road, turn left onto US 6; US 20
513 ft
·
20 sec
·
Rockwell Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Turn right onto Frankfort Avenue
186 ft
·
6 sec
·
Frankfort Avenue
21
Arrive at destination
Frankfort Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 13m duration, departing Dodson in the morning will allow ample time to reach Cleveland before evening. With only one recommended stop, you can choose to make it a quick fuel and stretch break or plan a brief pause at a point that suits your needs along the 223.5-mile journey. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 138.4-mile stretch on I-71, as services can be spaced out on interstates. The estimated fuel cost is around $35, so budget accordingly. This is a drive that benefits from an early start to maximize your time at your destination.
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 111.8 miles from Dodson, OH, or about 2h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 138.4 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 49 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.8 miles or 2h 7m 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 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cleveland, OH than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dodson, 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 Dodson, OH
This is one driving day of about 223.5 miles and 4h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Dodson, 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 138.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
112 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 111.8 miles from Dodson, OH, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 71 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 138.4 miles.
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 195 decision points cluster between mile 77.5 and 222.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
77.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 29m in
|
I 670
Keep slight left at fork onto I 670 toward I 670 East: Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 670 East: Airport
8
81.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 34m in
|
North Innerbelt
Keep slight right at fork onto North Innerbelt toward I 71: Cincinnati, Cleveland
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 71: Cincinnati, Cleveland
7
82.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 35m 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
8
222.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 9m in
Take the exit toward US 422, SR 14: Orange Avenue, Ontario Street
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 171
Toward US 422, SR 14: Orange Avenue, Ontario St...
9
222.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 10m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 422 West, SR 14 West: Ontario Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 422 West, SR 14 West: Ontario Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.69 one way
$69.37 round trip
$3.94/gal
25.4 MPG avg
78 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.38 | $38.50 | $76.99 |
| premium | $4.91 | $43.20 | $86.39 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $49.35 | $98.69 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 67.1 | 0 | $23.47 | $10.73 |
| Efficient EV | 55.9 | 0 | $19.56 | $8.94 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 89.4 | 1 | $31.29 | $14.30 |
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Cleveland, OH
Morning in Cleveland on Tuesday
Local time
7:43 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°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 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 13m 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.
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
6 mi from route
~15 min detour
Free
near mile 23.1
View on nps.gov
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...
12 mi from route
~30 min detour
Free
near mile 200.4
View on nps.gov
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
~32 min detour
Free
near mile 30.8
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This is largely a highway-focused drive, with 97% of the route utilizing major interstates. You'll spend most of your time on I-71, I-70, and I-670, experiencing a consistent pace. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 138.4 miles on I-71, so be prepared for a significant period of highway driving. The character of the road remains consistent, prioritizing speed and directness over winding byways. Expect a smooth and predictable driving experience from start to finish.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 138.4 mi on I 71.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and I 70. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 77.5 miles in near I 670.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 223.5 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 77.5 miles (I 670): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 81.8 miles (North Innerbelt): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 82.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
About the Cities
Arriving in Cleveland, OH
Full guide →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.
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 4h 13m. Total distance: 223.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 138.4 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 Cleveland, 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 77.5 miles (I 670): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 81.8 miles (North Innerbelt): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 82.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Cleveland, 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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