Origin
Fairfax, OH
Night in Fairfax on Saturday
Local time
9:27 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Fairfax, OH to Youngstown, OH
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 21m
Distance
275.3 mi
443 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$43
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 8m
★
6 AM
5h 22m
8 AM
5h 49m
10 AM
5h 31m
12 PM
5h 29m
3 PM
5h 33m
5 PM
5h 47m
8 PM
5h 14m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Fairfax, OH
Joaquin Carfagna
Trip Overview
Fairfax, OH to Youngstown, OH is 275.3 miles and takes about 5h 21m via I 71 and I 76, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Ohio, traversing the Midwest region primarily on major highways. Expect a straightforward journey focused on efficient travel, making it a practical choice for a single-day trip. The route is well-suited for those prioritizing reaching their destination without extensive detours or complex navigation.
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
137.6 miles from Fairfax, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 44m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 71 | 170.6 mi | 3h 6m |
| I 76 | 57.6 mi | 1h 6m |
| Northeast Expressway | 22.2 mi | 26m |
| I 680 | 5.9 mi | 8m |
| SR 350 | 4.3 mi | 8m |
| I 80 | 4 mi | 4m |
| Middleboro Road | 1.9 mi | 4m |
| Kenmore Expressway | 1.9 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 170.6 mi, about 3h 6m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairfax, OH and Youngstown, OH.
1
Start on Germania Street
25 ft
·
5 sec
·
Germania Street
2
Turn left onto Elder Street
0.1 mi
·
32 sec
·
Elder Street
3
Turn left onto Watterson Road
0.1 mi
·
29 sec
·
Watterson Road
4
Continue on Watterson Road
0.1 mi
·
26 sec
·
Watterson Road
5
Continue on Watterson Street
0.2 mi
·
50 sec
·
Watterson Street
6
At end of road, turn left onto Bramble Avenue
506 ft
·
17 sec
·
Bramble Avenue
7
Turn right onto Whetsel Avenue
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Whetsel Avenue
8
Turn left onto Madison Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Madison Road
Use the left lane.
9
Turn right onto Medpace Way
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
Medpace Way
Use the right lane.
10
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
11
Merge onto Red Bank Expressway
0.5 mi
·
46 sec
·
Red Bank Expressway
Use the right lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Toward I 71 North: Columbus
Use the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto I 71
22 mi
·
26 min
·
Northeast Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 32
Toward SR 123: Morrow, Lebanon
Use the slight right lane.
15
Turn right onto SR 123
515 ft
·
12 sec
·
SR 123
16
Turn left onto SR 350
4.3 mi
·
8 min
·
SR 350
Use the straight lane.
17
Turn left onto C-45
1.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Middleboro Road
18
At end of road, turn left onto SR 350 Truck; C-7
336 ft
·
10 sec
·
Wilmington Road
19
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Toward I 71 North: Columbus
20
Merge onto I 71
69 mi
·
1 hr 14 min
·
I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit onto I 71
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
·
I 71
Toward I 71 North, I 70 East: Cleveland, Wheeling
Use the slight right lane.
22
Merge onto I 70; I 71
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
South Innerbelt
23
Keep slight right at fork onto I 71
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
I 71
Exit 101A
Toward I 71 North: Cleveland
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 71
100 mi
·
1 hr 49 min
·
I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 209A-B
Toward I 76, US 224: Lodi, Akron
Use the slight right lane.
26
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 209A
Toward I 76, US 224 East: Akron
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Merge onto I 76; US 224
17 mi
·
20 min
·
I 76; US 224
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Kenmore Expressway
Use the slight right lane.
29
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
I 76
Toward I 76 East: Akron
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Keep slight left at fork onto I 76; I 77
39 mi
·
43 min
·
I 76; I 77
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Continue on I 80
4.0 mi
·
4 min
·
I 80
32
Keep slight right at fork onto I 680
5.9 mi
·
8 min
·
I 680
Toward I 680: Youngstown
33
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
34
Turn sharp left onto Market Street
0.6 mi
·
59 sec
·
Market Street
35
Keep slight right at fork onto Central Square
124 ft
·
2 sec
·
Central Square
36
Arrive at destination
Central Square
Trip Plan
With a duration of just over 5 hours, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to take advantage of ample daylight and arrive with time to spare. Given the route's highway-centric nature, there's one designated stop, but you can easily add more short breaks as needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch of 170.6 miles on I 71, as services can be spaced out on interstates.
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 137.6 miles from Fairfax, OH, or about 2h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 170.6 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 61 miles or 1h 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 137.6 miles or 2h 44m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Youngstown, OH than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fairfax, 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 Fairfax, OH
This is one driving day of about 275.3 miles and 5h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 miles from Fairfax, 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 170.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
138 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 61 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 137.6 miles from Fairfax, 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 170.6 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 315 decision points cluster between mile 2.5 and 204.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
2.5 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 71 North: Columbus
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 71 North: Columbus
8
25 mi into trip
|
~33m in
Take the exit toward SR 123: Morrow, Lebanon
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 32
Toward SR 123: Morrow, Lebanon
8
102.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 6m 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
203.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 56m in
Take the exit toward I 76, US 224: Lodi, Akron
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 209A-B
Toward I 76, US 224: Lodi, Akron
9
204.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 57m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 76, US 224 East: Akron
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 209A
Toward I 76, US 224 East: Akron
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.73 one way
$85.45 round trip
$3.94/gal
25.4 MPG avg
96 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.38 | $47.42 | $94.84 |
| premium | $4.91 | $53.21 | $106.41 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $60.78 | $121.57 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$43
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 82.6 | 1 | $28.91 | $13.21 |
| Efficient EV | 68.8 | 0 | $24.09 | $11.01 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 110.1 | 1 | $38.54 | $17.62 |
Gas CO2
96 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Youngstown, OH
Night in Youngstown on Saturday
Local time
9:27 PM
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
5h 21m 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 47.5
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...
14 mi from route
~36 min detour
Free
near mile 227.8
View on nps.gov
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...
23 mi from route
~58 min detour
Free
near mile 38
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This highway-focused drive covers 275.3 miles, with 97% of the journey on interstates like I 71 and I 76. You'll experience long stretches of consistent highway driving, including a significant 170.6-mile segment on I 71. The Northeast Expressway is also part of the main route, contributing to the overall high-speed character. Prepare for a driving experience that is largely predictable and efficient, with minimal time spent on slower, local roads.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 170.6 mi on I 71.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and I 76. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.5 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 275.3 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 2.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 25 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 102.5 miles (I 71): 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Fairfax, OH and Youngstown, OH, road signs point toward Lebanon, Wheeling and Akron.
Lebanon
25 mi in
|
~33m
Wheeling
100.8 mi in
|
~2h 3m
|
via I 71
Akron
203.9 mi in
|
~3h 56m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 21m. Total distance: 275.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 21m 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 170.6 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 Youngstown, 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 2.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 25 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 102.5 miles (I 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Youngstown, OH before the return drive.
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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