Franklin Furnace, OH to Cleveland, OH is 245.8 miles and takes about 4h 53m via I 71, US 23, and Southern Ohio Veterans Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip primarily takes you through the Midwest region of Ohio, keeping you on major highways for most of the journey. Given its highway-focused profile and manageable duration, this route is ideal for a single-day drive. Plan for a straightforward trip with minimal detours, focusing on efficient travel between these two Ohio cities.
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
122.9 miles from Franklin Furnace, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 34m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 71
140.7 mi
2h 35m
US 23
68 mi
1h 29m
Southern Ohio Veterans Memorial Highway
16.4 mi
17m
US 52
6.6 mi
7m
South Freeway
3.6 mi
4m
South High Street
2.6 mi
3m
South Innerbelt
1.3 mi
1m
Jack Nicklaus Freeway
1.3 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 140.7 mi, about 2h 35m
Traffic on I-71
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 194 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,298 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,798
Quietest
2 AM
~141 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
16.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Franklin Furnace, OH and Cleveland, OH.
1
Start on C-268
76 ft·8 sec·Big Pete Road
2
Turn sharp right onto C-1
0.2 mi·39 sec·Gallia Pike
3
Continue on CR 1
139 ft·6 sec·Gallia Pike
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward US 52 West: Portsmouth
5
Merge onto US 52
6.6 mi·7 min·US 52
6
Take the exit onto SR 823
16 mi·17 min·Southern Ohio Veterans Memorial Highway
Toward SR 823 North: Chillicothe
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·49 sec
Exit 16Toward US 23 North: Chillicothe
8
Merge onto US 23
34 mi·45 min·US 23
9
Keep slight right at fork onto US 23
34 mi·44 min·US 23
Toward US 23 North: ColumbusUse the straight lane.
10
Continue on US 23
2.6 mi·3 min·South High Street
Use the straight lane.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·26 sec
Toward I 270: Columbus, Wheeling
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 270 WestUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 270
1.3 mi·1 min·Jack Nicklaus Freeway
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Exit 55Toward I 71: Cincinnati, ColumbusUse the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 71 North: ColumbusUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 71
3.6 mi·4 min·South Freeway
17
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.
18
Merge onto I 70; I 71
1.3 mi·1 min·South Innerbelt
19
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.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 71
112 mi·2 hr 1 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 71
28 mi·31 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Merge onto I 90
0.9 mi·1 min·Innerbelt
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Exit 171Toward US 422, SR 14: Orange Avenue, Ontario StreetUse the slight right lane.
24
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·42 sec
Toward US 422 West, SR 14 West: Ontario StreetUse the slight right lane.
25
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.
26
At end of road, turn right onto US 6; US 20
232 ft·10 sec·South Roadway
Use the right lane.
27
Continue on US 6; US 20
0.1 mi·28 sec·East Roadway
Use the left / straight lanes.
28
At end of road, turn left onto US 6; US 20
513 ft·20 sec·Rockwell Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
29
Turn right onto Frankfort Avenue
186 ft·6 sec·Frankfort Avenue
30
Arrive at destination
Frankfort Avenue
Trip Plan
For this 1-day drive, consider an early morning departure to maximize your daylight and allow for a relaxed pace. With a total driving time of under 5 hours, you won't need to split the trip, giving you flexibility. The longest stretch without a break is over 140 miles, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you approach the longest segment on I 71, and use the available rest areas to stretch your legs before you reach Cleveland.
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 122.9 miles from Franklin Furnace, OH, or about 2h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 140.7 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 54 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122.9 miles or 2h 34m 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
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 Franklin Furnace, 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 Franklin Furnace, OH
This is one driving day of about 245.8 miles and 4h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Franklin Furnace, 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 140.7 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 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 57.6 and 244.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
57.6 mi into trip|~1h 12m in|US 23
Keep slight right at fork onto US 23 toward US 23 North: Columbus
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward US 23 North: Columbus
8
96.9 mi into trip|~2h 4m in
Take the exit toward I 71: Cincinnati, Columbus
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 55
Toward I 71: Cincinnati, Columbus
8
103.2 mi into trip|~2h 13m 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
244.4 mi into trip|~4h 49m 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
244.6 mi into trip|~4h 49m 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
$37.77 one way
$75.54 round trip
$3.90/gal25.4 MPG avg86 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$42.60
$85.20
premium
$4.99
$48.26
$96.52
diesel
$4.80
$46.41
$92.82
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
73.7
0
$25.81
$11.80
Efficient EV
61.5
0
$21.51
$9.83
EV Truck/SUV
98.3
1
$34.41
$15.73
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Franklin Furnace, OH
Late night
in Franklin Furnace on Monday
Local time
3:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
89°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 3 to 8 mph53% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:54AM EDT until July 19 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:54AM EDT until July 19 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Destination
Cleveland, OH
Late night
in Cleveland on Monday
Local time
3:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
91°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 12 to 16 mph95% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:54AM EDT until July 19 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:54AM EDT until July 19 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 53m 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.
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Nearly 2000 years ago, Native Americans built dozens of monumental mounds and earthen enclosures in southern Ohio. These earthwork complexes were ceremonial landscapes used for feasts, funerals, ritua...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 50.9
Caution: Hopeton Earthworks Closed for Construction Until May 2026
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 220.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 90% of the journey taking place on major roads like I 71 and US 23. You'll experience long stretches of consistent speed, including one uninterrupted segment of 140.7 miles on I 71. The profile suggests a driving experience dominated by interstate travel, meaning fewer opportunities for spontaneous stops and more focus on covering ground efficiently. Expect a consistent road character for the majority of the 4h 53m duration.
90% 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: 140.7 mi on I 71.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and US 23. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 57.6 miles in near US 23.
Driving Effort10/10
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 27 significant decision points across 245.8 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 57.6 miles (US 23): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 96.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 103.2 miles (I 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,210 ft567 ft
Total Climb
918 ft
Total Descent
832 ft
Highest Point
1,210 ft
~210.7 mi in
Elevation Range
643 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Franklin Furnace, OH and Cleveland, OH, road signs point toward Wheeling and Columbus.
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.
Top landmarks
•Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — music museum in Cleveland, Ohio, United States
•Cleveland Museum of Art — art museum in Cleveland, Ohio
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 53m. Total distance: 245.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 140.7 miles on I 71. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 24 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 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. There are 24 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 57.6 miles (US 23): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 96.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 103.2 miles (I 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Hopewell Culture National Historical Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Cleveland, OH, but most travelers stay overnight.
