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Trip from Franklin Furnace, OH to Cleveland, OH

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

Drive Time

4h 53m

Distance

245.8 mi

396 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$38

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 40m ★
6 AM
4h 53m
8 AM
5h 20m
10 AM
5h 3m
12 PM
5h 0m
3 PM
5h 4m
5 PM
5h 19m
8 PM
4h 45m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Franklin Furnace, OH, OH

Franklin Furnace, OH

Tima Miroshnichenko

city in and county seat of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, United States

Cleveland, OH

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

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

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 16 Toward 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: Columbus Use 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 West Use 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 55 Toward I 71: Cincinnati, Columbus Use the slight right lane.
15

Keep slight right at fork

0.7 mi · 1 min
Toward I 71 North: Columbus Use 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, Wheeling Use 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 101A Toward I 71 North: Cleveland Use 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 171 Toward US 422, SR 14: Orange Avenue, Ontario Street Use the slight right lane.
24

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 42 sec
Toward US 422 West, SR 14 West: Ontario Street Use 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.

capital city of Ohio, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Columbus, OH

123 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.

Popular next leg

Columbus, OH to Cleveland, OH

142.9 mi · 2h 43m

Pacing Suggestions

South Bloomfield, OH

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Dublin, OH

Meal break

The midpoint is around 122.9 miles from Franklin Furnace, 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 140.7 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 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

$38.15 one way

$76.29 round trip

$3.94/gal 25.4 MPG avg 86 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.38 $42.34 $84.68
premium $4.91 $47.51 $95.01
diesel $5.61 $54.27 $108.54

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, 2026-04-13.

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 Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Franklin Furnace, OH

Morning in Franklin Furnace on Sunday

Local time

10:58 AM

EDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Cleveland, OH

Morning in Cleveland on Sunday

Local time

10:58 AM

EDT

Current temp

58°F

Mostly Cloudy

S 15 mph 11% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 17 at 10:34PM EDT until April 22 at 6:00AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 17 at 10:34PM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana

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

3 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

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
View on nps.gov
Cuyahoga Valley National Park

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 220.4
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 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 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 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.

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.

Wheeling

94.7 mi in | ~2h

Columbus

96.9 mi in | ~2h 4m

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 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.

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 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.

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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