Franklin, OH to Akron, OH is 213.9 miles and takes about 4h 2m via I-71, I-70, and I-675, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Ohio, traversing the Midwest region. It's primarily a highway drive, making it a straightforward trip for those looking to cover ground efficiently. With only one recommended stop and a relatively short duration, this route is well-suited for a same-day excursion.
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
107 miles from Franklin, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 1m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 71
99.5 mi
1h 47m
I 70
51.1 mi
55m
I 675
24.7 mi
28m
I 76
18.4 mi
22m
I 75
5.6 mi
6m
I 670
4.3 mi
5m
Innerbelt
2.1 mi
2m
Kenmore Expressway
1.9 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 99.5 mi, about 1h 47m
Traffic on I-71
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 72 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,112 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,981
Quietest
2 AM
~236 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 102 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, OH and Akron, OH.
1
Start on this road
187 ft·19 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto East 5th Street
240 ft·12 sec·East 5th Street
3
Turn right onto SR 73 Truck
470 ft·15 sec·Riley Boulevard
4
Turn left onto SR 123
1.2 mi·2 min·East 6th Street
Use the left lane.
5
Turn left
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward I 75 North: DaytonUse the left lane.
6
Merge onto I 75
5.6 mi·6 min·I 75
7
Take the exit
1.4 mi·1 min
Exit 43Toward I 675 North: ColumbusUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 675
16 mi·18 min·I 675
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 675
9.0 mi·10 min·I 675
10
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 26AToward I 70 East, SR 4 North: Columbus
11
Merge onto I 70; SR 4
1.9 mi·1 min·I 70; SR 4
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70
49 mi·53 min·I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 670
4.3 mi·5 min·I 670
Toward I 670 East: AirportUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto North Innerbelt
0.2 mi·15 sec·North Innerbelt
Toward I 71: Cincinnati, ClevelandUse the slight right lane.
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi·41 sec
Toward I 71 North: ClevelandUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward I 71 North: ClevelandUse the slight left lane.
17
Merge onto I 71
100 mi·1 hr 47 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 209A-BToward I 76, US 224: Lodi, AkronUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 209AToward I 76, US 224 East: AkronUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto I 76; US 224
17 mi·20 min·I 76; US 224
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76
1.9 mi·2 min·Kenmore Expressway
Use the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76
1.2 mi·1 min·I 76
Toward I 76 East: AkronUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 59
2.1 mi·2 min·Innerbelt
Exit 21CToward SR 59 East: DowntownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on SR 59
406 ft·13 sec·Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
25
Turn right onto West Center Street
459 ft·19 sec·West Center Street
26
Turn left onto West Bowery Street
0.2 mi·33 sec·West Bowery Street
27
Arrive at destination
West Bowery Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour drive time, departing in the morning allows ample time to reach Akron before evening. You'll want to plan for one stop to break up the drive, perhaps around the halfway point. Keep an eye on fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $36, and it's wise to fill up before embarking on the longest stretch of 99.5 miles on I-71. This trip is manageable in a single day, so you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time as needed.
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 107 miles from Franklin, OH, or about 2h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.5 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 47 miles or 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 107 miles or 2h 1m 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 15m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Akron, OH than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Franklin, 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, OH
This is one driving day of about 213.9 miles and 4h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Franklin, 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 99.5 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.4 and 211.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
1.4 mi into trip|~3m in
Turn left toward I 75 North: Dayton
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I 75 North: Dayton
8
89.5 mi into trip|~1h 42m 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
8
189.9 mi into trip|~3h 31m 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
190.2 mi into trip|~3h 32m 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
8
211.4 mi into trip|~3h 58m in|SR 59 / Innerbelt
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 59 / Innerbelt toward SR 59 East: Downtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 21C
Toward SR 59 East: Downtown
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.42 one way
$68.84 round trip
$4.09/gal25.4 MPG avg75 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.63
$39.02
$78.05
premium
$5.17
$43.57
$87.14
diesel
$6.22
$52.35
$104.69
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.8 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
64.2
0
$22.46
$10.27
Efficient EV
53.5
0
$18.72
$8.56
EV Truck/SUV
85.6
1
$29.95
$13.69
Gas CO2
75 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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 Oct 17, 2026
Origin
Franklin, OH
Morning
in Franklin on Sunday
Local time
9:22 AM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Sunny
N 7 to 14 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 8:58AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 8:01AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Destination
Akron, OH
Morning
in Akron on Sunday
Local time
9:22 AM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
N 6 to 13 mph15% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 8:58AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 8:01AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
43°F
Ashley, OH
107 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
3 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 2m 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...
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...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 29.5
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...
13 mi from route
~32 min detour
Free
near mile 213.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect to spend most of your time on the highway, with 96% of the drive on interstates. You'll encounter a segment of 99.5 miles on I-71 without needing to exit. The route features a high density of exits, characteristic of interstate driving through populated areas. Surface roads will only become a factor in the final miles as you approach your destination.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 99.5 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 70. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.4 miles in.
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 23 significant decision points across 213.9 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 1.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 89.5 miles (North Innerbelt): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 189.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,256 ft684 ft
Total Climb
1,166 ft
Total Descent
890 ft
Highest Point
1,256 ft
~137.5 mi in
Elevation Range
573 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Franklin, OH to Akron, OH, road signs begin pointing toward Cleveland along the way.
Akron is a city of almost 200,000 people (2019) in the Northeast Ohio region in Summit County. Akron is proud of its heritage as a center of industry, and now offers visitors a wide range of recreational and cultural attractions, food experiences, and shopping.
Top landmarks
•Goodyear Airdock — located in Akron, Ohio
•Akron Public Library — Carnegie library in Akron, Ohio
•CitiCenter Building — historic building in Akron, Ohio, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 2m. Total distance: 213.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 99.5 miles on I 71. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 30 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 Akron, 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 30 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 89.5 miles (North Innerbelt): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 189.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Akron, OH, but most travelers stay overnight.
