Hamilton, OH to Lyndhurst, OH is 255.9 miles and takes about 4h 51m via I-71 and I-70, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This all-Ohio drive stays within the Midwest region, primarily utilizing interstate highways for a straightforward trip. With a recommended one-day duration, it's a manageable drive that should allow for some flexibility in your timing. Most of the route is spent on high-speed roads, making it a quick transit 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
127.9 miles from Hamilton, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 28m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 71
110.9 mi
2h
I 70
51.1 mi
55m
I 271
25.4 mi
28m
I 675
24.7 mi
28m
I 75
13.3 mi
15m
Outerbelt East Freeway
7.4 mi
9m
Hamilton Middletown Road
6.4 mi
7m
Hamilton Lebanon Road East
4.5 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 110.9 mi, about 2h
Traffic on I-71
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 42 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,959 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,601
Quietest
2 AM
~181 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.8×
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 Hamilton, OH and Lyndhurst, OH.
1
Start on SR 129; SR 177
0.7 mi·1 min·High Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
2
Turn left onto SR 4
0.6 mi·50 sec·North Erie Boulevard
Use the left lane.
3
Continue on SR 4
0.6 mi·41 sec·Fairgrove Avenue
4
Continue on SR 4
6.4 mi·7 min·Hamilton Middletown Road
Use the left lane.
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward SR 63: Monroe, Lebanon
6
Continue on SR 63
4.5 mi·8 min·Hamilton Lebanon Road East
Use the straight lane.
7
Turn straight onto SR 63
0.1 mi·9 sec·SR 63
8
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward I 75 North: DaytonUse the left lane.
9
Merge onto I 75
13 mi·15 min·I 75
10
Take the exit
1.4 mi·1 min
Exit 43Toward I 675 North: ColumbusUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 675
16 mi·18 min·I 675
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 675
9.0 mi·10 min·I 675
13
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 26AToward I 70 East, SR 4 North: Columbus
14
Merge onto I 70; SR 4
1.9 mi·1 min·I 70; SR 4
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70
49 mi·53 min·I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
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.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto North Innerbelt
0.2 mi·15 sec·North Innerbelt
Toward I 71: Cincinnati, ClevelandUse the slight right lane.
18
Take the exit
0.4 mi·41 sec
Toward I 71 North: ClevelandUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward I 71 North: ClevelandUse the slight left lane.
20
Merge onto I 71
111 mi·2 hr·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto I 271
25 mi·28 min·I 271
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 271
2.4 mi·3 min·Outerbelt East Freeway
Toward I 271 North: Erie Pennsylvania
23
Keep slight right at fork onto I 271
5.0 mi·6 min·Outerbelt East Freeway
Toward I 271 North Local, US 422 West: All ExitsUse the straight / slight left lanes.
24
Take the exit
521 ft·12 sec
Exit 32Toward Brainard Road, Cedar RoadUse the slight right lane.
25
Keep slight left at fork
475 ft·16 sec
Toward Brainard Road NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Turn left onto CR 28
1.2 mi·2 min·Brainard Road
Use the left lane.
27
Turn left onto US 322
0.6 mi·1 min·Mayfield Road
Use the left lane.
28
Turn right
113 ft·13 sec
Use the straight / right lanes.
29
Turn uturn
131 ft·14 sec
30
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4h 51m drive, consider departing in the morning to avoid peak traffic, especially if you're traveling on a weekday. With only one recommended stop and a relatively short total time, you have plenty of flexibility. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $40 budget is an estimate and prices can fluctuate. A practical tip for this route: pay attention to signage for I-271 as it bypasses parts of Cleveland, which could be a useful option depending on your final destination within Lyndhurst.
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 127.9 miles from Hamilton, OH, or about 2h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 110.9 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 56 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 127.9 miles or 2h 28m 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 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lyndhurst, OH than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hamilton, 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 Hamilton, OH
This is one driving day of about 255.9 miles and 4h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Hamilton, 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 110.9 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 109.2 and 255.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
109.2 mi into trip|~2h 7m 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
248.8 mi into trip|~4h 40m in|I 271 / Outerbelt East Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 271 / Outerbelt East Freeway toward I 271 North Local, US 422 West: All Exits
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 271 North Local, US 422 West: All Exit...
8
253.8 mi into trip|~4h 46m in
Take the exit toward Brainard Road, Cedar Road
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 Brainard Road, Cedar Road
8
253.9 mi into trip|~4h 46m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Brainard Road North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Brainard Road North
8
255.8 mi into trip|~4h 51m in
Turn uturn
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.29 one way
$88.58 round trip
$4.40/gal25.4 MPG avg90 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.85
$48.82
$97.64
premium
$5.43
$54.67
$109.33
diesel
$5.35
$53.90
$107.80
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
76.8
0
$26.87
$12.28
Efficient EV
64
0
$22.39
$10.24
EV Truck/SUV
102.4
1
$35.83
$16.38
Gas CO2
90 kg
EV CO2
30 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.
Forecast as of May 26, 2026
Origin
Hamilton, OH
Afternoon
in Hamilton on Wednesday
Local time
4:05 PM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Mostly Cloudy
NE 3 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 25 at 7:34PM EDT until May 26 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 25 at 7:15PM EDT until May 26 at 8:51AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Destination
Lyndhurst, OH
Afternoon
in Lyndhurst on Wednesday
Local time
4:05 PM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
84°F
Delaware, OH
128 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
21 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 51m 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...
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 238.2
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 44.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend 93% of your time on major highways, with the longest continuous stretch covering 110.9 miles on I-71. The vast majority of this trip is interstate cruising, so expect a consistent driving experience with relatively few turns. This highway-heavy profile means you'll encounter frequent, densely packed exits for much of the drive, especially as you approach urban areas.
93% 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: 110.9 mi on I 71.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 109.2 miles in near North Innerbelt.
Driving Effort9/10
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 24 significant decision points across 255.9 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 109.2 miles (North Innerbelt): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 248.8 miles (I 271 / Outerbelt East Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 253.8 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
1,268 ft596 ft
Total Climb
1,246 ft
Total Descent
809 ft
Highest Point
1,268 ft
~182.8 mi in
Elevation Range
672 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 Hamilton, OH to Lyndhurst, OH, road signs begin pointing toward Cleveland along the way.
Cleveland
109.2 mi in|~2h 7m|via North Innerbelt
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 51m. Total distance: 255.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 51m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 110.9 miles on I 71. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 36 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 Lyndhurst, 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 36 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 109.2 miles (North Innerbelt): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 248.8 miles (I 271 / Outerbelt East Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 253.8 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, 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 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Lyndhurst, OH, but most travelers stay overnight.
