This 295.1-mile journey from Harrison, Ohio, to Youngstown, Ohio, is a straightforward drive primarily focused on highways, making it an ideal candidate for a single-day trip. Expect to spend around 5 hours and 41 minutes on the road, navigating through Ohio's Midwest landscape. With 97% of the route on highways, including stretches of I-71 and I-76, this drive offers efficiency for travelers. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $46. While it’s manageable in one day, you’ll want to plan for at least one stop to break up the nearly six-hour travel time.
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
147.5 miles from Harrison, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 53m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 71
170.6 mi
3h 6m
I 76
57.6 mi
1h 6m
Circle Freeway
23 mi
26m
Northeast Expressway
14.2 mi
16m
I 680
5.9 mi
8m
Northwest Expressway
4.7 mi
5m
SR 350
4.3 mi
8m
I 80
4 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 170.6 mi, about 3h 6m
Traffic on I-71
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 79 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,087 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,731
Quietest
2 AM
~225 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.3×
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 Harrison, OH and Youngstown, OH.
1
Start on South State Street
9 ft·4 sec·South State Street
2
Turn right onto Harrison Avenue
1.0 mi·1 min·Harrison Avenue
3
Turn left onto New Haven Road
0.2 mi·29 sec·New Haven Road
Use the left lane.
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward I 74 East, US 52 East: Cincinnati
5
Merge onto I 74; US 52
4.7 mi·5 min·Northwest Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Merge onto I 74; I 275; US 52
2.7 mi·3 min·Circle Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 275
2.7 mi·3 min·Circle Freeway
Exit 9Toward I 275 North: Dayton
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 275
18 mi·20 min·Circle Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 49Toward I 71: Cincinnati, ColumbusUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Toward I 71 North: ColumbusUse the slight left lane.
11
Merge onto I 71
14 mi·16 min·Northeast Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 32Toward SR 123: Morrow, LebanonUse the slight right lane.
13
Turn right onto SR 123
515 ft·12 sec·SR 123
14
Turn left onto SR 350
4.3 mi·8 min·SR 350
Use the straight lane.
15
Turn left onto C-45
1.9 mi·4 min·Middleboro Road
16
At end of road, turn left onto SR 350 Truck; C-7
336 ft·10 sec·Wilmington Road
17
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward I 71 North: Columbus
18
Merge onto I 71
69 mi·1 hr 14 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
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.
20
Merge onto I 70; I 71
1.3 mi·1 min·South Innerbelt
21
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.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 71
100 mi·1 hr 49 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 209A-BToward I 76, US 224: Lodi, AkronUse the slight right lane.
24
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 209AToward I 76, US 224 East: AkronUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Merge onto I 76; US 224
17 mi·20 min·I 76; US 224
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76
1.9 mi·2 min·Kenmore Expressway
Use the slight right lane.
27
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.
28
Keep slight left at fork onto I 76; I 77
39 mi·43 min·I 76; I 77
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on I 80
4.0 mi·4 min·I 80
30
Keep slight right at fork onto I 680
5.9 mi·8 min·I 680
Toward I 680: Youngstown
31
Take the exit
0.2 mi·39 sec
32
Turn sharp left onto Market Street
0.6 mi·59 sec·Market Street
33
Keep slight right at fork onto Central Square
124 ft·2 sec·Central Square
34
Arrive at destination
Central Square
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour and 41-minute estimated duration, departing early in the morning from Harrison will allow you to reach Youngstown with ample daylight. Plan for one strategic stop, perhaps midway, to stretch your legs and refuel, especially considering the longest uninterrupted stretch is over 170 miles. The fuel cost is estimated at $46, so factor that into your budget. Keep an eye on traffic reports, particularly as you approach urban areas, although the highway-focused nature of this 295.1-mile route generally ensures smooth travel. A good tip for this drive is to utilize navigation apps that offer real-time traffic updates to optimize your travel time on I-71 and I-76.
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 147.5 miles from Harrison, OH, or about 2h 53m 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 65 miles or 1h 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 147.5 miles or 2h 53m 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 38m
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 Harrison, 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 Harrison, OH
This is one driving day of about 295.1 miles and 5h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from Harrison, 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 31
5 decision points cluster between mile 29.2 and 223.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
29.2 mi into trip|~35m 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 straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 49
Toward I 71: Cincinnati, Columbus
8
44.8 mi into trip|~53m 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
122.3 mi into trip|~2h 26m 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
223.7 mi into trip|~4h 16m 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
223.9 mi into trip|~4h 17m 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
$45.35 one way
$90.69 round trip
$3.90/gal25.4 MPG avg103 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$51.14
$102.29
premium
$4.99
$57.94
$115.88
diesel
$4.80
$55.72
$111.44
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 103.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
88.5
1
$30.99
$14.16
Efficient EV
73.8
0
$25.82
$11.80
EV Truck/SUV
118
1
$41.31
$18.89
Gas CO2
103 kg
EV CO2
35 kg (66% 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.
Forecast as of Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Harrison, OH
Afternoon
in Harrison on Saturday
Local time
1:16 PM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
SW 3 mph80% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 6:19PM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 6:11PM EDT until July 17 at 8:30PM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH
Destination
Youngstown, OH
Afternoon
in Youngstown on Saturday
Local time
1:16 PM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Smoke
S 0 to 5 mph60% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 6:19PM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 6:11PM EDT until July 17 at 8:30PM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH
59°F
Jamestown, OH
148 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
5h 41m 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...
14 mi from route
~34 min detour
Free
near mile 71.2
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
~35 min detour
Free
near mile 244.2
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
~57 min detour
Free
near mile 61.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused experience, with 97% of the drive utilizing major interstates. You'll spend the majority of your time on I-71 and I-76, covering a significant longest stretch of 170.6 miles on I-71 without interruption. The "Circle Freeway" also plays a role in navigating the final leg. Expect a consistent pace for most of the journey, characterized by open roads and steady travel, typical of a highway-centric drive across the Midwest.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
34 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 29.2 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 31 significant decision points across 295.1 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 29.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 44.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 122.3 miles (I 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,278 ft524 ft
Total Climb
1,069 ft
Total Descent
735 ft
Highest Point
1,278 ft
~189.7 mi in
Elevation Range
755 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Harrison, OH and Youngstown, OH, road signs point toward Columbus, Lebanon, Wheeling and Akron.
The western half of Hamilton County is less populated than the eastern half, and remains divided into the original townships rather than having formed many cities. The western fringes of suburban Cincinnati give way to parkland and then farmland along the Great Miami River.
Youngstown is a city of 60,000 people (2020) in Northeast Ohio and is the county seat of Mahoning County. For Youngstown, it was all about coal and steel, until deindustrialization occurred in the second half of the 20th century.
Top landmarks
•Butler Institute of American Art — museum in Youngstown, Ohio
•Idora Park — amusement park in Youngstown, Ohio
•Youngstown station — former train station in Youngstown, Ohio, US
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 41m. Total distance: 295.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 41m 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.
Yes — we found about 37 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 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. There are 37 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 29.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 44.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 122.3 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 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.4 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.
