Howland Center, OH to Springfield, OH is 217.8 miles and takes about 4h 12m via I 71 and Ohio Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $32 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Ohio, moving from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. It's a straightforward trip that primarily uses major highways, making it a practical choice for a single-day drive. You'll likely find it efficient for getting between these two points without much fuss.
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
108.9 miles from Howland Center, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 5m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 71
89.3 mi
1h 35m
Ohio Turnpike
35.6 mi
38m
US 36
34.9 mi
42m
Marysville Road
14.3 mi
16m
Warren Outer Belt
13.6 mi
16m
I 271
10 mi
11m
State Route 37 East
5.8 mi
7m
East William Street
2.4 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 89.3 mi, about 1h 35m
Traffic on I-71
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 36 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 Howland Center, OH and Springfield, OH.
1
Start on Venice Heights Drive Northeast
0.1 mi·28 sec·Venice Heights Drive Northeast
2
Turn left onto Cranbrook Avenue Northeast
333 ft·16 sec·Cranbrook Avenue Northeast
3
Turn right onto Anderson Avenue Northeast
424 ft·18 sec·Anderson Avenue Northeast
4
Turn slight right
247 ft·11 sec
5
Turn right onto SR 46
0.9 mi·1 min·Niles Cortland Road Northeast
6
Turn right onto CR 329
0.9 mi·1 min·East Market Street
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·29 sec
8
Merge onto SR 82
14 mi·16 min·Warren Outer Belt
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·17 sec
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·59 sec
12
Merge onto I 80
22 mi·23 min·Ohio Turnpike
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
14 mi·14 min·Ohio Turnpike
14
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 173Toward I 77: Cleveland, AkronUse the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·14 sec
Toward SR 21: Richfield, BrecksvilleUse the right lane.
16
Keep slight right at fork
347 ft·8 sec
17
Turn straight onto SR 21
1.0 mi·1 min·Brecksville Road
18
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward I 77 South, SR 21 South
19
Merge onto I 77; SR 21
1.8 mi·2 min·I 77; SR 21
20
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 144Toward I 271 South: ColumbusUse the slight right lane.
21
Merge onto I 271
10 mi·11 min·I 271
22
Merge onto I 71
89 mi·1 hr 35 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Exit 131Toward US 36, SR 37: Sunbury, DelawareUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Turn right onto US 36; SR 37
5.8 mi·7 min·State Route 37 East
25
Continue on US 36; SR 37
0.9 mi·1 min·Sunbury Road
26
Continue on US 36; SR 37; SR 521
2.4 mi·2 min·East William Street
27
Continue on US 36
14 mi·16 min·Marysville Road
28
Take the exit onto US 36
3.3 mi·4 min·US 36
29
Take the exit onto US 36; SR 4
0.1 mi·13 sec·US 36; SR 4
Toward US 36 West, SR 4 South: Urbana, Springfield
30
Keep slight left at fork onto US 36; SR 4
31 mi·38 min·US 36; SR 4
Toward US 36 West, SR 4 South: Urbana, Springfield
31
Turn straight onto SR 4
0.1 mi·14 sec·Mitchell Boulevard
32
Turn left onto SR 4
0.2 mi·21 sec·North Belmont Avenue
33
Turn right onto SR 4
1.0 mi·1 min·Lagonda Avenue
34
Turn right onto SR 4
0.4 mi·34 sec·Warder Street
35
Continue on US 40; SR 4; SR 41
0.5 mi·59 sec·East North Street
36
Turn left onto North Fountain Avenue
0.3 mi·45 sec·North Fountain Avenue
37
Turn left onto East High Street
476 ft·22 sec·East High Street
38
Turn left onto South Limestone Street
364 ft·7 sec·South Limestone Street
39
Arrive at destination
South Limestone Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4-hour drive, consider leaving in the morning to give yourself ample daylight for the entire trip. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimate of $32, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. The longest stretch without a major road change is 89.3 miles on I 71, so plan your breaks accordingly to avoid fatigue. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you approach the end of the highway portion and transition to US 36.
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 108.9 miles from Howland Center, OH, or about 2h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 89.3 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 48 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 108.9 miles or 2h 5m 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 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Springfield, OH than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Howland Center, 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 Howland Center, OH
This is one driving day of about 217.8 miles and 4h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Howland Center, 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 89.3 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 30
5 decision points cluster between mile 52.4 and 183.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
52.4 mi into trip|~1h 1m in
Take the exit toward I 77: Cleveland, 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 173
Toward I 77: Cleveland, Akron
8
53.3 mi into trip|~1h 3m in
Keep slight right at fork toward SR 21: Richfield, Brecksville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward SR 21: Richfield, Brecksville
7
56.5 mi into trip|~1h 8m in
Take the exit toward I 271 South: Columbus
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 144
Toward I 271 South: Columbus
8
156.5 mi into trip|~2h 56m in
Take the exit toward US 36, SR 37: Sunbury, Delaware
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 131
Toward US 36, SR 37: Sunbury, Delaware
6
183.6 mi into trip|~3h 29m in|US 36; SR 4
Keep slight left at fork onto US 36; SR 4 toward US 36 West, SR 4 South: Urbana, Springfield
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 36 West, SR 4 South: Urbana, Springfi...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.47 one way
$66.93 round trip
$3.90/gal25.4 MPG avg76 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$37.75
$75.49
premium
$4.99
$42.76
$85.53
diesel
$4.80
$41.12
$82.25
Estimated Tolls: $1.78
Ohio Turnpike
(35.6 mi)$1.78
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
65.3
0
$22.87
$10.45
Efficient EV
54.5
0
$19.06
$8.71
EV Truck/SUV
87.1
1
$30.49
$13.94
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
25 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Howland Center, OH
Afternoon
in Howland Center on Sunday
Local time
1:10 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Showers And Thunderstorms then Patchy Smoke
NW 5 to 13 mph100% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 5:55PM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 5:54PM EDT until July 18 at 6:15PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Destination
Springfield, OH
Afternoon
in Springfield on Sunday
Local time
1:10 PM
EDT
Current temp
90°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 13 mph24% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 5:55PM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 5:54PM EDT until July 18 at 6:15PM 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
29 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 12m 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.
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...
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...
16 mi from route
~39 min detour
Free
near mile 217.8
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...
18 mi from route
~46 min detour
Free
near mile 217.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is largely highway driving, with 81% of the trip on major roads like I 71 and the Ohio Turnpike. You'll experience an uninterrupted stretch of 89.3 miles on I 71. The transition to surface roads will occur near the end of your trip, likely around mile 174 if you consider the highway portion's end. Expect a consistent flow of traffic typical of interstate travel.
81% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 89.3 mi on I 71.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and Ohio Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 52.4 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 30 significant decision points across 217.8 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 52.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 53.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 56.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,220 ft889 ft
Total Climb
1,004 ft
Total Descent
915 ft
Highest Point
1,220 ft
~31.1 mi in
Elevation Range
332 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Howland Center, OH and Springfield, OH, road signs point toward Akron, Brecksville and Delaware.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 12m. Total distance: 217.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (81%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 89.3 miles on I 71. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.78 in tolls one way, starting with Ohio Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
Yes — we found about 22 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 Springfield, 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 22 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 52.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 53.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 56.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument and Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Springfield, OH, but most travelers stay overnight.
