Hunter, OH to Youngstown, OH is 256.1 miles and takes about 4h 56m via I 71 and I 76, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Ohio, connecting two points in the Midwest region. Given its relatively short length and predominantly highway profile, it's a straightforward trip suitable for a single day. Expect mostly interstate driving, so plan for typical highway conditions. This trip is best suited for those looking for an efficient way to travel between these two Ohio locations without significant detours.
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
128.1 miles from Hunter, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 29m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 71
162.3 mi
2h 57m
I 76
57.6 mi
1h 6m
SR 73
8.9 mi
12m
I 680
5.9 mi
8m
State Route 122
4.8 mi
8m
I 80
4 mi
4m
Old 122 Road
3.8 mi
6m
US 42
3.3 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 162.3 mi, about 2h 57m
Traffic on I-71
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 130 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,928 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,661
Quietest
2 AM
~228 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 105 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 Hunter, OH and Youngstown, OH.
1
Start on Lynn Drive
85 ft·5 sec·Lynn Drive
2
Turn right onto SR 122
4.8 mi·8 min·State Route 122
3
Continue on C-230
3.3 mi·5 min·Old 122 Road
4
Enter roundabout onto C-230
130 ft·2 sec·Old 122 Road
5
Continue on C-230
0.5 mi·54 sec·Old 122 Road
6
Turn left onto US 42
3.3 mi·4 min·US 42
7
Turn right onto SR 73
8.9 mi·12 min·SR 73
8
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 71 North: Columbus
9
Merge onto I 71
61 mi·1 hr 5 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
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.
11
Merge onto I 70; I 71
1.3 mi·1 min·South Innerbelt
12
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.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 71
100 mi·1 hr 49 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 209A-BToward I 76, US 224: Lodi, AkronUse the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 209AToward I 76, US 224 East: AkronUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 76; US 224
17 mi·20 min·I 76; US 224
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76
1.9 mi·2 min·Kenmore Expressway
Use the slight right lane.
18
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.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 76; I 77
39 mi·43 min·I 76; I 77
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on I 80
4.0 mi·4 min·I 80
21
Keep slight right at fork onto I 680
5.9 mi·8 min·I 680
Toward I 680: Youngstown
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·39 sec
23
Turn sharp left onto Market Street
0.6 mi·59 sec·Market Street
24
Keep slight right at fork onto Central Square
124 ft·2 sec·Central Square
25
Arrive at destination
Central Square
Trip Plan
Consider departing in the morning to maximize daylight, especially since this trip can be completed in under five hours. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $40, and it’s wise to refuel before hitting the longest stretch on I 71 if you're starting with less than half a tank. Because the drive is manageable in a single day, you can adjust your departure time based on your schedule. This route is primarily highway, so be prepared for consistent traffic patterns.
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 128.1 miles from Hunter, OH, or about 2h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 162.3 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 56 miles or 1h 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 128.1 miles or 2h 29m 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 2m
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 Hunter, 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 Hunter, OH
This is one driving day of about 256.1 miles and 4h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Hunter, 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 162.3 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 81.7 and 204.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
81.7 mi into trip|~1h 38m in|I 71
Take the exit onto I 71 toward I 71 North, I 70 East: Cleveland, Wheeling
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 71 North, I 70 East: Cleveland, Wheeli...
8
83.4 mi into trip|~1h 40m 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
184.7 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
184.9 mi into trip|~3h 31m 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
7
204.9 mi into trip|~3h 56m in|I 76
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76 toward I 76 East: Akron
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 76 East: Akron
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.07 one way
$80.14 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg90 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.47
$45.11
$90.22
premium
$5.06
$50.98
$101.96
diesel
$6.18
$62.30
$124.60
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
76.8
0
$26.89
$12.29
Efficient EV
64
0
$22.41
$10.24
EV Truck/SUV
102.4
1
$35.85
$16.39
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 Oct 18, 2026
Origin
Hunter, OH
Night
in Hunter on Sunday
Local time
11:17 PM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Widespread Frost then Sunny
SE 6 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 3:26AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 2:57AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH
Destination
Youngstown, OH
Night
in Youngstown on Sunday
Local time
11:17 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Widespread Frost then Sunny
S 1 to 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 3:26AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 2:57AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Wilmington 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
2 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 56m 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...
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
Free
near mile 26.5
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...
15 mi from route
~38 min detour
Free
near mile 211.9
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...
20 mi from route
~51 min detour
Free
near mile 8.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway, with 97% of the driving on interstates. You'll spend most of your time on I 71 and then transition to I 76. The longest continuous stretch on the highway is 162.3 miles on I 71. You'll experience a consistent flow of traffic and numerous exits typical of major interstate travel for almost the entire trip, with only a very small portion on surface roads.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 162.3 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 76. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 81.7 miles in near I 71.
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 20 significant decision points across 256.1 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 81.7 miles (I 71): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 83.4 miles (I 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 184.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,328 ft846 ft
Total Climb
780 ft
Total Descent
809 ft
Highest Point
1,328 ft
~146.5 mi in
Elevation Range
482 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Hunter, OH and Youngstown, OH, road signs point toward Wheeling and Akron.
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 4h 56m. Total distance: 256.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 56m 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 162.3 miles on I 71. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 34 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 34 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 81.7 miles (I 71): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 83.4 miles (I 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 184.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Youngstown, OH, but most travelers stay overnight.
