Kenwood, OH to Youngstown, OH is 270.5 miles and takes about 5h 13m via I 71 and I 76, with a fuel budget near $42 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays entirely within Ohio, connecting two points in the Midwest region. Expect a highway-focused trip that's straightforward and efficient, making it a solid option for a single-day journey. With most of the route on interstates, it's designed for covering ground quickly, so plan accordingly for a relatively uninterrupted travel experience.
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
135.2 miles from Kenwood, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 39m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 71
170.6 mi
3h 6m
I 76
57.6 mi
1h 6m
Northeast Expressway
18.2 mi
21m
I 680
5.9 mi
8m
SR 350
4.3 mi
8m
I 80
4 mi
4m
Middleboro Road
1.9 mi
4m
Kenmore Expressway
1.9 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 170.6 mi, about 3h 6m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kenwood, OH and Youngstown, OH.
1
Start on Sturbridge Drive
0.2 mi·53 sec·Sturbridge Drive
2
At end of road, turn left onto US 22; SR 3
1.0 mi·2 min·Montgomery Road
3
Enter roundabout onto Ronald Reagan Cross County Highway
261 ft·4 sec·Ronald Reagan Cross County Highway
4
Continue on Ronald Reagan Cross County Highway
0.4 mi·31 sec·Ronald Reagan Cross County Highway
5
Take the ramp
478 ft·20 sec
Toward I 71 North: ColumbusUse the left lane.
6
Turn left
0.3 mi·33 sec
7
Merge onto I 71
18 mi·21 min·Northeast Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 32Toward SR 123: Morrow, LebanonUse the slight right lane.
9
Turn right onto SR 123
515 ft·12 sec·SR 123
10
Turn left onto SR 350
4.3 mi·8 min·SR 350
Use the straight lane.
11
Turn left onto C-45
1.9 mi·4 min·Middleboro Road
12
At end of road, turn left onto SR 350 Truck; C-7
336 ft·10 sec·Wilmington Road
13
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward I 71 North: Columbus
14
Merge onto I 71
69 mi·1 hr 14 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
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.
16
Merge onto I 70; I 71
1.3 mi·1 min·South Innerbelt
17
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.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 71
100 mi·1 hr 49 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 209A-BToward I 76, US 224: Lodi, AkronUse the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 209AToward I 76, US 224 East: AkronUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto I 76; US 224
17 mi·20 min·I 76; US 224
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76
1.9 mi·2 min·Kenmore Expressway
Use the slight right lane.
23
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.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 76; I 77
39 mi·43 min·I 76; I 77
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on I 80
4.0 mi·4 min·I 80
26
Keep slight right at fork onto I 680
5.9 mi·8 min·I 680
Toward I 680: Youngstown
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi·39 sec
28
Turn sharp left onto Market Street
0.6 mi·59 sec·Market Street
29
Keep slight right at fork onto Central Square
124 ft·2 sec·Central Square
30
Arrive at destination
Central Square
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 13m duration and 270.5 miles, this route is comfortably manageable in a single day. Aim to depart Kenwood in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for any unforeseen delays. With a fuel cost estimated at $42, it's wise to fill up before leaving or at a major service area along I 71, as opportunities for fuel may be less frequent once you transition to I 76. Plan for one main stop to stretch your legs and grab a bite; the longest stretch of 170.6 miles on I 71 means you'll have a substantial period of driving before needing a break.
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 135.2 miles from Kenwood, OH, or about 2h 39m 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 60 miles or 1h 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 135.2 miles or 2h 39m 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 16m
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 Kenwood, 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 Kenwood, OH
This is one driving day of about 270.5 miles and 5h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Kenwood, 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 26
5 decision points cluster between mile 20.2 and 199.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
20.2 mi into trip|~25m 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
7
96 mi into trip|~1h 55m 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
97.7 mi into trip|~1h 57m 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
199.1 mi into trip|~3h 48m 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
199.3 mi into trip|~3h 48m 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
$41.98 one way
$83.96 round trip
$3.94/gal25.4 MPG avg95 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.38
$46.59
$93.18
premium
$4.91
$52.28
$104.56
diesel
$5.61
$59.72
$119.45
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$42
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 94.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
81.1
1
$28.40
$12.98
Efficient EV
67.6
0
$23.67
$10.82
EV Truck/SUV
108.2
1
$37.87
$17.31
Gas CO2
95 kg
EV CO2
32 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 Apr 17, 2026
Origin
Kenwood, OH
Night
in Kenwood on Saturday
Local time
9:28 PM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Youngstown, OH
Night
in Youngstown on Saturday
Local time
9:28 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
68°F
Mansfield, OH
135 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 13m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is overwhelmingly a highway-focused drive, with 97% of the journey utilizing major interstates like I 71 and I 76, including the Northeast Expressway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 170.6 miles on I 71, indicating a consistent pace for a significant portion of the trip. The character of the drive is largely that of efficient interstate travel, meaning you'll experience high speeds and minimal local road navigation for most of the 5h 13m duration. Be prepared for a consistent driving experience without many deviations from the primary highway system.
97% 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: 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 20.2 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 26 significant decision points across 270.5 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 20.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 96 miles (I 71): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 97.7 miles (I 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Kenwood, OH and Youngstown, OH, road signs point toward Lebanon, Wheeling and Akron.
Lebanon
20.2 mi in|~25m
Wheeling
96 mi in|~1h 55m|via I 71
Akron
199.1 mi in|~3h 48m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 13m. Total distance: 270.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 13m 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.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 20.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 96 miles (I 71): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 97.7 miles (I 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.4 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.
