Kettering to Westlake is 207 miles and takes about 4 hours via I-71 and I-70, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Ohio, moving from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. The route is predominantly highway driving, making it a straightforward transit. With just one recommended stop and a duration under five hours, this is an ideal choice for a single-day excursion. You'll find this drive to be efficient for getting from point A to point B.
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
103.7 miles from Kettering, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 58m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 71
94.1 mi
1h 42m
I 70
51.1 mi
55m
I 675
15.4 mi
17m
Avon Lake Road
13.3 mi
15m
Avon Belden Road
10.6 mi
14m
State Route 10
4.8 mi
5m
I 670
4.3 mi
5m
West Stroop Road
3.9 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 94.1 mi, about 1h 42m
Traffic on I-71
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 72 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,102 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,913
Quietest
2 AM
~231 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 51 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 Kettering, OH and Westlake, OH.
1
Start on West Stroop Road
3.9 mi·7 min·West Stroop Road
2
Turn right onto Indian Ripple Road
0.5 mi·43 sec·Indian Ripple Road
Use the left lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·50 sec
4
Merge onto I 675
6.4 mi·7 min·I 675
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 675
9.0 mi·10 min·I 675
6
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 26AToward I 70 East, SR 4 North: Columbus
7
Merge onto I 70; SR 4
1.9 mi·1 min·I 70; SR 4
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70
49 mi·53 min·I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
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.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto North Innerbelt
0.2 mi·15 sec·North Innerbelt
Toward I 71: Cincinnati, ClevelandUse the slight right lane.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi·41 sec
Toward I 71 North: ClevelandUse the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward I 71 North: ClevelandUse the slight left lane.
13
Merge onto I 71
94 mi·1 hr 42 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·39 sec
Exit 204Toward SR 83: Lodi, WoosterUse the slight right lane.
15
Turn left onto SR 83
2.1 mi·3 min·Avon Lake Road
Use the left lane.
16
Continue on SR 83
0.9 mi·1 min·Wooster Street
17
Continue on SR 83
0.5 mi·1 min·Elyria Street
18
Continue on SR 83
8.9 mi·10 min·Avon Lake Road
19
Enter roundabout onto SR 83
524 ft·8 sec·Avon Lake Road
20
Continue on SR 83
2.2 mi·2 min·Avon Lake Road
21
Continue on SR 83
2.5 mi·2 min·Avon Belden Road
22
Enter roundabout onto SR 83; SR 303
78 ft·1 sec·Avon Belden Road
23
Continue on SR 83; SR 303
229 ft·3 sec·Avon Belden Road
24
Enter roundabout onto SR 57; SR 83
139 ft·1 sec·Avon Belden Road
25
Continue on SR 57; SR 83
8.0 mi·11 min·Avon Belden Road
26
Turn sharp left onto Lorain Road
0.2 mi·18 sec·Lorain Road
27
Continue on Butternut Ridge Road
0.1 mi·13 sec·Butternut Ridge Road
28
Turn right onto State Route 83 Alternate
404 ft·11 sec·State Route 83 Alternate
29
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward SR 10 East: Cleveland
30
Merge onto SR 10
4.8 mi·5 min·State Route 10
31
Take the exit
0.2 mi·36 sec
Exit 3Toward Stearns Road, Crocker RoadUse the slight right lane.
32
Turn left onto Stearns Road
0.8 mi·1 min·Stearns Road
Use the straight lane.
33
Turn right onto SR 10
1.2 mi·2 min·Lorain Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
34
Turn left onto CUY 58
2.3 mi·5 min·Dover Center Road
35
Turn right onto US 20; SR 113
0.3 mi·43 sec·Center Ridge Road
36
Turn left onto Forest Parkway
0.1 mi·36 sec·Forest Parkway
37
Turn left onto Maple Drive
176 ft·9 sec·Maple Drive
38
Turn right onto Beechwood Drive
0.1 mi·34 sec·Beechwood Drive
39
Arrive at destination
Beechwood Drive
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour drive time, leaving Kettering in the morning should allow ample time to reach Westlake before evening. You can easily complete this trip in one day, so flexibility with your departure time is a major advantage. The estimated fuel cost of $40 is a good baseline, but always check current prices. With only one recommended stop, plan to refuel before you leave or make a quick stop along I-71, which has several service areas. Keep an eye out for the transition from I-70 to I-675, as this is where your primary highway changes.
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 103.7 miles from Kettering, OH, or about 1h 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 94.1 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 46 miles or 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 103.7 miles or 1h 58m 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 10m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Westlake, OH than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kettering, 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 Kettering, OH
This is one driving day of about 207.4 miles and 4h 4m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from Kettering, 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 94.1 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 28
5 decision points cluster between mile 71.9 and 202.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
71.9 mi into trip|~1h 22m in|I 670
Keep slight left at fork onto I 670 toward I 670 East: Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 670 East: Airport
8
76.2 mi into trip|~1h 28m 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
7
76.8 mi into trip|~1h 29m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 71 North: Cleveland
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 71 North: Cleveland
8
171.3 mi into trip|~3h 11m in
Take the exit toward SR 83: Lodi, Wooster
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 204
Toward SR 83: Lodi, Wooster
8
202.2 mi into trip|~3h 52m in
Take the exit toward Stearns Road, Crocker 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 3
Toward Stearns Road, Crocker Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.87 one way
$63.74 round trip
$3.90/gal25.4 MPG avg73 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$35.94
$71.89
premium
$4.99
$40.72
$81.44
diesel
$4.80
$39.16
$78.32
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 72.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
62.2
0
$21.78
$9.96
Efficient EV
51.9
0
$18.15
$8.30
EV Truck/SUV
83
1
$29.04
$13.27
Gas CO2
73 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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 19, 2026
Origin
Kettering, OH
Late night
in Kettering on Monday
Local time
3:31 AM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
NW 6 to 12 mph78% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 9:02PM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 7:42PM EDT until July 18 at 10:45PM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh PA
Destination
Westlake, OH
Late night
in Westlake on Monday
Local time
3:31 AM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Patchy Smoke
N 9 to 14 mph41% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 9:02PM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 7:42PM EDT until July 18 at 10:45PM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh PA
84°F
Ashley, OH
104 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
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 4m 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...
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...
8 mi from route
~20 min detour
Free
near mile 14.3
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...
22 mi from route
~56 min detour
Free
near mile 207.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly highway, with 82% of the 207.4 miles on major interstates like I-71 and I-70. You'll experience a significant stretch of 94.1 miles on I-71 without needing to exit, offering a consistent cruising experience. The remaining portion will involve surface roads, likely with more frequent exits and local traffic as you approach your destination. Expect plenty of on-ramps and off-ramps throughout the trip.
82% 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: 94.1 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 70. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 71.9 miles in near I 670.
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 28 significant decision points across 207.4 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 71.9 miles (I 670): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 76.2 miles (North Innerbelt): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 76.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,178 ft848 ft
Total Climb
330 ft
Total Descent
377 ft
Highest Point
1,178 ft
~44.4 mi in
Elevation Range
330 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Kettering, OH and Westlake, OH, road signs point toward Cleveland and Wooster.
Westlake is a city in Cuyahoga County, part of Greater Cleveland in Ohio. With a population of just over 32,000 in 2019, it's often regarded as a suburb of Cleveland (whose downtown is 12 miles east) but is a city in its own right. It's on the shore of Lake Erie and its main occupation is software development and the university hospital.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 4m. Total distance: 207.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 94.1 miles on I 71. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 26 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 Westlake, 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 26 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 71.9 miles (I 670): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 76.2 miles (North Innerbelt): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 76.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Westlake, OH, but most travelers stay overnight.
