Kingston, OH to Youngstown, OH is 212.1 miles and takes about 4h 11m via I 71 and I 76, with a fuel budget near $32 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Ohio, traversing the Midwest region. It's a straightforward, largely highway route perfect for a single-day drive. The primary roads are well-maintained, making for a predictable and efficient commute between these two Ohio cities. Consider this route if you're looking for a simple, no-fuss transit.
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
106 miles from Kingston, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 8m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 71
101.8 mi
1h 51m
I 76
57.6 mi
1h 6m
US 23
23.1 mi
30m
I 680
5.9 mi
8m
SR 361
4.7 mi
8m
I 80
4 mi
4m
South Freeway
3.6 mi
4m
South High Street
2.6 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 101.8 mi, about 1h 51m
Traffic on I-71
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 90 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 Kingston, OH and Youngstown, OH.
1
Start on West Ing Street
139 ft·11 sec·West Ing Street
2
Turn left onto SR 159
0.2 mi·19 sec·Main Street
3
Continue on SR 159
0.2 mi·21 sec·State Route 159
4
Turn left onto SR 361
2.3 mi·4 min·SR 361
5
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 361
2.3 mi·4 min·SR 361
6
Turn right onto US 23
23 mi·30 min·US 23
Use the straight lane.
7
Continue on US 23
2.6 mi·3 min·South High Street
Use the straight lane.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·26 sec
Toward I 270: Columbus, Wheeling
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 270 WestUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 270
1.3 mi·1 min·Jack Nicklaus Freeway
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Exit 55Toward I 71: Cincinnati, ColumbusUse the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 71 North: ColumbusUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 71
3.6 mi·4 min·South Freeway
14
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.
15
Merge onto I 70; I 71
1.3 mi·1 min·South Innerbelt
16
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.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 71
100 mi·1 hr 49 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 209A-BToward I 76, US 224: Lodi, AkronUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 209AToward I 76, US 224 East: AkronUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto I 76; US 224
17 mi·20 min·I 76; US 224
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76
1.9 mi·2 min·Kenmore Expressway
Use the slight right lane.
22
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.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 76; I 77
39 mi·43 min·I 76; I 77
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on I 80
4.0 mi·4 min·I 80
25
Keep slight right at fork onto I 680
5.9 mi·8 min·I 680
Toward I 680: Youngstown
26
Take the exit
0.2 mi·39 sec
27
Turn sharp left onto Market Street
0.6 mi·59 sec·Market Street
28
Keep slight right at fork onto Central Square
124 ft·2 sec·Central Square
29
Arrive at destination
Central Square
Trip Plan
Since this drive is under 5 hours, it's easily achievable in one day. Leaving in the morning will give you plenty of daylight and allow you to avoid potential rush hour traffic in more populated areas. There's only one recommended stop, suggesting you can make good time. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 101.8-mile stretch on I 71, as services might be spaced out. The $32 fuel cost estimate is based on current averages, so factor that into your budget.
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 106 miles from Kingston, OH, or about 2h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 101.8 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 47 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 106 miles or 2h 8m 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 26m
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 Kingston, 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 Kingston, OH
This is one driving day of about 212.1 miles and 4h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Kingston, 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 101.8 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 31.1 and 140.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
31.1 mi into trip|~43m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 270 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 270 West
8
33.1 mi into trip|~46m 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 slight right lane.
Exit 55
Toward I 71: Cincinnati, Columbus
8
39.3 mi into trip|~55m 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
140.7 mi into trip|~2h 46m 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
140.9 mi into trip|~2h 46m 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
$32.59 one way
$65.18 round trip
$3.90/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$36.76
$73.52
premium
$4.99
$41.64
$83.29
diesel
$4.80
$40.05
$80.10
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.6
0
$22.27
$10.18
Efficient EV
53
0
$18.56
$8.48
EV Truck/SUV
84.8
1
$29.69
$13.57
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (66% 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 18, 2026
Origin
Kingston, OH
Morning
in Kingston on Monday
Local time
7:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms
W 5 to 10 mph77% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 7:30PM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 7:21PM EDT until July 18 at 7:45PM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh PA
Destination
Youngstown, OH
Morning
in Youngstown on Monday
Local time
7:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Showers And Thunderstorms then Patchy Smoke
NW 3 to 14 mph100% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 7:30PM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 7:21PM EDT until July 18 at 7:45PM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh PA
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
6 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 11m 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...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
Free
near mile 160.9
Nearly 2000 years ago, Native Americans built dozens of monumental mounds and earthen enclosures in southern Ohio. These earthwork complexes were ceremonial landscapes used for feasts, funerals, ritua...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
With 96% of this drive on highways, you'll spend most of your time on I 71 and I 76. Expect a long stretch of 101.8 miles on I 71 before transitioning. The majority of the route is on high-speed interstates, with surface roads only appearing near the start and end points. You'll notice a consistently high number of exits along the interstate segments, indicating a well-trafficked corridor.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 101.8 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 31.1 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 24 significant decision points across 212.1 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 31.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 33.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.3 miles (I 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,271 ft685 ft
Total Climb
987 ft
Total Descent
920 ft
Highest Point
1,271 ft
~151.5 mi in
Elevation Range
587 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Kingston, OH and Youngstown, OH, road signs point toward Wheeling, Columbus 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 11m. Total distance: 212.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 11m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 101.8 miles on I 71. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 30 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 30 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 31.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 33.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.3 miles (I 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hopewell Culture 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 Youngstown, OH, but most travelers stay overnight.
