Lakewood, OH to Mulberry, OH is 236.4 miles and takes about 4h 27m via I 71, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest region, entirely within Ohio, making it a straightforward point-to-point drive. With 98% of the route on highways, expect a fast-paced trip focused on covering distance efficiently. This is a solid option if you need to get from point A to point B without much fuss, keeping your travel time under five hours.
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
118.2 miles from Lakewood, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 14m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 71
222.9 mi
4h 4m
Circle Freeway
7.8 mi
9m
Warren Road
2.2 mi
5m
Business 28
0.9 mi
2m
West 150th Street
0.9 mi
1m
SR 28
0.4 mi
<1m
West 154th Street
<0.1 mi
<1m
Franklin Boulevard
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 222.9 mi, about 4h 4m
Traffic on I-71
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 252 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,236 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,835
Quietest
2 AM
~178 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12.6×
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 Lakewood, OH and Mulberry, OH.
1
Start on Franklin Boulevard
456 ft·18 sec·Franklin Boulevard
2
Turn left onto Warren Road
2.2 mi·5 min·Warren Road
Use the left lane.
3
Continue on West 150th Street
0.9 mi·1 min·West 150th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Turn right onto West 154th Street
489 ft·26 sec·West 154th Street
Use the left lane.
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·36 sec
Use the left lane.
6
Merge onto I 71
0.9 mi·58 sec·I 71
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 71
132 mi·2 hr 24 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 71
90 mi·1 hr 38 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
Exit 17AToward I 275 EastUse the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto I 275
7.8 mi·9 min·Circle Freeway
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi·58 sec
Exit 57Toward SR 28: Blanchester, MilfordUse the slight right lane.
12
Turn left onto SR 28
0.4 mi·42 sec·SR 28
Use the left lane.
13
Turn left onto SR 28 Business
0.9 mi·2 min·Business 28
Use the left lane.
14
Turn right
185 ft·13 sec
15
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 27m estimated drive time, this route is easily manageable in a single day. To make the most of your time, consider departing in the morning to avoid any potential late-day traffic, especially as you get closer to your destination. The longest stretch of highway is over 220 miles, so plan for at least one stop for fuel and a break about halfway through. Since the majority of this trip is on I 71, keep an eye on your fuel gauge as services can sometimes be spread out on long interstate segments. The fuel cost is estimated at $36, so budget accordingly.
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 118.2 miles from Lakewood, OH, or about 2h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 222.9 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 52 miles or 1h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 118.2 miles or 2h 14m 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 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mulberry, OH than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lakewood, 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 Lakewood, OH
This is one driving day of about 236.4 miles and 4h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Lakewood, 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 222.9 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 12
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.2 and 234.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
3.2 mi into trip|~8m in|West 154th Street
Turn right onto West 154th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
3.3 mi into trip|~8m in
Take the ramp
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
4.4 mi into trip|~10m in|I 71
Keep slight right at fork onto I 71
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
226.4 mi into trip|~4h 13m in
Take the exit toward I 275 East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 17A
Toward I 275 East
8
234.6 mi into trip|~4h 23m in
Take the exit toward SR 28: Blanchester, Milford
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 57
Toward SR 28: Blanchester, Milford
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.99 one way
$73.97 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg83 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.47
$41.64
$83.28
premium
$5.06
$47.06
$94.11
diesel
$6.18
$57.51
$115.02
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
70.9
0
$24.82
$11.35
Efficient EV
59.1
0
$20.69
$9.46
EV Truck/SUV
94.6
1
$33.10
$15.13
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% 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 19, 2026
Origin
Lakewood, OH
Morning
in Lakewood on Tuesday
Local time
7:44 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Sunny
W 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Mulberry, OH
Morning
in Mulberry on Tuesday
Local time
7:44 AM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Areas Of Frost then Sunny
E 1 mph0% chanceLive forecast
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
4 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 27m 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...
12 mi from route
~30 min detour
Free
near mile 16.3
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...
14 mi from route
~34 min detour
Free
near mile 187.5
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...
23 mi from route
~57 min detour
Free
near mile 195.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 98% of the 236.4 miles on freeways. You'll encounter a long stretch of 222.9 miles on I 71, so be prepared for extended highway cruising. The final portion of the trip will transition from the interstate to surface roads like Warren Road, likely involving more frequent exits and potentially slower speeds as you approach Mulberry.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 222.9 mi on I 71.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and Circle Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.2 miles in near West 154th Street.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 236.4 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 3.2 miles (West 154th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 4.4 miles (I 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Milford is a small city and Miami Township is a large township often referred to as Milford, despite being an independent township, both communities are located in Southwest Ohio's Clermont County.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 27m. Total distance: 236.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 222.9 miles on I 71. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 29 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 Mulberry, 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 29 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.2 miles (West 154th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 4.4 miles (I 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Mulberry, OH, but most travelers stay overnight.
