Lorain, OH to Lebanon, OH is 167.3 miles and takes about 3h 30m via I 77 and Dover Road, with a fuel budget near $26 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Ohio, moving from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. It's a relatively short trip, making it a good option for a single-day excursion. You'll experience a mix of highway cruising and surface road travel as you make your way south. Plan for just one stop along the way to break up the drive.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
83.7 miles from Lorain, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 44m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 77
55.9 mi
59m
Dover Road
13.8 mi
15m
Avon Lake Road
13.7 mi
16m
Frostyville Road
13.5 mi
23m
Burbank Road
10.4 mi
11m
US 250
9.6 mi
11m
John F. Kennedy Memorial Parkway
6.6 mi
9m
Dix Expressway
5.9 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 77
— 55.9 mi, about 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lorain, OH and Lebanon, OH.
1
Start on Hamilton Avenue
0.1 mi·37 sec·Hamilton Avenue
2
Turn left onto SR 611
0.8 mi·1 min·West 21st Street
3
Turn right onto SR 57
0.5 mi·47 sec·Broadway
4
Turn left onto SR 57
2.3 mi·3 min·East 28th Street
5
Turn right onto SR 57
1.5 mi·2 min·Grove Avenue
6
Continue on SR 57
2.9 mi·4 min·Lorain Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Turn left onto SR 57; SR 113
6.6 mi·9 min·John F. Kennedy Memorial Parkway
Use the left lane.
8
Continue on SR 57
2.3 mi·2 min·Grafton Road
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on SR 57
2.0 mi·2 min·Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Continue on SR 57
1.5 mi·1 min·Grafton Road
11
Turn right onto SR 57; SR 83
1.5 mi·1 min·Avon Belden Road
12
Enter roundabout onto SR 83; SR 303
86 ft·1 sec·Avon Belden Road
13
Continue on SR 83; SR 303
231 ft·3 sec·Avon Belden Road
14
Enter roundabout onto SR 83
129 ft·1 sec·Avon Belden Road
15
Continue on SR 83
2.5 mi·2 min·Avon Belden Road
16
Continue on SR 83
2.2 mi·2 min·Avon Lake Road
17
Enter roundabout onto SR 83
392 ft·6 sec·Avon Lake Road
18
Continue on SR 83
8.9 mi·10 min·Avon Lake Road
19
Continue on SR 83
0.5 mi·1 min·Elyria Street
20
Continue on SR 83
0.9 mi·1 min·Wooster Street
21
Continue on SR 83
2.6 mi·4 min·Avon Lake Road
22
Continue on SR 83
0.4 mi·30 sec·Front Street
23
Continue on SR 83
9.0 mi·10 min·Burbank Road
24
Enter roundabout onto SR 83
98 ft·1 sec·Burbank Road
25
Continue on SR 83
0.2 mi·11 sec·Burbank Road
26
Enter roundabout onto SR 83
134 ft·1 sec·Burbank Road
27
Continue on SR 83
1.2 mi·1 min·Burbank Road
28
Continue on SR 83
5.9 mi·6 min·Dix Expressway
29
Continue on SR 83
3.7 mi·4 min·Dover Road
30
Continue on US 250
1.6 mi·1 min·West Main Street
31
Continue on US 250
7.0 mi·7 min·Dover Road
32
Continue on US 250
0.4 mi·34 sec·West Main Street
33
Continue on US 250
3.1 mi·3 min·Dover Road
34
Continue on US 250
0.9 mi·1 min·Sandusky Drive Southwest
35
Continue on US 250
0.5 mi·37 sec·West Main Street
36
Continue on US 250
4.9 mi·5 min·Sandusky Drive Southwest
37
Turn right onto US 250
3.0 mi·3 min·US 250
38
Take the exit onto US 250
6.6 mi·7 min·US 250
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Keep slight left at fork onto I 77
56 mi·59 min·I 77
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Take the exit
0.4 mi·54 sec
Exit 25Toward SR 78: Caldwell, WoodsfieldUse the slight right lane.
41
Turn left onto SR 78
0.6 mi·55 sec·McConnelsville Road
42
Continue on SR 78
1.4 mi·2 min·Woodsfield Road
43
Turn right onto SR 564
13 mi·23 min·Frostyville Road
44
At end of road, turn left onto SR 145
2.4 mi·4 min·Harriettsville Road
45
Turn right onto SR 565
4.2 mi·7 min·SR 565
46
Turn right onto CR 15
0.7 mi·1 min·County Road 15
47
Turn left onto T-340
170 ft·7 sec·Township Highway 340
48
Arrive at destination
T-340
Trip Plan
Given the 3.5-hour drive time, starting in the morning will give you plenty of time to reach Lebanon without feeling rushed. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in timing your break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you transition from I 77 to surface roads, and budget around $26 for gas. Since this is a single-day trip, you can easily adjust your departure time based on your schedule. Pay attention to local speed limits when you're off the interstate, as they can vary significantly on roads like Dover Road.
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 83.7 miles from Lorain, OH, or about 1h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 55.9 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 37 miles or 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 83.7 miles or 1h 44m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lebanon, OH than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lorain, 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 Lorain, OH
This is one driving day of about 167.3 miles and 3h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Lorain, 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 77 for about 55.9 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 22.2 and 144.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
22.2 mi into trip|~31m in|SR 83 / Avon Belden Road
Enter roundabout onto SR 83 / Avon Belden Road
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
26.9 mi into trip|~37m in|SR 83 / Avon Lake Road
Enter roundabout onto SR 83 / Avon Lake Road
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
7
81.7 mi into trip|~1h 42m in|US 250
Take the exit onto US 250
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
88.3 mi into trip|~1h 49m in|I 77
Keep slight left at fork onto I 77
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
144.2 mi into trip|~2h 49m in
Take the exit toward SR 78: Caldwell, Woodsfield
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 25
Toward SR 78: Caldwell, Woodsfield
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.96 one way
$51.93 round trip
$3.94/gal25.4 MPG avg59 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.38
$28.82
$57.63
premium
$4.91
$32.33
$64.67
diesel
$5.61
$36.94
$73.88
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 58.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
50.2
0
$17.57
$8.03
Efficient EV
41.8
0
$14.64
$6.69
EV Truck/SUV
66.9
0
$23.42
$10.71
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Lorain, OH
Morning
in Lorain on Sunday
Local time
7:42 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Lebanon, OH
Morning
in Lebanon on Sunday
Local time
7:42 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
48°F
Sugarcreek, OH
84 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
11 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
3h 30m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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...
24 mi from route
~59 min detour
Free
near mile 23.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route features a mixed highway and surface road profile, with 49% of the drive on highways. You'll encounter the longest stretch of continuous driving on I 77 for 55.9 miles. Expect to transition from highway speeds to surface roads as you navigate through towns and rural areas. The blend of I 77 and roads like Dover Road and Avon Lake Road means you'll experience varied driving conditions.
49% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
48 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 55.9 mi on I 77.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 21 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 22.2 miles in near SR 83 / Avon Belden Road.
Driving Effort5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 167.3 miles you will encounter 21 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 22.2 miles (SR 83 / Avon Belden Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 26.9 miles (SR 83 / Avon Lake Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 81.7 miles (US 250): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
On the drive from Lorain, OH to Lebanon, OH, road signs begin pointing toward Woodsfield along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 30m. Total distance: 167.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (49%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 55.9 miles on I 77. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 7 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 22.2 miles (SR 83 / Avon Belden Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 26.9 miles (SR 83 / Avon Lake Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 81.7 miles (US 250): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Cuyahoga Valley National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Lebanon, OH, but most travelers stay overnight.
