This 170.8-mile drive from Lorain to Northridge, Ohio, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 23 minutes. Primarily using I-71 and US-36, about 70% of this route involves highway driving, making it a fairly direct journey through the Midwest. With an estimated fuel cost of $27, it's an economical option for a short getaway. This route is well-suited for a single day of travel, allowing for flexibility in your schedule without the need for an overnight stop.
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
85.4 miles from Lorain, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 42m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 71
72.6 mi
1h 17m
US 36
31.8 mi
38m
Marysville Road
14.3 mi
16m
Avon Lake Road
13.1 mi
15m
John F. Kennedy Memorial Parkway
6.6 mi
9m
State Route 37 East
5.8 mi
7m
Avon Belden Road
4.2 mi
4m
Grafton Road
3.8 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 72.6 mi, about 1h 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lorain, OH and Northridge, 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
2.0 mi·2 min·Avon Lake Road
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi·22 sec
Toward I 71 South: Columbus
23
Merge onto I 71
73 mi·1 hr 17 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Exit 131Toward US 36, SR 37: Sunbury, DelawareUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Turn right onto US 36; SR 37
5.8 mi·7 min·State Route 37 East
26
Continue on US 36; SR 37
0.9 mi·1 min·Sunbury Road
27
Continue on US 36; SR 37; SR 521
2.4 mi·2 min·East William Street
28
Continue on US 36
14 mi·16 min·Marysville Road
29
Take the exit onto US 36
3.3 mi·4 min·US 36
30
Take the exit onto US 36; SR 4
0.1 mi·13 sec·US 36; SR 4
Toward US 36 West, SR 4 South: Urbana, Springfield
31
Keep slight left at fork onto US 36; SR 4
28 mi·33 min·US 36; SR 4
Toward US 36 West, SR 4 South: Urbana, Springfield
32
Turn right onto SR 334
1.9 mi·2 min·State Route 334
33
Turn right onto Derr Road
0.9 mi·2 min·Derr Road
34
Turn right onto Curtis Drive
205 ft·10 sec·Curtis Drive
35
Turn right onto Westmont Drive
0.2 mi·47 sec·Westmont Drive
36
Arrive at destination
Westmont Drive
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour, 23-minute drive, departing Lorain in the morning will allow you to reach Northridge with plenty of daylight. Given its relatively short distance, you can be flexible with stops; however, plan for at least one break to stay refreshed. The longest stretch without a major road change is over 72 miles on I-71, so consider a brief stop before or after this segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $27, and it's always wise to top off before heading out on longer highway portions.
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 85.4 miles from Lorain, OH, or about 1h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 72.6 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 38 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 85.4 miles or 1h 42m 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 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Northridge, 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 170.8 miles and 3h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 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 71 for about 72.6 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 22.2 and 139.2 — 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
5
39.2 mi into trip|~52m in
Take the exit toward I 71 South: Columbus
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward I 71 South: Columbus
8
112.1 mi into trip|~2h 11m in
Take the exit toward US 36, SR 37: Sunbury, Delaware
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 131
Toward US 36, SR 37: Sunbury, Delaware
6
139.2 mi into trip|~2h 44m in|US 36; SR 4
Keep slight left at fork onto US 36; SR 4 toward US 36 West, SR 4 South: Urbana, Springfield
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 36 West, SR 4 South: Urbana, Springfi...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.51 one way
$53.02 round trip
$3.94/gal25.4 MPG avg60 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.38
$29.42
$58.84
premium
$4.91
$33.01
$66.02
diesel
$5.61
$37.71
$75.42
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
51.2
0
$17.93
$8.20
Efficient EV
42.7
0
$14.95
$6.83
EV Truck/SUV
68.3
0
$23.91
$10.93
Gas CO2
60 kg
EV CO2
20 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 Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Lorain, OH
Late night
in Lorain on Sunday
Local time
3:35 AM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Partly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SE 6 to 15 mph18% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Northridge, OH
Late night
in Northridge on Sunday
Local time
3:35 AM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
68°F
Mansfield, OH
85 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
3h 23m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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.
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument
National Monument
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...
21 mi from route
~51 min detour
Free
near mile 170.8
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...
22 mi from route
~56 min detour
Free
near mile 170.8
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 23.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this 170.8-mile journey, with 70% of the drive taking place on interstates and major roads like I-71 and US-36. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 72.6 miles on I-71, offering a consistent pace. While the highway provides efficiency, be prepared for transitions as you navigate onto roads like Marysville Road. This route offers a practical blend of faster highway segments and more localized road travel, keeping the drive engaging.
70% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 72.6 mi on I 71.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and US 36. You will hit about 20 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 Effort6/10
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 170.8 miles you will encounter 20 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 39.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Lorain, OH and Northridge, OH, road signs point toward Delaware and Springfield.
Delaware
112.1 mi in|~2h 11m
Springfield
139.1 mi in|~2h 44m|via US 36; SR 4
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 23m. Total distance: 170.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (70%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 72.6 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 Northridge, 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 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 39.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Yes — Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Northridge, OH, but most travelers stay overnight.
