Origin
Lorain, OH
Morning in Lorain on Tuesday
Local time
8:41 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Lorain, OH to Urbana, OH
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 21m
Distance
166 mi
267 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 9m
★
6 AM
3h 21m
8 AM
3h 45m
10 AM
3h 30m
12 PM
3h 27m
3 PM
3h 31m
5 PM
3h 44m
8 PM
3h 14m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lorain, OH
Wikimedia Commons
Urbana, OH
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Lorain, OH to Urbana, OH is 166 miles and takes about 3h 21m via I 71 and US 36, with a fuel budget near $26 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Midwest, specifically Ohio, making it a straightforward journey. It's primarily a highway-focused trip, so expect a consistent pace. With a duration under four hours, this route is ideal for a single-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination with plenty of time to spare.
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 miles from Lorain, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 39m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 71 | 72.6 mi | 1h 17m |
| US 36 | 19.2 mi | 23m |
| Marysville Road | 14.3 mi | 16m |
| Avon Lake Road | 13.1 mi | 15m |
| North Main Street | 11 mi | 17m |
| John F. Kennedy Memorial Parkway | 6.6 mi | 9m |
| State Route 37 East | 5.8 mi | 7m |
| Avon Belden Road | 4.2 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 Urbana, 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 131
Toward US 36, SR 37: Sunbury, Delaware
Use 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
16 mi
·
19 min
·
US 36; SR 4
Toward US 36 West, SR 4 South: Urbana, Springfield
32
Turn right onto SR 29; SR 559
11 mi
·
17 min
·
North Main Street
33
Enter roundabout onto US 68
12 ft
·
0 sec
·
North Main Street
34
Continue on US 68
91 ft
·
1 sec
·
North Main Street
35
Arrive at destination
US 68
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 21m duration, departing in the morning from Lorain, OH will easily get you to Urbana, OH before evening. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing; consider a brief pause around the halfway point or whenever you feel the need. Watch for the transition from I 71 to US 36, as this is where the road character changes. The fuel cost is estimated at $26, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before you depart to avoid unnecessary stops on this relatively short, same-day trip.
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 miles from Lorain, OH, or about 1h 39m 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 37 miles or 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 83 miles or 1h 39m 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 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Urbana, 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 166 miles and 3h 21m.
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 71 for about 72.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
83 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 83 miles from Lorain, OH, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 71 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 72.6 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 185 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
$25.76 one way
$51.53 round trip
$3.94/gal
25.4 MPG avg
58 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.38 | $28.59 | $57.19 |
| premium | $4.91 | $32.08 | $64.16 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $36.65 | $73.30 |
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: 58.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 49.8 | 0 | $17.43 | $7.97 |
| Efficient EV | 41.5 | 0 | $14.52 | $6.64 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 66.4 | 0 | $23.24 | $10.62 |
Gas CO2
58 kg
EV CO2
19 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.
Destination
Urbana, OH
Morning in Urbana on Tuesday
Local time
8:41 AM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
64°F
Mansfield, OH
83 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
19 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
3h 21m 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 22.9
Caution: Vehicle Break-in and Theft Warning
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...
29 mi from route
~72 min detour
Free
near mile 166
View on nps.gov
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...
29 mi from route
~72 min detour
Free
near mile 166
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 63% of it on interstates. You'll experience a substantial 72.6-mile stretch on I 71, offering a good opportunity to maintain speed. While much of the journey will be on larger roads, you will transition to US 36 and local roads like Marysville Road, introducing some variety in scenery and speed. The drive largely maintains a consistent character with opportunities for steady progress.
63% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 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 18 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 Effort
6/10
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 166 miles you will encounter 18 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.
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 Urbana, 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
About the Cities
Starting in Lorain, OH
Full guide →Lorain is a city of 64,000 people (2019) 30 miles west of Cleveland in Northeast Ohio. A former industrial center for shipbuilding, auto manufacturing, and steel, like other Rust Belt cities, the city faces population decline and urban decay.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 21m. Total distance: 166 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
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 Urbana, 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 — 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 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Urbana, OH, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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