Mineral Ridge to Kettering is 241 miles and takes about 4 hours 36 minutes via I-71 and I-76, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Ohio, connecting two points in the Midwest region. It's a straightforward trip primarily on major interstates, making it a convenient option for a single-day excursion. You'll find yourself on the highway for almost the entire distance, so expect minimal detours and a predictable travel time.
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
120.5 miles from Mineral Ridge, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 17m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 71
98.8 mi
1h 46m
West Freeway
50.6 mi
54m
I 76
39.2 mi
44m
Kenmore Expressway
19.8 mi
24m
I 675
15.5 mi
17m
I 670
4.5 mi
5m
East Stroop Road
3.8 mi
7m
I 80
3.5 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 98.8 mi, about 1h 46m
Traffic on I-71
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 72 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,112 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,981
Quietest
2 AM
~236 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 102 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 Mineral Ridge, OH and Kettering, OH.
1
Start on SR 46
0.4 mi·43 sec·South Main Street
2
Continue on SR 46
0.5 mi·1 min·North Canfield Niles Road
3
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
4
Merge onto I 80
3.5 mi·3 min·I 80
5
Continue on I 76
39 mi·44 min·I 76
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76
20 mi·24 min·Kenmore Expressway
Toward I 76 West: BarbertonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
1.2 mi·2 min
Exit 1AToward I 71 South: ColumbusUse the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto I 71
99 mi·1 hr 46 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 109AToward I 670 East, I 670 West: Airport, DaytonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward I 670 West: DaytonUse the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto I 670
0.2 mi·19 sec·Northeast Freeway
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 670
4.5 mi·5 min·I 670
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 70
51 mi·54 min·West Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Exit 44Toward I 675 South: Spangler Road, CincinnatiUse the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward I 675 South: CincinnatiUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·45 sec
Exit 44AToward I 675 South: CincinnatiUse the right lane.
17
Continue on I 675
16 mi·17 min·I 675
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.4 mi·46 sec
Exit 10Toward Kettering, Dorothy Lane, Indian Ripple RoadUse the slight right lane.
19
Turn right onto Indian Ripple Road
0.4 mi·48 sec·Indian Ripple Road
20
Turn left onto East Stroop Road
3.8 mi·7 min·East Stroop Road
Use the left lane.
21
Arrive at destination
West Stroop Road
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour 36-minute drive, leaving in the morning should allow you to arrive well before evening. With only one stop factored in, you have flexibility to break up the 241 miles as needed. The majority of your travel will be on I-71 and I-76, so keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch of nearly 99 miles. The estimated fuel cost of $37 is a good starting point for budgeting. Since it's a single-day trip, you can easily adjust your departure time based on your schedule.
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 120.5 miles from Mineral Ridge, OH, or about 2h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 98.8 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 53 miles or 1h 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 120.5 miles or 2h 17m 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 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kettering, OH than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Mineral Ridge, 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 Mineral Ridge, OH
This is one driving day of about 241 miles and 4h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Mineral Ridge, 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 98.8 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 44 and 236.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
44 mi into trip|~50m in|I 76 / Kenmore Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76 / Kenmore Expressway toward I 76 West: Barberton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 76 West: Barberton
8
163.9 mi into trip|~3h 4m in
Take the exit toward I 670 East, I 670 West: Airport, Dayton
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 109A
Toward I 670 East, I 670 West: Airport, Dayton
8
219.9 mi into trip|~4h 6m in
Take the exit toward I 675 South: Spangler Road, Cincinnati
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 44
Toward I 675 South: Spangler Road, Cincinnati
8
220.5 mi into trip|~4h 8m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 675 South: Cincinnati
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 44A
Toward I 675 South: Cincinnati
8
236.3 mi into trip|~4h 26m in
Take the exit toward Kettering, Dorothy Lane, Indian Ripple Road
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 10
Toward Kettering, Dorothy Lane, Indian Ripple R...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.71 one way
$75.41 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg84 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.47
$42.45
$84.90
premium
$5.06
$47.97
$95.94
diesel
$6.18
$58.63
$117.26
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 84.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
72.3
0
$25.31
$11.57
Efficient EV
60.3
0
$21.09
$9.64
EV Truck/SUV
96.4
1
$33.74
$15.42
Gas CO2
84 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (67% 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 17, 2026
Origin
Mineral Ridge, OH
Morning
in Mineral Ridge on Sunday
Local time
8:25 AM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Mostly Sunny
N 7 to 13 mph7% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 8:01AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 7:47AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Destination
Kettering, OH
Morning
in Kettering on Sunday
Local time
8:25 AM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Sunny
N 7 to 15 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 8:01AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 7:47AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
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
3 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 36m 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.
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...
3 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 232.6
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...
9 mi from route
~24 min detour
Free
near mile 224.3
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 41.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is predominantly highway driving, with 96% of the 241 miles on interstates like I-71 and I-76. You'll experience a longest stretch of 98.8 miles on I-71, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent cruising. The drive concludes with a shift to surface roads as you approach Kettering. Expect a high number of exits along the interstate segments, indicating frequent opportunities for services or potential traffic.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 98.8 mi on I 71.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and West Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 44 miles in near I 76 / Kenmore Expressway.
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 16 significant decision points across 241 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 44 miles (I 76 / Kenmore Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 163.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 219.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,328 ft868 ft
Total Climb
786 ft
Total Descent
786 ft
Highest Point
1,328 ft
~103.6 mi in
Elevation Range
460 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Mineral Ridge, OH and Kettering, OH, road signs point toward Dayton and Cincinnati.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 36m. Total distance: 241 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 36m 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 98.8 miles on I 71. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 36 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 Kettering, 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 36 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 44 miles (I 76 / Kenmore Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 163.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 219.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Kettering, OH, but most travelers stay overnight.
