Trip from Piqua, OH to Lorain, OH

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 38m

Distance

173.7 mi

279 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$27

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

3h 26m ★

6 AM

3h 39m

8 AM

4h 4m

10 AM

3h 48m

12 PM

3h 45m

3 PM

3h 49m

5 PM

4h 3m

8 PM

3h 31m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Piqua, OH

Wikimedia Commons

Lorain, OH

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 183.6-mile drive from Piqua, Ohio, to Lorain, Ohio, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in about 3 hours and 4 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $27, it's an economical option for a day trip within the Midwest region. The route primarily utilizes local roads, indicated by its turn-heavy profile and zero highway share, suggesting a more intimate journey through Ohio communities. Given its manageable distance and duration, this trip is ideal for a single day, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than needing an overnight stay.

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

86.8 miles from Piqua, OH

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 41m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 75	73.9 mi	1h 19m
SR 2	29.3 mi	31m
US 224	16.2 mi	21m
Tiffin Avenue	15.4 mi	23m
SR 18	12.8 mi	18m
SR 4	5 mi	6m
SR 67	4.7 mi	6m
Hayes Avenue	3.7 mi	5m

Longest stretch: I 75 — 73.9 mi, about 1h 19m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Piqua, OH and Lorain, OH.

Start on South Downing Street

161 ft · 9 sec · South Downing Street

Turn right onto Wood Street

0.1 mi · 39 sec · Wood Street

Turn left onto CR 25A

0.1 mi · 16 sec · South Main Street

Turn right onto US 36

379 ft · 11 sec · East Water Street

Turn left onto US 36

0.1 mi · 17 sec · Spring Street

Turn right onto US 36

1.0 mi · 1 min · East Ash Street

Turn left

0.3 mi · 42 sec

Merge onto I 75

74 mi · 1 hr 19 min · I 75

Take the exit onto I 75 Business

0.3 mi · 25 sec · I 75 Business

Toward US 68 South, SR 15 East: Carey

Keep slight right at fork onto I 75 Business

0.7 mi · 1 min · I 75 Business

Toward US 68 South, SR 15 East: Carey

Turn slight right

179 ft · 3 sec

Turn straight onto I 75 Business

1.0 mi · 2 min · Lima Avenue

Turn left onto I 75 Business

0.3 mi · 34 sec · South Main Street

Turn right onto SR 568

0.2 mi · 26 sec · East Sandusky Street

Turn left onto East Street

0.1 mi · 23 sec · East Street

Turn slight right onto Central Parkway

0.5 mi · 1 min · Central Parkway

Use the left / straight lanes.

Turn left onto North Blanchard Street

498 ft · 14 sec · North Blanchard Street

Turn slight right onto US 224; SR 12

15 mi · 23 min · Tiffin Avenue

Enter roundabout onto US 224

130 ft · 1 sec · US 224

Continue on US 224

16 mi · 21 min · US 224

Turn left onto SR 67

4.7 mi · 6 min · SR 67

Continue on SR 18

13 mi · 18 min · SR 18

Turn right onto US 20; SR 18

1.0 mi · 2 min · West Main Street

Turn left onto SR 113

2.1 mi · 3 min · SR 113

Turn left onto SR 4

5.0 mi · 6 min · SR 4

Enter roundabout onto SR 4

85 ft · 1 sec · Hayes Avenue

Continue on SR 4

3.7 mi · 5 min · Hayes Avenue

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 36 sec

Merge onto SR 2

7.6 mi · 8 min · SR 2

Keep slight left at fork onto SR 2

22 mi · 23 min · SR 2

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 38 sec

Exit 164 Toward SR 58: Lorain, Amherst Use the slight right lane.

Turn left onto SR 58

2.7 mi · 5 min · North Leavitt Road

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto SR 611

1.0 mi · 1 min · West 21st Street

Turn left onto Hamilton Avenue

0.1 mi · 31 sec · Hamilton Avenue

Arrive at destination

Hamilton Avenue

Trip Plan

For this 3-hour, 183.6-mile journey, leaving in the morning is a good strategy to maximize daylight and enjoy the local scenery. Since it's a single-day trip with a fuel cost around $27, you have flexibility with stops; plan for one main stop, perhaps for a meal or a brief stretch. Keep an eye on your navigation as the 'turn-heavy' nature of the route means you'll be making frequent adjustments. The absence of significant highway driving means you'll be more exposed to local traffic patterns, so factor that into your timing.

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 86.8 miles from Piqua, OH, or about 1h 41m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.9 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 38 miles or 42m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 86.8 miles or 1h 41m 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 1m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lorain, OH than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Piqua, 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 Piqua, OH

This is one driving day of about 173.7 miles and 3h 38m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Piqua, 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 75 for about 73.9 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Findlay, OH

87 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

Kenton, OH

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Findlay, OH

Meal break

The midpoint is around 86.8 miles from Piqua, OH, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 73.9 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Lighthouse at the Lock

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Piqua, Ohio

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+19377780035

Visit website

Fuji sushi & steak house Japanese Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sidney, Ohio

0.8 mi

Frisch's Big Boy

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Sidney, Ohio

0.9 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Brewed Awakening Vermilion

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Vermilion, Ohio

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 170.5

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+14409639334

Greenhaus Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sidney, Ohio

1.7 mi

Pressed Drive Thru Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Findlay, Ohio

2.8 mi

Lighthouse at the Lock

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Piqua, Ohio

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+19377780035

Visit website

Fuji sushi & steak house Japanese Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 13.1

Sidney, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+19374988889

Frisch's Big Boy

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 13.1

Sidney, Ohio

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+19374920321

Visit website

Berardi's Restaurant - Huron, OH

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 157.4

Huron, Ohio

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+14194334123

Visit website

Mikado Japanese Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

Piqua, Ohio

Hours: 11:30 am–2:30 pm

+19376062567

Visit website

Twisted Whisk Café

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 65.6

Bluffton, Ohio

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+14193589622

Visit website

Chez Francois Restaurant & Touche Bistro

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $100 or ab mile 170.5

Vermilion, Ohio

Hours: 5–9 pm

+14409670630

Visit website

Woodstock - Vermilion, OH

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 170.5

Vermilion, Ohio

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+14409677687

Visit website

Brewed Awakening Vermilion

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 170.5

Vermilion, Ohio

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+14409639334

Greenhaus Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 13.1

Sidney, Ohio

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+19377109019

Visit website

Pressed Drive Thru Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 78.7

Findlay, Ohio

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+15672508190

Visit website

Sabaidee Coffee And Crepes

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour Moderately mile 104.9

Tiffin, Ohio

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+15679386025

Visit website

Cold Creek Coffee Company

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 144.3

Castalia, Ohio

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+14196848911

Visit website

Vibe Coffeehouse & Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 52.5

Lima, Ohio

Hours: 7:30 am–4 pm

+15672895394

Visit website

Gilberts Place

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 131.1

Bellevue, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–5 pm

+15672144439

Visit website

Our Town Roast

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 52.5

Lima, Ohio

Hours: 7 am–3:30 pm

+15677126029

Visit website

Lorain Historical Society - Carnegie Center

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 183.6

Lorain, Ohio

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+14402452563

Visit website

The Village Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 39.3

Cridersville, Ohio

Hours: 8 am–2:30 pm

+14196454042

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 26

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 169.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Wood Street

Turn right onto Wood Street

Navigation decision point

0.3 mi into trip | ~1m in | US 36 / East Water Street

Turn right onto US 36 / East Water Street

Navigation decision point

76.1 mi into trip | ~1h 23m in | I 75 Business

Keep slight right at fork onto I 75 Business toward US 68 South, SR 15 East: Carey

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 68 South, SR 15 East: Carey

169.5 mi into trip | ~3h 30m in

Take the exit toward SR 58: Lorain, Amherst

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 164 Toward SR 58: Lorain, Amherst

169.8 mi into trip | ~3h 31m in | SR 58 / North Leavitt Road

Turn left onto SR 58 / North Leavitt Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.96 one way

$53.92 round trip

$3.94/gal 25.4 MPG avg 61 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.38	$29.92	$59.84
premium	$4.91	$33.57	$67.14
diesel	$5.61	$38.35	$76.70

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: 60.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	52.1	$18.24	$8.34
Efficient EV	43.4	$15.20	$6.95
EV Truck/SUV	69.5	$24.32	$11.12

Gas CO2

61 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

Piqua, OH

Morning in Piqua on Sunday

Local time

11:09 AM

EDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lorain, OH

Morning in Lorain on Sunday

Local time

11:09 AM

EDT

Current temp

60°F

Unavailable

Live 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

6 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 38m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a more engaged driving experience on this route, as its 'turn-heavy local drive' profile suggests frequent changes in direction. With a highway share of 0%, you'll be navigating primarily through local streets and roads, including Wood Street, South Main Street, and East Water Street, for the entire 183.6 miles. There's no mention of a longest uninterrupted stretch, so be prepared for consistent navigation rather than long periods of cruising. This type of drive often offers a closer look at the towns and landscapes you pass through, making it a more interactive journey.

84% 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: 73.9 mi on I 75.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and SR 2. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Wood Street.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 173.7 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: near the start (Wood Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (US 36 / East Water Street): Navigation decision point; at 76.1 miles (I 75 Business): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 38m. Total distance: 173.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 73.9 miles on I 75. 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 Lorain, 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.

Possible but tiring. At 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Lorain, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Trip from Piqua, OH to Lorain, OH

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Lighthouse at the Lock

Brewed Awakening Vermilion

Lighthouse at the Lock

Fuji sushi & steak house Japanese Restaurant

Frisch's Big Boy

Berardi's Restaurant - Huron, OH

Mikado Japanese Restaurant

Twisted Whisk Café

Chez Francois Restaurant & Touche Bistro

Woodstock - Vermilion, OH

Brewed Awakening Vermilion

Greenhaus Coffee

Pressed Drive Thru Cafe

Sabaidee Coffee And Crepes

Cold Creek Coffee Company

Vibe Coffeehouse & Cafe

Gilberts Place

Our Town Roast

Lorain Historical Society - Carnegie Center

The Village Cafe

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Piqua, OH

Lorain, OH

Same local time

6 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 38m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

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