Origin
Portsmouth, OH
Late night in Portsmouth on Sunday
Local time
5:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Portsmouth, OH to Akron, OH
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 26m
Distance
216.4 mi
348 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$34
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 13m
★
6 AM
4h 27m
8 AM
4h 53m
10 AM
4h 36m
12 PM
4h 33m
3 PM
4h 37m
5 PM
4h 52m
8 PM
4h 19m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Portsmouth, OH
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 216.4-mile journey from Portsmouth, OH to Akron, OH is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 26 minutes. You'll primarily travel on I-71, with initial segments on Scioto Trail and US-23. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $34. Given its relatively short duration and highway profile, this route is ideal for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times. The drive stays within the Midwest region, offering a consistent feel throughout your travel within Ohio.
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
108.2 miles from Portsmouth, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 24m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 71 | 101.8 mi | 1h 51m |
| Scioto Trail | 44.2 mi | 1h 2m |
| US 23 | 34.5 mi | 44m |
| I 76 | 18.4 mi | 22m |
| South Freeway | 3.6 mi | 4m |
| South High Street | 2.6 mi | 3m |
| Innerbelt | 2.1 mi | 2m |
| Kenmore Expressway | 1.9 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 101.8 mi, about 1h 51m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Portsmouth, OH and Akron, OH.
1
Start on this road
73 ft
·
7 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right
74 ft
·
10 sec
3
Turn left onto US 23; SR 73; SR 104
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
2nd Street
4
Merge onto US 23
0.3 mi
·
27 sec
·
Chillicothe Street
5
Continue on US 23
44 mi
·
1 hr 2 min
·
Scioto Trail
Use the straight lane.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 23
34 mi
·
44 min
·
US 23
Toward US 23 North: Columbus
Use the straight lane.
7
Continue on US 23
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
South High Street
Use the straight lane.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
26 sec
Toward I 270: Columbus, Wheeling
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 270 West
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 270
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Jack Nicklaus Freeway
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Exit 55
Toward I 71: Cincinnati, Columbus
Use the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 71 North: Columbus
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 71
3.6 mi
·
4 min
·
South Freeway
14
Take the exit onto I 71
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
·
I 71
Toward I 71 North, I 70 East: Cleveland, Wheeling
Use the slight right lane.
15
Merge onto I 70; I 71
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
South Innerbelt
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 71
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
I 71
Exit 101A
Toward I 71 North: Cleveland
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 71
100 mi
·
1 hr 49 min
·
I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 209A-B
Toward I 76, US 224: Lodi, Akron
Use the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 209A
Toward I 76, US 224 East: Akron
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto I 76; US 224
17 mi
·
20 min
·
I 76; US 224
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Kenmore Expressway
Use the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
I 76
Toward I 76 East: Akron
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 59
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Innerbelt
Exit 21C
Toward SR 59 East: Downtown
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on SR 59
406 ft
·
13 sec
·
Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
25
Turn right onto West Center Street
459 ft
·
19 sec
·
West Center Street
26
Turn left onto West Bowery Street
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
West Bowery Street
27
Arrive at destination
West Bowery Street
Trip Plan
With a total duration of just over 4 hours, this route is well-suited for a single-day trip, so you can depart at your convenience. Consider leaving early to maximize your daylight hours, especially if you plan any brief stops. You'll have one recommended stop point along the way, which can be a good opportunity to stretch your legs. Given the longest stretch of highway is over 100 miles, plan your fuel stops accordingly, as there are fewer opportunities for service during those longer segments. The estimated fuel cost of $34 is a helpful budget guide for this efficient drive.
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 108.2 miles from Portsmouth, OH, or about 2h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 101.8 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 48 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 108.2 miles or 2h 24m 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 39m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Akron, OH than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth, OH
This is one driving day of about 216.4 miles and 4h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Portsmouth, 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 101.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
108 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 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 108.2 miles from Portsmouth, 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 101.8 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 225 decision points cluster between mile 84.7 and 213.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
84.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 56m in
Take the exit toward I 71: Cincinnati, Columbus
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 55
Toward I 71: Cincinnati, Columbus
8
91 mi into trip
|
~2h 5m in
|
I 71
Keep slight right at fork onto I 71 toward I 71 North: Cleveland
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 101A
Toward I 71 North: Cleveland
8
192.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 56m in
Take the exit toward I 76, US 224: Lodi, Akron
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 209A-B
Toward I 76, US 224: Lodi, Akron
9
192.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 56m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 76, US 224 East: Akron
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 209A
Toward I 76, US 224 East: Akron
8
213.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 22m in
|
SR 59 / Innerbelt
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 59 / Innerbelt toward SR 59 East: Downtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 21C
Toward SR 59 East: Downtown
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.58 one way
$67.17 round trip
$3.94/gal
25.4 MPG avg
76 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.38 | $37.27 | $74.55 |
| premium | $4.91 | $41.82 | $83.65 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $47.78 | $95.56 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 75.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 64.9 | 0 | $22.72 | $10.39 |
| Efficient EV | 54.1 | 0 | $18.94 | $8.66 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 86.6 | 1 | $30.30 | $13.85 |
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
25 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.
Destination
Akron, OH
Late night in Akron on Sunday
Local time
5:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
80°F
Partly Sunny
SW 12 mph
13% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 5:19PM EDT until April 14 at 6:00PM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh PA
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued April 14 at 5:16PM EDT until April 14 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Wilmington 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
28 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 26m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway experience, with about 75% of the drive utilizing major interstates like I-71. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 101.8 miles on I-71, meaning you can settle in for a good period of consistent travel. While the initial parts of the route may involve some local road navigation on Scioto Trail and US-23, the character quickly shifts to a faster-paced highway drive. This profile suggests a focus on efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways.
75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 101.8 mi on I 71.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and Scioto Trail. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 84.7 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 22 significant decision points across 216.4 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 84.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 91 miles (I 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 192.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 Portsmouth, OH and Akron, OH, road signs point toward Wheeling and Columbus.
Wheeling
82.5 mi in
|
~1h 53m
Columbus
84.7 mi in
|
~1h 56m
About the Cities
Starting in Portsmouth, OH
Full guide →Portsmouth is a city in Southwest Ohio, it is the county seat of Scioto County. Portsmouth is full of history so take time to visit the antique shops, cafes and pubs in the Bonneyfiddle District. One of the main attractions in Portsmouth is the 2,200-foot floodwall mural painted by famed artist Robert Dafford. It is truly amazing and unique.
Arriving in Akron, OH
Full guide →Akron is a city of almost 200,000 people (2019) in the Northeast Ohio region in Summit County. Akron is proud of its heritage as a center of industry, and now offers visitors a wide range of recreational and cultural attractions, food experiences, and shopping.
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 4h 26m. Total distance: 216.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 26m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (75%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 101.8 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 Akron, 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 84.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 91 miles (I 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 192.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Akron, 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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