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Trip from Portsmouth, OH to Parma, 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 38m

Distance

223 mi

359 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$35

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 25m ★
6 AM
4h 39m
8 AM
5h 6m
10 AM
4h 48m
12 PM
4h 46m
3 PM
4h 50m
5 PM
5h 4m
8 PM
4h 31m

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

city in Ohio, United States

Portsmouth, OH

Wikimedia Commons

city in the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna

Parma, OH

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 223-mile drive from Portsmouth, OH, to Parma, OH, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can comfortably be completed in about 4 hours and 38 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-71 and US 23, it's an ideal candidate for a single-day trip, saving you the need for an overnight stop. With an estimated fuel cost of around $35, it's an economical way to travel between these two Ohio locations. The route offers a consistent driving experience, making it easy to plan and execute without significant detours. You'll be spending most of your time on major roadways, so pack some snacks and enjoy the efficient transit through the Midwest.

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

111.5 miles from Portsmouth, OH

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 28m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 71 113.2 mi 2h 3m
Scioto Trail 44.2 mi 1h 2m
US 23 34.5 mi 44m
Ridge Road 14.9 mi 24m
South Freeway 3.6 mi 4m
I 271 3.3 mi 3m
South High Street 2.6 mi 3m
South Innerbelt 1.3 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 71 — 113.2 mi, about 2h 3m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Portsmouth, OH and Parma, 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

112 mi · 2 hr 1 min · I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Keep slight right at fork onto I 271

3.3 mi · 3 min · I 271
19

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Exit 3 Toward SR 94: Wadsworth, North Royalton Use the slight right lane.
20

Turn left onto SR 94

15 mi · 24 min · Ridge Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
21

Turn right onto Snow Road

0.6 mi · 1 min · Snow Road
22

Turn right onto West 54th Street

47 ft · 1 sec · West 54th Street
23

Arrive at destination

West 54th Street

Trip Plan

Given the manageable 4-hour and 38-minute duration, this 223-mile trip from Portsmouth to Parma is best tackled in a single day. Leaving in the morning will give you ample time to reach your destination without feeling rushed, and the single stop suggested along the way should be sufficient for a break. The longest stretch on I-71, over 113 miles, means you'll want to ensure you have a full tank of gas before entering it. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially if you plan to push through without frequent stops, as the $35 fuel cost is an estimate and can vary. This route's straightforward nature allows for flexibility, so enjoy the ease of travel.

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 111.5 miles from Portsmouth, OH, or about 2h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 113.2 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 49 miles or 1h 9m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 111.5 miles or 2h 28m 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 45m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Parma, 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 223 miles and 4h 38m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 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 113.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

capital city of Ohio, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Columbus, OH

112 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

South Bloomfield, OH

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Dublin, OH

Meal break

The midpoint is around 111.5 miles from Portsmouth, OH, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 71 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 113.2 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

Seoul Garden Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Parma, Ohio

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 223

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12166615990

Varsity Club Restaurant & Bar

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Columbus, Ohio

1.4 mi

Savvy Sliders

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Columbus, Ohio

1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Moonbird Coffee Co.

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbus, Ohio

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 95.6

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Bottoms Up Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Columbus, Ohio

2.9 mi

Seoul Garden Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 223

Parma, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12166615990

Varsity Club Restaurant & Bar

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 95.6

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16142996269

Visit website

Savvy Sliders

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 95.6

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+16148201111

Visit website

Buckeye Food Stop

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 95.6

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 9 am–2 pm

Visit website

El Vaquero Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour Inexpensiv mile 95.6

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16142610900

Visit website

Gus's Old Brooklyn - Family Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 223

Cleveland, Ohio

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+12166615967

Visit website

The Eagle | Short North

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 95.6

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 4–10 pm

+16147453397

Visit website

Gabe's Family Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 223

Cleveland, Ohio

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+12167414466

Visit website

Moonbird Coffee Co.

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 95.6

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Bottoms Up Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 95.6

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+16146622212

Visit website

Cure Coffee and Cocktails

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 95.6

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Visit website

Buckland Museum of Witchcraft & Magick

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 223

Cleveland, Ohio

Hours: Closed

+17187096643

Visit website

Scioto Audubon Metro Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 95.6

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+16142025197

Visit website

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 95.6

Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+16144077721

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 45.4 and 207.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
45.4 mi into trip | ~1h 4m in | US 23

Keep slight right at fork onto US 23 toward US 23 North: Columbus

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane. Toward US 23 North: Columbus
7
82.8 mi into trip | ~1h 53m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 270 West

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 270 West
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
207.1 mi into trip | ~4h 12m in

Take the exit toward SR 94: Wadsworth, North Royalton

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 3 Toward SR 94: Wadsworth, North Royalton

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$34.61 one way

$69.22 round trip

$3.94/gal 25.4 MPG avg 78 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.38 $38.41 $76.82
premium $4.91 $43.10 $86.20
diesel $5.61 $49.24 $98.47

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$35

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$60–$85

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 78 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 66.9 0 $23.41 $10.70
Efficient EV 55.8 0 $19.51 $8.92
EV Truck/SUV 89.2 1 $31.22 $14.27

Gas CO2

78 kg

EV CO2

26 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 Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Portsmouth, OH

Late night in Portsmouth on Sunday

Local time

12:41 AM

EDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Parma, OH

Late night in Parma on Sunday

Local time

12:41 AM

EDT

Current temp

52°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

W 5 to 9 mph 54% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 6:28PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 16 at 11:54AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana

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

4h 38m 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.

Hopewell Culture National Historical Park

Hopewell Culture National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Nearly 2000 years ago, Native Americans built dozens of monumental mounds and earthen enclosures in southern Ohio. These earthwork complexes were ceremonial landscapes used for feasts, funerals, ritua...

7 mi from route ~17 min detour Free near mile 46.1
Caution: Hopeton Earthworks Closed for Construction Until May 2026
View on nps.gov
Cuyahoga Valley National Park

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...

9 mi from route ~23 min detour Free near mile 215.3
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 223-mile trip, with 70% of your travel on major roads like I-71 and US 23. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 113.2 miles on I-71, offering a chance to settle in and cover significant ground. This route largely bypasses smaller towns, prioritizing direct travel on well-maintained highways. While not a winding scenic byway, the consistent speed and directness of the interstate system make for predictable progress. You'll experience the efficiency of modern highway travel for most of the 4 hours and 38 minutes.

70% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 113.2 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 45.4 miles in near US 23.

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 19 significant decision points across 223 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 45.4 miles (US 23): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 82.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 84.7 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.

Between Portsmouth, OH and Parma, OH, road signs point toward Wheeling, Columbus and Royalton.

Wheeling

82.5 mi in | ~1h 53m

Columbus

84.7 mi in | ~1h 56m

Royalton

207.1 mi in | ~4h 12m

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.

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 38m. Total distance: 223 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 38m 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 113.2 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 Parma, 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 45.4 miles (US 23): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 82.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 84.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Hopewell Culture National Historical Park 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 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Parma, 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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