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Trip from Urbana, OH to Youngstown, 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 58m

Distance

203.3 mi

327 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$32

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 46m ★
6 AM
3h 59m
8 AM
4h 25m
10 AM
4h 8m
12 PM
4h 5m
3 PM
4h 9m
5 PM
4h 24m
8 PM
3h 51m

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

city in Champaign County, Ohio, USA

Urbana, OH

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 203.3-mile drive from Urbana, OH, to Youngstown, OH, is a manageable one-day trip, taking just under 4 hours to complete. Primarily an interstate-focused journey, you'll spend about 82% of your time on highways, making for a straightforward commute. The estimated fuel cost is around $33, which is quite reasonable for this distance. This route is ideal for a single-day adventure, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. The Midwest regions of both your origin and destination mean you'll experience a consistent regional feel throughout your travels.

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

101.7 miles from Urbana, OH

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 1m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 71 78.1 mi 1h 23m
I 76 57.6 mi 1h 6m
Delaware Avenue 14.4 mi 16m
Scioto Street 10.7 mi 16m
SR 4 9.6 mi 10m
I 680 5.9 mi 8m
State Route 37 East 5.9 mi 8m
East Sandusky Street 5.4 mi 7m
Longest stretch: I 71 — 78.1 mi, about 1h 23m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Urbana, OH and Youngstown, OH.

1

Start on US 68

86 ft · 1 sec · North Main Street
2

Enter roundabout onto US 36; SR 29

177 ft · 3 sec · Scioto Street
3

Continue on US 36; SR 29

1.2 mi · 2 min · Scioto Street
4

Keep slight right at fork onto SR 29

9.5 mi · 14 min · Scioto Street
5

Continue on SR 29; SR 559

0.3 mi · 29 sec · North Main Street
6

Turn left onto SR 4

5.4 mi · 7 min · East Sandusky Street
7

Turn slight left onto SR 4

9.6 mi · 10 min · SR 4
8

Keep slight right at fork onto US 36; SR 4

3.7 mi · 4 min · US 36; SR 4
9

Take the exit onto US 36

0.3 mi · 36 sec · US 36
Exit 93 Toward US 36 East: Delaware Use the slight right lane.
10

Turn left onto US 36

14 mi · 16 min · Delaware Avenue
11

Continue on US 36

2.4 mi · 2 min · West William Street
12

Continue on US 36; SR 37; SR 521

0.9 mi · 1 min · Sunbury Road
13

Continue on US 36; SR 37

5.9 mi · 8 min · State Route 37 East
14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec
15

Merge onto I 71

78 mi · 1 hr 23 min · I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Exit 209A-B Toward I 76, US 224: Lodi, Akron Use the slight right lane.
17

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.
18

Merge onto I 76; US 224

17 mi · 20 min · I 76; US 224
Use the straight / right lanes.
19

Keep slight right at fork onto I 76

1.9 mi · 2 min · Kenmore Expressway
Use the slight right lane.
20

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.
21

Keep slight left at fork onto I 76; I 77

39 mi · 43 min · I 76; I 77
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Continue on I 80

4.0 mi · 4 min · I 80
23

Keep slight right at fork onto I 680

5.9 mi · 8 min · I 680
Toward I 680: Youngstown
24

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 39 sec
25

Turn sharp left onto Market Street

0.6 mi · 59 sec · Market Street
26

Keep slight right at fork onto Central Square

124 ft · 2 sec · Central Square
27

Arrive at destination

Central Square

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 58-minute duration, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day departure, allowing you to leave in the morning and arrive by afternoon. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to break up the journey. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the longest stretch of 78.1 miles on I-71, as services can sometimes be spaced out on interstates. Planning your departure to avoid peak traffic in and around the larger towns along I-71 could significantly smooth your progress.

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 101.7 miles from Urbana, OH, or about 2h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 78.1 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 45 miles or 58m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 101.7 miles or 2h 1m 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 15m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Urbana, 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 Urbana, OH

This is one driving day of about 203.3 miles and 3h 58m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Urbana, 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 78.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Mansfield, OH, OH

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Mansfield, OH

102 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

Dublin, OH

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Mansfield, OH

Meal break

The midpoint is around 101.7 miles from Urbana, 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 78.1 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 17

5 decision points cluster between mile 29.7 and 152.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
29.7 mi into trip | ~40m in | US 36

Take the exit onto US 36 toward US 36 East: Delaware

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 93 Toward US 36 East: Delaware
8
132 mi into trip | ~2h 34m 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
132.2 mi into trip | ~2h 34m 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
6
150.3 mi into trip | ~2h 56m in | I 76 / Kenmore Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 76 / Kenmore Expressway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane.
7
152.2 mi into trip | ~2h 58m in | I 76

Keep slight right at fork onto I 76 toward I 76 East: Akron

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 76 East: Akron

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$31.55 one way

$63.10 round trip

$3.94/gal 25.4 MPG avg 71 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.38 $35.02 $70.03
premium $4.91 $39.29 $78.58
diesel $5.61 $44.89 $89.77

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$32

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$57–$82

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 71.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 61 0 $21.35 $9.76
Efficient EV 50.8 0 $17.79 $8.13
EV Truck/SUV 81.3 1 $28.46 $13.01

Gas CO2

71 kg

EV CO2

24 kg (66% 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 15, 2026

Origin

Urbana, OH

Late night in Urbana on Sunday

Local time

4:00 AM

EDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Youngstown, OH

Late night in Youngstown on Sunday

Local time

4:00 AM

EDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

68°F

Mansfield, OH

102 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

15 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 58m 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

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...

14 mi from route ~35 min detour Free near mile 154.3
Caution: Vehicle Break-in and Theft Warning
View on nps.gov
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument

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
View on nps.gov
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

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
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 predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 82% of the drive taking place on interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 78.1 miles on I-71, offering a chance to settle into a rhythm. While much of the drive will be on major roadways, the route does incorporate Delaware Avenue, suggesting a potential shift in scenery and speed as you approach your destination. This highway-centric profile indicates a generally efficient and direct journey, minimizing complex navigation.

82% 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: 78.1 mi on I 71.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and I 76. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 29.7 miles in near US 36.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 17 significant decision points across 203.3 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 29.7 miles (US 36): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 132 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 132.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

On the drive from Urbana, OH to Youngstown, OH, road signs begin pointing toward Akron along the way.

Akron

132 mi in | ~2h 34m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 58m. Total distance: 203.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 78.1 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 Youngstown, 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 29.7 miles (US 36): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 132 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 132.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Youngstown, 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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