This 264.1-mile drive from West Portsmouth, OH to Youngstown, OH is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take about 4 hours and 23 minutes. You'll navigate primarily on local roads, with a 0% highway share, making it a more hands-on driving experience. Plan for a fuel cost of approximately $40. The route, which stays within the Midwest region, offers a change of pace from interstate travel. With just one recommended stop, it’s a straightforward journey perfect for a single day.
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
131.8 miles from West Portsmouth, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 48m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 71
101.8 mi
1h 51m
US 23
68.9 mi
1h 31m
I 76
57.6 mi
1h 6m
I 680
5.9 mi
8m
SR 104
5.8 mi
7m
I 80
4 mi
4m
South Freeway
3.6 mi
4m
SR 73
3.5 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 101.8 mi, about 1h 51m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Portsmouth, OH and Youngstown, OH.
1
Start on 6th Street
180 ft·14 sec·6th Street
2
Turn left onto C-440
0.4 mi·50 sec·Calvert's Lane
3
At end of road, turn left onto SR 73; SR 104
3.5 mi·5 min·SR 73; SR 104
4
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 104
5.8 mi·7 min·SR 104
5
Turn right onto SR 348
1.3 mi·1 min·SR 348
6
Turn left onto US 23
34 mi·46 min·US 23
7
Keep slight right at fork onto US 23
34 mi·44 min·US 23
Toward US 23 North: ColumbusUse the straight lane.
8
Continue on US 23
2.6 mi·3 min·South High Street
Use the straight lane.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi·26 sec
Toward I 270: Columbus, Wheeling
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 270 WestUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 270
1.3 mi·1 min·Jack Nicklaus Freeway
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Exit 55Toward I 71: Cincinnati, ColumbusUse the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 71 North: ColumbusUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 71
3.6 mi·4 min·South Freeway
15
Take the exit onto I 71
0.4 mi·45 sec·I 71
Toward I 71 North, I 70 East: Cleveland, WheelingUse the slight right lane.
16
Merge onto I 70; I 71
1.3 mi·1 min·South Innerbelt
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 71
1.0 mi·1 min·I 71
Exit 101AToward I 71 North: ClevelandUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 71
100 mi·1 hr 49 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 209A-BToward I 76, US 224: Lodi, AkronUse the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 209AToward I 76, US 224 East: AkronUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto I 76; US 224
17 mi·20 min·I 76; US 224
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76
1.9 mi·2 min·Kenmore Expressway
Use the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto I 76
1.2 mi·1 min·I 76
Toward I 76 East: AkronUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 76; I 77
39 mi·43 min·I 76; I 77
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on I 80
4.0 mi·4 min·I 80
26
Keep slight right at fork onto I 680
5.9 mi·8 min·I 680
Toward I 680: Youngstown
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi·39 sec
28
Turn sharp left onto Market Street
0.6 mi·59 sec·Market Street
29
Keep slight right at fork onto Central Square
124 ft·2 sec·Central Square
30
Arrive at destination
Central Square
Trip Plan
Given the 4 hour and 23 minute estimated duration, this route is well-suited for a single-day adventure. Consider an early morning departure to maximize daylight and allow ample time for the numerous turns. With a fuel cost estimated at $40, keep an eye on your gauge and plan one fuel stop strategically along US 23 North. This is a turn-heavy local drive, so staying focused on navigation is key; a GPS or reliable map app is highly recommended to keep you on track through the various local roads.
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 131.8 miles from West Portsmouth, OH, or about 2h 48m 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 58 miles or 1h 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 131.8 miles or 2h 48m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 23m
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 West 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 West Portsmouth, OH
This is one driving day of about 263.7 miles and 5h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from West 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 25
5 decision points cluster between mile 45.3 and 192.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
45.3 mi into trip|~1h 2m 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
8
84.6 mi into trip|~1h 54m 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
90.9 mi into trip|~2h 3m 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
192.3 mi into trip|~3h 54m 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
192.5 mi into trip|~3h 54m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.93 one way
$81.85 round trip
$3.94/gal25.4 MPG avg92 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.38
$45.42
$90.84
premium
$4.91
$50.96
$101.93
diesel
$5.61
$58.22
$116.44
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 92.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
79.1
0
$27.69
$12.66
Efficient EV
65.9
0
$23.07
$10.55
EV Truck/SUV
105.5
1
$36.92
$16.88
Gas CO2
92 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (66% 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 14, 2026
Origin
West Portsmouth, OH
Night
in West Portsmouth on Saturday
Local time
9:31 PM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Youngstown, OH
Night
in Youngstown on Saturday
Local time
9:31 PM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 13 mph23% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 5:48PM 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
30 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
5h 19m 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
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 45.5
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...
15 mi from route
~37 min detour
Free
near mile 218.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive on this route, rather than a high-speed highway cruise. The entire journey unfolds on surface streets and local roads, including Calvert's Lane and US 23 North, with no interstate sections. This means you'll be more engaged with the driving, navigating through communities and varied road conditions. Since there's no mention of a longest uninterrupted stretch, be prepared for frequent intersections and changes in speed limits as you make your way north.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 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 US 23. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 45.3 miles in near US 23.
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 25 significant decision points across 263.7 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: at 45.3 miles (US 23): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 84.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.9 miles (I 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between West Portsmouth, OH and Youngstown, OH, road signs point toward Wheeling, Columbus and Akron.
Wheeling
82.4 mi in|~1h 51m
Columbus
84.6 mi in|~1h 54m
Akron
192.3 mi in|~3h 54m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 19m. Total distance: 263.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). 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 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 45.3 miles (US 23): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 84.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.9 miles (I 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Hopewell Culture National Historical Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Youngstown, OH before the return drive.
