Traveling between Youngstown and Cleveland covers 73.6 miles of Midwestern terrain, making for a straightforward 1-hour and 30-minute journey. Because the route is compact, you can easily complete it as a one-day trip without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily utilize the Ohio Turnpike, I-480, and the Outerbelt South Freeway to navigate between these two Ohio cities. Budgeting around $11 for fuel is sufficient for the transit, keeping your overhead costs low. This drive is ideal if you are looking for an efficient, no-fuss connection within the region. It is a highly practical option for commuters or travelers looking to move quickly between these two hubs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
36.8 miles from Youngstown, OH
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 43m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Ohio Turnpike
31.1 mi
33m
I 480
11.2 mi
13m
Outerbelt South Freeway
8.2 mi
10m
Willow Freeway
5.9 mi
7m
I 80
5 mi
6m
Wickliffe Expressway
4.6 mi
6m
Outerbelt East Freeway
2.4 mi
3m
South Shore Expressway
1.5 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Ohio Turnpike
— 31.1 mi, about 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Youngstown, OH and Cleveland, OH.
1
Start on Central Square
123 ft·9 sec·Central Square
2
Continue on Central Square
340 ft·14 sec·Central Square
3
Turn straight onto Market Street
0.5 mi·50 sec·Market Street
4
Turn right onto West Woodland Avenue
230 ft·4 sec·West Woodland Avenue
5
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·16 sec
6
Merge onto I 680
1.5 mi·2 min·South Shore Expressway
7
Continue on I 680
4.6 mi·6 min·Wickliffe Expressway
8
Merge onto I 80
4.1 mi·4 min·I 80
9
Take the exit onto I 80
0.5 mi·1 min·I 80
Toward I 80 West, I 76 EastUse the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80
0.4 mi·1 min·I 80
Toward I 80 West: Cleveland
11
Merge onto I 80
31 mi·33 min·Ohio Turnpike
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 187Toward I 480, SR 14: Cleveland, StreetsboroUse the slight right lane.
13
Continue on this road
0.1 mi·9 sec·this road
Toward I 480 West, SR 14 West: ClevelandUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 480; SR 14
11 mi·13 min·I 480; SR 14
15
Continue on I 271; I 480
2.4 mi·3 min·Outerbelt East Freeway
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 480
7.1 mi·8 min·Outerbelt South Freeway
Toward I 480 West: Rockside Road, ClevelandUse the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 480
1.1 mi·1 min·Outerbelt South Freeway
18
Take the exit
470 ft·11 sec
Toward I 77 South, I 77 North: Akron, ClevelandUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 20BToward I 77 North: ClevelandUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto I 77
5.9 mi·7 min·Willow Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
Exit 162BToward East 22nd Street, East 14th StreetUse the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward East 14th StreetUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
23
Turn straight onto East 14th Street
0.1 mi·9 sec·East 14th Street
24
Keep slight left at fork onto East 14th Street
0.3 mi·28 sec·East 14th Street
25
Turn left onto Prospect Avenue East
0.3 mi·41 sec·Prospect Avenue East
Use the straight / left lanes.
26
Turn right onto East 9th Street
523 ft·19 sec·East 9th Street
27
Turn left onto US 20
0.3 mi·1 min·Euclid Avenue
28
At end of road, turn right onto US 6; US 20
518 ft·27 sec·East Roadway
Use the right lane.
29
At end of road, turn left onto US 6; US 20
513 ft·20 sec·Rockwell Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
30
Turn right onto Frankfort Avenue
186 ft·6 sec·Frankfort Avenue
31
Arrive at destination
Frankfort Avenue
Trip Plan
Since the total drive time is only 1.5 hours, you have significant flexibility regarding your departure schedule. You do not need to worry about planning formal stops, as the duration is short enough to drive through in one go. However, keep an eye on traffic patterns when connecting to I-480, as urban highway interchanges can become congested during peak hours. If you want to ensure a smooth arrival, check local traffic reports for the Cleveland area before you leave Youngstown. Having your $11 fuel budget ready before you hit the road will help keep your travel plans simple and stress-free.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 36.8 miles from Youngstown, OH, or about 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 31.1 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 16 miles or 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 36.8 miles or 43m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 13m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cleveland, OH than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Youngstown, OH so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Youngstown, OH
This is one driving day of about 73.6 miles and 1h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from Youngstown, OH.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Ohio Turnpike for about 31.1 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 42.9 and 72.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
42.9 mi into trip|~50m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 480, SR 14: Cleveland, Streetsboro
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 187
Toward I 480, SR 14: Cleveland, Streetsboro
8
57.3 mi into trip|~1h 7m in|I 480 / Outerbelt South Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 480 / Outerbelt South Freeway toward I 480 West: Rockside Road, Cleveland
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 480 West: Rockside Road, Cleveland
8
65.6 mi into trip|~1h 17m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 77 North: Cleveland
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 20B
Toward I 77 North: Cleveland
8
72.1 mi into trip|~1h 26m in
Take the exit toward East 22nd Street, East 14th Street
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 162B
Toward East 22nd Street, East 14th Street
8
72.2 mi into trip|~1h 26m in
Keep slight left at fork toward East 14th Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward East 14th Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$11.42 one way
$22.84 round trip
$3.94/gal25.4 MPG avg26 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.38
$12.68
$25.35
premium
$4.91
$14.22
$28.45
diesel
$5.61
$16.25
$32.50
Estimated Tolls: $1.55
Ohio Turnpike
(31.1 mi)$1.55
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$11
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 25.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
22.1
0
$7.73
$3.53
Efficient EV
18.4
0
$6.44
$2.94
EV Truck/SUV
29.4
0
$10.30
$4.71
Gas CO2
26 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (65% 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 17, 2026
Origin
Youngstown, OH
Late night
in Youngstown on Tuesday
Local time
4:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Sunny
NW 2 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 17 at 11:45AM EDT until April 22 at 6:00AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 17 at 11:45AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
Destination
Cleveland, OH
Late night
in Cleveland on Tuesday
Local time
4:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Mostly Sunny
N 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 17 at 11:45AM EDT until April 22 at 6:00AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 17 at 11:45AM 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
7 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
1h 30m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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
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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 50.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a focused, highway-heavy experience, as 95% of this trip takes place on major interstates. You will settle into a consistent rhythm behind the wheel, especially during the longest stretch of 31.1 miles on the Ohio Turnpike. The road maintains a steady, fast-paced character throughout, favoring efficiency over local scenic detours. Transitioning from the turnpike onto the Outerbelt South Freeway and I-480 keeps the drive moving at a reliable clip. This is a classic interstate-focused route designed for getting you to your destination with minimal interruption.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 31.1 mi on Ohio Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Ohio Turnpike and I 480. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 42.9 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 73.6 miles you will encounter 24 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 42.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 57.3 miles (I 480 / Outerbelt South Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 65.6 miles: 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.
On the drive from Youngstown, OH to Cleveland, OH, road signs begin pointing toward Streetsboro along the way.
Youngstown is a city of 60,000 people (2020) in Northeast Ohio and is the county seat of Mahoning County. For Youngstown, it was all about coal and steel, until deindustrialization occurred in the second half of the 20th century.
Cleveland is a culturally diverse city on the shores of Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes, in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, USA. Recreational, cultural and educational opportunities are abundant throughout Northeast Ohio. You'll find world-class museums, cultural events, professional sports, and amusement parks.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 30m. Total distance: 73.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 31.1 miles on Ohio Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.55 in tolls one way, starting with Ohio Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
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 Cleveland, OH before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 42.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 57.3 miles (I 480 / Outerbelt South Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 65.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Cuyahoga Valley National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Cleveland, OH before heading back.
