A Trip from Akron, Ohio to Cleveland, Ohio: What You Need to Know

Do you have a sudden urge to take a road trip from Akron to Cleveland? Maybe you have business to attend to or simply want to explore what the neighboring city has to offer. Whatever the reason may be, knowing the different routes and estimated driving times can make your trip planning a lot easier.

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

There are multiple routes available for making this trip. The fastest one is via I-77 North, which is around a 39-mile straight shot. It takes roughly 40 minutes to complete without traffic. However, keep in mind that rush hour traffic may add anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes to your travel time.

If you prefer a more scenic route or want to avoid highways, taking Ohio State Route 8 is the way to go. Although it’s about 47 miles, this route will take you around 45 minutes to reach your destination, making it only slightly slower than I-77.

On the other hand, if you take the scenic route through OH-21 and I-77 North, you will be covering the shortest distance of approximately 35 miles. However, depending on the traffic patterns, it may take up to an hour or more to reach Cleveland.

Driving Time for Peak Traffic Times and Low Traffic Times

The driving time of the two major routes mentioned above varies greatly depending on traffic. If you take I-77, peak traffic time is around 7 am to 9 am and 4 pm to 6 pm. During these times, you might want to avoid driving on the highway. If you do hit traffic, it could take an hour or more to reach Cleveland. To beat the rush hour traffic, try leaving Akron around 9 am or after 6 pm.

For the Ohio State Route 8 route, you will experience less traffic and less rush hour congestion. So, it doesn’t matter much what time you choose to drive. Given this, you could travel this route without any issues and expect to arrive in Cleveland in around 45 minutes or less.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, deciding which route to take for your trip may depend on your personal preferences, planned stops, and traffic patterns. Be sure to check weather conditions beforehand to avoid any sudden delays. This area usually observes heavy snowfalls during winter, which can also slow down your travel time.

In general, taking Ohio State Route 8 is a good option to take is a rush-hour-friendly route with breathtaking views, while the Ohio Turnpike is a good choice when you are looking for a quick journey. Taking either of these routes will give you plenty of options to explore and enjoy Akron and Cleveland. Have a safe trip and happy driving!