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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesNorth USAOhioLake Erie
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Lake Erie Road Trip

Lake Erie - Cleveland - Sandusky - Toledo

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Urban life Urban life
Historical sites Historical sites
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Beach Beach
Culture Culture
Lake Erie Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages3 km351 h/stage1.9

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Lake Erie Road Trip in Ohio?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 50EUR sleep & more 154EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 348EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 438EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 108EUR drive & more 63EUR sleep & more 242EUR eat & more 216EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 521EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 629EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 180EUR drive & more 88EUR sleep & more 396EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 772EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 952EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 450EUR drive & more 100EUR sleep & more 110EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 354EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 804EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Lake Erie Itinerary

The Lake Erie Road Trip is an exciting journey through the United States, beginning in Lake Erie and concluding in Toledo. Along the way, travelers will pass through Cleveland and Sandusky, two cities with plenty of attractions and activities to explore. From Cleveland, visitors can enjoy the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Art. In Sandusky, tourists can check out the Cedar Point amusement park, the Maritime Museum of Sandusky, and the Kalahari Resort. The drive itself is 351km and recommended to take two days, with the best time of year to experience it between June and September. Overall, the roads are in good condition, making this a great trip for any driver. Plus, the moderate budget needed to manage the trip makes it a great value for anyone looking for an affordable adventure.
number of days 2 number of days
route length 351 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Lake Erie

Distance 351 km Driving time 5.6 h Pace: fast 105.4 kWh Airports ERI
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Lake Erie is an iconic destination in the United States and the starting point of the "Lake Erie Road Trip". It is the fourth largest of the Great Lakes in the US, and is known for its stunning natural beauty. With its crystal clear waters and picturesque views, it is a popular destination for fishing, sailing and other recreational activities. The most interesting sights to visit in the area include Cedar Point, the famous amusement park located on the shores of Lake Erie, as well as the islands of Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island. Here visitors can find a variety of activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, hiking and more. On Kelleys Island, visitors can explore the Glacial Grooves, which are the largest exposed grooves in the world. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). From here, visitors can rent a car and start their Lake Erie road trip. Car rental companies located at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and Thrifty, offering a variety of vehicles to suit any budget and travel needs. Lake Erie has something to offer for everyone. With its remarkable beauty and endless activities, it is a great starting point for a road trip of a lifetime.

1 Lake Erie - Cleveland

Distance 165 km Driving time 2.5 h Pace: fast 49.5 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options interesting cultural site
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Starting your road trip from Lake Erie, you will be able to enjoy a 103mi journey that will take you fewer than 3 hours to reach Cleveland. Along the way, you'll be able to visit some of the most interesting places that the area has to offer. In Lake Erie, you can explore the nature trails of the Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve and the Headlands Beach State Park. For those looking for a more urban experience, the city of Cleveland has a lot to offer. In the city, you can visit the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. For those looking for outdoor activities, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a great place to explore. Here, you can hike, bike, and enjoy the stunning views of the river and its surrounding forests. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage.

2 Cleveland - Sandusky

Distance 97 km Driving time 1.9 h Pace: modest 25.3 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Cleveland to Sandusky? This 61-mile journey will take you no more than two hours and it's one of the stages of the larger tour. In Cleveland, you should definitely visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Museum of Art. From there, you'll drive to Sandusky where you can explore the Cedar Point Amusement Park and the Marblehead Lighthouse State Park. Both are great destinations for outdoor activities. If you're looking for more, you can also visit the African Safari Wildlife Park and the Merry-Go-Round Museum. Don't forget to check out the Itinerary of this stage for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route. Enjoy your road trip!

3 Sandusky - Toledo

Distance 89 km Driving time 1.2 h Pace: fast 26.7 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you looking for a road trip that takes you through some of the most interesting places in the US? Then you should definitely consider a trip from Sandusky to Toledo. This 55-mile journey will take you less than two hours, and it is the perfect stage of a larger tour. The fun starts in Sandusky, where you can visit the Cedar Point Amusement Park, which is home to some of the most thrilling roller coasters in the world. The city also has a few museums and galleries, so make sure to check them out. From there, you will drive to Toledo, which is known for its natural attractions. One of the must-see places here is the Toledo Zoo, where you can see a variety of animals in their natural habitats. You can also explore the city's art galleries and other cultural attractions. If you want to get the most out of your road trip, make sure to check the Itinerary of this stage for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Have a great trip!

  Toledo

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Toledo is the perfect end point for the Lake Erie Road Trip. Located on the western end of Lake Erie, Toledo is a vibrant city with a lot to offer. Start your journey by exploring the downtown area, where you can find a variety of attractions, shops and restaurants. Visit the Toledo Museum of Art, the Toledo Zoo and the National Museum of the Great Lakes. If you’re looking for a more active adventure, take a stroll along the Maumee River and explore the Promenade Park, or take a boat tour of the city. For a taste of the local culture, head to the Toledo Farmers Market, where you can find fresh produce and handmade items from local artisans. You can also explore the city’s history by visiting the Toledo History Museum, the National Museum of the Great Lakes or the Toledo Firefighters Museum. If you’re looking for a fun way to end your road trip, take in a show at the Stranahan Theater or grab a bite to eat at one of the city’s many restaurants. Toledo also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as golfing, fishing and camping. Toledo is served by Toledo Express Airport (TOL), which is located just 10 miles from downtown. So for those who plan to fly in, Toledo Express Airport is the closest international airport. No matter how you choose to explore Toledo, it’s the perfect end point to the Lake Erie Road Trip. With its vibrant culture, history and attractions, Toledo is a great place to spend a few days before heading home.

Lake Erie at a glance

Before you set off

Embark on the mesmerizing Lake Erie Road Trip, a journey that stretches from the shores of Lake Erie to the vibrant city of Toledo in the United States. This Scenic Drive is a wonderful blend of cultural treasures, historic landmarks, and exhilarating entertainment. You'll traverse through key cities such as Cleveland and Sandusky, each offering a unique array of attractions to suit a variety of interests.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

  • Cleveland: Not just the home of the world-renowned Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland is also a treasure trove for art lovers with the Cleveland Museum of Art housing over 61,000 works from around the world. Science buffs can dive into interactive exhibits at the Great Lakes Science Center. Don't miss the West Side Market, a historic marketplace opened in 1912, for culinary delights.
  • Sandusky: Best known for Cedar Point, often dubbed `The Roller Coaster Capital of the World,` with 18 world-class roller coasters thrilling visitors. The Maritime Museum of Sandusky delves into the rich nautical history of the Great Lakes, and Kalahari Resort provides an expansive indoor water park experience for the whole family.

Best Time to Go:

The prime season for this Road Trip is from June to September, when you can enjoy the warm summer weather and an array of events and festivals, enhancing your travel experience.

Potential Risks:

The journey is generally safe with well-maintained Roads, but travelers should be prepared for possible summer storms or traffic delays during peak tourist seasons or near major attractions.

Facts for Roadtrippers:

  • The drive spans approximately 218 miles (351 km).
  • To fully immerse in the region's offerings, plan for a two-day adventure.
  • The Trip is budget-friendly, catering to a wide range of travelers.

A good choice for:

Perfect for those in search of a diverse mix of culture, history, and thrill-seeking, the Lake Erie Road Trip encapsulates the spirit of American adventure. You'll discover iconic music history, immerse yourself in the arts, and get your adrenaline pumping at amusement parks, all within an easy drive and a budget that won't break the bank. Whether you're a die-hard rock fan, an art connoisseur, or an amusement park enthusiast, this journey promises unforgettable memories.

Facts for safer driving in Ohio

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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