Ohio River Road Trip

Embark on an unforgettable road trip along the Ohio River! This amazing journey starts in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and ends in St. Louis, Missouri, covering a total distance of 1773km. The best time to make this trip is during the summer, when the weather is warm and the roads are in excellent condition. Along the way, you will pass through the historic towns of Marietta, Ohio, Portsmouth, Ohio, Louisville, Kentucky, and Cairo, Illinois. Each town offers its own unique charm, from historic sites and monuments to local restaurants and shops. Marietta is home to the Ohio River Museum, Portsmouth has a vibrant music scene, Louisville is home to the iconic Kentucky Derby, and Cairo is located at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. This road trip is perfect for anyone looking for a memorable experience at a moderate budget. You can easily complete the trip in 10 days, giving you plenty of time to explore the sights and sounds of the Ohio River Valley. With its stunning scenery and rich history, the Ohio River Road Trip is an experience that you won't soon forget.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is the perfect starting point for your "Ohio River Road Trip". As a world-class city along the Allegheny, Ohio and Monongahela Rivers, Pittsburgh offers a wealth of attractions, activities and experiences. Start your visit at the iconic Point State Park, located at the confluence of the rivers, and take in the panoramic skyline views. From there, head to the nearby Carnegie Museum of Natural History to explore the area's cultural and historical roots. Other must-see attractions include the Andy Warhol Museum, the National Aviary and the Duquesne Incline. If you're flying to Pittsburgh, the closest international airport is the Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT). The airport offers a variety of car rental services, so you can easily get on your way. No matter how you choose to explore Pittsburgh, you won't be disappointed. Be sure to plan enough time to take in all the city has to offer before your Ohio River Road Trip begins.

Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip? Start in Pittsburgh, United States and drive through Steubenville and end in Marietta. Along the way, you'll be able to explore the historical sites and attractions in these cities. The entire journey is only 136 miles and it will take you fewer than three hours to complete. In Pittsburgh, you can visit the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Science Center, and the Andy Warhol Museum. In Steubenville, you can explore the Historic Fort Steuben and the Ohio River Museum. And in Marietta, you can visit the Campus Martius Museum, the Ohio River Museum, and the Castle. Make sure to take your time and enjoy the sights and attractions along the way. There is much to explore! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Have a great journey!

Start your road trip from Marietta, United States and travel to Gallipolis, a journey of 103 miles that should take you no more than 3 hours. On your way, you will be able to explore some of the most interesting places in the area. In Marietta, make sure to visit the Campus Martius Museum of the Northwest Territory, the oldest museum in the state, and the Ohio River Museum, where you can learn all about the area’s history and culture. Once you reach Gallipolis, you can enjoy the beauty of the Ohio River at the Gallipolis City Park and take a stroll through the Gallia County Historical Museum. This is only one stage of a larger tour, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route is available in the Itinerary of this stage. So, get ready for an amazing road trip experience!

Are you planning a road trip? Then you should definitely include a stop in Gallipolis and Portsmouth! The two cities are only 86 miles apart and the drive takes less than two hours. Gallipolis, located in the Ohio River Valley, is the oldest city in the state and famous for its historical sites. Make sure to visit the Ohio River Museum to learn about the area’s history and the Fife Opera House, a restored Victorian-era theater. Portsmouth is also home to a range of historical sites, including the Shawnee State Park and the Portsmouth Earthworks. Don’t forget to take in the breathtaking views of the Ohio River while you’re there! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the “Itinerary” section of this stage.

Are you ready for a thrilling road trip from Portsmouth to Cincinnati? This 117mi journey will take you less than 3 hours and you will have the opportunity to explore some of the most interesting places in these two cities. In Portsmouth, you should definitely visit the Children’s Museum of Southern Ohio, the Scioto County Welcome Center, and the Shawnee State Park. The Children’s Museum of Southern Ohio is a great place for children and adults alike, offering a variety of interactive exhibits and activities. The Scioto County Welcome Center is an excellent place to get information about the area, while Shawnee State Park is a great spot to take a break and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. In Cincinnati, you should visit the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is one of the oldest zoos in the United States and is home to a variety of animals and plants. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a great place to learn about the history of slavery in the United States. The Cincinnati Museum Center is an excellent place to explore the history of the city. Make sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Have a great trip!

Embark on a 157-mile journey from Cincinnati to Louisville, a road trip that will take you less than 4 hours. Start your journey in Cincinnati, a city known for its amazing parks, art galleries, and the Cincinnati Zoo. Take a break in Corydon, Indiana, the state's first capital. Here you can visit the Historic Corydon Capitol State Historic Site, a museum dedicated to the history of the state. Afterward, make your way to Louisville, a city known for its vibrant nightlife and its many attractions, such as the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Louisville Zoo, and the Muhammad Ali Center. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the city's beautiful parks, such as Waterfront Park and Cherokee Park. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage.

Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Louisville to Evansville? This 154 mile journey will take you less than 4 hours and you will get to experience some of the most interesting places in the area. In Louisville, you can start your trip by visiting the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. Here you can learn about the history of baseball and see the factory where the bats are made. You can also take a guided tour of the museum and factory. As you continue your journey to Evansville, you can make a stop at the Falls of the Ohio State Park. Here, you can explore the fossil beds and learn about the history of the area. You can also enjoy the scenic views of the Ohio River. Finally, you can end your journey in Evansville by visiting the Angel Mounds State Historic Site. This is a Native American site that dates back to 1000 AD. Here, you can explore the mounds, walk the trails, and learn about the culture of the Native Americans. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, you can check the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Louisville to Evansville!

Welcome to the Evansville-Cairo road trip stage! This is one of the most exciting stages of your larger tour, and you are sure to be delighted by the sights and experiences you will find along the way. The route is 186mi long, and takes less than 5 hours to drive. In Evansville, you can visit the Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science, the Angel Mounds State Historic Site, and the Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden. Once you reach Cairo, you can explore the Cairo Historic District, the Cairo Public Library, and the Cairo National Cemetery. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Welcome, road-trippers! Prepare yourselves for an amazing journey from Cairo to St. Louis, a distance of 163mi that can be driven in fewer than 4 hours. First, you will visit Cairo, an amazing city in the United States, known for its beautiful architecture, historical monuments, and lush parks. Make sure to visit the Cairo Public Library, the Cairo Historical Museum, and the Cairo City Park. Then, you will travel to St. Louis, a city full of attractions and activities. From the iconic Gateway Arch to the Saint Louis Zoo, there are many places to explore. Don't miss the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, and the City Museum. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. We hope you have a great time during your journey from Cairo to St. Louis!

St. Louis is the perfect destination for those looking to end their Ohio River Road Trip in style. Located in the heart of the United States, this vibrant city offers a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. From the iconic Gateway Arch to the lush Forest Park, St. Louis offers something for everyone. For those looking to explore the city’s history, the Gateway Arch is a must-see. Built in 1965, the mammoth stainless-steel structure stands 630 feet tall and is an iconic symbol of the city. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the Arch to get a panoramic view of the city. For nature lovers, Forest Park is the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll. This 500-acre park is home to a number of attractions including the St. Louis Zoo, the St. Louis Art Museum, and the Missouri History Museum. For those who prefer to explore the city’s cultural attractions, St. Louis has plenty to offer. The city is home to a vibrant music and arts scene, with a number of venues offering concerts and performances. Visitors can also explore the many galleries and museums that dot the city. For travelers arriving by air, the closest international airport is Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL). From here, visitors can easily rent a car and begin their Ohio River Road Trip adventure. Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience or a relaxing getaway, St. Louis is the perfect destination to end your Ohio River Road Trip.

We hope that the presented itinerary idea gave you numerous inspirations for your future travels.
Our itinerary can be used as a template that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original attractions of your choice.
If car travel is the preferred travel mode for you, there are a number of essential road rules to follow and a bunch of elements to keep in mind to make your journey smooth. These tips will surely become useful for drivers who opt for hiring a vehicle or camper hire.
When sightseeing around Ohio, there are multiple road rules to be mindful of. When moving around Ohio in a car, try avoiding alcoholic drinks at any cost. Holidaymakers ought to remember that the allowed blood alcohol level is low and amounts to only 0.5‰. When driving around the city streets, the maximum car speed is 40km/h. 72km/h is the maximum speed outside the cities. In Ohio, you can drive at the allowed speed of 129km/h on motorways. Driving with your headlights on at daytime and having a fire extinguisher and first aid kit greatly increase the safety of you and your passengers.
How about the costs of the trip? The total cost of the whole road trip are dependent on the budget option that you choose. A wide range of budget configurations is described below.
We estimate that the cheapest option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 1,773km across Ohio may cost roughly 238 EUR. Economy accommodation options can cost you more or less 792 EUR. Food and restaurants in this option can cost about 720 EUR. If your aim is also the budget car rental option, you will pay approximately 450 EUR. Thus, the estimated travel expenses amount to more or less 1,750 EUR without vehicle hire and 2,200 EUR with vehicle hire.
Drivers who are interested in greater comfort and the standard option will pay approximately 325 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the trip. If you are into standard accommodation options, expect that the expenses may amount up to about 1,188 EUR. When selecting this option, take into consideration that the restaurants and food within this range will cost approximately 1,080 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental car can expect a cost of around 540 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total approximately 3,133 EUR for travellers who would like to try vehicle hire and 2,593 EUR for those who are not interested in rental.
The available premium offer has been prepared for the most demanding tourists. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total around 4,758 EUR for holidayers who are considering car hire and 2,593 EUR for those who do not need a rental car. Travellers who would like to cover the road trip in a premium rental vehicle can expect a cost of approximately 900 EUR. When it comes to the top standard version of the tour, the cost of the fuel needed to cover all stages around Ohio is about 438 EUR. You should expect to pay around 1,440 EUR for food and restaurants and more or less 1,980 EUR for accommodation if you opt for the exclusive standard of services during your road trip.
Ohio River Road Trip is also an excellent opportunity for all camper lovers. When it comes to this travel means, the expenses are more or less 2,250 EUR. Camper fans will spend more or less 475 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the tour. Travellers who choose camper rental should expect to pay around 550 EUR for accommodation and about 720 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section presents all the above-mentioned expenses in detail.
The period between May and October is superb to explore the part of Ohio presented in our Ohio River Road Trip. There are plenty of intriguing scenic drives and road trips that we offer on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip ideas. Hopefully, the great diversity of options will definitely measure up to the expectations of the most demanding tourists.