The best road trip stops on the Indianapolis to Cleveland drive are Dayton, Columbus and Mansfield. The distance from Indianapolis to Cleveland by car is 317 miles, with a 4h39m driving time.
Finding the best things to do between Indianapolis and Cleveland
The Indianapolis to Cleveland drive connects the capital of Indiana to the shores of Lake Erie in northern Ohio.
The capital of Indiana marries big city energy with country charm.
Top attractions in Indianapolis include the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
Worthwhile Indianapolis experiences include a Fountain Square food tour and a walking tour around the city’s highlights.
5 Great Cleveland Experiences to Book
- 👻 Cleveland Ghost Tour: Hear spooky stories from the city’s past and explore haunted landmarks on a guided evening walking tour.
- 🌲 Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Link together the best viewpoints and trails on a self-drive visit with a comprehensive smartphone audio guide.
- 🎸 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Explore the history of music legends through iconic artifacts and immersive exhibits at this world-famous lakeside museum.
- 🌮 Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour: Experience one of the city’s trendiest districts through multiple food tastings and expert drink pairings.
- 🍎 West Side Market Food Tour: Get to know the best local stalls and the history of Cleveland’s oldest operating indoor/outdoor market.
Top attractions in Cleveland include the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center and Cleveland History Center. Alternatively, try the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Cleveland tour options focus on neighbourhood food scenes and ghostly tales after dark.
Indianapolis to Cleveland distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Indianapolis to Cleveland is 317 miles. That makes for a driving time of four hours and 39 minutes. The quickest route heads along the I-70 then the I-71.
The best stops to add to an Indianapolis to Cleveland road trip itinerary are Dayton, Columbus and Mansfield in Ohio.
Best stops between Indianapolis and Cleveland: Dayton, Ohio
Dayton, Ohio, isn’t a massive city, but it has more than played its part in history. It was here that Orville and Wilbur Wright created the first plane capable of manned, sustained flight. The original Wright Cycle Company Shop that still stands is not where the Wright Flyer was made – that was a future incarnation of the company HQ – but it was home to their bicycle business.
In Dayton, you can also visit the SunWatch Indian Village, a recreated Native American village, and the National Museum of the US Air Force.
Indianapolis to Cleveland road trip attractions: Columbus, Ohio.
In Columbus, a three day attractions pass covers most of the top sights. These include the Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. For other Columbus experiences, try scavenger hunts, a town tour aboard the Trolley Pub and the Legoland Discovery Center.
Best attractions between Dayton and Cleveland: Mansfield, Ohio
There are several attractions in the small Ohio city of Mansfield. These include the Buckeye Imagination Museum, which provides hands-on, play-based learning for kids, and historic Oak Hill Cottage.
The highlight, however, is the Ohio State Reformatory. This former prison offers several guided tours, including one with a Shawshank Redemption theme. The film was shot here. Other tours go into executions and life behind bars.
More Ohio road trips
- Road trips from Columbus, Ohio: Guides to the Columbus to Chicago drive, Columbus to Detroit drive, Columbus to Indianapolis drive, Columbus to Philadelphia drive and Columbus to Pittsburgh drive.
- Road trips from Toledo, Ohio: Guides to the Toledo to Chicago drive and Toledo to Detroit drive.
- Getting to Cincinnati: The best stops on the Columbus to Cincinnati drive, Louisville to Cincinnati drive, Nashville to Cincinnati drive and Pittsburgh to Cincinnati drive.
- Road trips from Cincinnati: Take on the Cincinnati to Chicago drive.
- Road trips from Cleveland: Guides to the Cleveland to Chicago drive, Cleveland to Detroit drive and Cleveland to Philadelphia drive.
