How far is Clay, OH from Columbus, OH?
The driving distance from Clay, OH to Columbus, OH is about 85.9 miles (138.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 34m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 74.5 miles (119.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 08m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 34m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in and the county seat of Ross County, Ohio, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Clay and Columbus.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clay and Columbus.
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1
Start on the route
22 m · 5 sec
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2
Turn right
9.5 mi · 15 min
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3
Turn right onto Broadway Street
133 m · 15 sec · Broadway Street
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4
Turn left onto Water Street
1321 ft · 24 sec · Water Street
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5
At the end of the road, turn right onto Bridge Street
117 m · 6 sec · Bridge Street
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6
Continue on Chillicothe Street
2610 ft · 48 sec · Chillicothe Street
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7
Continue on Chillicothe Pike
2.5 mi · 4 min · Chillicothe Pike
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8
Take the ramp left toward US 35 West: Chillicothe
25.3 mi · 30 min
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9
Keep slight right to continue on US 23 North: Columbus
34.5 mi · 45 min
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10
Continue on South High Street
9 mi · 17 min · South High Street
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11
Turn right onto East State Street
758 ft · 35 sec · East State Street
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12
Continue on East State Street
32 m · 4 sec · East State Street
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13
Turn right
27 m · 7 sec
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Clay and Columbus.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 23 North
Keep slight right to continue on US 23 North: Columbus
34.5 mi · 00h 45m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Clay and Chance Rain Showers near Columbus.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Clay to Columbus?
The road trip is about 85.9 miles (138.3 km) and usually takes 01h 34m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Chillicothe is a useful midpoint, sitting about 40.9 miles from Clay and 45 miles from Columbus.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 74.5 miles (119.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.4 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:22 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.23 one way or $22.45 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 26.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Clay and Chance Rain Showers near Columbus.
Stop Ideas Near Chillicothe
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Chillicothe.
South Portsmouth–South Shore station
Columbus, OH
Ashland Transportation Center
Maysville
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Clay and Columbus. Straight-line distance: 74.53 mi (119.95 km).
#1 Clay
Unincorporated community in Ohio, United States
| Population | 795 |
| Coordinates | 38.9353500, -82.5668300 |
| Altitude | 213 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Columbus
The fifteenth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Columbus metropolitan area.
| Population | 884,356 |
| Coordinates | 39.9611800, -82.9987900 |
| Altitude | 235 |
| Country | United States |
End: East State Street (-82.998626, 39.960416)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 138 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 51m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.71 | $11.23 | $22.45 |
| Mid-grade | $4.24 | $12.85 | $25.71 |
| Premium | $4.79 | $14.51 | $29.03 |
| Diesel | $4.30 | $13.04 | $26.08 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Ohio · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.