How far is Columbus, OH from West Union, OH?
The driving distance from Columbus, OH to West Union, OH is about 104.4 miles (168 km), with a travel time of about 02h 18m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 85.7 miles (138 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 37m 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 02h 18m.
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.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Columbus and West Union.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbus and West Union.
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1
Start on the route
23 m · 6 sec
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2
Turn right onto East State Street
556 ft · 26 sec · East State Street
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3
Turn left onto South High Street
9 mi · 17 min · South High Street
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4
Continue on Portsmouth - Columbus Road
36.5 mi · 47 min · Portsmouth - Columbus Road
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5
Keep slight right
20.4 mi · 29 min
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6
Take the exit slight right
1719 ft · 48 sec
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7
Turn right onto James A. Rhodes Appalachian Highway
25.3 mi · 29 min · James A. Rhodes Appalachian Highway
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8
Take the exit slight left
116 m · 14 sec
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9
Merge slight right
12.5 mi · 14 min
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10
Turn left onto South Pleasant Street
42 m · 8 sec · South Pleasant Street
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11
Turn right
46 m · 11 sec
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Columbus and West Union.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Portsmouth - Columbus Road
Continue on Portsmouth - Columbus Road
36.5 mi · 00h 47m
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.
Sunny leaving Columbus and Sunny near West Union.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Columbus to West Union?
The road trip is about 104.4 miles (168 km) and usually takes 02h 18m 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 52.2 miles from Columbus and 52.2 miles from West Union.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 85.7 miles (138 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.7 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 1:52 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.63 one way or $27.27 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 32.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Columbus and Sunny near West Union.
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 Columbus and West Union. Straight-line distance: 85.73 mi (137.97 km).
#1 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 |
#2 West Union
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 3,147 |
| Coordinates | 38.7945200, -83.5451900 |
| Altitude | 290 |
| Country | United States |
End: West Union (-83.54519, 38.79452)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 168 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 28m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 44m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.71 | $13.63 | $27.27 |
| Mid-grade | $4.24 | $15.61 | $31.22 |
| Premium | $4.79 | $17.63 | $35.25 |
| Diesel | $4.30 | $15.84 | $31.68 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.