How far is Dayton, OH from Clay, OH?
The driving distance from Dayton, OH to Clay, OH is about 116.6 miles (187.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 19m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 103.8 miles (167 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 39m 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 19m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Dayton and Clay.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dayton and Clay.
-
1
Start on South Main Street
92 m · 12 sec · South Main Street
-
2
Turn right onto West 4th Street
156 m · 18 sec · West 4th Street
-
3
Turn left onto South Ludlow Street
2095 ft · 41 sec · South Ludlow Street
-
4
Take the ramp straight toward US 35 East: Xenia
2382 ft · 58 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
33.9 mi · 42 min
-
6
Keep slight left to continue on US 35 East: Washington Court House
44.7 mi · 49 min
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7
Keep slight left
27.5 mi · 32 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward SR 32, SR 124: Athens, Cincinnati
1242 ft · 30 sec
-
9
Keep slight right
815 ft · 20 sec
-
10
Merge slight left onto James A. Rhodes Appalachian Highway
2252 ft · 32 sec · James A. Rhodes Appalachian Highway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward SR 93: Jackson, Oak Hill
1158 ft · 33 sec
-
12
Turn left onto East Main Street
8.5 mi · 13 min · East Main Street
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13
Turn left
22 m · 3 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 Dayton and Clay.
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 35 East
Keep slight left to continue on US 35 East: Washington Court House
44.7 mi · 00h 49m
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 Dayton and Chance Rain Showers near Clay.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Dayton to Clay?
The road trip is about 116.6 miles (187.7 km) and usually takes 02h 19m 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?
McLean is a useful midpoint, sitting about 58.3 miles from Dayton and 58.3 miles from Clay.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 103.8 miles (167 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.8 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 1:50 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.26 one way or $30.53 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Dayton and Chance Rain Showers near Clay.
Stop Ideas Near McLean
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 McLean.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Dayton and Clay. Straight-line distance: 103.8 mi (167.05 km).
#1 Dayton
The ninth most populous city in Ohio.
| Population | 139,907 |
| Coordinates | 39.7589500, -84.1916100 |
| Altitude | 225 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Clay
Unincorporated community in Ohio, United States
| Population | 795 |
| Coordinates | 38.9353500, -82.5668300 |
| Altitude | 213 |
| Country | United States |
End: Clay (-82.56683, 38.93535)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 188 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 53m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.71 | $15.26 | $30.53 |
| Mid-grade | $4.24 | $17.48 | $34.95 |
| Premium | $4.79 | $19.73 | $39.47 |
| Diesel | $4.30 | $17.73 | $35.46 |
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.