How far is Salem, OH from Columbus, OH?
The driving distance from Salem, OH to Columbus, OH is about 161.8 miles (260.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 130 miles (209.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 30m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EST.
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 45m.
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.
Human settlement in Ashland County, Ohio, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Light Rain then Scattered Rain Showers
Chance Light Rain then Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Salem and Columbus.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Salem and Columbus.
-
1
Start on South Ellsworth Avenue
9 m · 8 sec · South Ellsworth Avenue
-
2
Turn left onto West State Street
1 km · 2 min · West State Street
-
3
Turn right onto Benton Road
1.3 mi · 2 min · Benton Road
-
4
Continue on Cleveland East Liverpool Road
8.3 mi · 12 min · Cleveland East Liverpool Road
-
5
Continue on State Route 14
3.4 mi · 5 min · State Route 14
-
6
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward Deerfield Township Square
636 ft · 12 sec
-
7
Exit the rotary
5.1 mi · 7 min
-
8
Continue straight
2771 ft · 58 sec
-
9
Turn left
22.8 mi · 32 min
-
10
Merge slight left
17.4 mi · 21 min
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward I 71 South: Columbus
1.2 mi · 3 min
-
12
Merge slight left
98.8 mi · 1 hr 47 min
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward I 670 East, I 670 West: Airport, Dayton
1692 ft · 41 sec
-
14
Keep slight right to continue on I 670 West: Dayton
1491 ft · 36 sec
-
15
Merge slight left onto Northeast Freeway
1248 ft · 19 sec · Northeast Freeway
-
16
Keep slight left to continue on Northeast Freeway
3202 ft · 54 sec · Northeast Freeway
-
17
Turn straight onto North Third Street
1.1 km · 2 min · North Third Street
-
18
Turn right onto East State Street
32 m · 4 sec · East State Street
-
19
Turn right
27 m · 7 sec
-
20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Salem 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.
I 71 South
Merge slight left
98.8 mi · 01h 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.
Chance Light Rain then Scattered Rain Showers leaving Salem and Chance Light Rain then Mostly Cloudy near Columbus.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Salem to Columbus?
The road trip is about 161.8 miles (260.4 km) and usually takes 02h 45m 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?
Jeromesville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 80.8 miles from Salem and 81 miles from Columbus.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 130 miles (209.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 31.8 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 EST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:00 PM EST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.72 one way or $45.44 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Rain then Scattered Rain Showers around Salem and Chance Light Rain then Mostly Cloudy near Columbus.
Stop Ideas Near Jeromesville
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 Jeromesville.
Elyria
Sandusky
Cleveland Lakefront station
Alliance
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Salem and Columbus. Straight-line distance: 130.02 mi (209.25 km).
#1 Salem
Located in Northeastern Ohio within Columbiana County, this municipality sits at an elevation of 1,227 feet above sea level amidst the rolling hills that characterize the western edge of the Appalachian Plateau.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 40.9008900, -80.8567500 |
| Altitude | 374 |
| 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: (-82.998413, 39.960936)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 260 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.98 | $22.72 | $45.44 |
| Mid-grade | $4.56 | $26.05 | $52.10 |
| Premium | $5.10 | $29.13 | $58.26 |
| Diesel | $6.39 | $36.49 | $72.99 |
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 · Nov 06, 2026