Interstate 70: Columbus – Ohio

Join us as we take a 16-mile journey along eastbound Interstate 70 through the heart of Columbus, Ohio, one of the busiest stretches of interstate in the Buckeye State. Starting on the west side of the city at the junction with Interstate 270, the Columbus Outerbelt, this drive offers a fast-paced look at urban infrastructure, downtown skylines, and the major interchanges that keep central Ohio moving.

As we leave I-270 behind, we immediately enter a corridor of light industry, commercial zones, and residential neighborhoods that typify western Columbus. Several local exits provide access to areas like Westgate and Hilltop, neighborhoods with a mix of historic homes and mid-century development. The pace picks up quickly as we approach Interstate 670, which connects I-70 to the John Glenn Columbus International Airport and provides an alternate route through the northern side of downtown. From this point, the skyline becomes increasingly prominent.

Entering downtown Columbus, the interstate hugs the southern edge of the city’s core. This area has seen significant revitalization in recent years, and you’ll spot new development alongside longstanding government and cultural institutions. Near the interchange with U.S. Route 40 (Broad Street), travelers can take a quick detour into downtown to explore landmarks like the Ohio Statehouse, Columbus Commons, or the Scioto Mile, a beautiful stretch of parkland and trails along the riverfront. Not far from the highway lies Franklin University and Columbus State Community College, highlighting the area’s educational presence.

We then pass the interchange with U.S. Route 62, another key north-south arterial, just before reaching the complex I-71 South interchange, which marks a major convergence of interstates in downtown Columbus. This area is often under construction—at the time of our drive, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) was busy reconstructing and improving the I-71 northbound connection as part of a long-term upgrade plan. Despite the barrels and cranes, traffic continues to flow, though this stretch is known for occasional slowdowns.

Exiting the downtown core, we pass beneath the U.S. Route 33 interchange, often referred to locally as the Southeast Expressway. This connection provides access to southeastern suburbs like Groveport and Canal Winchester, and eventually links travelers to Lancaster and the Hocking Hills region—one of Ohio’s most popular natural destinations. After the Route 33 interchange, the route briefly curves southwest before returning to its primary eastbound alignment.

Approaching the end of our route, we pass the interchange with Ohio State Route 317, which provides local access to Whitehall, Port Columbus, and several industrial and logistics hubs. This final stretch of I-70 in the Columbus area features multiple lanes, high-speed travel, and a mix of commercial and suburban surroundings. We wrap up the drive at the Jack Nicklaus Freeway (I-270) on the east side of town, closing the loop through central Columbus and connecting drivers to the broader interstate system heading toward Zanesville and Wheeling.

Whether you’re a commuter, a cross-country traveler, or a road trip enthusiast, this segment of Interstate 70 offers a dynamic slice of Ohio’s capital city—combining major urban interchanges, scenic glimpses of downtown, and access to both local culture and regional connections.