Explore Interstate 71, a key north–south route linking Louisville, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. Learn about its path, major interchanges, and regional importance across Kentucky and Ohio.
Interstate 71 (I-71) is a major north–south highway in the U.S. Midwest, running through Kentucky and Ohio. Stretching approximately 343 miles, it connects two key cities: Louisville, Kentucky, and Cleveland, Ohio. Along its path, I-71 serves as a critical corridor for both regional traffic and long-distance travel, linking several economic hubs and intersecting with numerous other interstates.
Starting in downtown Louisville at the junction with I-64 and I-65, I-71 travels northeast through the scenic hills of northern Kentucky before crossing the Ohio River via the Brent Spence Bridge into Cincinnati. From there, the route continues through central and southwestern Ohio, passing through Columbus—Ohio’s capital and largest city—and eventually reaching its northern terminus in downtown Cleveland, where it meets I-90 near Lake Erie.
I-71 plays a vital role in connecting major cities, supporting commerce, and providing access to major universities, sports venues, and industrial areas. While it is not part of a traditional coast-to-coast route, its strategic connections to interstates like I-75, I-70, I-270, and I-480 make it an important link in the Midwest’s interstate system.
Follow Interstate 71 southbound from Carrollton to downtown Louisville, Kentucky, on a 46-mile drive through forested hills, small towns, and growing suburbs before entering the heart of the city at I-65. This scenic and varied route blends rural charm with urban energy…
Drive 29 miles along Interstate 71 from downtown Cincinnati across the Brent Spence Bridge into northern Kentucky. Pass through Covington, Florence, and Erlanger before meeting I-75 near Walton as the landscape shifts from urban to rural.
Drive America’s Highways along Interstate 71 through Louisville, Kentucky, from Interstate 265 to downtown’s Spaghetti Junction and Interstate 65. Explore suburban sprawl, riverfront views, and the city’s bustling core on this short but dynamic urban stretch.