Crossing Kentucky from Augusta to Hopkinsville requires covering 286 miles, a journey that typically takes about 5 hours and 31 minutes. Because this route is manageable within a single day, you won't necessarily need to book an overnight stay, though you should budget approximately $43 for fuel. You will primarily utilize the Bluegrass Parkway, the Western Kentucky Parkway, and US 68 to navigate between these two Southeast locations. This drive is designed for efficiency, making it an ideal choice if you prioritize speed and direct travel over winding backroads. While the trip is straightforward, keep in mind that you will be spending the vast majority of your time behind the wheel on major thoroughfares.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
143 miles from Augusta, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 54m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Western Kentucky Parkway
98 mi
1h 45m
Bluegrass Parkway
70.6 mi
1h 15m
US 68
39.4 mi
49m
I 169
24.7 mi
26m
AA Highway
12.4 mi
15m
Lexington Road
8.1 mi
9m
Paris Pike
5.9 mi
6m
West New Circle Road
5.8 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
Western Kentucky Parkway
— 98 mi, about 1h 45m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Augusta, KY and Hopkinsville, KY.
1
Start on this road
161 ft·16 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto East 4th Street
158 ft·8 sec·East 4th Street
3
Turn right onto Elizabeth Street
224 ft·14 sec·Elizabeth Street
4
Turn left onto KY 8
0.6 mi·1 min·Heather Renee French Boulevard
5
Turn right onto KY 19
3.2 mi·5 min·East Augusta Chatham Road
6
Turn left onto KY 9; AA
12 mi·15 min·AA Highway
7
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Use the right lane.
8
Merge onto US 68
3.4 mi·4 min·Clyde T. Barbour Highway
9
Continue on US 68
39 mi·49 min·US 68
Use the right lane.
10
Turn right onto US 460; US 68 Business
0.7 mi·1 min·Bank Row Street
11
At end of road, turn right onto US 68 Business
1.1 mi·1 min·Main Street
12
Continue on US 27; US 68
6.8 mi·7 min·Lexington Road
13
Continue on US 27; US 68
5.9 mi·6 min·Paris Pike
14
Continue on US 27; US 68
1.4 mi·2 min·North Broadway
15
Turn right onto US KY4
5.8 mi·8 min·West New Circle Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Exit 5BToward US 60 West: VersaillesUse the slight right lane.
17
Merge onto US 60
4.5 mi·6 min·Versailles Road
Use the left lane.
18
Continue on US 60
1.3 mi·1 min·Lexington Road
19
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward Elizabethtown
20
Continue on Bluegrass Parkway
71 mi·1 hr 15 min·Bluegrass Parkway
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
22
Merge onto I 65
1.2 mi·1 min·I 65
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 91C-AToward KY 61 South: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Western Kentucky ParkwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 91C-BToward US 31W: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway West
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward Paducah, Elizabethtown
26
Merge onto Western Kentucky Parkway
98 mi·1 hr 45 min·Western Kentucky Parkway
27
Take the exit
0.4 mi·45 sec
Exit 38BToward I 169 South: HopkinsvilleUse the slight right lane.
28
Merge onto I 169
281 ft·3 sec·I 169
29
Continue on I 169
25 mi·26 min·I 169
Exit 106A
30
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 9Toward US 68, KY 80
31
Keep slight right at fork
184 ft·4 sec
Exit 9Toward US 68, KY 80
32
Turn straight onto US 68; KY 80
0.3 mi·29 sec·McLean Avenue
33
Turn right onto US 41; KY 109
0.7 mi·1 min·East 9th Street
34
Turn left onto Bethel Street
301 ft·13 sec·Bethel Street
35
Arrive at destination
Bethel Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 5.5-hour trek, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh. Since you are spending a significant amount of time on parkways, keep an eye on your fuel gauge before entering the 98-mile stretch on the Western Kentucky Parkway to avoid unnecessary stress. Departing early in the morning is your best strategy to maintain a smooth pace and avoid potential congestion. Given the route's flexibility, you have the advantage of completing this in one go, but be mindful of the total duration when planning your arrival time. Prioritize your comfort by keeping water and snacks on hand, as highway-heavy routes can sometimes mean limited access to services for long intervals.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 143 miles from Augusta, KY, or about 2h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 98 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 63 miles or 1h 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 143 miles or 2h 54m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hopkinsville, KY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Augusta, KY so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Augusta, KY
This is one driving day of about 286 miles and 5h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Augusta, KY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Western Kentucky Parkway for about 98 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 26
5 decision points cluster between mile 81.3 and 285 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
81.3 mi into trip|~1h 45m in
Take the exit toward US 60 West: Versailles
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 5B
Toward US 60 West: Versailles
8
160.8 mi into trip|~3h 14m in
Take the exit toward KY 61 South: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 91C-A
Toward KY 61 South: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Wes...
8
161 mi into trip|~3h 15m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 31W: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 91C-B
Toward US 31W: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Western...
7
259.6 mi into trip|~5h 1m in
Take the exit toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 38B
Toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville
8
285 mi into trip|~5h 29m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 68, KY 80
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 9
Toward US 68, KY 80
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.71 one way
$89.43 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg100 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$49.09
$98.19
premium
$4.89
$55.04
$110.08
diesel
$5.61
$63.15
$126.29
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 100.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
85.8
1
$30.03
$13.73
Efficient EV
71.5
0
$25.03
$11.44
EV Truck/SUV
114.4
1
$40.04
$18.30
Gas CO2
100 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 12, 2026
Origin
Augusta, KY
Night
in Augusta on Saturday
Local time
9:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Partly Cloudy
E 3 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 3:24AM EDT by NWS Jackson KY
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 12:21AM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
Destination
Hopkinsville, KY
Evening
in Hopkinsville on Saturday
Local time
8:21 PM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
3 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 31m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 82% of this route is comprised of fast-moving roads. You will settle into a steady rhythm on the Western Kentucky Parkway, where you can anticipate your longest uninterrupted stretch of 98 miles. The character of the drive is consistent and functional, prioritizing time-saving transit over technical maneuvering or frequent turns. As you transition between the Bluegrass and Western Kentucky Parkways, the road maintains a predictable pace that allows you to cover significant ground quickly. This is a practical drive that favors highway efficiency, perfect for drivers who prefer a predictable, high-speed travel environment.
82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 98 mi on Western Kentucky Parkway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Western Kentucky Parkway and Bluegrass Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 81.3 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 286 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 81.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 160.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 161 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
936 ft743 ft
Total Climb
216 ft
Total Descent
194 ft
Highest Point
936 ft
~83.4 mi in
Elevation Range
194 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Augusta, KY and Hopkinsville, KY, road signs point toward Elizabethtown, Paducah and Western Kentucky Parkway West.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 31m. Total distance: 286 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 98 miles on Western Kentucky Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Hopkinsville, KY before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 81.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 160.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 161 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Hopkinsville, KY before the return drive.
