This 261.6-mile journey from Beaver Dam, KY to Meads, KY is a straightforward drive, estimated to take about 4 hours and 54 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-64, the Bluegrass Parkway, and the Western Kentucky Parkway, it's a highly efficient route with 93% of it on highways, making it ideal for a single-day trip. With a projected fuel cost of around $40, this drive through Kentucky's Southeast region is quite budget-friendly. You'll experience a consistent highway pace for most of the trip, with only one recommended stop, allowing for a direct and timely arrival at your destination.
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
130.8 miles from Beaver Dam, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 23m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
101.8 mi
1h 50m
Bluegrass Parkway
70.7 mi
1h 15m
Western Kentucky Parkway
61.9 mi
1h 6m
New Circle Road
5.7 mi
8m
Versailles Road
4.6 mi
6m
US 60
4 mi
6m
US Highway 231
2.8 mi
4m
US Route 60
2 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 101.8 mi, about 1h 50m
Traffic on I-64
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 4 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~645 veh/hr typical
· worst 968
Quietest
2 AM
~56 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 51 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Beaver Dam, KY and Meads, KY.
1
Start on US 231
0.6 mi·52 sec·South Main Street
2
Continue on US 231
2.8 mi·4 min·US Highway 231
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·35 sec
4
Merge onto Western Kentucky Parkway
62 mi·1 hr 6 min·Western Kentucky Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Exit 137BToward I 65 North: Lexington, LouisvilleUse the right lane.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville
7
Merge onto I 65
1.4 mi·1 min·I 65
8
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 93Toward Lexington, BardstownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on Bluegrass Parkway
71 mi·1 hr 15 min·Bluegrass Parkway
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward US 60 West: Frankfort
11
Turn right onto US 60
1.7 mi·2 min·Lexington Road
12
Continue on US 60
4.6 mi·6 min·Versailles Road
Use the left lane.
13
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward KY 4 North: New Circle Road
14
Merge onto KY 4
5.7 mi·8 min·New Circle Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Turn left onto US 27; US 68
1.0 mi·1 min·North Broadway
16
Turn left
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 75 South, I 64 East: Knoxville, Ashland
17
Merge onto I 64; I 75
1.6 mi·1 min·I 64; I 75
18
Take the exit onto I 64
17 mi·18 min·I 64
Exit 111Toward I 64 East: Winchester, AshlandUse the slight left / straight lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
84 mi·1 hr 29 min·I 64
20
Take the exit
0.4 mi·53 sec
Exit 181Toward US 60
21
Turn left onto US 60
4.0 mi·6 min·US 60
22
Turn left onto US 60
2.0 mi·3 min·US Route 60
23
Turn right onto Marsh Hill Drive
110 ft·8 sec·Marsh Hill Drive
24
Turn left onto Midland Trail Road
410 ft·19 sec·Midland Trail Road
25
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour and 54-minute duration and 261.6-mile distance, this trip is easily manageable as a single-day excursion. Aim to depart in the morning to take advantage of daylight and allow ample time for your single recommended stop without feeling rushed. The fuel cost is estimated at $40, so ensure your tank is full before leaving Beaver Dam. Keep an eye on the mile markers, especially during the 101.8-mile stretch on I-64, to gauge your progress and plan your break accordingly. The high percentage of highway driving means you can maintain a steady pace.
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 130.8 miles from Beaver Dam, KY, or about 2h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 101.8 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 58 miles or 1h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 130.8 miles or 2h 23m 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
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Meads, KY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Beaver Dam, 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 Beaver Dam, KY
This is one driving day of about 261.6 miles and 4h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Beaver Dam, 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 I 64 for about 101.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Final third
3.2 mi from route
~8 min detour
$1 to $10
Mt Sterling, Kentucky
Hours: 7 am–5 pm
+18595850406
Woodhouse Coffee Company
5.0
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Final third
3.3 mi from route
~8 min detour
$1 to $10
Winchester, Kentucky
Hours: 6 am–6 pm
+18599793377
Rest Area I 64 (East Bound)
0 mi from route
Rest Area I 64 (West Bound)
0 mi from route
WK Truck Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Beaver Dam Rest Stop
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.9 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 65.5 and 154.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
65.5 mi into trip|~1h 12m in
Take the exit toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 137B
Toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville
6
65.9 mi into trip|~1h 12m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville
8
67.9 mi into trip|~1h 15m in
Take the exit toward Lexington, Bardstown
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 93
Toward Lexington, Bardstown
6
152.8 mi into trip|~2h 52m in
Turn left toward I 75 South, I 64 East: Knoxville, Ashland
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 75 South, I 64 East: Knoxville, Ashlan...
8
154.9 mi into trip|~2h 55m in|I 64
Take the exit onto I 64 toward I 64 East: Winchester, Ashland
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 111
Toward I 64 East: Winchester, Ashland
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.63 one way
$77.26 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg92 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$42.65
$85.30
premium
$4.72
$48.57
$97.14
diesel
$4.80
$49.40
$98.79
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 91.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
78.5
0
$27.47
$12.56
Efficient EV
65.4
0
$22.89
$10.46
EV Truck/SUV
104.6
1
$36.62
$16.74
Gas CO2
92 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Beaver Dam, KY
Afternoon
in Beaver Dam on Sunday
Local time
12:41 PM
CDT
Current temp
72°F
Partly Cloudy
SW 3 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:43AM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
Destination
Meads, KY
Afternoon
in Meads on Sunday
Local time
1:41 PM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 2 mph15% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:43AM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
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 later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 54m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
National Historical Park
For over a century people from around the world have come to rural Central Kentucky to honor the humble beginnings of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. His early life on Kentucky's frontier shaped...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 72.2
The US Army established Camp Nelson as a fortified supply depot in April 1863. Over the next 3 years, the site evolved into a massive recruitment and training center for United States Colored Troops a...
17 mi from route
~43 min detour
Free
near mile 144.4
Rolling hills, deep river valleys, and the world's longest known cave system. Mammoth Cave National Park is home to thousands of years of human history and a rich diversity of plant and animal life, e...
20 mi from route
~51 min detour
Free
near mile 36.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 93% of the drive taking place on major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 101.8 miles on I-64, indicating long periods of consistent driving. This character suggests a smooth, albeit potentially less varied, journey. The transition between I-64, the Bluegrass Parkway, and the Western Kentucky Parkway should maintain a high-speed profile throughout most of the 4-hour and 54-minute travel time, making it a predictable drive for those seeking efficient travel.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 101.8 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and Bluegrass Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 65.5 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 18 significant decision points across 261.6 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 65.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 65.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 67.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,004 ft410 ft
Total Climb
1,201 ft
Total Descent
980 ft
Highest Point
1,004 ft
~186.9 mi in
Elevation Range
594 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Beaver Dam, KY and Meads, KY, road signs point toward Louisville, Lexington, Bardstown and Ashland.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 54m. Total distance: 261.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 101.8 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 10 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Meads, 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. There are 10 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 65.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 65.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 67.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, Camp Nelson National Monument and Mammoth Cave National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Meads, KY, but most travelers stay overnight.
