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Trip from Benton, KY to Independence, KY

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 32m

Distance

297.2 mi

478 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$46

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 19m ★
6 AM
5h 32m
8 AM
5h 59m
10 AM
5h 41m
12 PM
5h 39m
3 PM
5h 43m
5 PM
5h 57m
8 PM
5h 24m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Kentucky, United States

Benton, KY

Wikimedia Commons

city in Kentucky, United States

Independence, KY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 297.2-mile drive from Benton, KY, to Independence, KY, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 5 hours and 32 minutes of driving time. Primarily utilizing the Western Kentucky Parkway, I-69, and I-71, this route is almost entirely highway, making for a predictable and efficient trip. With a fuel cost estimated at $45, it's an economical option for connecting these two points within Kentucky. The drive is focused on covering distance, with just one recommended stop, and offers a highway-focused profile that keeps you moving.

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

148.6 miles from Benton, KY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 41m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Western Kentucky Parkway 99.2 mi 1h 46m
I 71 76.6 mi 1h 22m
I 69 62.6 mi 1h 8m
I 65 37.9 mi 41m
Henry Watterson Expressway 10 mi 13m
Mount Zion Road 2.3 mi 4m
Bristow Road 2.2 mi 4m
Independence Road 1.3 mi 3m
Longest stretch: Western Kentucky Parkway — 99.2 mi, about 1h 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Benton, KY and Independence, KY.

1

Start on KY 58; KY 408

125 ft · 8 sec · East 12th Street
2

Turn left onto US 641; KY 58; KY 408

0.5 mi · 43 sec · Poplar Street
3

Continue on US 641; KY 58

0.6 mi · 55 sec · East 5th Street
4

Continue on KY 348

0.2 mi · 20 sec · Symsonia Road
5

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 50 sec
6

Merge onto I 69

7.7 mi · 8 min · I 69
7

Keep slight left at fork onto I 69

17 mi · 17 min · I 69
Toward I 24 East, I 69 North: Nashville, Henderson
8

Take the exit onto I 69

38 mi · 41 min · I 69
Exit 42 Toward I 69 North: Elizabethtown, Princeton
9

Keep slight right at fork onto Western Kentucky Parkway

0.3 mi · 22 sec · Western Kentucky Parkway
Exit 106A-B Toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
10

Continue on Western Kentucky Parkway

99 mi · 1 hr 46 min · Western Kentucky Parkway
Exit 106B Toward Elizabethtown Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 47 sec
Exit 137B Toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville Use the right lane.
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville
13

Merge onto I 65

38 mi · 41 min · I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 58 sec
Exit 131-A Toward I 264: Watterson Expressway, Airport Use the slight right lane.
15

Keep slight right at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 131A Toward I 264 East: Watterson Expressway Use the slight right lane.
16

Merge onto I 264

10 mi · 13 min · Henry Watterson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 31 sec
Exit 23A Toward I 71 North: Cincinnati Use the slight right lane.
18

Merge onto I 71

71 mi · 1 hr 16 min · I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Keep slight left at fork onto I 71

5.6 mi · 5 min · I 71
Toward I 75 North, I 71 North: Cincinnati Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Exit 178 Toward KY 536: Mount Zion Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Keep slight right at fork

283 ft · 6 sec
22

Continue on KY 536

1.3 mi · 2 min · Mount Zion Road
Use the left lane.
23

Enter roundabout onto KY 536

122 ft · 2 sec · Mount Zion Road
24

Continue on KY 536

0.5 mi · 51 sec · Mount Zion Road
25

Enter roundabout onto KY 536

108 ft · 2 sec · Mount Zion Road
26

Continue on KY 536

0.5 mi · 55 sec · Mount Zion Road
27

Continue on KY 536

2.2 mi · 4 min · Bristow Road
28

At end of road, turn left onto KY 2045

1.3 mi · 3 min · Independence Road
29

At end of road, turn left onto KY 17 Business; KY 2045

371 ft · 7 sec · Madison Pike
30

Arrive at destination

KY 17 Business; KY 2045

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour 32-minute duration, this trip is perfectly suited for a single day. To maximize your time, consider an early morning departure from Benton, KY, to arrive in Independence, KY, by mid-afternoon. The longest stretch without a planned stop is over 99 miles, so be sure to fuel up before you hit that segment. Since this is a highway-centric route, planning for one rest stop around the halfway point will keep you refreshed. The estimated fuel cost of $45 is a good budget to keep in mind for this 297.2-mile journey.

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 148.6 miles from Benton, KY, or about 2h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.2 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 65 miles or 1h 11m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 148.6 miles or 2h 41m 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 28m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Independence, KY than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Benton, 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 Benton, KY

This is one driving day of about 297.2 miles and 5h 32m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from Benton, 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 99.2 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Vine Grove, KY, KY

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Vine Grove, KY

149 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Madisonville, KY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 65 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Vine Grove, KY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 148.6 miles from Benton, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Western Kentucky Parkway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 99.2 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Osteria Italian Seafood

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Louisville, Kentucky

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 212.3

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15024235822

Visit website

Con Huevos!

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Louisville, Kentucky

1.1 mi

62 East (Restaurant)

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Central City, Kentucky

0.8 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Heine Brothers Coffee - Chenoweth Lane

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

St Matthews, Kentucky

Later in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 212.3

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15028935103

Visit website

Sunergos Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Louisville, Kentucky

1.9 mi

Cedar Grove Coffee House

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Shepherdsville, Kentucky

2.5 mi

Osteria Italian Seafood

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 212.3

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15024235822

Visit website

Con Huevos!

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 212.3

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 7:30 am–2 pm

+15023843744

Visit website

62 East (Restaurant)

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 84.9

Central City, Kentucky

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+12709315066

Denny's Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 191

Shepherdsville, Kentucky

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15022511172

Visit website

Silvio's Italian Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 212.3

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 5–9 pm

+15028836369

Visit website

211 Clover Lane

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Expensive mile 212.3

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 11:30 am–2:30 pm

+15028969570

Visit website

El Tarasco Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 191

Shepherdsville, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15025434024

Mi Viejo Carrollton

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 254.7

Carrollton, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15026622079

Visit website

Heine Brothers Coffee - Chenoweth Lane

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 212.3

St Matthews, Kentucky

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15028935103

Visit website

Sunergos Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 212.3

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 6:30 am–7 pm

+15029364313

Visit website

Cedar Grove Coffee House

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 191

Shepherdsville, Kentucky

Hours: 7:30 am–5:30 pm

+15029210075

Visit website

Heine Brothers Coffee - Hikes Point

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 212.3

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 5:30 am–7 pm

+15024096762

Visit website

Scholars’ Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 212.3

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 7–10 am

Visit website

Heine Brothers - Clifton

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 212.3

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 6 am–7:30 pm

+15028948060

Visit website

Ntaba Coffee Haus on Brownsboro

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 212.3

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 6:30 am–3 pm

+15024380235

Visit website

Crescent Hill Coffee

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 212.3

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: Closed

+15027094452

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 22

5 decision points cluster between mile 64.3 and 213.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
64.3 mi into trip | ~1h 10m in | Western Kentucky Parkway

Keep slight right at fork onto Western Kentucky Parkway toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Exit 106A-B Toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville
8
163.6 mi into trip | ~2h 57m 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
8
202.4 mi into trip | ~3h 40m in

Take the exit toward I 264: Watterson Expressway, Airport

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 131-A Toward I 264: Watterson Expressway, Airport
8
203.1 mi into trip | ~3h 41m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 264 East: Watterson Expressway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 131A Toward I 264 East: Watterson Expressway
8
213.9 mi into trip | ~3h 56m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 71 North: Cincinnati

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 23A Toward I 71 North: Cincinnati

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$46.46 one way

$92.93 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 104 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $51.02 $102.03
premium $4.89 $57.19 $114.39
diesel $5.61 $65.62 $131.24

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$46

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$71–$96

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 104 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 89.2 1 $31.21 $14.27
Efficient EV 74.3 0 $26.01 $11.89
EV Truck/SUV 118.9 1 $41.61 $19.02

Gas CO2

104 kg

EV CO2

35 kg (66% 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 15, 2026

Origin

Benton, KY

Evening in Benton on Saturday

Local time

8:16 PM

CDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Independence, KY

Night in Independence on Saturday

Local time

9:16 PM

EDT

Current temp

52°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 later

The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.

Temperature spread

4 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

5h 32m 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

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...

11 mi from route ~29 min detour Free near mile 164
View on nps.gov
Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park

National Park

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...

21 mi from route ~52 min detour Free near mile 133.2
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 96% of the journey on major interstates and parkways. You'll experience a longest uninterrupted stretch of 99.2 miles on the Western Kentucky Parkway, allowing for extended periods of consistent speed. The character of the drive is largely about efficient travel, transitioning from the Western Kentucky Parkway to I-69 and finally to I-71, offering a smooth and direct path through the state. While not focused on scenic detours, the highway infrastructure ensures a comfortable and predictable experience behind the wheel.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 99.2 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 I 71. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 64.3 miles in near Western Kentucky Parkway.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 22 significant decision points across 297.2 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 64.3 miles (Western Kentucky Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 163.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 202.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Benton, KY and Independence, KY, road signs point toward Princeton, Elizabethtown, Louisville and Airport.

Princeton

26.1 mi in | ~29m | via I 69

Elizabethtown

64.7 mi in | ~1h 11m | via Western Kentucky Parkway

Louisville

163.6 mi in | ~2h 57m

Airport

202.4 mi in | ~3h 40m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 32m. Total distance: 297.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 99.2 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 Independence, 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 64.3 miles (Western Kentucky Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 163.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 202.4 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 and Mammoth Cave National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Independence, KY before the return drive.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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