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Trip from Bowling Green, KY to Newburg, KY

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 4m

Distance

109.1 mi

176 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$17

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 27 min
4 AM
1h 55m ★
6 AM
2h 4m
8 AM
2h 22m
10 AM
2h 10m
12 PM
2h 8m
3 PM
2h 11m
5 PM
2h 21m
8 PM
1h 59m

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 and county seat of Warren, Kentucky, United States

Bowling Green, KY

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Newburg, KY, KY

Newburg, KY

Esteban Carriazo

Trip Overview

This 109.1-mile drive from Bowling Green, KY, to Newburg, KY, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 4 minutes. The majority of your journey, 92% to be exact, will be on highways, making it a straightforward and efficient route. With an estimated fuel cost of $17, this drive is quite budget-friendly. Since both Bowling Green and Newburg are located in the Southeast region of Kentucky, you won't be crossing any major regional boundaries. This route is ideal for those looking for a quick transit between these two points without significant detours.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

54.5 miles from Bowling Green, KY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 1m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Interstate Highway 65 100.4 mi 1h 47m
Outer Loop 2.5 mi 4m
Fairview Avenue 1.7 mi 2m
Shepherdsville Road 1.5 mi 2m
Cemetery Road 1.2 mi 1m
Poplar Level Road 0.5 mi 1m
Chestnut Street 0.4 mi 1m
East 7th Avenue 0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Interstate Highway 65 — 100.4 mi, about 1h 47m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bowling Green, KY and Newburg, KY.

1

Start on this road

321 ft · 28 sec · this road
2

Turn left onto Chestnut Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · Chestnut Street
3

Turn right onto KY 234

0.1 mi · 12 sec · East 7th Avenue
4

Continue on KY 234

1.7 mi · 2 min · Fairview Avenue
5

Continue on KY 234

1.2 mi · 1 min · Cemetery Road
6

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 38 sec
7

Merge onto I 65

100 mi · 1 hr 47 min · Interstate Highway 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 35 sec
Exit 127 Toward KY 1065: Okolona, Fairdale Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Turn right onto KY 1065

2.5 mi · 4 min · Outer Loop
10

Turn left onto KY 2052

1.5 mi · 2 min · Shepherdsville Road
11

Turn right onto KY 864

0.3 mi · 54 sec · Poplar Level Road
12

Continue on Poplar Level Road

0.3 mi · 25 sec · Poplar Level Road
13

Arrive at destination

Poplar Level Road

Trip Plan

Given the short 2-hour duration, this trip offers great flexibility; you can leave whenever it suits you best. There are no designated stops mentioned, so plan your own breaks as needed, perhaps around the halfway point or when you feel the need to stretch. The estimated fuel cost is $17, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before you depart to avoid needing to search for gas on the longest stretch of 100.4 miles on Interstate Highway 65. Keep an eye on your GPS as you transition from the interstate to local roads like Outer Loop and Fairview Avenue for a smooth arrival in Newburg.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 54.5 miles from Bowling Green, KY, or about 1h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 100.4 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 24 miles or 28m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 54.5 miles or 1h 1m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 39m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Bowling Green, 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 Bowling Green, KY

This is one driving day of about 109.1 miles and 2h 4m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 miles from Bowling Green, KY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Interstate Highway 65 for about 100.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in LaRue County, Kentucky, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Hodgenville, KY

55 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

Cave City, KY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 24 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hodgenville, KY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 54.5 miles from Bowling Green, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Interstate Highway 65 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 100.4 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

La Sierra Mexican Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Louisville, Kentucky

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately mile 109.1

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+15029697938

Visit website

El Tarasco Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Shepherdsville, Kentucky

1 mi

Back Home Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

1.2 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Cedar Grove Coffee House

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Shepherdsville, Kentucky

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 93.5

Hours: 7:30 am–5:30 pm

+15029210075

Visit website

Ace Coffee Co

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cave City, Kentucky

1 mi

Heine Brothers Coffee - Outer Loop

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Louisville, Kentucky

2.5 mi

La Sierra Mexican Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately mile 109.1

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+15029697938

Visit website

El Tarasco Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 93.5

Shepherdsville, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15025434024

Back Home Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 70.1

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12707692800

Visit website

Denny's Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 93.5

Shepherdsville, Kentucky

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15022511172

Visit website

Metro Diner

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 109.1

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+15023570767

Visit website

Aji Sushi and Asian Cuisine

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 109.1

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15023981868

Visit website

Las Chalupas Mexican Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 70.1

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+12709822244

Visit website

Capris Italian Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 70.1

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12709867900

Cedar Grove Coffee House

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 93.5

Shepherdsville, Kentucky

Hours: 7:30 am–5:30 pm

+15029210075

Visit website

Ace Coffee Co

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 31.2

Cave City, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+12707730369

Visit website

Heine Brothers Coffee - Outer Loop

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 109.1

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15026183254

Visit website

Highview Ice Cream and Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 109.1

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 7:30 am–7 pm

+15026183809

Visit website

Bean Cove

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 70.1

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12709822233

Visit website

Heine Brothers Coffee - Hikes Point

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 109.1

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 5:30 am–7 pm

+15024096762

Visit website

Mammoth Cave Wildlife Museum

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 31.2

Cave City, Kentucky

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

Visit website

Kentucky Action Park (Please Search Mammoth Valley Park)

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 31.2

Cave City, Kentucky

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+12707737000

Visit website

Swope's Cars of Yesteryear Museum

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 70.1

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+12707636175

Visit website

Louisville Zoo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 109.1

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15024592181

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 8

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 107.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Chestnut Street

Turn left onto Chestnut Street

Navigation decision point

4
3.5 mi into trip | ~6m in

Take the ramp

Navigation decision point

5
3.8 mi into trip | ~7m in | I 65 / Interstate Highway 65

Merge onto I 65 / Interstate Highway 65

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
104.2 mi into trip | ~1h 54m in

Take the exit toward KY 1065: Okolona, Fairdale

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 127 Toward KY 1065: Okolona, Fairdale
4
107.1 mi into trip | ~2h in | KY 2052 / Shepherdsville Road

Turn left onto KY 2052 / Shepherdsville Road

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$17.06 one way

$34.11 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 38 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $18.73 $37.45
premium $4.89 $21.00 $41.99
diesel $5.61 $24.09 $48.18

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$17

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$42–$67

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 38.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 32.7 0 $11.46 $5.24
Efficient EV 27.3 0 $9.55 $4.36
EV Truck/SUV 43.6 0 $15.27 $6.98

Gas CO2

38 kg

EV CO2

13 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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

Bowling Green, KY

Late night in Bowling Green on Sunday

Local time

5:06 AM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Newburg, KY

Morning in Newburg on Sunday

Local time

6:06 AM

EDT

Current temp

43°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

31 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

2h 4m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

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.

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...

8 mi from route ~20 min detour Free near mile 26.3
View on nps.gov
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 ~27 min detour Free near mile 63.9
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 highway-focused drive for the most part, with Interstate Highway 65 dominating 92% of the route. You'll experience a significant stretch of uninterrupted driving, with the longest segment covering 100.4 miles on I-65. This means you'll primarily be on multi-lane, higher-speed roads, allowing for consistent progress. The route utilizes Interstate Highway 65, Outer Loop, and Fairview Avenue, indicating a transition from interstate travel to more localized roads as you approach your destination.

92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
13 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 100.4 mi on Interstate Highway 65.

How Hard Is This Drive?

2/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Interstate Highway 65 and Outer Loop. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Chestnut Street.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Bowling Green, KY to Newburg, KY is easy. At 2h 4m with 92% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Chestnut Street): Navigation decision point; at 3.5 miles: Navigation decision point; at 3.8 miles (I 65 / Interstate Highway 65): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in Bowling Green, KY

Full guide →

Bowling Green is the third-largest city in Kentucky, with nearly 60,000 residents. Bowling Green is the hub of activity in the Caves and Lakes region.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 4m. Total distance: 109.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (92%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 100.4 miles on Interstate Highway 65. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Chestnut Street): Navigation decision point; at 3.5 miles: Navigation decision point; at 3.8 miles (I 65 / Interstate Highway 65): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Mammoth Cave National Park and Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Newburg, KY before heading back.

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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