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Trip from Burlington, KY to Owensboro, KY

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

Drive Time

3h 52m

Distance

198.9 mi

320 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$31

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 39m ★
6 AM
3h 52m
8 AM
4h 18m
10 AM
4h 1m
12 PM
3h 59m
3 PM
4h 2m
5 PM
4h 17m
8 PM
3h 45m

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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census-designated place in Boone County, Kentucky, United States

Burlington, KY

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Owensboro, KY, KY

Owensboro, KY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Connecting Burlington to Owensboro, this 198.9-mile journey across Kentucky is a straightforward trek that takes approximately 3 hours and 52 minutes of driving time. Because the trip is well under four hours, it is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You can expect to spend roughly $30 on fuel for the trip, making it a budget-friendly option for regional travel. Since both the origin and destination are located within the Southeast, the drive maintains a consistent cultural and geographic feel throughout the transit. By utilizing a combination of I-71, I-64, and US 231, you get a direct path that prioritizes efficiency over complexity. It is an ideal route if you value a predictable, no-nonsense travel experience.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

99.4 miles from Burlington, KY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 54m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 71 74.3 mi 1h 20m
I 64 65 mi 1h 10m
US 231 20.9 mi 26m
SR 161 8.2 mi 11m
I 265 6.9 mi 8m
Lewis and Clark Bridge 6.1 mi 7m
Burlington Pike 4.4 mi 7m
Sycamore Street 3.4 mi 4m
Longest stretch: I 71 — 74.3 mi, about 1h 20m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Burlington, KY and Owensboro, KY.

1

Start on KY 338

68 ft · 5 sec · Jefferson Street
2

Turn right onto KY 18

0.2 mi · 21 sec · Washington Street
3

Continue on KY 18

4.4 mi · 7 min · Burlington Pike
Use the right lane.
4

Take the ramp

1.6 mi · 3 min
Toward I 71 South, I 75 South: Lexington, Louisville Use the right lane.
5

Merge onto I 71; I 75

6.9 mi · 7 min · I 71; I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Take the exit onto I 71

67 mi · 1 hr 12 min · I 71
Exit 173 Toward I 71 South: Louisville Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 17 sec
Toward KY 841 North
8

Keep slight right at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward KY 841 North
9

Merge onto KY 841

3.0 mi · 3 min · Gene Snyder Freeway
10

Continue on KY 841

6.1 mi · 7 min · Lewis and Clark Bridge
11

Continue on SR 265; SR 62

0.8 mi · 57 sec · SR 265; SR 62
12

Continue on I 265; SR 62

6.4 mi · 7 min · I 265; SR 62
13

Continue on I 265; SR 62

0.5 mi · 54 sec · I 265; SR 62
Toward I 64 West, SR 62 West: Saint Louis
14

Merge onto I 64; US 150; SR 62

1.7 mi · 2 min · I 64; US 150; SR 62
15

Continue on I 64; SR 62

63 mi · 1 hr 8 min · I 64; SR 62
16

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 51 sec
Toward US 231 South
17

Merge onto US 231

21 mi · 26 min · US 231
18

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 2 min
19

Turn right onto SR 66

1.1 mi · 1 min · SR 66
20

Turn right onto SR 66

3.4 mi · 4 min · Sycamore Street
21

Turn left onto SR 161

8.2 mi · 11 min · SR 161
22

Continue on KY 2262

0.6 mi · 1 min · Owensboro Bridge
23

Turn right onto East 3rd Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · East 3rd Street
24

Turn right onto Frederica Street

205 ft · 3 sec · Frederica Street
25

Arrive at destination

Frederica Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 198.9-mile transit, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh during the nearly four-hour drive. Leaving early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid any potential congestion on the main I-71 and I-64 corridors. Since the total fuel cost is estimated at $30, consider topping off your tank before you depart Burlington to avoid fluctuating prices along the highway. Because the route is compact, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time based on your personal schedule without needing an elaborate itinerary. Keep a close watch on your navigation as you transition between the three main highways to ensure you don't miss your turn onto US 231.

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 99.4 miles from Burlington, KY, or about 1h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 74.3 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 44 miles or 52m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 99.4 miles or 1h 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 3h 3m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Burlington, 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 Burlington, KY

This is one driving day of about 198.9 miles and 3h 52m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 miles from Burlington, 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 71 for about 74.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Christian saint; husband of Mary and father of Jesus

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Saint Joseph, IN

99 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

Warsaw, KY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 44 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Saint Joseph, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 99.4 miles from Burlington, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 71 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 74.3 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

Flipdaddy's Brilliant Burgers - Corydon & Scottsburg

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Corydon, Indiana

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 113.6

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18122257229

Visit website

Yum Yum Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Glencoe, Kentucky

0.3 mi

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Corydon, Indiana

0.5 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Starlight Coffee Co.

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Floyds Knobs, Indiana

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 99.4

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+18129231404

Visit website

Sycamore Street Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Rockport, Indiana

1.5 mi

KentJava Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Corydon, Indiana

2 mi

Flipdaddy's Brilliant Burgers - Corydon & Scottsburg

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 113.6

Corydon, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18122257229

Visit website

Yum Yum Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 28.4

Glencoe, Kentucky

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+18596433300

Visit website

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 113.6

Corydon, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+18127340407

Visit website

Mi Tierra

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 71

Buckner, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15026020096

El Nopal, Floyds Knobs, IN

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 99.4

Floyds Knobs, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18129219999

Visit website

Darlena's Lincolnland Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 184.6

Rockport, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18126605060

Cascade Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 156.2

Ferdinand, Indiana

Hours: 7–11:30 am

+13527452883

Visit website

Rancho Alegre - Restaurante y tienda

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 113.6

Corydon, Indiana

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+18127387530

Visit website

Starlight Coffee Co.

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 99.4

Floyds Knobs, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+18129231404

Visit website

Sycamore Street Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 184.6

Rockport, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

+18126602422

KentJava Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 113.6

Corydon, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+18127360032

Visit website

Coffee Crossing

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 85.2

Jeffersonville, Indiana

Hours: 5:30 am–9 pm

+18124066233

Visit website

7 Brew Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 85.2

Jeffersonville, Indiana

Hours: 5:30 am–10 pm

+18129243194

Visit website

Coffee Crossing

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 99.4

New Albany, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+18129469410

Visit website

True North Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 99.4

New Albany, Indiana

Hours: 7:30 am–4 pm

+18127257358

Visit website

Starlight Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 99.4

New Albany, Indiana

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+18125421522

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 80.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | KY 18 / Washington Street

Turn right onto KY 18 / Washington Street

Navigation decision point

7
4.6 mi into trip | ~7m in

Take the ramp toward I 71 South, I 75 South: Lexington, Louisville

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Toward I 71 South, I 75 South: Lexington, Louis...
5
6.2 mi into trip | ~11m in | I 71; I 75

Merge onto I 71; I 75

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
13.1 mi into trip | ~18m in | I 71

Take the exit onto I 71 toward I 71 South: Louisville

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 173 Toward I 71 South: Louisville
5
80.7 mi into trip | ~1h 31m in

Keep slight right at fork toward KY 841 North

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward KY 841 North

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$31.10 one way

$62.19 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 70 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $34.14 $68.28
premium $4.89 $38.28 $76.55
diesel $5.61 $43.91 $87.83

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$31

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$56–$81

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 69.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 59.7 0 $20.88 $9.55
Efficient EV 49.7 0 $17.40 $7.96
EV Truck/SUV 79.6 0 $27.85 $12.73

Gas CO2

70 kg

EV CO2

23 kg (67% 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

Burlington, KY

Late night in Burlington on Sunday

Local time

2:03 AM

EDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Owensboro, KY

Late night in Owensboro on Sunday

Local time

1:03 AM

CDT

Current temp

76°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

23 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

3h 52m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive that keeps you moving efficiently, with 91% of your journey spent on high-speed roads. The experience begins with a significant 74.3-mile stretch on I-71, which provides the longest uninterrupted segment of your travel. As you transition from the interstate system onto US 231, the character of the road shifts slightly, offering a change of pace from the heavy highway traffic. While the miles click by quickly on the major arteries, the route remains practical and utilitarian rather than technically challenging. You will spend the vast majority of your time behind the wheel focused on steady interstate cruising before reaching your final destination.

91% 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: 74.3 mi on I 71.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near KY 18 / Washington Street.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 198.9 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: near the start (KY 18 / Washington Street): Navigation decision point; at 4.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.2 miles (I 71; I 75): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

875 ft 394 ft

Total Climb

682 ft

Total Descent

1,129 ft

Highest Point

875 ft

~14.2 mi in

Elevation Range

480 ft

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 52m. Total distance: 198.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 52m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 74.3 miles on I 71. 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 Owensboro, 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: near the start (KY 18 / Washington Street): Navigation decision point; at 4.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.2 miles (I 71; I 75): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Owensboro, KY, but most travelers stay overnight.

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 USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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