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Trip from Cadiz, KY to Louisville, KY

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

Drive Time

3h 31m

Distance

188.6 mi

304 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$29

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 19m ★
6 AM
3h 32m
8 AM
3h 56m
10 AM
3h 40m
12 PM
3h 38m
3 PM
3h 42m
5 PM
3h 55m
8 PM
3h 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

Cadiz, KY

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Louisville, KY, KY

Louisville, KY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 188.6-mile drive from Cadiz, KY, to Louisville, KY, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 31 minutes. Primarily utilizing the Western Kentucky Parkway and I-65, this route focuses heavily on highway travel, with 87% of the trip on these main roads. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $29, making it an economical option. Given its manageable distance and duration, it's well-suited for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times. You'll be traveling within the Southeast region throughout this entire route.

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

94.3 miles from Cadiz, KY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 45m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Western Kentucky Parkway 98.2 mi 1h 45m
I 65 43.6 mi 48m
I 169 22.3 mi 23m
Hopkinsville Road 7.4 mi 8m
Cadiz Road 7.1 mi 8m
Eagle Way 2.2 mi 2m
Main Street 2.2 mi 3m
Hopkinsville Bypass 2.1 mi 2m
Longest stretch: Western Kentucky Parkway — 98.2 mi, about 1h 45m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Cadiz, KY and Louisville, KY.

1

Start on KY 139

243 ft · 7 sec · Jefferson Street
2

Turn left onto Brown Street

291 ft · 13 sec · Brown Street
3

Turn left onto US 68 Business

2.2 mi · 3 min · Main Street
4

Continue on US 68 Business

375 ft · 7 sec · Merchant Street
5

Turn left onto US 68; KY 80

7.4 mi · 8 min · Hopkinsville Road
6

Continue on US 68; KY 80

7.1 mi · 8 min · Cadiz Road
7

Turn left onto KY 1682

1.9 mi · 2 min · Eagle Way
8

Continue on KY 1682

2.1 mi · 2 min · Hopkinsville Bypass
9

Continue on KY 1682

0.4 mi · 25 sec · Eagle Way
10

Continue on KY 1682

0.8 mi · 52 sec · West Bypass Road
11

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 27 sec
12

Merge onto I 169

22 mi · 23 min · I 169
13

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 34A Toward Elizabethtown
14

Merge onto Western Kentucky Parkway

98 mi · 1 hr 45 min · Western Kentucky Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 47 sec
Exit 137B Toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville Use the right lane.
16

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville
17

Merge onto I 65

44 mi · 48 min · I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 24 sec
Exit 136B Toward Brook Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Continue on South Brook Street

0.2 mi · 34 sec · South Brook Street
20

Turn left onto West Muhammad Ali Boulevard

0.4 mi · 1 min · West Muhammad Ali Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
21

Turn right onto South 5th Street

0.2 mi · 36 sec · South 5th Street
22

Turn left onto West Jefferson Street

221 ft · 7 sec · West Jefferson Street
23

Arrive at destination

West Jefferson Street

Trip Plan

For this 3-hour and 31-minute drive, departing earlier in the day can help you avoid potential traffic as you approach Louisville. With a total distance of 188.6 miles, you'll likely only need one planned stop for fuel or a break, and the longest stretch without exits is 98.2 miles on the Western Kentucky Parkway. Consider using this longer segment for a stretch and snack before continuing. The estimated fuel cost is $29, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before you begin. This route is a prime candidate for a single-day trip, offering flexibility in when you choose to depart.

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 94.3 miles from Cadiz, KY, or about 1h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 98.2 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 41 miles or 47m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 94.3 miles or 1h 45m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 51m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Cadiz, 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 Cadiz, KY

This is one driving day of about 188.6 miles and 3h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 41 miles from Cadiz, 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 98.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Oak Grove, KY, KY

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Oak Grove, KY

94 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 41 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Oak Grove, KY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 94.3 miles from Cadiz, 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 98.2 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

Vincenzo's

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Louisville, Kentucky

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route Expensive mile 188.6

Hours: 11:30 am–1:30 pm

+15025801350

Visit website

Addis Grill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Louisville, Kentucky

0.2 mi

Safier Mediterranean Deli

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Louisville, Kentucky

0.5 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Sunergos Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Louisville, Kentucky

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 188.6

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+15025893222

Visit website

Blak Koffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Louisville, Kentucky

0.6 mi

Quills Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Louisville, Kentucky

1.2 mi

Vincenzo's

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route Expensive mile 188.6

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 11:30 am–1:30 pm

+15025801350

Visit website

Addis Grill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 188.6

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+15025811011

Visit website

Safier Mediterranean Deli

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour Inexpensiv mile 188.6

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+15025851125

Visit website

Wild Swann Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 188.6

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 6:30 am–1 pm

+15024343777

Visit website

Neighborhood Services Bar + Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 188.6

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+15023136713

Visit website

La Bodeguita De Mima

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30 mile 188.6

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 12–2:30 pm

+15027423358

Visit website

El Maguey Mexican Restaurant - Brooks

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 175.1

Brooks, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15022771223

Visit website

Global Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 188.6

Louisville, Kentucky

+12057439331

Sunergos Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 188.6

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+15025893222

Visit website

Blak Koffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 188.6

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+15022903729

Visit website

Quills Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 188.6

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15028615844

Visit website

Please & Thank You "MARK"

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 188.6

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+15025530113

Visit website

Pearl Street Game & Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 188.6

Jeffersonville, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+18129200926

Visit website

Coffee Crossing

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 188.6

Jeffersonville, Indiana

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+18125903867

Visit website

Quills Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 188.6

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+15028615844

Visit website

The Breeze Wine & Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 188.6

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+15028903040

Visit website

Muhammad Ali Center

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 188.6

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15025849254

Visit website

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 188.6

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18777758443

Visit website

Flame Run

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 188.6

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+15025845353

Visit website

Howard Steamboat Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 188.6

Jeffersonville, Indiana

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+18122833728

Visit website

Big 4 Escape

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 188.6

Jeffersonville, Indiana

Hours: 2–8 pm

+18127251046

Visit website

Swope's Cars of Yesteryear Museum

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 148.2

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+12707636175

Visit website

Louisville Zoo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 188.6

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 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 44.3 and 187.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
44.3 mi into trip | ~51m in

Take the exit toward Elizabethtown

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 34A Toward Elizabethtown
5
44.8 mi into trip | ~52m in | Western Kentucky Parkway

Merge onto Western Kentucky Parkway

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
143.1 mi into trip | ~2h 37m 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
143.4 mi into trip | ~2h 38m 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
7
187.6 mi into trip | ~3h 28m in

Take the exit toward Brook Street

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 136B Toward Brook Street

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$29.49 one way

$58.97 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 66 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $32.37 $64.75
premium $4.89 $36.29 $72.59
diesel $5.61 $41.64 $83.28

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$29

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$54–$79

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 66 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 56.6 0 $19.80 $9.05
Efficient EV 47.2 0 $16.50 $7.54
EV Truck/SUV 75.4 0 $26.40 $12.07

Gas CO2

66 kg

EV CO2

22 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

Cadiz, KY

Night in Cadiz on Saturday

Local time

9:51 PM

CDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Louisville, KY

Night in Louisville on Saturday

Local time

10:51 PM

EDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

83°F

Oak Grove, KY

94 mi in

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

3h 31m 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.

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 ~28 min detour Free near mile 143.1
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...

20 mi from route ~51 min detour Free near mile 117.1
View on nps.gov
Fort Donelson National Battlefield

Fort Donelson National Battlefield

National Battlefield

Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant was becoming quite famous as he wrote these words following the surrender of Confederate Fort Donelson on Sunday, February 16, 1862. The Union victory at Fort Donels...

26 mi from route ~66 min detour Free
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 experience on this route, with 87% of the journey taking place on major roadways like the Western Kentucky Parkway and I-65. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter spans 98.2 miles on the Western Kentucky Parkway, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of your trip. While the profile is largely highway-centric, keep an eye on how the landscape might subtly shift as you progress toward Louisville, even within this predominantly fast-paced environment. The character of the drive is defined by its efficiency and directness.

87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 98.2 mi on Western Kentucky Parkway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Western Kentucky Parkway and I 65. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 44.3 miles in.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 188.6 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 44.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 44.8 miles (Western Kentucky Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 143.1 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.

On the drive from Cadiz, KY to Louisville, KY, road signs begin pointing toward Elizabethtown along the way.

Elizabethtown

44.3 mi in | ~51m

About the Cities

Arriving in Louisville, KY

Full guide →

Louisville, the largest city in Kentucky, is known for the Kentucky Derby horserace and as the "gateway to the south" from southern Indiana. It's a lively mid-sized city with an excellent dining scene, ample opportunities for bourbon tasting, and interesting public art. Louisville is also the namesake of the Official Bat of Major League Baseball — the Louisville Slugger.

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 3h 31m. Total distance: 188.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 98.2 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 Louisville, 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 44.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 44.8 miles (Western Kentucky Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 143.1 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, Mammoth Cave National Park and Fort Donelson National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Louisville, 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 NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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