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Trip from Claryville, KY to Lexington, KY

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

Drive Time

1h 50m

Distance

84 mi

135 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$13

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 25 min
4 AM
1h 42m ★
6 AM
1h 51m
8 AM
2h 7m
10 AM
1h 56m
12 PM
1h 55m
3 PM
1h 57m
5 PM
2h 6m
8 PM
1h 46m

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

Downtown Claryville, KY, KY

Claryville, KY

Tom Fisk

Trip Overview

This straightforward 84-mile drive from Claryville to Lexington, Kentucky, is easily manageable in about 1 hour and 50 minutes, making it a perfect day trip. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 67% of the journey on interstates. With an estimated fuel cost of $13, this is an economical option for a quick transition between towns within the Southeast region. You won't need to break this trip up, and with no designated stops, you have complete flexibility on when and where to take breaks. It's a convenient connection, ideal for a swift journey.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

42 miles from Claryville, KY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 58m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 75 55.8 mi 59m
Walton Nicholson Pike 4.1 mi 6m
Newtown Pike 3.3 mi 4m
Visalia Road 2.9 mi 4m
Creektrace Road 2.8 mi 5m
Taylor Mill Road 2.1 mi 3m
South Licking Pike 1.6 mi 3m
Staffordsburg Road 1.2 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 75 — 55.8 mi, about 59m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Claryville, KY and Lexington, KY.

1

Start on this road

0.1 mi · 51 sec · this road
2

At end of road, turn right

486 ft · 37 sec
3

At end of road, turn right onto South Licking Pike

1.6 mi · 3 min · South Licking Pike
4

Turn left onto KY 536

2.8 mi · 5 min · Creektrace Road
5

At end of road, turn left onto KY 177; KY 536

0.5 mi · 49 sec · Decoursey Pike
6

Turn right onto KY 536

2.9 mi · 4 min · Visalia Road
7

At end of road, turn right onto KY 536

1.2 mi · 1 min · Staffordsburg Road
8

Turn left onto KY 536

398 ft · 9 sec · Maverick Road
9

Turn left onto KY 16; KY 536

2.1 mi · 3 min · Taylor Mill Road
10

Continue on KY 16

4.1 mi · 6 min · Walton Nicholson Pike
11

Continue on KY 16

0.4 mi · 37 sec · Walton Nicholson Road
12

Turn right onto US 25; KY 16

0.6 mi · 54 sec · Dixie Highway
Use the right lane.
13

Continue on US 25; KY 16

0.4 mi · 1 min · North Main Street
14

Turn right onto Old Beaver Road

0.2 mi · 24 sec · Old Beaver Road
15

Continue on Stephenson Mill Road

0.2 mi · 36 sec · Stephenson Mill Road
16

Keep slight left at fork onto School Road

0.5 mi · 1 min · School Road
17

Turn right onto KY 14; KY 16

0.4 mi · 42 sec · Mary Grubbs Highway
Use the right lane.
18

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Toward I 75 South: Lexington Use the left lane.
19

Merge onto I 75

56 mi · 59 min · I 75
Toward I 75 South: Lexington Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Exit 115 Toward KY 922: Airport, Lexington Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Turn right onto KY 922

3.3 mi · 4 min · Newtown Pike
Use the straight lane.
22

Continue on KY 922

0.8 mi · 1 min · Oliver Lewis Way
23

Continue on Bolivar Street

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Bolivar Street
24

At end of road, turn right onto South Upper Street

0.2 mi · 27 sec · South Upper Street
25

Continue on South Limestone

0.2 mi · 32 sec · South Limestone
26

Turn right onto Avenue of Champions

0.3 mi · 42 sec · Avenue of Champions
27

Continue on Euclid Avenue

0.8 mi · 1 min · Euclid Avenue
28

Turn right onto East High Street

0.1 mi · 13 sec · East High Street
29

Continue on Tates Creek Road

0.9 mi · 1 min · Tates Creek Road
30

Turn slight left

493 ft · 18 sec
31

Continue on Alumni Drive

0.7 mi · 1 min · Alumni Drive
32

Turn right onto Chinoe Road

1.2 mi · 2 min · Chinoe Road
33

Continue on Greentree Road

0.2 mi · 32 sec · Greentree Road
34

Turn left onto Gainesway Drive

0.3 mi · 41 sec · Gainesway Drive
35

Turn left onto Coldstream Drive

261 ft · 9 sec · Coldstream Drive
36

Arrive at destination

Coldstream Drive

Trip Plan

Given the short 1 hour and 50-minute duration, leaving Claryville in the morning or mid-afternoon offers maximum flexibility. You can depart whenever it suits your schedule, as there are no mandatory stops to plan around. The estimated fuel cost is a low $13, so you shouldn't worry about frequent refueling. Keep an eye on traffic as you approach Lexington, especially on I-75, as it can pick up during peak hours. The longest uninterrupted stretch is over 55 miles on the interstate, so consider a quick stretch break before or after that segment.

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 42 miles from Claryville, KY, or about 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 55.8 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 18 miles or 32m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 42 miles or 58m 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 29m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Claryville, KY so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Claryville, KY

This is one driving day of about 84 miles and 1h 50m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Claryville, KY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 75 for about 55.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Boone and Kenton counties in the U.S. state of Kentucky

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Walton, KY

42 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

Walton, KY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 18 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Williamstown, KY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 42 miles from Claryville, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 22

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 74.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in

At end of road, turn right

Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch

6
17.9 mi into trip | ~31m in | KY 14; KY 16 / Mary Grubbs Highway

Turn right onto KY 14; KY 16 / Mary Grubbs Highway

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
7
18.2 mi into trip | ~32m in

Take the ramp toward I 75 South: Lexington

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward I 75 South: Lexington
6
18.5 mi into trip | ~33m in | I 75

Merge onto I 75 toward I 75 South: Lexington

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 75 South: Lexington
8
74.3 mi into trip | ~1h 33m in

Take the exit toward KY 922: Airport, Lexington

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 115 Toward KY 922: Airport, Lexington

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$13.13 one way

$26.26 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 29 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $14.42 $28.84
premium $4.89 $16.17 $32.33
diesel $5.61 $18.55 $37.09

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$13

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$38–$63

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 29.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 25.2 0 $8.82 $4.03
Efficient EV 21 0 $7.35 $3.36
EV Truck/SUV 33.6 0 $11.76 $5.38

Gas CO2

29 kg

EV CO2

10 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

Claryville, KY

Late night in Claryville on Sunday

Local time

5:56 AM

EDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lexington, KY

Late night in Lexington on Sunday

Local time

5:56 AM

EDT

Current temp

73°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

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

19 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

1h 50m 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 experience for most of this 84-mile trip, with 67% of your drive utilizing major highways. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on I-75, including a continuous stretch of 55.8 miles. While much of the route maintains highway speeds, you'll also navigate local roads like Walton Nicholson Pike and Newtown Pike, which will offer a change of pace. This blend means you get the efficiency of the interstate but also a taste of the local Kentucky landscape as you approach Lexington.

67% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 55.8 mi on I 75.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Walton Nicholson Pike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 84 miles you will encounter 22 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 0.1 miles: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 17.9 miles (KY 14; KY 16 / Mary Grubbs Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 18.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Lexington, KY

Full guide →

Lexington is the second largest city in Kentucky, located in the Bluegrass Region. Known as the Horse Capital of the World, Lexington has traditionally been dominated by the horse industry and is also heavily influenced by the University of Kentucky, the state's flagship university and the largest employer in the city. The horse industry has greatly influenced Lexington's culture and scenic beauty; the University of Kentucky and Transylvania University contribute to a college town atmosphere with a richer and more diverse culture than some might expect from its size and location. Lexington's compact central downtown district is surrounded by historic neighborhoods. Lexington is in the heart of the Bluegrass region of Kentucky and is still home to hundreds of horse farms.

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 1h 50m. Total distance: 84 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (67%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 55.8 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Lexington, KY before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 17.9 miles (KY 14; KY 16 / Mary Grubbs Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 18.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Lexington, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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