Origin
Florence, KY
Night in Florence on Saturday
Local time
9:17 PM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Florence, KY to Ledbetter, KY
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 27m
Distance
293.3 mi
472 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$46
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 15m
★
6 AM
5h 28m
8 AM
5h 55m
10 AM
5h 37m
12 PM
5h 35m
3 PM
5h 39m
5 PM
5h 53m
8 PM
5h 20m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Florence, KY
Wikimedia Commons
Ledbetter, KY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embark on a 293.3-mile journey from Florence, KY, to Ledbetter, KY, a drive that will take approximately 5 hours and 27 minutes. This route primarily utilizes I-71 South, I-264 West, and the Henry Watterson Expressway, offering a straightforward path through the Southeast region. With a projected fuel cost of around $45, this trip is well-suited for a single day, making it a convenient option for a quick excursion. The overall feel of this drive is characterized by numerous turns, suggesting a more local and potentially less predictable travel experience than a pure interstate route. Plan for one stop along the way to break up the drive.
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
146.6 miles from Florence, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 45m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Western Kentucky Parkway | 98.9 mi | 1h 46m |
| I 71 | 78.4 mi | 1h 25m |
| I 69 | 48.2 mi | 52m |
| I 65 | 38.7 mi | 42m |
| Henry Watterson Expressway | 10 mi | 13m |
| Adair Street | 4.7 mi | 5m |
| Dover Road | 3.9 mi | 5m |
| Iuka Road | 3.1 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
Western Kentucky Parkway
— 98.9 mi, about 1h 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Florence, KY and Ledbetter, KY.
1
Start on Main Street
28 ft
·
3 sec
·
Main Street
2
Turn right onto US 42; US 127
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
US 42; US 127
Use the right lane.
3
Continue on US 42; US 127
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
US 42; US 127
4
Turn left
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
Toward I 71 South, I 75 South: Lexington, Louisville
Use the left 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
72 mi
·
1 hr 17 min
·
I 71
Exit 173
Toward I 71 South: Louisville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
Exit 5
Toward I 264 West: Watterson Expressway
Use the slight left lane.
8
Continue on I 264
10.0 mi
·
13 min
·
Henry Watterson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
Exit 12
Toward I 65, KY 61: Nashville, Indianapolis
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
Toward I 65: Nashville, Downtown Louisville, Indianapolis
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 65 South: Nashville
12
Merge onto I 65
39 mi
·
42 min
·
I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 91C-A
Toward KY 61 South: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 91C-B
Toward US 31W: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway West
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Toward Paducah, Elizabethtown
16
Merge onto Western Kentucky Parkway
98 mi
·
1 hr 45 min
·
Western Kentucky Parkway
17
Continue on Western Kentucky Parkway
0.8 mi
·
54 sec
·
Western Kentucky Parkway
Exit 38A
18
Merge onto I 69
37 mi
·
40 min
·
I 69
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 69
11 mi
·
12 min
·
I 69
Exit 68B
Toward I 24 West, I 69 South: Paducah
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 31
Toward KY 453: Grand Rivers, Smithland
21
Turn right onto KY 453
3.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Dover Road
22
Continue on KY 453
3.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Iuka Road
23
Turn left onto KY 937
3.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Cutoff Road
24
At end of road, turn left onto US 60
4.7 mi
·
5 min
·
Adair Street
25
Arrive at destination
US 60
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour and 27-minute duration and the 'turn-heavy' nature of this 293.3-mile route, consider an early morning departure to maximize daylight and allow ample time for navigation. With a fuel cost estimated at $45, plan your fill-ups accordingly, especially since there's a 0% highway share which can sometimes lead to less predictable fuel availability in remote areas. While the drive is manageable in one day with one recommended stop, the frequent turns mean you should stay alert and have your navigation system readily accessible. A specific tip for this route: be mindful of local speed limits, as they can vary significantly on the local roads you'll be traversing.
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 146.6 miles from Florence, KY, or about 2h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 98.9 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 146.6 miles or 2h 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 4h 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ledbetter, KY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Florence, 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 Florence, KY
This is one driving day of about 293.3 miles and 5h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from Florence, 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 98.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
147 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 65 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 146.6 miles from Florence, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Western Kentucky Parkway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 98.9 miles.
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 195 decision points cluster between mile 1.3 and 130.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
1.3 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Turn left toward I 71 South, I 75 South: Lexington, Louisville
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward I 71 South, I 75 South: Lexington, Louis...
8
90.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 42m in
Take the exit toward I 65, KY 61: Nashville, Indianapolis
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 12
Toward I 65, KY 61: Nashville, Indianapolis
9
90.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 42m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 65: Nashville, Downtown Louisville, Indianapolis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 65: Nashville, Downtown Louisville, In...
8
130.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 27m in
Take the exit toward KY 61 South: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway
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 91C-A
Toward KY 61 South: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Wes...
8
130.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 27m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 31W: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 91C-B
Toward US 31W: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Western...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.85 one way
$91.71 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
103 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $50.35 | $100.69 |
| premium | $4.89 | $56.44 | $112.89 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $64.76 | $129.51 |
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: 102.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 88 | 1 | $30.80 | $14.08 |
| Efficient EV | 73.3 | 0 | $25.66 | $11.73 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 117.3 | 1 | $41.06 | $18.77 |
Gas CO2
103 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Ledbetter, KY
Evening in Ledbetter on Saturday
Local time
8:17 PM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
77°F
Beaver Dam, KY
147 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 earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
7 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
5h 27m 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
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...
12 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 131.5
View on nps.gov
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
~51 min detour
Free
near mile 161.8
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is classified as a 'turn-heavy local drive' with a 0% highway share, indicating a journey that emphasizes local roads over high-speed interstate travel. You'll encounter a significant number of turns, so be prepared for a more engaging and potentially slower pace. The absence of a 'longest_stretch' metric further reinforces the idea of frequent directional changes. Expect the road to evolve as you navigate through various local environments, requiring your consistent attention to navigation and road conditions. This is not a route for autopilot; it demands active participation from the driver.
94% 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: 98.9 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 1.3 miles in.
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 19 significant decision points across 293.3 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 1.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Florence, KY and Ledbetter, KY, road signs point toward Indianapolis, Louisville, Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway West, Elizabethtown and Smithland.
Indianapolis
90.6 mi in
|
~1h 42m
Louisville
90.8 mi in
|
~1h 42m
Paducah
130.6 mi in
|
~2h 27m
Western Kentucky Parkway West
130.9 mi in
|
~2h 27m
Elizabethtown
131.1 mi in
|
~2h 28m
Smithland
278.5 mi in
|
~5h 7m
About the Cities
Starting in Florence, KY
Full guide →Florence is a city of 33,000 people (2019) in Kentucky's Northern Ohio River Region, near Cincinnati. Florence is well known in surrounding cities for a water tower visible from I-71/I-75 that reads "Florence Y'all".
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 5h 27m. Total distance: 293.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 98.9 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 Ledbetter, 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 1.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 10.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Ledbetter, 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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