Origin
Florence, KY
Late night in Florence on Sunday
Local time
12:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Florence, KY to Oak Grove, 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 46m
Distance
199.4 mi
321 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$31
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 34m
★
6 AM
3h 46m
8 AM
4h 12m
10 AM
3h 55m
12 PM
3h 53m
3 PM
3h 56m
5 PM
4h 10m
8 PM
3h 39m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Florence, KY
Wikimedia Commons
Oak Grove, KY
Skyler Ewing
Trip Overview
Embarking from Florence, KY, to Oak Grove, KY, this 199.4-mile journey will take you approximately 3 hours and 46 minutes. Designed as a single-day adventure, the route is estimated to cost around $30 in fuel. You'll navigate primarily via I 71 South and I 264 West, also known as the Henry Watterson Expressway, experiencing a drive with many turns. Given its manageable distance and duration, this trip is well-suited for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. The drive remains within the Southeast region, offering a consistent feel throughout.
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
99.7 miles from Florence, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 53m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 71 | 78.4 mi | 1h 25m |
| Western Kentucky Parkway | 61.4 mi | 1h 5m |
| I 65 | 38.7 mi | 42m |
| Henry Watterson Expressway | 10 mi | 13m |
| US Highway 231 | 5 mi | 7m |
| US 42 | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| State Highway 505 | 1.3 mi | 3m |
| Main Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 78.4 mi, about 1h 25m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Florence, KY and Oak Grove, 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
61 mi
·
1 hr 5 min
·
Western Kentucky Parkway
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
49 sec
Exit 75
Toward US 231: Morgantown, Beaver Dam
18
Turn left onto US 231
5.0 mi
·
7 min
·
US Highway 231
19
Turn left onto KY 505
1.3 mi
·
3 min
·
State Highway 505
20
Arrive at destination
KY 505
Trip Plan
For this 199.4-mile trip, consider departing in the morning to maximize daylight hours and allow ample time for any unscheduled stops. With a duration of under four hours, this drive is easily accomplished in one day, so you can be flexible with your pacing. Plan for one stop to break up the drive and refuel if needed, keeping in mind the estimated $30 fuel cost. A specific tip for this route: pay close attention to signage for the Henry Watterson Expressway (I 264 West) as it involves several key interchanges that require awareness.
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 99.7 miles from Florence, KY, or about 1h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 78.4 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 44 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 99.7 miles or 1h 53m 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 Oak Grove, 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 199.4 miles and 3h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 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 I 71 for about 78.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
100 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 44 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 99.7 miles from Florence, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 71 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 78.4 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 165 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
$31.17 one way
$62.35 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
70 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $34.23 | $68.46 |
| premium | $4.89 | $38.37 | $76.75 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $44.03 | $88.05 |
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: 69.8 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 | 59.8 | 0 | $20.94 | $9.57 |
| Efficient EV | 49.9 | 0 | $17.45 | $7.98 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 79.8 | 0 | $27.92 | $12.76 |
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.
Destination
Oak Grove, KY
Night in Oak Grove on Saturday
Local time
11:23 PM
CDT
Current temp
83°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
10 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 46m 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
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
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 130.6
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...
20 mi from route
~51 min detour
Free
near mile 158.2
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' with zero percent of the journey on highways. Expect a more engaged driving experience as you navigate through local roads and expressways like the Henry Watterson. While there isn't a longest uninterrupted stretch specified, the profile suggests frequent changes in direction and potentially varied speed limits. You'll likely find yourself making numerous adjustments as you progress toward Oak Grove, making it a dynamic drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 78.4 mi on I 71.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and Western Kentucky Parkway. 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
9/10
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 16 significant decision points across 199.4 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 Oak Grove, KY, road signs point toward Indianapolis, Louisville, Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway West and Elizabethtown.
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
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 3h 46m. Total distance: 199.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 78.4 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 Oak Grove, 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.
Possible but tiring. At 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Oak Grove, 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.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Oak Grove, KY
More trips to Oak Grove, KY
Explore more options from Florence, KY or browse trips ending in Oak Grove, KY.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse KY road trips.