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Trip from Hendron, 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

2h 33m

Distance

132 mi

212 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 23m ★
6 AM
2h 33m
8 AM
2h 54m
10 AM
2h 41m
12 PM
2h 38m
3 PM
2h 42m
5 PM
2h 53m
8 PM
2h 27m

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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Downtown Hendron, KY, KY

Hendron, KY

Ellie Burgin

Downtown Owensboro, KY, KY

Owensboro, KY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 132.3-mile journey from Hendron, KY to Owensboro, KY is a manageable day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 13 minutes. You'll primarily travel on local roads like Felix Avenue, Old Mayfield Road, and Elmdale Road, with no highway driving involved. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $20, making it an economical option for exploring the Southeast region of Kentucky. Given its relatively short duration and straightforward path, this route is well-suited for a single day of travel, allowing for flexibility in your schedule.

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

66 miles from Hendron, KY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 15m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 69 38.3 mi 41m
US 431 36.1 mi 44m
I 24 34 mi 36m
Western Kentucky Parkway 20.4 mi 21m
Elmdale Road 1.1 mi 2m
KY 1031 0.5 mi <1m
Old Mayfield Road 0.5 mi <1m
Lone Oak Road 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 69 — 38.3 mi, about 41m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on At Massa Drive

305 ft · 14 sec · At Massa Drive
2

Turn right onto Felix Avenue

0.1 mi · 30 sec · Felix Avenue
3

Turn left onto KY 994

0.5 mi · 57 sec · Old Mayfield Road
4

Turn left onto Elmdale Road

1.1 mi · 2 min · Elmdale Road
5

Turn right

0.4 mi · 1 min
6

Turn left onto US 45

0.3 mi · 45 sec · Lone Oak Road
7

Turn left

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Toward Nashville
8

Merge onto I 24

34 mi · 36 min · I 24
9

Take the exit onto I 69

38 mi · 41 min · I 69
Exit 42 Toward I 69 North: Elizabethtown, Princeton
10

Keep slight right at fork onto Western Kentucky Parkway

0.3 mi · 22 sec · Western Kentucky Parkway
Exit 106A-B Toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
11

Continue on Western Kentucky Parkway

20 mi · 21 min · Western Kentucky Parkway
Exit 106B Toward Elizabethtown
12

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 53 sec
Exit 58 Toward US 431, KY 70: Drakesboro, Central City
13

Turn right onto US 431; KY 70

3.6 mi · 4 min · US 431; KY 70
Use the straight lane.
14

Continue on KY 1031

0.5 mi · 35 sec · KY 1031
15

Turn right onto US 431

32 mi · 40 min · US 431
Use the right lane.
16

Arrive at destination

Frederica Street

Trip Plan

For this 2-hour and 13-minute drive, departing in the morning will allow you to reach Owensboro with plenty of daylight. With only 132.3 miles and no highway sections, you can easily break up the journey with short pauses as needed, though there are no designated stops mentioned. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $20, and it’s wise to top off before leaving Hendron. Pay close attention to local road signs and speed limits, especially as you navigate the various named roads like Felix Avenue and Old Mayfield Road, as they can change frequently.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 66 miles from Hendron, KY, or about 1h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 38.3 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 29 miles or 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 66 miles or 1h 15m 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 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 Hendron, 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 Hendron, KY

This is one driving day of about 132 miles and 2h 33m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Hendron, 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 69 for about 38.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Greenville, KY

66 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

Eddyville, KY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Dawson Springs, KY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 66 miles from Hendron, 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

The Creme Coffee House

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Owensboro, Kentucky

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route Moderately mile 132

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+12706837787

Visit website

62 East (Restaurant)

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Central City, Kentucky

0.9 mi

Brown's Hometown Market

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Grand Rivers, Kentucky

2.1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Jolie Carre - World Cafe (fka Boujie Biscuit)

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Owensboro, Kentucky

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route Moderately mile 132

Hours: 8:30 am–6:30 pm

+12705704550

Visit website

Libertalia Coffee & Bagels

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Owensboro, Kentucky

1.6 mi

The Creme Coffee House

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route Moderately mile 132

Owensboro, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+12706837787

Visit website

62 East (Restaurant)

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 94.3

Central City, Kentucky

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+12709315066

Brown's Hometown Market

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour Inexpensiv mile 28.3

Grand Rivers, Kentucky

Hours: 5 am–5 pm

+12709283305

Visit website

Shogun of Owensboro

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 132

Owensboro, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+12702006557

Visit website

Trader's Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 9.4

Paducah, Kentucky

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+12708983144

Visit website

Kay's Kitchen

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 47.1

Princeton, Kentucky

Hours: 5:30 am–8 pm

+12703652709

Visit website

Artisan Kitchen

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Paducah, Kentucky

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+12705380250

Visit website

Branch Out

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Paducah, Kentucky

Hours: 8 am–5:30 pm

+12704437028

Visit website

Jolie Carre - World Cafe (fka Boujie Biscuit)

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route Moderately mile 132

Owensboro, Kentucky

Hours: 8:30 am–6:30 pm

+12705704550

Visit website

Libertalia Coffee & Bagels

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 132

Owensboro, Kentucky

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+12702157759

Visit website

Sips & Co.

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10

Paducah, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 2.4 and 95.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
2.4 mi into trip | ~6m in

Turn left toward Nashville

Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch

Toward Nashville
6
36.5 mi into trip | ~43m in | I 69

Take the exit onto I 69 toward I 69 North: Elizabethtown, Princeton

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 42 Toward I 69 North: Elizabethtown, Princeton
8
74.8 mi into trip | ~1h 25m in | Western Kentucky Parkway

Keep slight right at fork onto Western Kentucky Parkway toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Exit 106A-B Toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville
6
95.2 mi into trip | ~1h 47m in

Take the exit toward US 431, KY 70: Drakesboro, Central City

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 58 Toward US 431, KY 70: Drakesboro, Central City
5
95.4 mi into trip | ~1h 48m in | US 431; KY 70

Turn right onto US 431; KY 70

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.64 one way

$41.27 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 46 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $22.66 $45.32
premium $4.89 $25.40 $50.80
diesel $5.61 $29.14 $58.29

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$21

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 46.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 39.6 0 $13.86 $6.34
Efficient EV 33 0 $11.55 $5.28
EV Truck/SUV 52.8 0 $18.48 $8.45

Gas CO2

46 kg

EV CO2

15 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

Hendron, KY

Late night in Hendron on Sunday

Local time

1:03 AM

CDT

Current temp

54°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

77°F

Greenville, KY

66 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

Same local time

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

Temperature spread

22 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

2h 33m 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 turn-heavy local drive on this route, as indicated by the 0% highway share. The roads you'll navigate, including Felix Avenue, Old Mayfield Road, and Elmdale Road, are characteristic of rural Kentucky, likely featuring numerous intersections and changes in speed limits. Without significant highway stretches, the drive will feel more connected to the local landscape, offering a steady pace without long, uninterrupted periods of high-speed travel. This type of driving requires consistent attention due to the frequent turns and local traffic.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 38.3 mi on I 69.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 69 and US 431. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 2.4 miles in.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 33m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 2.4 miles: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 36.5 miles (I 69): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 74.8 miles (Western Kentucky Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Hendron, KY and Owensboro, KY, road signs point toward Princeton, Elizabethtown and City.

Princeton

36.5 mi in | ~43m | via I 69

Elizabethtown

75.2 mi in | ~1h 25m | via Western Kentucky Parkway

City

95.2 mi in | ~1h 47m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 33m. Total distance: 132 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 38.3 miles on I 69. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 2.4 miles: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 36.5 miles (I 69): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 74.8 miles (Western Kentucky Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Owensboro, 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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