This 283.6-mile drive from Hendron, KY to Richmond, KY will take approximately 4 hours and 27 minutes. It's designed as a single-day trip, so you can easily complete it in one go. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $43. You'll be navigating primarily on local roads, with Felix Avenue, Old Mayfield Road, and Elmdale Road being key parts of your path. Given the "Turn-heavy local drive" profile and zero highway share, expect a more engaged driving experience. Both your origin and destination are within the Southeast region, keeping the scenery consistent. This route offers a straightforward, albeit engaging, way to travel between these two Kentucky communities.
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
142 miles from Hendron, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 37m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Western Kentucky Parkway
99.2 mi
1h 46m
Bluegrass Parkway
70.7 mi
1h 15m
I 69
38.3 mi
41m
I 24
34 mi
36m
I 75
13.3 mi
14m
New Circle Road
7.3 mi
9m
Versailles Road
4.4 mi
6m
Lexington Road
3.9 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
Western Kentucky Parkway
— 99.2 mi, about 1h 46m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 6 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,892 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,457
Quietest
2 AM
~278 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 35 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hendron, KY and Richmond, 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 42Toward 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-BToward I 169 South: HopkinsvilleUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on Western Kentucky Parkway
99 mi·1 hr 46 min·Western Kentucky Parkway
Exit 106BToward ElizabethtownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Exit 137BToward I 65 North: Lexington, LouisvilleUse the right lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville
14
Merge onto I 65
1.4 mi·1 min·I 65
15
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 93Toward Lexington, BardstownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on Bluegrass Parkway
71 mi·1 hr 15 min·Bluegrass Parkway
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward US 60 West: Frankfort
18
Turn right onto US 60
1.7 mi·2 min·Lexington Road
19
Continue on US 60
4.4 mi·6 min·Versailles Road
Use the left lane.
20
Take the exit
0.4 mi·46 sec
Toward KY 4 South: New Circle Road
21
Merge onto KY 4
7.3 mi·9 min·New Circle Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 16Toward Alumni Drive
23
Turn right onto Alumni Drive
0.6 mi·1 min·Alumni Drive
24
Turn left onto Man O War Boulevard
1.0 mi·1 min·Man O War Boulevard
25
Turn right onto US 25; US 421
1.5 mi·2 min·Richmond Road
Use the right lane.
26
Continue on KY 418
2.4 mi·2 min·Athens Boonesboro Road
27
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 75 South: Knoxville
28
Merge onto I 75
13 mi·14 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 90BToward US 25 North, US 421 NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Turn right onto US 25; US 421
151 ft·8 sec·Lexington Road
31
Continue on US 25; US 421
0.5 mi·1 min·Lexington Road
32
Continue on US 25 Business; US 421 Business
1.6 mi·2 min·Lexington Road
33
Continue on US 25 Business; US 421 Business
0.5 mi·51 sec·West Main Street
34
Turn left onto KY 388
104 ft·2 sec·North 2nd Street
35
Arrive at destination
KY 388
Trip Plan
With a total duration of 4 hours and 27 minutes and a fuel cost of approximately $43, this 283.6-mile trip is perfectly suited for a single day. Consider starting your journey in the morning to allow ample time for any unscheduled stops or to simply enjoy the drive. Since this route is characterized as 'Turn-heavy local drive' with no highway segments, plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and refuel yourself, perhaps around the halfway point. Be mindful of the local road conditions and speed limits throughout your travel on Felix Avenue, Old Mayfield Road, and Elmdale Road to ensure a safe and smooth arrival in Richmond, KY.
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 142 miles from Hendron, KY, or about 2h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.2 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 62 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 142 miles or 2h 37m 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 16m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Richmond, 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 284 miles and 5h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 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 Western Kentucky Parkway for about 99.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.4 and 281 — 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
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
8
174.1 mi into trip|~3h 11m 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
8
176.4 mi into trip|~3h 15m in
Take the exit toward Lexington, Bardstown
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 93
Toward Lexington, Bardstown
8
281 mi into trip|~5h 15m in
Take the exit toward US 25 North, US 421 North
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 90B
Toward US 25 North, US 421 North
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.94 one way
$83.88 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg99 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$46.30
$92.60
premium
$4.72
$52.73
$105.46
diesel
$4.80
$53.62
$107.25
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$42
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 99.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
85.2
1
$29.82
$13.63
Efficient EV
71
0
$24.85
$11.36
EV Truck/SUV
113.6
1
$39.76
$18.18
Gas CO2
99 kg
EV CO2
33 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.
Forecast as of Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Hendron, KY
Late night
in Hendron on Sunday
Local time
2:05 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Mostly Clear
WSW 2 mph5% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 9:40PM EDT by NWS Louisville KY
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 8:32PM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Louisville KY
Destination
Richmond, KY
Late night
in Richmond on Sunday
Local time
3:05 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
SW 5 mph18% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 9:40PM EDT by NWS Louisville KY
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 8:32PM CDT until July 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Louisville KY
87°F
Morgantown, KY
142 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
1 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 20m 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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 186.1
The US Army established Camp Nelson as a fortified supply depot in April 1863. Over the next 3 years, the site evolved into a massive recruitment and training center for United States Colored Troops a...
15 mi from route
~39 min detour
Free
near mile 274.2
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 146.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Prepare for a predominantly local road experience on this 283.6-mile journey, as indicated by the "Turn-heavy local drive" profile and a 0% highway share. You won't find long stretches of high-speed cruising here; instead, anticipate a more involved drive with frequent turns and varying road conditions. The absence of a 'longest stretch' further emphasizes the continuous nature of these local roads. This means you'll be actively navigating through communities and potentially varying landscapes as you make your way towards Richmond, KY, requiring your full attention throughout the 4-hour and 27-minute travel time.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 99.2 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 Bluegrass Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.4 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 24 significant decision points across 284 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 2.4 miles: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 74.8 miles (Western Kentucky Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 174.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
998 ft363 ft
Total Climb
1,050 ft
Total Descent
463 ft
Highest Point
998 ft
~263.7 mi in
Elevation Range
635 ft
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 Richmond, KY, road signs point toward Princeton, Elizabethtown, Louisville, Lexington and Bardstown.
Princeton
36.5 mi in|~43m|via I 69
Elizabethtown
75.2 mi in|~1h 25m|via Western Kentucky Parkway
Louisville
174.1 mi in|~3h 11m
Lexington
176.4 mi in|~3h 15m
Bardstown
176.4 mi in|~3h 15m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Richmond is a city in the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky, about 30 miles (50 km) south of Lexington. The county seat of Madison County, Richmond is best known as the home of Eastern Kentucky University.
Top landmarks
•White Hall — house in Richmond, Kentucky
•Madison County Courthouse — courthouse in Kentucky, United States
•Downtown Richmond Historic District — historic district in Richmond, Kentucky
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 20m. Total distance: 284 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 99.2 miles on Western Kentucky Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 10 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Richmond, 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. There are 10 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.4 miles: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 74.8 miles (Western Kentucky Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 174.1 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, Camp Nelson National Monument and Mammoth Cave National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Richmond, KY before the return drive.
