If you are planning a trip from Independence to Reidland, prepare for a 298.5-mile journey across Kentucky. Expect to spend approximately 5 hours and 34 minutes behind the wheel for this trek. Because the route is categorized as a single-day trip, it is manageable without an overnight stay if you are comfortable with a full day of driving. Budget around $45 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. Navigating this path requires your full attention, as it relies on local roads rather than major interstates. It is an ideal choice if you prefer a change of pace from standard highway travel.
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
149.2 miles from Independence, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 52m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Western Kentucky Parkway
98.9 mi
1h 46m
I 71
76.4 mi
1h 22m
I 69
53.6 mi
57m
I 65
38.7 mi
42m
Henry Watterson Expressway
10 mi
13m
I 24
9.1 mi
9m
Bristow Road
2.2 mi
3m
Mount Zion Road
2 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Western Kentucky Parkway
— 98.9 mi, about 1h 46m
Traffic on I-264
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 9 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~4,751 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~427 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Independence, KY and Reidland, KY.
1
Start on KY 17 Business; KY 2045
371 ft·9 sec·Madison Pike
2
Turn right onto KY 2045
1.3 mi·3 min·Independence Road
3
Turn right onto KY 536
2.2 mi·3 min·Bristow Road
4
Keep slight left at fork onto KY 536
0.5 mi·59 sec·Mount Zion Road
5
Enter roundabout onto KY 536
90 ft·1 sec·Mount Zion Road
6
Continue on KY 536
0.5 mi·52 sec·Mount Zion Road
7
Enter roundabout onto KY 536
129 ft·2 sec·Mount Zion Road
8
Continue on KY 536
1.0 mi·1 min·Mount Zion Road
9
Turn right onto KY 536
0.5 mi·51 sec·KY 536
Toward KY 536 East
10
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·59 sec
Toward I 75, I 71
11
Merge onto I 71; I 75
4.9 mi·5 min·I 71; I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit onto I 71
72 mi·1 hr 17 min·I 71
Exit 173Toward I 71 South: LouisvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi·44 sec
Exit 5Toward I 264 West: Watterson ExpresswayUse the slight left lane.
14
Continue on I 264
10.0 mi·13 min·Henry Watterson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·14 sec
Exit 12Toward I 65, KY 61: Nashville, IndianapolisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·15 sec
Toward I 65: Nashville, Downtown Louisville, IndianapolisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Toward I 65 South: Nashville
18
Merge onto I 65
39 mi·42 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 91C-AToward KY 61 South: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Western Kentucky ParkwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 91C-BToward US 31W: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway West
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward Paducah, Elizabethtown
22
Merge onto Western Kentucky Parkway
98 mi·1 hr 45 min·Western Kentucky Parkway
23
Continue on Western Kentucky Parkway
0.8 mi·54 sec·Western Kentucky Parkway
Exit 38A
24
Merge onto I 69
37 mi·40 min·I 69
25
Keep slight right at fork onto I 69
16 mi·17 min·I 69
Exit 68BToward I 24 West, I 69 South: Paducah
26
Keep slight right at fork onto I 24
9.1 mi·9 min·I 24
27
Take the exit
0.4 mi·46 sec
Exit 16Toward US 68: Paducah
28
Keep slight right at fork
131 ft·3 sec
Exit 16Toward US 68: Paducah
29
Turn right onto US 68
0.9 mi·1 min·US 68
30
At end of road, turn left onto US 62
1.2 mi·1 min·Kentucky Dam Road
31
Turn left onto KY 1887
0.3 mi·46 sec·Park Road
32
Turn right onto KY 131
63 ft·1 sec·Reidland Rd
33
Arrive at destination
KY 131
Trip Plan
Since you have one planned stop scheduled, aim to time your break mid-way to keep your energy levels consistent throughout the 5-hour and 34-minute drive. Departing early in the morning is your best strategy, as the technical nature of these local roads is much easier to navigate in daylight. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as the $45 budget is an estimate and local roads can sometimes lead to more stop-and-go driving than a highway. Given that this is a single-day journey, use your flexibility to adjust your pace if you encounter unexpected traffic on these smaller routes. Prioritize checking your tire pressure and vehicle fluids before departure, as the constant turns will put more demand on your car than a standard interstate commute.
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 149.2 miles from Independence, KY, or about 2h 52m 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 66 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 149.2 miles or 2h 52m 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 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Reidland, KY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Independence, 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 Independence, KY
This is one driving day of about 298.5 miles and 5h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 66 miles from Independence, 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 11.4 and 133.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
11.4 mi into trip|~17m in|I 71
Take the exit onto I 71 toward I 71 South: Louisville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 173
Toward I 71 South: Louisville
8
93.4 mi into trip|~1h 49m 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
93.6 mi into trip|~1h 50m 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
133.5 mi into trip|~2h 34m 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
133.7 mi into trip|~2h 35m 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
$44.08 one way
$88.16 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg104 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$48.66
$97.33
premium
$4.72
$55.42
$110.84
diesel
$4.80
$56.36
$112.72
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 104.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
89.6
1
$31.34
$14.33
Efficient EV
74.6
0
$26.12
$11.94
EV Truck/SUV
119.4
1
$41.79
$19.10
Gas CO2
104 kg
EV CO2
35 kg (66% 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 17, 2026
Origin
Independence, KY
Late night
in Independence on Sunday
Local time
3:06 AM
EDT
Current temp
89°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
W 5 mph71% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 5:26PM EDT by NWS Jackson KY
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 5:08PM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH
Destination
Reidland, KY
Late night
in Reidland on Sunday
Local time
2:06 AM
CDT
Current temp
89°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
WNW 5 mph27% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 5:26PM EDT by NWS Jackson KY
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 5:08PM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH
87°F
Morgantown, KY
149 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
5h 34m 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
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 133.8
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 164.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Forget the monotony of the interstate; this route is a turn-heavy local drive that demands active engagement. You will spend your time navigating Independence Road, Bristow Road, and Mount Zion Road, as the highway share for this trip is zero percent. Because the road is composed entirely of local passages, you should anticipate a technical driving experience rather than a high-speed cruise. The constant turns mean you will rarely find long, uninterrupted stretches of road, requiring you to stay alert at every mile. It is a hands-on driving experience that keeps you focused on the winding path ahead.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 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 11.4 miles in near I 71.
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 27 significant decision points across 298.5 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 11.4 miles (I 71): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 93.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 93.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
898 ft402 ft
Total Climb
391 ft
Total Descent
887 ft
Highest Point
898 ft
Elevation Range
496 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Independence, KY and Reidland, KY, road signs point toward Indianapolis, Louisville, Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway West and Elizabethtown.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 34m. Total distance: 298.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). 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.
Yes — we found about 25 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 Reidland, 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 25 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 11.4 miles (I 71): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 93.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 93.6 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 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Reidland, KY before the return drive.
