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Trip from Leitchfield, KY to Independence, KY

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 8m

Distance

164.4 mi

265 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
2h 57m ★
6 AM
3h 8m
8 AM
3h 32m
10 AM
3h 17m
12 PM
3h 14m
3 PM
3h 18m
5 PM
3h 31m
8 PM
3h 1m

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 Leitchfield, KY, KY

Leitchfield, KY

Tom Fisk

city in Kentucky, United States

Independence, KY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Connecting Leitchfield to Independence, this 164.4-mile trip is a straightforward journey across Kentucky that typically takes about 3 hours and 8 minutes. Because the drive is relatively short, it is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. You will spend the vast majority of your time on major thoroughfares, including the Western Kentucky Parkway, I-65, and I-71. With an estimated fuel cost of approximately $25, this route is an efficient way to travel between these two points. Since both cities are located within the Southeast region, the landscape remains consistent throughout the journey. It is a practical choice for those who prioritize speed and reliability over wandering backroads.

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

82.2 miles from Leitchfield, KY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 34m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 71 76.6 mi 1h 22m
I 65 37.9 mi 41m
Western Kentucky Parkway 29.6 mi 31m
Henry Watterson Expressway 10 mi 13m
Mount Zion Road 2.3 mi 4m
Bristow Road 2.2 mi 4m
Independence Road 1.3 mi 3m
South Main Street 1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 71 — 76.6 mi, about 1h 22m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Leitchfield, KY and Independence, KY.

1

Start on US 62; KY 259

10 ft · 0 sec · Public Square
2

Continue on US 62; KY 259

78 ft · 1 sec · Public Square
3

Turn slight right onto US 62; KY 259

1.0 mi · 1 min · South Main Street
4

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 20 sec
5

Merge onto Western Kentucky Parkway

30 mi · 31 min · Western Kentucky Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 47 sec
Exit 137B Toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville Use the right lane.
7

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville
8

Merge onto I 65

38 mi · 41 min · I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 58 sec
Exit 131-A Toward I 264: Watterson Expressway, Airport Use the slight right lane.
10

Keep slight right at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 131A Toward I 264 East: Watterson Expressway Use the slight right lane.
11

Merge onto I 264

10 mi · 13 min · Henry Watterson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 31 sec
Exit 23A Toward I 71 North: Cincinnati Use the slight right lane.
13

Merge onto I 71

71 mi · 1 hr 16 min · I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 71

5.6 mi · 5 min · I 71
Toward I 75 North, I 71 North: Cincinnati Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Exit 178 Toward KY 536: Mount Zion Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight right at fork

283 ft · 6 sec
17

Continue on KY 536

1.3 mi · 2 min · Mount Zion Road
Use the left lane.
18

Enter roundabout onto KY 536

122 ft · 2 sec · Mount Zion Road
19

Continue on KY 536

0.5 mi · 51 sec · Mount Zion Road
20

Enter roundabout onto KY 536

108 ft · 2 sec · Mount Zion Road
21

Continue on KY 536

0.5 mi · 55 sec · Mount Zion Road
22

Continue on KY 536

2.2 mi · 4 min · Bristow Road
23

At end of road, turn left onto KY 2045

1.3 mi · 3 min · Independence Road
24

At end of road, turn left onto KY 17 Business; KY 2045

371 ft · 7 sec · Madison Pike
25

Arrive at destination

KY 17 Business; KY 2045

Trip Plan

Since this is a manageable three-hour drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though leaving mid-morning can help you avoid potential peak-hour congestion on the busier stretches. Plan for at least one dedicated stop along the way to stretch your legs and refresh, as the long, monotonous interstate segments can be fatiguing. Given that fuel costs are estimated at $25, topping off your tank in Leitchfield before you head out ensures you won't need to worry about refueling during the more congested portions of the trip. Keep a close eye on your navigation as you transition between the Western Kentucky Parkway, I-65, and I-71 to ensure you don't miss any major interchanges. This route is all about efficiency, so keeping a steady pace will get you to Independence right on schedule.

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 82.2 miles from Leitchfield, KY, or about 1h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 76.6 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 36 miles or 40m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 82.2 miles or 1h 34m 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 31m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Independence, KY than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Leitchfield, 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 Leitchfield, KY

This is one driving day of about 164.4 miles and 3h 8m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Leitchfield, 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 76.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Jeffersontown, KY, KY

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Jeffersontown, KY

82 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

Elizabethtown, KY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Jeffersonville, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 82.2 miles from Leitchfield, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 71 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 76.6 miles.

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

Mi Tierra

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Buckner, Kentucky

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 93.9

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15026020096

Con Huevos!

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Louisville, Kentucky

0.8 mi

Culver’s

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Sunergos Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Louisville, Kentucky

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 70.5

Hours: 6:30 am–7 pm

+15023682820

Visit website

Heine Brothers Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Louisville, Kentucky

2.2 mi

Sunergos Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Louisville, Kentucky

2.4 mi

Mi Tierra

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 93.9

Buckner, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15026020096

Con Huevos!

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 82.2

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 7:30 am–2 pm

+15023843744

Visit website

Culver’s

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 35.2

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+12705063819

Visit website

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 35.2

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+12707655525

Visit website

Luna's Mexican Rotisserie

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour Inexpensiv mile 70.5

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 9 am–10:45 pm

+15029628898

Visit website

La Palma Cuban Restaurant and Bakery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 70.5

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 11:30 am–8 pm

+15029197074

Visit website

Capris Italian Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 35.2

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12709867900

Thai Noodles Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 70.5

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+15029619018

Visit website

Sunergos Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 70.5

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 6:30 am–7 pm

+15023682820

Visit website

Heine Brothers Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 70.5

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 5:30 am–7 pm

+15026371060

Visit website

Sunergos Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 70.5

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 6:30 am–7 pm

+15026341243

Visit website

Sunergos Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 70.5

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 6:30 am–7 pm

+15029199676

Visit website

Cedar Grove Coffee House

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 58.7

Shepherdsville, Kentucky

Hours: 7:30 am–5:30 pm

+15029210075

Visit website

Safai Coffee Shop

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 70.5

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+15023843555

Visit website

Heine Brothers Coffee - Chenoweth Lane

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 82.2

St Matthews, Kentucky

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+15028935103

Visit website

Day's Espresso & Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 70.5

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+15024561170

Louisville Zoo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 70.5

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15024592181

Visit website

Swope's Cars of Yesteryear Museum

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 35.2

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+12707636175

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 17

5 decision points cluster between mile 30.8 and 152.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
30.8 mi into trip | ~33m 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
69.6 mi into trip | ~1h 17m in

Take the exit toward I 264: Watterson Expressway, Airport

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 131-A Toward I 264: Watterson Expressway, Airport
8
70.3 mi into trip | ~1h 18m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 264 East: Watterson Expressway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 131A Toward I 264 East: Watterson Expressway
8
81.1 mi into trip | ~1h 32m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 71 North: Cincinnati

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 23A Toward I 71 North: Cincinnati
8
152.5 mi into trip | ~2h 50m in | I 71

Keep slight left at fork onto I 71 toward I 75 North, I 71 North: Cincinnati

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 75 North, I 71 North: Cincinnati

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.70 one way

$51.40 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 58 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $28.22 $56.44
premium $4.89 $31.64 $63.27
diesel $5.61 $36.30 $72.59

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 57.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 49.3 0 $17.26 $7.89
Efficient EV 41.1 0 $14.39 $6.58
EV Truck/SUV 65.8 0 $23.02 $10.52

Gas CO2

58 kg

EV CO2

19 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

Leitchfield, KY

Late night in Leitchfield on Sunday

Local time

12:58 AM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Independence, KY

Late night in Independence on Sunday

Local time

1:58 AM

EDT

Current temp

52°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 later

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

3h 8m 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 highway-focused experience, as 94% of this 164.4-mile route consists of interstate and parkway driving. The road is designed for steady, efficient progress rather than winding exploration, keeping you moving at highway speeds for almost the entire duration. You will encounter a mix of roads, but the most significant portion of your time behind the wheel will be spent on I-71, which features the longest uninterrupted stretch of the trip at 76.6 miles. Because you are primarily utilizing major arteries, the drive feels consistent and predictable from start to finish. Be prepared for a standard interstate experience that favors fast-paced transit through the Kentucky landscape.

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: 76.6 mi on I 71.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and I 65. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 30.8 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 17 significant decision points across 164.4 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 30.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 69.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 70.3 miles: 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 Leitchfield, KY and Independence, KY, road signs point toward Louisville and Airport.

Louisville

30.8 mi in | ~33m

Airport

69.6 mi in | ~1h 17m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 8m. Total distance: 164.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 8m 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 76.6 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 Independence, 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 30.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 69.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 70.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Independence, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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