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Trip from Louisville, KY to Crittenden, KY

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

Drive Time

1h 37m

Distance

86.4 mi

139 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 22 min
4 AM
1h 30m ★
6 AM
1h 38m
8 AM
1h 52m
10 AM
1h 43m
12 PM
1h 41m
3 PM
1h 44m
5 PM
1h 52m
8 PM
1h 33m

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 Louisville, KY, KY

Louisville, KY

Wikimedia Commons

city in Grant and Kenton counties in the U.S. state of Kentucky

Crittenden, KY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Louisville, KY to Crittenden, KY is 86.4 miles and takes about 1h 37m via I-71, I-75, and I-64, with a fuel budget near $14 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This straightforward drive stays within the Southeast region, primarily in Kentucky, and is a highway-focused journey. It's a relatively short trip, making it ideal for a single-day excursion without feeling rushed. You'll spend most of your time on major interstates, so expect a consistent pace for this commute.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

43.2 miles from Louisville, KY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 49m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 71 76.8 mi 1h 24m
I 75 6 mi 6m
I 64 1.5 mi 2m
Violet Road 0.3 mi <1m
West Jefferson Street 0.3 mi 1m
South Main Street 0.2 mi <1m
Roy Wilkins Avenue 0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 71 — 76.8 mi, about 1h 24m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Louisville, KY and Crittenden, KY.

1

Start on West Jefferson Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · West Jefferson Street
2

Turn right onto Roy Wilkins Avenue

0.1 mi · 11 sec · Roy Wilkins Avenue
3

Take the ramp

455 ft · 11 sec
Toward I 64 West, I 64 East: New Albany, Saint Louis, Lexington
4

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Toward I 64 East: Lexington Use the slight right lane.
5

Merge onto I 64

1.5 mi · 2 min · I 64
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
6

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 16 sec
Exit 6 Toward I 71 North: Cincinnati Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Continue on I 71

77 mi · 1 hr 24 min · I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 52 sec
Exit 77 Toward I 75 South: Lexington Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Merge onto I 75

6.0 mi · 6 min · I 75
Toward I 75 South: Lexington Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 47 sec
Exit 166 Toward KY 491: Crittenden Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Turn left onto KY 491

0.3 mi · 40 sec · Violet Road
12

At end of road, turn right onto US 25; KY 491

0.2 mi · 14 sec · South Main Street
Use the right lane.
13

Arrive at destination

US 25; KY 491

Trip Plan

Given the short duration of 1 hour and 37 minutes, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Aim to depart after the morning rush hour in Louisville to make the most of your time on the road. With 98% highway driving, you can maintain a steady pace, and your longest stretch on I-71 is 76.8 miles, meaning you won't need frequent fuel stops. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach Crittenden, as dedicated services might be less frequent in the final miles.

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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 43.2 miles from Louisville, KY, or about 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 76.8 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 19 miles or 22m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 43.2 miles or 49m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 22m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Louisville, KY so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Louisville, KY

This is one driving day of about 86.4 miles and 1h 37m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Louisville, KY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 71 for about 76.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Carroll County, Kentucky

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Carrollton, KY

43 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

Worthington Hills, KY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Carrollton, KY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 43.2 miles from Louisville, 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 76.8 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

Vincenzo's

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Louisville, Kentucky

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route Expensive

Hours: 11:30 am–1:30 pm

+15025801350

Visit website

Addis Grill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Louisville, Kentucky

0.2 mi

Safier Mediterranean Deli

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Louisville, Kentucky

0.5 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Sunergos Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Louisville, Kentucky

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+15025893222

Visit website

Blak Koffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Louisville, Kentucky

0.6 mi

Quills Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Louisville, Kentucky

1.2 mi

Vincenzo's

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route Expensive

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 11:30 am–1:30 pm

+15025801350

Visit website

Addis Grill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+15025811011

Visit website

Safier Mediterranean Deli

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour Inexpensiv

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+15025851125

Visit website

Wild Swann Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 6:30 am–1 pm

+15024343777

Visit website

TANDOORI FUSION - INDIAN RESTAURANT

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 12.3

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 11:30 am–2:30 pm

+15022552590

Visit website

Neighborhood Services Bar + Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+15023136713

Visit website

La Bodeguita De Mima

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 12–2:30 pm

+15027423358

Visit website

Palermo's Italian Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.7

La Grange, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15022650039

Visit website

Sunergos Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+15025893222

Visit website

Blak Koffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+15022903729

Visit website

Quills Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15028615844

Visit website

Please & Thank You "MARK"

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+15025530113

Visit website

Pearl Street Game & Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Jeffersonville, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+18129200926

Visit website

Coffee Crossing

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Jeffersonville, Indiana

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+18125903867

Visit website

Quills Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+15028615844

Visit website

The Breeze Wine & Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+15028903040

Visit website

Muhammad Ali Center

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15025849254

Visit website

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18777758443

Visit website

Flame Run

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+15025845353

Visit website

Big 4 Escape

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 6.2

Jeffersonville, Indiana

Hours: 2–8 pm

+18127251046

Visit website

Howard Steamboat Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Jeffersonville, Indiana

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+18122833728

Visit website

Louisville Zoo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15024592181

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.5 and 85.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
0.5 mi into trip | ~1m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 64 East: Lexington

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 64 East: Lexington
7
2.2 mi into trip | ~3m in

Take the exit toward I 71 North: Cincinnati

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 6 Toward I 71 North: Cincinnati
8
79.2 mi into trip | ~1h 28m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 75 South: Lexington

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 77 Toward I 75 South: Lexington
6
79.6 mi into trip | ~1h 29m in | I 75

Merge onto I 75 toward I 75 South: Lexington

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 75 South: Lexington
7
85.6 mi into trip | ~1h 36m in

Take the exit toward KY 491: Crittenden

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 166 Toward KY 491: Crittenden

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$13.51 one way

$27.02 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 30 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $14.83 $29.66
premium $4.89 $16.63 $33.25
diesel $5.61 $19.08 $38.15

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$14

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$39–$64

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 30.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 25.9 0 $9.07 $4.15
Efficient EV 21.6 0 $7.56 $3.46
EV Truck/SUV 34.6 0 $12.10 $5.53

Gas CO2

30 kg

EV CO2

10 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

Louisville, KY

Morning in Louisville on Sunday

Local time

10:46 AM

EDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Crittenden, KY

Morning in Crittenden on Sunday

Local time

10:46 AM

EDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

53°F

Carrollton, KY

43 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

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

1h 37m 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?

This is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 98% of the route utilizing major interstates like I-71, I-75, and I-64. You'll experience long, uninterrupted stretches, including a notable 76.8-mile segment on I-71. The character of the drive is consistent, characterized by fast-paced travel on well-maintained highways. Expect a predictable driving experience as you navigate these primary arteries.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
13 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 76.8 mi on I 71.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and I 75. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 86.4 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 2.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 79.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in Louisville, KY

Full guide →

Louisville, the largest city in Kentucky, is known for the Kentucky Derby horserace and as the "gateway to the south" from southern Indiana. It's a lively mid-sized city with an excellent dining scene, ample opportunities for bourbon tasting, and interesting public art. Louisville is also the namesake of the Official Bat of Major League Baseball — the Louisville Slugger.

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 1h 37m. Total distance: 86.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 37m 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 76.8 miles on I 71. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Crittenden, KY before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 2.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 79.2 miles: 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 Crittenden, 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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