Madisonville, KY to Ironville, KY is 308.6 miles and takes about 5h 48m via I 64 and Western Kentucky Parkway, with a fuel budget near $55 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Kentucky, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. With 94% of the route on major highways, you'll find this a straightforward drive for a single day. The relatively short duration and manageable distance make it a good option if you're looking for an efficient way to travel between these two points.
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
154.3 miles from Madisonville, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 48m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
101.8 mi
1h 50m
Western Kentucky Parkway
98.5 mi
1h 45m
Bluegrass Parkway
70.7 mi
1h 15m
I 69
7.3 mi
7m
New Circle Road
5.7 mi
8m
Versailles Road
4.6 mi
6m
US Route 60
4.6 mi
7m
US 60
4 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 101.8 mi, about 1h 50m
Traffic on I-64
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 4 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~645 veh/hr typical
· worst 968
Quietest
2 AM
~56 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 51 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 Madisonville, KY and Ironville, KY.
1
Start on US 41; KY 70
31 ft·4 sec·South Main Street
2
Turn right onto KY 70
1.1 mi·2 min·East Center Street
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·37 sec
4
Merge onto I 69
7.3 mi·7 min·I 69
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 169
0.7 mi·43 sec·I 169
Exit 106B-AToward I 169 South: HopkinsvilleUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Exit 106BToward ElizabethtownUse the slight right lane.
7
Merge onto Western Kentucky Parkway
99 mi·1 hr 45 min·Western Kentucky Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Exit 137BToward I 65 North: Lexington, LouisvilleUse the right lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville
10
Merge onto I 65
1.4 mi·1 min·I 65
11
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 93Toward Lexington, BardstownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on Bluegrass Parkway
71 mi·1 hr 15 min·Bluegrass Parkway
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward US 60 West: Frankfort
14
Turn right onto US 60
1.7 mi·2 min·Lexington Road
15
Continue on US 60
4.6 mi·6 min·Versailles Road
Use the left lane.
16
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward KY 4 North: New Circle Road
17
Merge onto KY 4
5.7 mi·8 min·New Circle Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Turn left onto US 27; US 68
1.0 mi·1 min·North Broadway
19
Turn left
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 75 South, I 64 East: Knoxville, Ashland
20
Merge onto I 64; I 75
1.6 mi·1 min·I 64; I 75
21
Take the exit onto I 64
17 mi·18 min·I 64
Exit 111Toward I 64 East: Winchester, AshlandUse the slight left / straight lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
84 mi·1 hr 29 min·I 64
23
Take the exit
0.4 mi·53 sec
Exit 181Toward US 60
24
Turn left onto US 60
4.0 mi·6 min·US 60
25
Turn left onto US 60
4.6 mi·7 min·US Route 60
26
Continue on US 60
0.3 mi·28 sec·13th Street
27
Turn left onto KY 766
0.5 mi·1 min·Bob McCullough Drive
28
At end of road, turn right onto KY 766
0.3 mi·43 sec·Roberts Drive
29
Turn sharp left onto KY 766
0.6 mi·1 min·West Donta Road
30
Turn right onto Pine Street
157 ft·8 sec·Pine Street
31
Turn right onto Brett Street
524 ft·22 sec·Brett Street
32
Continue on Tiffany Drive
382 ft·16 sec·Tiffany Drive
33
Arrive at destination
Tiffany Drive
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 48m estimated drive time, leaving Madisonville in the morning is recommended to give you plenty of daylight. The longest stretch without an exit is over 100 miles on I 64, so plan your fuel stops accordingly. With a fuel cost estimated around $55, check current prices before you depart. Since this route is doable in a single day, you have flexibility in your timing, but be mindful of the 308.6-mile distance and aim to take breaks to stay alert.
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 154.3 miles from Madisonville, KY, or about 2h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 101.8 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 68 miles or 1h 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 154.3 miles or 2h 48m 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 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ironville, KY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Madisonville, 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 Madisonville, KY
This is one driving day of about 308.6 miles and 5h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 68 miles from Madisonville, 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 64 for about 101.8 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 8.7 and 197.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
8.7 mi into trip|~10m in|I 169
Keep slight left at fork onto I 169 toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 106B-A
Toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville
7
9.4 mi into trip|~11m in
Take the exit toward Elizabethtown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 106B
Toward Elizabethtown
8
108.2 mi into trip|~1h 57m 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
110.6 mi into trip|~2h 1m 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
197.6 mi into trip|~3h 41m in|I 64
Take the exit onto I 64 toward I 64 East: Winchester, Ashland
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 111
Toward I 64 East: Winchester, Ashland
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.57 one way
$91.15 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg108 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$50.31
$100.62
premium
$4.72
$57.30
$114.60
diesel
$4.80
$58.27
$116.54
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$46
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 108 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
92.6
1
$32.40
$14.81
Efficient EV
77.2
0
$27.00
$12.34
EV Truck/SUV
123.4
1
$43.20
$19.75
Gas CO2
108 kg
EV CO2
36 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 17, 2026
Origin
Madisonville, KY
Evening
in Madisonville on Saturday
Local time
8:27 PM
CDT
Current temp
87°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
W 5 mph61% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:56PM EDT by NWS Jackson KY
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:54PM EDT by NWS Jackson KY
Destination
Ironville, KY
Night
in Ironville on Saturday
Local time
9:27 PM
EDT
Current temp
93°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 2 mph40% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:56PM EDT by NWS Jackson KY
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:54PM EDT by NWS Jackson KY
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
6 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
5h 48m 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...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 117.1
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...
17 mi from route
~43 min detour
Free
near mile 180.9
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
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 85.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is primarily highway, with 94% of the 308.6 miles on major roads like I 64 and the Bluegrass Parkway. You'll encounter a long stretch of 101.8 miles on I 64 without needing to exit. Expect a consistent cruising experience for most of the 5h 48m duration. The transition to surface roads, if needed, will occur towards the end of your trip.
94% 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: 101.8 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and Western Kentucky Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.7 miles in near I 169.
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 308.6 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 8.7 miles (I 169): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 108.2 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
1,185 ft445 ft
Total Climb
1,315 ft
Total Descent
1,071 ft
Highest Point
1,185 ft
~264.5 mi in
Elevation Range
740 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Madisonville, KY and Ironville, KY, road signs point toward Louisville, Lexington, Bardstown and Ashland.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 48m. Total distance: 308.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 48m 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 101.8 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 11 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 Ironville, 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 11 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 8.7 miles (I 169): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 108.2 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 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Ironville, KY before the return drive.
