Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Meads, KY to Brandenburg, KY
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jun 3, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 11m
Distance
219.8 mi
354 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$37
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 59m
★
6 AM
4h 12m
8 AM
4h 38m
10 AM
4h 21m
12 PM
4h 18m
3 PM
4h 22m
5 PM
4h 37m
8 PM
4h 4m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Meads, KY
Wikimedia Commons
Brandenburg, KY
detait
Trip Overview
Meads, KY to Brandenburg, KY is 219.8 miles and takes about 4h 11m via I 64 and Gene Snyder Freeway, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Kentucky, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. The drive is predominantly on major highways, making it a straightforward option for a single day. You'll spend most of your time on interstates, so plan for typical highway conditions and amenities. It's a practical route if you're looking for an efficient way to cover this distance without significant detours.
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
109.9 miles from Meads, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 2m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 162.1 mi | 2h 54m |
| Gene Snyder Freeway | 25.2 mi | 29m |
| Dixie Highway | 13.2 mi | 17m |
| Old Mill Road | 9.1 mi | 13m |
| US 60 | 3.6 mi | 5m |
| US Route 60 | 2.6 mi | 4m |
| Broadway | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| Brandenburg Road | 1.3 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 162.1 mi, about 2h 54m
Traffic on I-64
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 12 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,321 veh/hr typical · worst 1,672
Quietest
2 AM
~105 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
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 Meads, KY and Brandenburg, KY.
1
Start on this road
56 ft
·
4 sec
·
this road
2
Continue on Midland Trail Road
353 ft
·
16 sec
·
Midland Trail Road
3
Turn right onto Marsh Hill Drive
110 ft
·
5 sec
·
Marsh Hill Drive
4
Turn right onto US 60
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
·
US Route 60
5
Continue on US 60
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
US Route 60
6
Turn right onto US 60
3.6 mi
·
5 min
·
US 60
7
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
8
Merge onto I 64
99 mi
·
1 hr 46 min
·
I 64
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64
6.9 mi
·
8 min
·
I 64
Toward I 64 West, I 75 North: Louisville, Cincinnati
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
56 mi
·
59 min
·
I 64
Toward I 64 West: Frankfort, Louisville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Toward Interstate 265, KY 841 South: Gene Snyder Freeway
12
Merge onto I 265; KY 841
25 mi
·
29 min
·
Gene Snyder Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 1
Toward US 31W, US 60: Fort Knox, Louisville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
204 ft
·
11 sec
Toward Fort Knox, Patton Museum
Use the left lane.
15
Turn left onto US 31W; US 60
13 mi
·
17 min
·
Dixie Highway
16
Turn right onto KY 1638
9.1 mi
·
13 min
·
Old Mill Road
17
Turn right onto KY 448
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Brandenburg Road
18
Turn right onto KY 448
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Broadway
19
Continue on KY 448
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
West Broadway
20
Turn left onto KY 710
49 ft
·
1 sec
·
Old State Road
21
Arrive at destination
KY 710
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 11m duration, leaving Meads, KY in the morning should allow ample time to reach Brandenburg, KY before evening. The longest stretch without a significant change in major road is 162.1 miles on I 64, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly, perhaps around the halfway point or slightly after the first major highway segment. With a fuel cost estimate of $39, it's a budget-friendly trip. Since this is a single-day drive, you have flexibility in your departure time, but an early start is always recommended for highway travel to avoid potential congestion, especially on sections like the Gene Snyder Freeway.
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 109.9 miles from Meads, KY, or about 2h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 162.1 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 48 miles or 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 109.9 miles or 2h 2m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brandenburg, KY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Meads, 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 Meads, KY
This is one driving day of about 219.8 miles and 4h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Meads, 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 162.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
110 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 109.9 miles from Meads, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 64 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 162.1 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Rest Area I 64 (West Bound)
0 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area I 64 (East Bound)
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.3 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.9 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 106 and 194.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
106 mi into trip
|
~1h 57m in
|
I 64
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64 toward I 64 West, I 75 North: Louisville, 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 64 West, I 75 North: Louisville, Cinci...
8
113 mi into trip
|
~2h 5m in
|
I 64
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64 toward I 64 West: Frankfort, Louisville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 64 West: Frankfort, Louisville
5
168.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 5m in
Take the exit toward Interstate 265, KY 841 South: Gene Snyder Freeway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Interstate 265, KY 841 South: Gene Snyde...
8
194.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 35m in
Take the exit toward US 31W, US 60: Fort Knox, Louisville
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 1
Toward US 31W, US 60: Fort Knox, Louisville
9
194.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 36m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Fort Knox, Patton Museum
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward Fort Knox, Patton Museum
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.54 one way
$73.09 round trip
$4.22/gal
25.4 MPG avg
77 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $39.81 | $79.61 |
| premium | $5.18 | $44.85 | $89.70 |
| diesel | $5.35 | $46.30 | $92.59 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 65.9 | 0 | $23.08 | $10.55 |
| Efficient EV | 55 | 0 | $19.23 | $8.79 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 87.9 | 1 | $30.77 | $14.07 |
Gas CO2
77 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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.
Origin
Meads, KY
Afternoon in Meads on Wednesday
Local time
4:05 PM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
N 0 to 5 mph
14% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued June 1 at 5:10AM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 10:38AM CDT until June 3 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
Destination
Brandenburg, KY
Afternoon in Brandenburg on Wednesday
Local time
4:05 PM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Partly Sunny
N 0 to 3 mph
13% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued June 1 at 5:10AM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 10:38AM CDT until June 3 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah 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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
5 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
4h 11m 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.
Camp Nelson National Monument
National Monument
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...
20 mi from route
~51 min detour
Free
near mile 106.1
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is mostly highway, with 88% of the drive on major roads. You'll experience a long stretch of 162.1 miles on I 64 before transitioning to surface roads. Expect a significant amount of interstate driving, including time on the Gene Snyder Freeway and Dixie Highway. The high percentage of highway driving means you'll encounter frequent exits and merges, particularly as you navigate around populated areas.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 162.1 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and Gene Snyder Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 106 miles in near I 64.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 219.8 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 106 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 113 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 168.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,011 ft
440 ft
Total Climb
656 ft
Total Descent
725 ft
Highest Point
1,011 ft
~78.5 mi in
Elevation Range
572 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Meads, KY and Brandenburg, KY, road signs point toward Cincinnati, Louisville, Fort Knox and Patton Museum.
Cincinnati
106 mi in
|
~1h 57m
|
via I 64
Louisville
113 mi in
|
~2h 5m
|
via I 64
Fort Knox
194.6 mi in
|
~3h 36m
Patton Museum
194.6 mi in
|
~3h 36m
About the Cities
Arriving in Brandenburg, KY
Full guide →Founded 1804
Brandenburg is a small town in the Kentucky Derby Region. Located on the Ohio River, 40 miles southwest of Louisville, it is the county seat of Meade County.
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 4h 11m. Total distance: 219.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 11m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 162.1 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 14 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 Brandenburg, 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 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 106 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 113 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 168.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Camp Nelson National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Brandenburg, 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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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