Origin
Meads, KY
Night in Meads on Saturday
Local time
10:48 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Meads, KY to Elizabethtown, KY
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 43m
Distance
196.5 mi
316 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$31
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 31m
★
6 AM
3h 43m
8 AM
4h 9m
10 AM
3h 52m
12 PM
3h 50m
3 PM
3h 54m
5 PM
4h 7m
8 PM
3h 36m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Meads, KY
Wikimedia Commons
Elizabethtown, KY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 196.5-mile drive from Meads, KY to Elizabethtown, KY can be comfortably completed in about 3 hours and 43 minutes, making it an excellent candidate for a single-day trip. You'll primarily be on I-64 and the Bluegrass Parkway, with a small portion on West New Circle Road. With 91% of the route on highways, expect a focused driving experience. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $31. Since both your origin and destination are in the Southeast region, you'll be staying within familiar territory throughout your travels. This route offers a straightforward way to get from point A to point B.
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
98.3 miles from Meads, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 49m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 101.7 mi | 1h 50m |
| Bluegrass Parkway | 70.6 mi | 1h 15m |
| West New Circle Road | 5.8 mi | 8m |
| Versailles Road | 4.5 mi | 6m |
| US 60 | 3.6 mi | 5m |
| US Route 60 | 2.6 mi | 4m |
| North Mulberry Street | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| Lexington Road | 1.3 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 101.7 mi, about 1h 50m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Meads, KY and Elizabethtown, 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
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
I 64
Toward I 64 West, I 75 North: Louisville, Cincinnati
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Exit 113
Toward US 27, US 68: Paris, Lexington
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Turn right onto US 27; US 68
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
North Broadway
12
Turn right onto US KY4
5.8 mi
·
8 min
·
West New Circle Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Exit 5B
Toward US 60 West: Versailles
Use the slight right lane.
14
Merge onto US 60
4.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Versailles Road
Use the left lane.
15
Continue on US 60
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Lexington Road
16
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward Elizabethtown
17
Continue on Bluegrass Parkway
71 mi
·
1 hr 15 min
·
Bluegrass Parkway
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
19
Merge onto I 65
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
·
I 65
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 94
Toward US 62, KY 61: Elizabethtown
Use the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
212 ft
·
7 sec
Toward US 62: Historic Downtown Elizabethtown, Elizabethtown
Use the left / right lanes.
22
Turn left onto US 62; KY 61
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
North Mulberry Street
23
Arrive at destination
US 62; KY 61
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour and 43-minute drive, leaving in the morning will allow you to reach Elizabethtown with plenty of daylight to spare, and since it's a manageable distance, you have the flexibility to stop as needed. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your break strategically, perhaps midway through the 101.7-mile stretch on I-64. The $31 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always keep an eye on your gauge, especially during that long I-64 segment where services might be less frequent than you'd expect. Consider filling up before you leave Meads to ensure a smooth journey.
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 98.3 miles from Meads, KY, or about 1h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 101.7 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 43 miles or 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 98.3 miles or 1h 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 3h 3m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Elizabethtown, 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 196.5 miles and 3h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 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 101.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
98 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 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 98.3 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 101.7 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 106 and 194.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
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. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 64 West, I 75 North: Louisville, Cinci...
8
108.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 1m in
Take the exit toward US 27, US 68: Paris, Lexington
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 113
Toward US 27, US 68: Paris, Lexington
7
115.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 12m in
Take the exit toward US 60 West: Versailles
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 5B
Toward US 60 West: Versailles
9
193.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 39m in
Take the exit toward US 62, KY 61: Elizabethtown
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 94
Toward US 62, KY 61: Elizabethtown
9
194.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 39m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 62: Historic Downtown Elizabethtown, Elizabethtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left / right lanes.
Toward US 62: Historic Downtown Elizabethtown,...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.72 one way
$61.44 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
69 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $33.73 | $67.46 |
| premium | $4.89 | $37.81 | $75.63 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $43.38 | $86.77 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 68.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 58.9 | 0 | $20.63 | $9.43 |
| Efficient EV | 49.1 | 0 | $17.19 | $7.86 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 78.6 | 0 | $27.51 | $12.58 |
Gas CO2
69 kg
EV CO2
23 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.
Destination
Elizabethtown, KY
Night in Elizabethtown on Saturday
Local time
10:48 PM
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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
3 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
3h 43m 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 drive is predominantly a highway-focused experience, with a substantial 91% of the journey taking place on faster roads. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 101.7 miles on I-64, suggesting long periods of consistent driving. The Bluegrass Parkway provides a different, though still highway-speed, experience. While the majority of the route is on these main arteries, the transition onto West New Circle Road will mark a change in pace as you approach your destination.
91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 101.7 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and Bluegrass Parkway. 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
9/10
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 15 significant decision points across 196.5 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 106 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 108.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 115.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
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 Elizabethtown, KY, road signs point toward Cincinnati and Lexington.
Cincinnati
106 mi in
|
~1h 57m
|
via I 64
Lexington
108.5 mi in
|
~2h 1m
About the Cities
Arriving in Elizabethtown, KY
Full guide →Elizabethtown is a small town in the Kentucky Derby Region. Abraham Lincoln's parents Thomas and Nancy had their daughter Sarah here in 1807 and then Abraham nearby at Sinking Spring Farm in 1809.
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 3h 43m. Total distance: 196.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 101.7 miles on I 64. 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 Elizabethtown, 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 106 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 108.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 115.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Elizabethtown, 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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