Embarking on a journey from Meads, KY, to Henderson, KY, covers 311.6 miles and will take approximately 5 hours and 53 minutes of driving time. This route is entirely within Kentucky and is well-suited for a single-day adventure, with an estimated fuel cost of around $49. The drive is primarily on major highways, making it a straightforward trip. You'll spend most of your time on Interstates 64 and 69, along with US 41, giving you a consistent driving experience. This is a practical option if you're looking for an efficient way to get between these two points in the Southeast region.
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
155.8 miles from Meads, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 54m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
275.4 mi
5h 3m
I 69
20.1 mi
23m
US 41
6.1 mi
8m
US 60
5.2 mi
9m
US Route 60
2.6 mi
4m
Midland Trail Road
<0.1 mi
<1m
Washington Street
<0.1 mi
<1m
Marsh Hill Drive
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 275.4 mi, about 5h 3m
Traffic on I-64
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 36 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,020 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,328
Quietest
2 AM
~94 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
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 Henderson, 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, CincinnatiUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
74 mi·1 hr 23 min·I 64
Toward I 64 West: Frankfort, LouisvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64; US 150
5.3 mi·7 min·I 64; US 150
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
12
Continue on I 64; SR 62
90 mi·1 hr 37 min·I 64; SR 62
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi·49 sec
Exit 29AToward I 69 South, SR 57 South: Evansville, Henderson, KentuckyUse the slight right lane.
14
Merge onto I 69; SR 57
20 mi·23 min·I 69; SR 57
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·16 sec
Toward US 41: Vincennes, Henderson, Kentucky
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·46 sec
Toward US 41 South: Henderson, Kentucky
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·26 sec
Toward US 41 South: Henderson, KentuckyUse the slight right lane.
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·46 sec
Toward US 41 South: Henderson, KentuckyUse the slight right lane.
19
Merge onto US 41
6.1 mi·8 min·US 41
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·35 sec
Exit 15BToward US 60 West, US 41 Alternate: Henderson
21
Turn straight onto US 60; US 41 Alt
1.6 mi·3 min·US 60; US 41 Alt
22
Turn left onto Washington Street
213 ft·10 sec·Washington Street
23
Turn left
98 ft·7 sec
24
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
With a total duration of under 6 hours, this drive is comfortably manageable in one day, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Consider an early start to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic. While the drive is designed for efficiency, remember there's only one designated stop point in the data, so plan for any necessary breaks accordingly. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the longest stretch of 275.4 miles on I 64, as services can sometimes be spaced out on interstates. The $49 fuel cost is a helpful budget estimate for planning.
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 155.8 miles from Meads, KY, or about 2h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 275.4 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 69 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 155.8 miles or 2h 54m 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 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Henderson, 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 311.6 miles and 5h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 69 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 275.4 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 106 and 303.3 — 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
8
282.2 mi into trip|~5h 14m in
Take the exit toward I 69 South, SR 57 South: Evansville, Henderson, Kentucky
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 29A
Toward I 69 South, SR 57 South: Evansville, Hen...
8
303.2 mi into trip|~5h 39m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 41 South: Henderson, Kentucky
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 41 South: Henderson, Kentucky
9
303.3 mi into trip|~5h 39m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 41 South: Henderson, Kentucky
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 41 South: Henderson, Kentucky
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.02 one way
$92.03 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg109 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$50.80
$101.60
premium
$4.72
$57.85
$115.71
diesel
$4.80
$58.84
$117.67
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: 109 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
93.5
1
$32.72
$14.96
Efficient EV
77.9
0
$27.27
$12.46
EV Truck/SUV
124.6
1
$43.62
$19.94
Gas CO2
109 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
Meads, KY
Night
in Meads on Saturday
Local time
10:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
93°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 2 mph43% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:22PM EDT by NWS Louisville KY
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:12PM EDT by NWS Jackson KY
Destination
Henderson, KY
Night
in Henderson on Saturday
Local time
9:52 PM
CDT
Current temp
86°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 6 mph53% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:22PM EDT by NWS Louisville KY
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:12PM 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 earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
7 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
5h 53m 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 107.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is characterized as a highway-focused drive, with 99% of the journey utilizing major roadways. You'll encounter a significant stretch of 275.4 miles predominantly on I 64, offering a sustained period of interstate travel. The overall feel is one of steady progress on well-maintained highways. While the route prioritizes efficiency, the extensive highway share means you can expect a consistent driving pace for the majority of the 5h 53m duration. Prepare for a drive that prioritizes getting you to your destination smoothly.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 275.4 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and I 69. 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 Effort9/10
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 311.6 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 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 282.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,027 ft390 ft
Total Climb
786 ft
Total Descent
1,011 ft
Highest Point
1,027 ft
~89 mi in
Elevation Range
638 ft
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 Henderson, KY, road signs point toward Cincinnati, Louisville and Kentucky.
Henderson is a city in Kentucky's Western Coal Fields. It is the seat of Henderson County and is located across the Ohio River from Evansville, Indiana.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 53m. Total distance: 311.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 275.4 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 18 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 Henderson, 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 18 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 282.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Camp Nelson National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Henderson, KY before the return drive.
