Origin
Meads, KY
Night in Meads on Saturday
Local time
10:49 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Meads, KY to Russell Springs, KY
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 45m
Distance
195.6 mi
315 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 33m
★
6 AM
3h 46m
8 AM
4h 11m
10 AM
3h 55m
12 PM
3h 52m
3 PM
3h 56m
5 PM
4h 10m
8 PM
3h 38m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Meads, KY
Wikimedia Commons
Russell Springs, KY
Vietnam Hidden Light
Trip Overview
Meads to Russell Springs is 195.6 miles and takes about 3 hours 45 minutes via I 64 and I 75, with a fuel budget near $31 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Kentucky, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. It's a predominantly highway-focused trip, making it a straightforward option for a single-day journey. You'll find yourself on major interstates for most of the way, so expect a consistent driving pace.
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
97.8 miles from Meads, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 51m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 84.6 mi | 1h 30m |
| I 75 | 32.1 mi | 34m |
| Cumberland Parkway | 23.4 mi | 25m |
| Cumberland Lake Parkway | 18 mi | 21m |
| Boonesboro Road | 12.4 mi | 15m |
| Hal Rogers Parkway | 10.9 mi | 14m |
| US 60 | 3.6 mi | 5m |
| US Route 60 | 2.6 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 84.6 mi, about 1h 30m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Meads, KY and Russell Springs, 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
85 mi
·
1 hr 30 min
·
I 64
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward KY 627: Paris , Winchester
10
Turn left onto KY 627
0.5 mi
·
50 sec
·
Paris Road
11
Continue on KY 627
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
North Maple Street
12
Turn right onto KY 627
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Boone Avenue
13
Continue on KY 627
12 mi
·
15 min
·
Boonesboro Road
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward I 75 South
15
Merge onto I 75
32 mi
·
34 min
·
I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 62
Toward US 25: Renfro Valley, Mount Vernon
17
Keep slight right at fork
327 ft
·
5 sec
Exit 62
Toward US 25: Renfro Valley, Mount Vernon
18
Merge onto US 25
0.6 mi
·
49 sec
·
Richmond Street
19
Turn straight onto KY 461
18 mi
·
21 min
·
Cumberland Lake Parkway
Use the straight lane.
20
Merge onto KY 80
11 mi
·
14 min
·
Hal Rogers Parkway
Use the straight lane.
21
Turn right onto KY 914
0.4 mi
·
34 sec
·
KY 914
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward Bowling Green
23
Merge onto Cumberland Parkway
23 mi
·
25 min
·
Cumberland Parkway
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 62
Toward US 127: Russell Springs, Jamestown
25
Turn right onto US 127
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
US 127
26
Turn left onto KY 619
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Maple Street
27
At end of road, turn left onto KY 379
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
Main Street
28
Arrive at destination
KY 379
Trip Plan
With a duration of just under 4 hours, this trip is easily manageable in a single day, so consider leaving mid-morning to allow for a relaxed start. Your longest stretch without a major exit is over 84 miles on I 64, so ensure you have enough fuel before embarking on that segment. While there's only one recommended stop, you'll have flexibility to pull over as needed given the drive's manageable length. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before hitting that long stretch on I 64.
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 97.8 miles from Meads, KY, or about 1h 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 84.6 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 97.8 miles or 1h 51m 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 2m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Russell Springs, 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 195.6 miles and 3h 45m.
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 84.6 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 97.8 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 84.6 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 205 decision points cluster between mile 91.4 and 194 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
91.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 41m in
Take the exit toward KY 627: Paris , Winchester
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward KY 627: Paris , Winchester
5
107.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 2m in
Take the exit toward I 75 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward I 75 South
6
139.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 37m in
Take the exit toward US 25: Renfro Valley, Mount Vernon
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 62
Toward US 25: Renfro Valley, Mount Vernon
7
139.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 38m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 25: Renfro Valley, Mount Vernon
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 62
Toward US 25: Renfro Valley, Mount Vernon
6
194 mi into trip
|
~3h 42m in
Take the exit toward US 127: Russell Springs, Jamestown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 62
Toward US 127: Russell Springs, Jamestown
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.58 one way
$61.16 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
68 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $33.58 | $67.15 |
| premium | $4.89 | $37.64 | $75.28 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $43.19 | $86.37 |
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: 68.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 58.7 | 0 | $20.54 | $9.39 |
| Efficient EV | 48.9 | 0 | $17.12 | $7.82 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 78.2 | 0 | $27.38 | $12.52 |
Gas CO2
68 kg
EV CO2
23 kg (66% 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
Russell Springs, KY
Night in Russell Springs on Saturday
Local time
9:49 PM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
W 12 to 15 mph
73% chance
Live forecast
51°F
Richmond, KY
98 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
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
29 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 45m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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.
Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument
National Monument
The US won a significant victory early in the Civil War at the Battle of Mill Springs. Explore the rolling fields of Kentucky where the battle took place and learn about that state's strategic importa...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 175.4
View on nps.gov
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...
15 mi from route
~38 min detour
Free
near mile 107.9
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 heavily highway-focused, with 90% of the drive on interstates. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 84.6 miles on I 64, offering plenty of opportunity to settle into a rhythm. The primary roads are I 64, I 75, and the Cumberland Parkway, indicating a journey dominated by higher-speed travel. Expect a consistent and efficient drive for the majority of the 195.6 miles.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 84.6 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 75. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 91.4 miles in.
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 20 significant decision points across 195.6 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 91.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 107.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 139.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 Russell Springs, KY, road signs point toward Winchester, Mount Vernon and Bowling Green.
Winchester
91.4 mi in
|
~1h 41m
Mount Vernon
139.6 mi in
|
~2h 37m
Bowling Green
170 mi in
|
~3h 15m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 45m. Total distance: 195.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 84.6 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 Russell Springs, 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 91.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 107.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 139.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument and Camp Nelson National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Russell Springs, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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