This 321.2-mile journey from Midway to Ironville, Kentucky, is a solid day trip, taking approximately 6 hours and 4 minutes to complete. You'll spend 92% of your time on major highways, primarily utilizing I-64, the Western Kentucky Parkway, and the Bluegrass Parkway. With a projected fuel cost of around $50, this highway-focused drive offers a straightforward way to traverse the Southeast region of Kentucky. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider breaking it up, but it's definitely manageable in a single day. Plan for one main stop along the way to stretch your legs and refuel.
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
160.6 miles from Midway, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 58m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
101.8 mi
1h 50m
Western Kentucky Parkway
99.2 mi
1h 46m
Bluegrass Parkway
70.7 mi
1h 15m
I 69
13 mi
13m
New Circle Road
5.7 mi
8m
Dawson Road
4.9 mi
7m
Versailles Road
4.6 mi
6m
US Route 60
4.6 mi
7m
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 Midway, KY and Ironville, KY.
1
Start on KY 1627
66 ft·4 sec·Jones-Keeney Road
2
Turn right onto US 62
4.9 mi·7 min·Dawson Road
3
Continue on US 62
1.7 mi·2 min·West Arcadia Avenue
4
Turn left onto KY 109
1.6 mi·2 min·Industrial Parkway
5
Continue on KY 109
483 ft·11 sec·Charleston Road
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·30 sec
7
Merge onto I 69
13 mi·13 min·I 69
8
Keep slight right at fork onto Western Kentucky Parkway
0.3 mi·22 sec·Western Kentucky Parkway
Exit 106A-BToward I 169 South: HopkinsvilleUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on Western Kentucky Parkway
99 mi·1 hr 46 min·Western Kentucky Parkway
Exit 106BToward ElizabethtownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Exit 137BToward I 65 North: Lexington, LouisvilleUse the right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville
12
Merge onto I 65
1.4 mi·1 min·I 65
13
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 93Toward Lexington, BardstownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on Bluegrass Parkway
71 mi·1 hr 15 min·Bluegrass Parkway
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward US 60 West: Frankfort
16
Turn right onto US 60
1.7 mi·2 min·Lexington Road
17
Continue on US 60
4.6 mi·6 min·Versailles Road
Use the left lane.
18
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward KY 4 North: New Circle Road
19
Merge onto KY 4
5.7 mi·8 min·New Circle Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Turn left onto US 27; US 68
1.0 mi·1 min·North Broadway
21
Turn left
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 75 South, I 64 East: Knoxville, Ashland
22
Merge onto I 64; I 75
1.6 mi·1 min·I 64; I 75
23
Take the exit onto I 64
17 mi·18 min·I 64
Exit 111Toward I 64 East: Winchester, AshlandUse the slight left / straight lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
84 mi·1 hr 29 min·I 64
25
Take the exit
0.4 mi·53 sec
Exit 181Toward US 60
26
Turn left onto US 60
4.0 mi·6 min·US 60
27
Turn left onto US 60
4.6 mi·7 min·US Route 60
28
Continue on US 60
0.3 mi·28 sec·13th Street
29
Turn left onto KY 766
0.5 mi·1 min·Bob McCullough Drive
30
At end of road, turn right onto KY 766
0.3 mi·43 sec·Roberts Drive
31
Turn sharp left onto KY 766
0.6 mi·1 min·West Donta Road
32
Turn right onto Pine Street
157 ft·8 sec·Pine Street
33
Turn right onto Brett Street
524 ft·22 sec·Brett Street
34
Continue on Tiffany Drive
382 ft·16 sec·Tiffany Drive
35
Arrive at destination
Tiffany Drive
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 321.2-mile drive, aim for an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic and maximize daylight hours. You'll have one recommended stop, so plan for a midway point to refuel and take a break. Given the 6-hour duration, packing snacks and drinks can enhance comfort, especially during the longest 101.8-mile stretch on I-64. The estimated fuel cost of $50 is a good baseline, but always factor in a little extra for unexpected detours or increased consumption. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as services can be spaced out on the parkways.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 160.6 miles from Midway, KY, or about 2h 58m 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 71 miles or 1h 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 160.6 miles or 2h 58m 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 55m
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 Midway, 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 Midway, KY
This is one driving day of about 321.2 miles and 6h 4m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 71 miles from Midway, 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 25
5 decision points cluster between mile 21.6 and 210.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
21.6 mi into trip|~27m in|Western Kentucky Parkway
Keep slight right at fork onto Western Kentucky Parkway toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 106A-B
Toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville
8
120.9 mi into trip|~2h 14m 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
6
121.2 mi into trip|~2h 14m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville
8
123.2 mi into trip|~2h 17m 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
210.3 mi into trip|~3h 57m 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
$47.43 one way
$94.87 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg112 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$52.37
$104.73
premium
$4.72
$59.64
$119.27
diesel
$4.80
$60.65
$121.30
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$47
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 112.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
96.4
1
$33.73
$15.42
Efficient EV
80.3
0
$28.11
$12.85
EV Truck/SUV
128.5
1
$44.97
$20.56
Gas CO2
112 kg
EV CO2
38 kg (66% 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
Midway, KY
Evening
in Midway on Saturday
Local time
8:33 PM
CDT
Current temp
86°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 5 mph54% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 12:15PM EDT by NWS Louisville KY
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 11:01AM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
Destination
Ironville, KY
Night
in Ironville on Saturday
Local time
9:33 PM
EDT
Current temp
91°F
Patchy Smoke then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 2 mph42% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 12:15PM EDT by NWS Louisville KY
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 11:01AM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM 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
1 hour later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
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
6h 4m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 132.9
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 199.4
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 88.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 92% of your miles covered on interstates and parkways. You'll encounter a significant stretch of 101.8 miles on I-64, offering a chance for consistent speed. While the majority of the drive is on high-speed roads, the transition between parkways and interstates will keep the journey dynamic. The character of the road is built for efficient travel, minimizing time spent on slower, more winding local routes.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 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 21.6 miles in near Western Kentucky Parkway.
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 25 significant decision points across 321.2 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 21.6 miles (Western Kentucky Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 120.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 121.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,123 ft416 ft
Total Climb
1,187 ft
Total Descent
895 ft
Highest Point
1,123 ft
~275.3 mi in
Elevation Range
707 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Midway, KY and Ironville, KY, road signs point toward Elizabethtown, Louisville, Lexington, Bardstown and Ashland.
Midway is a small city in the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky in the northern section of Woodford County half way between the cities of Lexington and Frankfort. It is home to Midway University, historically a small women's college which became fully coeducational in 2016.
Top landmarks
•Martyrs Monument in Midway
•Midway Historic District — historic district in Kentucky, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 4m. Total distance: 321.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 4m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
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 10 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 10 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 21.6 miles (Western Kentucky Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 120.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 121.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 6.1 hours each way, a round trip means 12.2 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.
