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Trip from Morehead, KY to Independence, KY

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 20m

Distance

105.7 mi

170 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$17

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
2h 11m ★
6 AM
2h 20m
8 AM
2h 40m
10 AM
2h 27m
12 PM
2h 25m
3 PM
2h 28m
5 PM
2h 39m
8 PM
2h 14m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Rowan County, Kentucky

Morehead, KY

Wikimedia Commons

city in Kentucky, United States

Independence, KY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

If you are planning to travel from Morehead to Independence, Kentucky, you are looking at a 105.8-mile journey that typically takes about 2 hours and 1 minute. This route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, as it covers a manageable distance that does not require an overnight stop. You will primarily navigate via East Wilkinson Boulevard, Flemingsburg Road, and Morehead Road. With an estimated fuel cost of $16, the trip is quite budget-friendly for most travelers. Because both the origin and destination are located within the Southeast region of Kentucky, the drive offers a consistent regional feel throughout the transit. It is a straightforward, practical connection that avoids the complexity of long-haul travel.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

52.9 miles from Morehead, KY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 6m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
AA Highway 52.2 mi 1h 10m
Flemingsburg Road 19.7 mi 25m
Maysville Road 12.3 mi 14m
Morehead Road 7.6 mi 8m
Madison Pike 5.2 mi 8m
Ronald Reagan Highway 2.8 mi 3m
Licking Pike 1.8 mi 3m
KY 11 1.5 mi 1m
Longest stretch: AA Highway — 52.2 mi, about 1h 10m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Morehead, KY and Independence, KY.

1

Start on Bridge Street

258 ft · 14 sec · Bridge Street
2

Turn right onto US 60; KY 32

0.5 mi · 57 sec · East Wilkinson Boulevard
3

Turn right onto KY 32

20 mi · 25 min · Flemingsburg Road
4

Continue on KY 32

7.6 mi · 8 min · Morehead Road
Use the straight lane.
5

Continue on KY 11

1.5 mi · 1 min · KY 11
Use the left lane.
6

Turn left onto KY 11

12 mi · 14 min · Maysville Road
Use the left lane.
7

Turn left onto KY 9; AA

52 mi · 1 hr 10 min · AA Highway
Toward AA, KY 9 North: Brooksville Use the straight / left lanes.
8

Continue on KY 9; AA

1.8 mi · 3 min · Licking Pike
Use the left lane.
9

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Toward I 275 West: Airport Use the left lane.
10

Merge onto I 275

2.8 mi · 3 min · Ronald Reagan Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 48 sec
Exit 80 Toward KY 17: Independence, Covington Use the straight / right lanes.
12

Turn right onto KY 17

5.2 mi · 8 min · Madison Pike
Toward Independence Use the left / right lanes.
13

Turn right onto KY 17 Business

0.3 mi · 30 sec · Pelly Road
Use the right lane.
14

Continue on KY 17 Business

1.1 mi · 2 min · KY 17 Business
15

Arrive at destination

KY 17 Business; KY 2045

Trip Plan

Since this is a relatively short drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. However, because the route consists entirely of local roads, you should factor in extra time for traffic or slower sections that might impact your 2-hour and 1-minute travel estimate. There are no planned stops, so ensure your vehicle is fueled up before you leave to cover the $16 cost comfortably. Given the turn-heavy nature of the roads, it is wise to keep your focus sharp and avoid rushing through the tighter sections. A practical tip for this specific drive is to check your tire pressure and vehicle fluids before departing, as the persistent turning can be more demanding on your car than a standard highway cruise.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 52.9 miles from Morehead, KY, or about 1h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 52.2 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 23 miles or 30m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 52.9 miles or 1h 6m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 52m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Independence, KY than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Morehead, 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 Morehead, KY

This is one driving day of about 105.7 miles and 2h 20m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Morehead, KY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on AA Highway for about 52.2 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Augusta, KY, KY

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Augusta, KY

53 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

Flemingsburg, KY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 23 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Augusta, KY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 52.9 miles from Morehead, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Fort Wright Family Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fort Wright, Kentucky

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 98.2

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+18593318359

Asian Place Chinese Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fort Mitchell, Kentucky

3 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Reality Tuesday Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Park Hills, Kentucky

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 98.2

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+18592614939

Visit website

Fort Wright Family Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 98.2

Fort Wright, Kentucky

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+18593318359

Asian Place Chinese Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 98.2

Fort Mitchell, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+18595788707

Visit website

Yum Yum Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 45.3

Aberdeen, Ohio

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+19377952201

Bouquet Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour Expensive mile 98.2

Covington, Kentucky

Hours: 4–10 pm

+18594917777

Visit website

Riverside Korean Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $20 to $30 mile 98.2

Covington, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+18592911484

Visit website

Coppin's Restaurant & Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $20 to $30 mile 98.2

Covington, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–11 pm

+18599056800

Visit website

La Mexicana Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 98.2

Newport, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+18592616112

Pepper Pod Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 98.2

Newport, Kentucky

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+18594317455

Visit website

Reality Tuesday Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 98.2

Park Hills, Kentucky

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+18592614939

Visit website

Ludlow Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 98.2

Ludlow, Kentucky

Hours: 6 am–12 pm

+18593412928

Visit website

Kentucky Gateway Museum Center

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 45.3

Maysville, Kentucky

Hours: 10 am–3:30 pm

+16065645865

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 9

5 decision points cluster between mile 29.3 and 99.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
29.3 mi into trip | ~37m in | KY 11 / Maysville Road

Turn left onto KY 11 / Maysville Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
41.7 mi into trip | ~51m in | KY 9; AA / AA Highway

Turn left onto KY 9; AA / AA Highway toward AA, KY 9 North: Brooksville

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / left lanes. Toward AA, KY 9 North: Brooksville
8
95.7 mi into trip | ~2h 5m in

Take the exit toward I 275 West: Airport

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward I 275 West: Airport
8
98.8 mi into trip | ~2h 8m in

Take the exit toward KY 17: Independence, Covington

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / right lanes. Exit 80 Toward KY 17: Independence, Covington
6
99.1 mi into trip | ~2h 9m in | KY 17 / Madison Pike

Turn right onto KY 17 / Madison Pike toward Independence

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / right lanes. Toward Independence

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$16.52 one way

$33.05 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 37 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $18.14 $36.29
premium $4.89 $20.34 $40.68
diesel $5.61 $23.34 $46.67

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$17

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$42–$67

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 37 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 31.7 0 $11.10 $5.07
Efficient EV 26.4 0 $9.25 $4.23
EV Truck/SUV 42.3 0 $14.80 $6.76

Gas CO2

37 kg

EV CO2

12 kg (68% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026

Origin

Morehead, KY

Night in Morehead on Saturday

Local time

10:44 PM

EDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Independence, KY

Night in Independence on Saturday

Local time

10:44 PM

EDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

53°F

Augusta, KY

53 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

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

24 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

2h 20m 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?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous highway experience, as this route features a 0% highway share. You will spend the entire 105.8 miles navigating local roads, which keeps you engaged behind the wheel. The journey lacks long, uninterrupted stretches, meaning you should be prepared for constant steering inputs and varying road conditions. Because you are avoiding major interstates entirely, the pace of the drive remains steady and localized. This character makes the trip feel more like a traditional backroads transit, requiring your full attention as you transition between the various segments of the route.

Only 2% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 52.2 mi on AA Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 29.3 miles in near KY 11 / Maysville Road.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 20m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 29.3 miles (KY 11 / Maysville Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 41.7 miles (KY 9; AA / AA Highway): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 95.7 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.

On the drive from Morehead, KY to Independence, KY, road signs begin pointing toward Covington along the way.

Covington

98.8 mi in | ~2h 8m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 20m. Total distance: 105.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (2%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 52.2 miles on AA Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 29.3 miles (KY 11 / Maysville Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 41.7 miles (KY 9; AA / AA Highway): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 95.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Independence, KY before heading back.

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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