This 205.1-mile drive from Nevada, KY to Cadiz, KY will take you approximately 3 hours and 49 minutes. It's a straightforward, highway-focused trip, with 78% of the route utilizing major roadways like the Western Kentucky Parkway, Bluegrass Parkway, and I-169. Given its manageable duration, this trip is perfectly suited as a single-day adventure, and with an estimated fuel cost of $31, it's an economical choice. You'll be traveling within the Southeast region of Kentucky for the entire journey, making for a cohesive regional experience. Plan for one main stop along the way to break up the drive.
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
102.5 miles from Nevada, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 55m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Western Kentucky Parkway
98 mi
1h 45m
Bluegrass Parkway
23.9 mi
25m
I 169
22.6 mi
24m
Springfield Road
15.6 mi
17m
US 150
15 mi
17m
Hopkinsville Road
7.4 mi
8m
Cadiz Road
7.1 mi
8m
Perryville Road
4 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
Western Kentucky Parkway
— 98 mi, about 1h 45m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Nevada, KY and Cadiz, KY.
1
Start on Bugg Road
7 ft·2 sec·Bugg Road
2
Turn right onto US 68
4.0 mi·6 min·Perryville Road
3
Turn right onto US 68; US 150; KY 52
0.6 mi·40 sec·East 2nd Street
4
Continue on US 150
16 mi·17 min·Springfield Road
5
Turn left onto US 150
92 ft·1 sec·US 150
6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 150
15 mi·17 min·US 150
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward Bluegrass Parkway West
8
Merge onto Bluegrass Parkway; US 31E Truck
24 mi·25 min·Bluegrass Parkway; US 31E Truck
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
10
Merge onto I 65
1.2 mi·1 min·I 65
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 91C-AToward KY 61 South: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Western Kentucky ParkwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 91C-BToward US 31W: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway West
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward Paducah, Elizabethtown
14
Merge onto Western Kentucky Parkway
98 mi·1 hr 45 min·Western Kentucky Parkway
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi·45 sec
Exit 38BToward I 169 South: HopkinsvilleUse the slight right lane.
16
Merge onto I 169
281 ft·3 sec·I 169
17
Continue on I 169
23 mi·24 min·I 169
Exit 106A
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward KY 1682
19
Keep slight left at fork
101 ft·2 sec
20
Turn left onto KY 1682
0.6 mi·46 sec·West Bypass Road
21
Continue on KY 1682
1.6 mi·1 min·Hopkinsville Bypass
22
Continue on KY 1682
0.4 mi·34 sec·Eagle Way
23
Merge onto KY 1682
0.2 mi·11 sec·Hopkinsville Bypass
24
Continue on KY 1682
2.1 mi·2 min·Eagle Way
25
Turn right onto US 68; KY 80
7.1 mi·8 min·Cadiz Road
26
Continue on US 68; KY 80
7.4 mi·8 min·Hopkinsville Road
27
Turn right onto US 68 Business
375 ft·7 sec·Merchant Street
28
Continue on US 68 Business
2.2 mi·3 min·Main Street
29
Turn right onto Brown Street
291 ft·8 sec·Brown Street
30
Turn right onto KY 139
243 ft·4 sec·Jefferson Street
31
Arrive at destination
KY 139
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour and 49-minute drive, consider departing in the morning to maximize your day in Cadiz, KY. With the longest stretch being 98 miles, you might only need one planned stop for fuel or a quick break. The estimated fuel cost of $31 makes it easy to budget for. Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to leave a little later if needed. Keep an eye out for the transitions between the Western Kentucky Parkway, Bluegrass Parkway, and I-169 as these mark the primary segments of your 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 102.5 miles from Nevada, KY, or about 1h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 98 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 45 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102.5 miles or 1h 55m 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 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cadiz, KY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Nevada, 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 Nevada, KY
This is one driving day of about 205.1 miles and 3h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Nevada, 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 Western Kentucky Parkway for about 98 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 35.2 and 160.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
35.2 mi into trip|~41m in
Take the exit toward Bluegrass Parkway West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward Bluegrass Parkway West
8
61.3 mi into trip|~1h 10m in
Take the exit toward KY 61 South: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway
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 91C-A
Toward KY 61 South: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Wes...
8
61.6 mi into trip|~1h 11m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 31W: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 91C-B
Toward US 31W: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Western...
6
61.8 mi into trip|~1h 11m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Paducah, Elizabethtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Paducah, Elizabethtown
7
160.2 mi into trip|~2h 57m in
Take the exit toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 38B
Toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.29 one way
$60.58 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg72 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$33.44
$66.88
premium
$4.72
$38.08
$76.16
diesel
$4.80
$38.73
$77.45
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
61.5
0
$21.54
$9.84
Efficient EV
51.3
0
$17.95
$8.20
EV Truck/SUV
82
1
$28.71
$13.13
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 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.
Forecast as of Jul 19, 2026
Origin
Nevada, KY
Late night
in Nevada on Sunday
Local time
4:42 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 2 to 7 mph56% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 8:17PM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
Destination
Cadiz, KY
Late night
in Cadiz on Sunday
Local time
3:42 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Clear
WSW 3 mph26% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 8:17PM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
87°F
Morgantown, KY
103 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
2 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 49m 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.
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
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 56.6
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...
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 91.9
Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant was becoming quite famous as he wrote these words following the surrender of Confederate Fort Donelson on Sunday, February 16, 1862. The Union victory at Fort Donels...
26 mi from route
~66 min detour
Free
near mile 205.1
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 78% of your journey on major roads. The drive features a substantial uninterrupted stretch of 98 miles on the Western Kentucky Parkway, offering a consistent pace. While largely highway, the route isn't entirely monotonous, providing a good balance of efficiency and the open road feel. You'll transition between the Western Kentucky Parkway, Bluegrass Parkway, and I-169, experiencing the typical characteristics of these well-maintained roadways as you progress towards Cadiz.
78% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 98 mi on Western Kentucky Parkway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Western Kentucky Parkway and Bluegrass Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 35.2 miles in.
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 21 significant decision points across 205.1 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 35.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 61.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 61.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
851 ft416 ft
Total Climb
539 ft
Total Descent
938 ft
Highest Point
851 ft
~14.6 mi in
Elevation Range
435 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Nevada, KY and Cadiz, KY, road signs point toward Bluegrass Parkway West, Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway West and Elizabethtown.
Nevada is an arid state of the US, lying between California and Utah. Most of the state is within the Great Basin, but parts of the northeast drain into the Snake River and the southern portion is within the Mohave Desert and the Colorado river drainage. While many outsiders pronounce the state's name as "ne-VAH-duh", the correct local pronunciation is [nəˈvædə], with a short "a" as in apple.
Although the majority of tourists only visit Las Vegas, Reno and Tahoe to gamble, watch shows, and indulge themselves in food and drink, Nevada offers the more discerning traveler western frontier experiences verging on horse opera cliché, and landscapes utterly different from Europe, East Asia or more populated parts of North America.
Top landmarks
•Carson City Mint — branch mint in Nevada, United States of America
•Adventuredome — Indoor amusement park at Circus Circus in Winchester, Nevada, USA
•Guggenheim Hermitage Museum — in Paradise, Nevada
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 49m. Total distance: 205.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (78%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 98 miles on Western Kentucky Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 4 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 Cadiz, 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 4 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 35.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 61.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 61.6 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 (4 total within detour distance). 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 7.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Cadiz, KY, but most travelers stay overnight.
