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Trip from Nevada, KY to Dawson 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 17m

Distance

176.8 mi

285 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 6m ★
6 AM
3h 18m
8 AM
3h 42m
10 AM
3h 26m
12 PM
3h 24m
3 PM
3h 27m
5 PM
3h 41m
8 PM
3h 11m

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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Downtown Nevada, KY, KY

Nevada, KY

Stephan Müller

city in Kentucky, United States of America

Dawson Springs, KY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 176.8-mile journey from Nevada, KY, to Dawson Springs, KY, is designed as a single-day adventure, taking approximately 3 hours and 17 minutes to complete. You'll navigate primarily on local roads, including Perryville Road, East 2nd Street, and Springfield Road, with no significant highway driving involved. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $27, making it a budget-friendly option. Given its manageable duration and distance, this route is perfectly suited for a day trip. You'll traverse the Southeast region of Kentucky throughout your drive, experiencing the local landscape.

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

88.4 miles from Nevada, KY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 40m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Western Kentucky Parkway 98.9 mi 1h 46m
Bluegrass Parkway 23.9 mi 25m
Springfield Road 15.6 mi 17m
US 150 15 mi 17m
I 69 12.7 mi 13m
Perryville Road 4 mi 6m
Industrial Parkway 1.6 mi 2m
I 65 1.2 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Western Kentucky Parkway — 98.9 mi, about 1h 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Nevada, KY and Dawson Springs, 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-A Toward KY 61 South: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Exit 91C-B Toward 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

Continue on Western Kentucky Parkway

0.8 mi · 54 sec · Western Kentucky Parkway
Exit 38A
16

Merge onto I 69

13 mi · 13 min · I 69
17

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 51 sec
Toward KY 109: Dawson Springs, Providence
18

Turn left onto KY 109

0.2 mi · 22 sec · Charleston Road
19

Continue on KY 109

1.6 mi · 2 min · Industrial Parkway
20

At end of road, turn right onto US 62; KY 109

0.9 mi · 1 min · East Arcadia Avenue
21

Turn left onto KY 109

21 ft · 0 sec · South Main Street
22

Arrive at destination

KY 109

Trip Plan

With a duration of just over 3 hours, this 176.8-mile drive offers plenty of flexibility. Consider departing in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for spontaneous stops along the way. Since the fuel cost is estimated at a reasonable $27, you won't need to worry too much about frequent refueling, but it's always wise to top off before you leave Nevada, KY. Pay close attention to the numerous turns on this local-road-heavy route; a reliable GPS is recommended to help you navigate the less direct path to Dawson Springs, KY.

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 88.4 miles from Nevada, KY, or about 1h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 98.9 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 39 miles or 45m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 88.4 miles or 1h 40m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 41m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Dawson Springs, 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 176.8 miles and 3h 17m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 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 98.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Vine Grove, KY, KY

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Vine Grove, KY

88 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

Bloomfield, KY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hardinsburg, KY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 88.4 miles from Nevada, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Western Kentucky Parkway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 98.9 miles.

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

Back Home Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 63.2

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12707692800

Visit website

Slim Chickens

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

1.8 mi

62 East (Restaurant)

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Central City, Kentucky

1.7 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Fresh Coffee, Pastries & More

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bardstown, Kentucky

Early in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 37.9

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+15023316345

Visit website

Back Home Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 63.2

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12707692800

Visit website

Slim Chickens

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour Inexpensiv mile 63.2

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 10:30 am–11 pm

+12705060980

Visit website

62 East (Restaurant)

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 138.9

Central City, Kentucky

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+12709315066

Toogie's Table

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 37.9

Bardstown, Kentucky

Hours: 5–8:30 pm

+15022750891

Visit website

Green Bamboo Chinese Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 63.2

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+12707693457

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 37.9

Bardstown, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15023501333

Visit website

El Acapulco

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 63.2

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+12709822133

Visit website

Kreso's Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 37.9

Bardstown, Kentucky

Hours: 11:30 am–2 pm

+15023489594

Fresh Coffee, Pastries & More

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 37.9

Bardstown, Kentucky

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+15023316345

Visit website

Bean Cove

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 63.2

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12709822233

Visit website

Swope's Cars of Yesteryear Museum

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 63.2

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+12707636175

Visit website

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 35.2 and 173.7 — 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
5
173.7 mi into trip | ~3h 12m in

Take the exit toward KY 109: Dawson Springs, Providence

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

Toward KY 109: Dawson Springs, Providence

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.64 one way

$55.28 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 62 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $30.35 $60.70
premium $4.89 $34.02 $68.05
diesel $5.61 $39.04 $78.07

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 61.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 53 0 $18.56 $8.49
Efficient EV 44.2 0 $15.47 $7.07
EV Truck/SUV 70.7 0 $24.75 $11.32

Gas CO2

62 kg

EV CO2

21 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Nevada, KY

Late night in Nevada on Sunday

Local time

12:20 AM

EDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Dawson Springs, KY

Night in Dawson Springs on Saturday

Local time

11:20 PM

CDT

Current temp

77°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

3 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 17m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park

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...

10 mi from route ~25 min detour Free near mile 54.9
View on nps.gov
Camp Nelson National Monument

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...

18 mi from route ~46 min detour Free
View on nps.gov
Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park

National Park

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 ~51 min detour Free near mile 91.5
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive for the entirety of this 176.8-mile route, as indicated by the 0% highway share. This means you'll be engaging with the road frequently, with plenty of opportunities to adjust your course. The drive is characterized by its consistently local feel, without any long, uninterrupted stretches that might lead to monotony. You'll be navigating through a series of connected local roads, offering a more intimate experience of the Kentucky landscape as you make your way from Nevada to Dawson Springs.

87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 98.9 mi on Western Kentucky Parkway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

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 Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 176.8 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.

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 Dawson Springs, KY, road signs point toward Bluegrass Parkway West, Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway West and Elizabethtown.

Bluegrass Parkway West

35.2 mi in | ~41m

Paducah

61.3 mi in | ~1h 10m

Western Kentucky Parkway West

61.6 mi in | ~1h 11m

Elizabethtown

61.8 mi in | ~1h 11m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 17m. Total distance: 176.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 98.9 miles on Western Kentucky Parkway. 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 Dawson 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 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. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Dawson 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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