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Trip from Nicholasville, KY to Reidland, KY

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

Drive Time

4h 37m

Distance

249.7 mi

402 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$39

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 24m ★
6 AM
4h 37m
8 AM
5h 4m
10 AM
4h 47m
12 PM
4h 44m
3 PM
4h 48m
5 PM
5h 3m
8 PM
4h 29m

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 Jessamine County, Kentucky, United States

Nicholasville, KY

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Reidland, KY, KY

Reidland, KY

Stepan Vrany

Trip Overview

This 249.7-mile drive from Nicholasville, KY, to Reidland, KY, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 37 minutes of pure driving time. You'll spend most of your journey on major highways, with a 93% highway share, making it a straightforward trip. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $38, which is quite manageable. Given its duration and highway-focused profile, this route is perfectly suited as a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. You'll be traveling within the Southeast region throughout this drive.

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

124.8 miles from Nicholasville, KY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 21m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Western Kentucky Parkway 98.9 mi 1h 46m
Bluegrass Parkway 67.6 mi 1h 12m
I 69 53.6 mi 57m
I 24 9.1 mi 9m
Keene Road 5.3 mi 7m
Pinckard Pike 4.5 mi 6m
Keene-Versailles Road 2.1 mi 2m
Troy Pike 1.3 mi 2m
Longest stretch: Western Kentucky Parkway — 98.9 mi, about 1h 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Nicholasville, KY and Reidland, KY.

1

Start on US 27 Business

0.1 mi · 20 sec · North Main Street
2

Turn left onto KY 169

0.2 mi · 19 sec · West Oak Street
3

At end of road, turn right onto KY 169

0.8 mi · 1 min · North 3rd Street
4

Continue on KY 169

5.1 mi · 7 min · Keene Road
5

Continue on KY 169; KY 1267

0.2 mi · 20 sec · Keene Road
6

Turn left onto KY 169

0.4 mi · 39 sec · Pinchard Pike
7

Continue on KY 169

2.1 mi · 2 min · Keene-Versailles Road
8

Continue on KY 169

4.5 mi · 6 min · Pinckard Pike
9

At end of road, turn right onto KY 33

1.3 mi · 2 min · Troy Pike
10

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 45 sec
11

Merge onto Bluegrass Parkway

68 mi · 1 hr 12 min · Bluegrass Parkway
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.9 mi · 1 min
13

Merge onto I 65

1.2 mi · 1 min · I 65
14

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.
15

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Exit 91C-B Toward US 31W: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway West
16

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Toward Paducah, Elizabethtown
17

Merge onto Western Kentucky Parkway

98 mi · 1 hr 45 min · Western Kentucky Parkway
18

Continue on Western Kentucky Parkway

0.8 mi · 54 sec · Western Kentucky Parkway
Exit 38A
19

Merge onto I 69

37 mi · 40 min · I 69
20

Keep slight right at fork onto I 69

16 mi · 17 min · I 69
Exit 68B Toward I 24 West, I 69 South: Paducah
21

Keep slight right at fork onto I 24

9.1 mi · 9 min · I 24
22

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 46 sec
Exit 16 Toward US 68: Paducah
23

Keep slight right at fork

131 ft · 3 sec
Exit 16 Toward US 68: Paducah
24

Turn right onto US 68

0.9 mi · 1 min · US 68
25

At end of road, turn left onto US 62

1.2 mi · 1 min · Kentucky Dam Road
26

Turn left onto KY 1887

0.3 mi · 46 sec · Park Road
27

Turn right onto KY 131

63 ft · 1 sec · Reidland Rd
28

Arrive at destination

KY 131

Trip Plan

For this 4.5-hour drive, consider leaving in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed pace. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in timing your breaks. The longest stretch without a major exit is nearly 99 miles on the Western Kentucky Parkway, so ensure you have adequate fuel before embarking on that segment. Planning your fuel stops strategically will be key to a smooth journey, especially since 93% of this route is on highways.

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 124.8 miles from Nicholasville, KY, or about 2h 21m 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 55 miles or 1h 5m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 124.8 miles or 2h 21m 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 47m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Nicholasville, 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 Nicholasville, KY

This is one driving day of about 249.7 miles and 4h 37m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Nicholasville, 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

125 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

Oregon, KY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 55 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Beaver Dam, KY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 124.8 miles from Nicholasville, 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 Coffee Stop

Mercantile Coffee & Feed

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Nicholasville, Kentucky

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

62 East (Restaurant)

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 160.5

Central City, Kentucky

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+12709315066

Back Home Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 89.2

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12707692800

Visit website

Wings and Rings

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 53.5

Bardstown, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15023491963

Visit website

Slim Chickens

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour Inexpensiv mile 89.2

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 10:30 am–11 pm

+12705060980

Visit website

Cinco De Mayo Mexican Bar And Grill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 53.5

Bardstown, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15023501145

Visit website

Green Bamboo Chinese Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 89.2

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+12707693457

El Acapulco

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 89.2

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+12709822133

Visit website

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 53.5

Bardstown, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15023501333

Visit website

Mercantile Coffee & Feed

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route

Nicholasville, Kentucky

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

The Amsden

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 17.8

Versailles, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+18594232969

Visit website

Swope's Cars of Yesteryear Museum

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 89.2

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 20

5 decision points cluster between mile 84.6 and 247.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
84.6 mi into trip | ~1h 37m 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
84.8 mi into trip | ~1h 38m 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
85.1 mi into trip | ~1h 38m 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
221.6 mi into trip | ~4h 5m in | I 69

Keep slight right at fork onto I 69 toward I 24 West, I 69 South: Paducah

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 68B Toward I 24 West, I 69 South: Paducah
6
247.2 mi into trip | ~4h 34m in

Keep slight right at fork toward US 68: Paducah

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 16 Toward US 68: Paducah

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$39.04 one way

$78.08 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 87 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $42.86 $85.72
premium $4.89 $48.05 $96.11
diesel $5.61 $55.13 $110.26

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$39

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$64–$89

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 87.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 74.9 0 $26.22 $11.99
Efficient EV 62.4 0 $21.85 $9.99
EV Truck/SUV 99.9 1 $34.96 $15.98

Gas CO2

87 kg

EV CO2

29 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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

Nicholasville, KY

Night in Nicholasville on Saturday

Local time

10:53 PM

EDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Reidland, KY

Night in Reidland on Saturday

Local time

9:53 PM

CDT

Current temp

81°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

8 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

4h 37m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

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.

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...

6 mi from route ~15 min detour Free
View on nps.gov
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 77.5
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...

20 mi from route ~51 min detour Free near mile 111.9
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 highway-focused drive for the majority of this trip. With 93% of the route on high-speed roadways, you'll primarily be navigating the Western Kentucky Parkway, Bluegrass Parkway, and I-69. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 98.9 miles on the Western Kentucky Parkway, offering a solid period of consistent travel. This means you'll likely experience a steady pace for much of the journey, making it efficient for covering distance.

93% 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: 98.9 mi on Western Kentucky Parkway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

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 84.6 miles in.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 249.7 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 84.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 84.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 85.1 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 Nicholasville, KY and Reidland, KY, road signs point toward Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway West and Elizabethtown.

Paducah

84.6 mi in | ~1h 37m

Western Kentucky Parkway West

84.8 mi in | ~1h 38m

Elizabethtown

85.1 mi in | ~1h 38m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 37m. Total distance: 249.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (93%). 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 Reidland, 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 84.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 84.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 85.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Camp Nelson National Monument, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park and Mammoth Cave National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Reidland, 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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