Traveling from Owensboro to Augusta covers 239.2 miles across the state of Kentucky. With a drive time of approximately 4 hours and 48 minutes, this trip is highly manageable as a single-day excursion. You will rely primarily on I-71, I-64, and US-60 to navigate between these two points in the Southeast region. Budgeting about $36 for fuel should cover your transit costs comfortably. Since the route is straightforward and stays within one state, you won't need to worry about complex navigation or multi-day planning, making it an ideal choice for a quick getaway or a direct commute.
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
119.6 miles from Owensboro, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 21m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 71
79.4 mi
1h 25m
I 64
64.5 mi
1h 10m
US 60
30.4 mi
38m
KY 8
17 mi
28m
AA Highway
15.6 mi
21m
SR 265
7.4 mi
8m
I 265
6.4 mi
7m
Ronald Reagan Highway
5.9 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 71
— 79.4 mi, about 1h 25m
Traffic on I-64
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 12 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~817 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,167
Quietest
1 AM
~84 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 42 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 Owensboro, KY and Augusta, KY.
1
Start on Frederica Street
0.1 mi·19 sec·Frederica Street
2
Turn left onto West 4th Street
4.1 mi·7 min·West 4th Street
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·27 sec
Use the left lane.
4
Merge onto US 60; US 231
2.1 mi·2 min·US 60; US 231
5
Keep slight right at fork onto US 60; US 231
28 mi·35 min·US 60; US 231
Use the left / straight lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
7
Merge onto I 64
64 mi·1 hr 10 min·I 64
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 265; SR 62
6.4 mi·7 min·I 265; SR 62
Exit 121Toward I 265 East, SR 62 East
9
Continue on SR 265; SR 62
7.4 mi·8 min·SR 265; SR 62
10
Continue on KY 841
3.4 mi·3 min·Gene Snyder Freeway
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward I 71 North: CincinnatiUse the right lane.
12
Merge onto I 71
67 mi·1 hr 12 min·I 71
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 71
12 mi·13 min·I 71
Toward I 75 North, I 71 North: CincinnatiUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 185Toward I 275Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 275 East
16
Merge onto I 275
5.9 mi·6 min·Ronald Reagan Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Exit 77Toward KY 9, AA: Wilder, MaysvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward KY 9, AA: Alexandria, MaysvilleUse the right lane.
19
Merge onto KY 9; AA
1.4 mi·2 min·Licking Pike
Toward Alexandria, Maysville
20
Continue on KY 9; AA
16 mi·21 min·AA Highway
21
Turn left onto KY 2828
1.0 mi·1 min·Ivor Road
Use the left lane.
22
At end of road, turn right onto KY 8
17 mi·28 min·KY 8
23
Turn left onto Main Street
308 ft·6 sec·Main Street
24
Continue on West 4th Street
376 ft·20 sec·West 4th Street
25
Turn left
161 ft·11 sec
26
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the total duration of under five hours, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around your personal schedule. Consider scheduling one major stop to break up the drive, especially since the distance is significant enough to warrant a quick breather. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the longer interstate segments, as services can be spaced out between major highway transitions. Since this is a single-day trip, starting your engine early in the morning allows you to arrive in Augusta with plenty of daylight to spare. Prioritize checking traffic reports for I-71 and I-64 before you head out to ensure your travel time remains close to the estimated 4 hours and 48 minutes.
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 119.6 miles from Owensboro, KY, or about 2h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 79.4 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 53 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 119.6 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 43m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Augusta, KY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Owensboro, 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 Owensboro, KY
This is one driving day of about 239.2 miles and 4h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Owensboro, 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 71 for about 79.4 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 99.8 and 203.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
99.8 mi into trip|~1h 58m in|I 265; SR 62
Keep slight left at fork onto I 265; SR 62 toward I 265 East, SR 62 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 121
Toward I 265 East, SR 62 East
8
184.7 mi into trip|~3h 31m in|I 71
Keep slight left at fork onto I 71 toward I 75 North, I 71 North: Cincinnati
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 75 North, I 71 North: Cincinnati
7
196.8 mi into trip|~3h 44m in
Take the exit toward I 275
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 185
Toward I 275
8
203.7 mi into trip|~3h 53m in
Take the exit toward KY 9, AA: Wilder, Maysville
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 77
Toward KY 9, AA: Wilder, Maysville
9
203.9 mi into trip|~3h 53m in
Keep slight right at fork toward KY 9, AA: Alexandria, Maysville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward KY 9, AA: Alexandria, Maysville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.77 one way
$79.54 round trip
$4.22/gal25.4 MPG avg84 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$43.32
$86.64
premium
$5.18
$48.81
$97.62
diesel
$5.35
$50.38
$100.77
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 83.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
71.8
0
$25.12
$11.48
Efficient EV
59.8
0
$20.93
$9.57
EV Truck/SUV
95.7
1
$33.49
$15.31
Gas CO2
84 kg
EV CO2
28 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 May 22, 2026
Origin
Owensboro, KY
Afternoon
in Owensboro on Wednesday
Local time
2:56 PM
CDT
Current temp
60°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
ENE 6 mph19% chanceLive forecast
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued May 22 at 3:00AM EDT until May 23 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Jackson KY
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued May 22 at 3:00AM EDT until May 23 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Louisville KY
Destination
Augusta, KY
Afternoon
in Augusta on Wednesday
Local time
3:56 PM
EDT
Current temp
86°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 later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
26 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 48m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is a highway-focused journey, with 87% of your time spent on major thoroughfares. You should prepare for a consistent interstate experience, punctuated by the longest uninterrupted stretch of 79.4 miles along I-71. While the road is designed for efficiency and steady speeds, the transition between these major arteries keeps the drive from feeling entirely one-note. Expect a predictable, fast-paced environment that prioritizes time-saving over winding local paths. You will spend the vast majority of your nearly five-hour trip maintaining highway speeds, so ensure your vehicle is ready for sustained interstate travel.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 79.4 mi on I 71.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 71 and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 99.8 miles in near I 265; SR 62.
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 20 significant decision points across 239.2 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 99.8 miles (I 265; SR 62): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 184.7 miles (I 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 196.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
885 ft394 ft
Total Climb
812 ft
Total Descent
688 ft
Highest Point
885 ft
~187.9 mi in
Elevation Range
491 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Owensboro, KY and Augusta, KY, road signs point toward Aa: Wilder, Maysville, Aa: Alexandria and Alexandria.
Owensboro is a town on the banks of the Ohio River in Kentucky's Western Coal Fields. It bills itself as the Barbecue Capital of the World and has had some interesting figures call it home over the years, such as Beulah Annan, whose story inspired the play and movie Chicago; Florence Henderson, aka Carol Brady of The Brady Bunch; NASCAR great Darrell Waltrip (as well as his brother Michael, also a longtime NASCAR driver); and Johnny Depp. On a darker note, it was also the site of the last public hanging in the United States, the subject being an African American, in 1936.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 48m. Total distance: 239.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 48m 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 79.4 miles on I 71. 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 Augusta, 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 99.8 miles (I 265; SR 62): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 184.7 miles (I 71): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 196.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Augusta, KY, but most travelers stay overnight.
