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Trip from Owensboro, KY to Buckner, 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 30m

Distance

127.1 mi

205 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 20m ★
6 AM
2h 31m
8 AM
2h 51m
10 AM
2h 38m
12 PM
2h 36m
3 PM
2h 39m
5 PM
2h 50m
8 PM
2h 25m

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 Owensboro, KY, KY

Owensboro, KY

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Buckner, KY, KY

Buckner, KY

Vietnam Hidden Light

Trip Overview

This 127.1-mile drive from Owensboro, KY to Buckner, KY is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend around 2 hours and 30 minutes on the road, primarily utilizing I-64, US 60, and I-71. With a fuel cost estimated at $20, it's an economical option for a day trip. The route stays within the Southeast region, offering a consistent driving experience. It's a practical choice if you're looking for an efficient way to get between these two Kentucky locations without needing an overnight stay.

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

63.6 miles from Owensboro, KY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 18m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 64 64.5 mi 1h 10m
US 60 30.4 mi 38m
I 71 8 mi 8m
SR 265 7.4 mi 8m
I 265 6.4 mi 7m
West 4th Street 4.1 mi 7m
Gene Snyder Freeway 3.4 mi 3m
KY 146 1.3 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 64 — 64.5 mi, about 1h 10m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Owensboro, KY and Buckner, 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 121 Toward 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: Cincinnati Use the right lane.
12

Merge onto I 71

8.0 mi · 8 min · I 71
13

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 49 sec
Exit 17 Toward KY 146: Buckner Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
14

Turn left onto KY 146

1.3 mi · 2 min · KY 146
15

Turn left onto Old Cedar Point Road

76 ft · 3 sec · Old Cedar Point Road
16

Arrive at destination

Old Cedar Point Road

Trip Plan

Given its 2-hour 30-minute duration, this 127.1-mile trip is best tackled as a day trip, offering plenty of flexibility for when you depart. Leaving in the morning will allow you to arrive with ample time for activities at your destination. With only one major highway stretch of 64.5 miles on I-64, you can plan for one primary fuel or rest stop midway if needed. The estimated fuel cost of $20 is quite manageable, so monitor your gauge and fill up before you leave Owensboro to ensure a smooth journey to Buckner.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 63.6 miles from Owensboro, KY, or about 1h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 64.5 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 28 miles or 37m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 63.6 miles or 1h 18m 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 3m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Buckner, 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 127.1 miles and 2h 30m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 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 64 for about 64.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Indiana, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Brownstown, IN

64 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

Dale, IN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Brownstown, IN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 63.6 miles from Owensboro, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 64 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 64.5 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

The Creme Coffee House

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Owensboro, Kentucky

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route Moderately

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+12706837787

Visit website

TANDOORI FUSION - INDIAN RESTAURANT

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Louisville, Kentucky

0.6 mi

Mi Tierra

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Buckner, Kentucky

0.9 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Jolie Carre - World Cafe (fka Boujie Biscuit)

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Owensboro, Kentucky

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route Moderately

Hours: 8:30 am–6:30 pm

+12705704550

Visit website

7 Brew Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Jeffersonville, Indiana

0.7 mi

Libertalia Coffee & Bagels

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Owensboro, Kentucky

1.6 mi

The Creme Coffee House

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route Moderately

Owensboro, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+12706837787

Visit website

TANDOORI FUSION - INDIAN RESTAURANT

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 118

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 11:30 am–2:30 pm

+15022552590

Visit website

Mi Tierra

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 127.1

Buckner, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15026020096

Green Tea Chinese Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 99.9

New Albany, Indiana

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18129247780

Visit website

FISTFUL Craft Restaurant & Brewery

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 99.9

New Albany, Indiana

Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm

+18125570226

Visit website

The Charcoal Restaurant

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 118

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+15027498888

Visit website

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 118

Louisville, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15023395400

Visit website

Rancho Alegre - Restaurante y tienda

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 81.7

Corydon, Indiana

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+18127387530

Visit website

Jolie Carre - World Cafe (fka Boujie Biscuit)

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route Moderately

Owensboro, Kentucky

Hours: 8:30 am–6:30 pm

+12705704550

Visit website

7 Brew Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 108.9

Jeffersonville, Indiana

Hours: 5:30 am–10 pm

+18129243194

Visit website

Libertalia Coffee & Bagels

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Owensboro, Kentucky

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+12702157759

Visit website

Coffee Crossing

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 108.9

Jeffersonville, Indiana

Hours: 5:30 am–9 pm

+18124066233

Visit website

Coffee Crossing

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 99.9

New Albany, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+18129469410

Visit website

True North Coffee House

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 99.9

New Albany, Indiana

Hours: 7:30 am–4 pm

+18127257358

Visit website

Starlight Coffee Co.

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 99.9

Floyds Knobs, Indiana

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+18129231404

Visit website

Mickey's

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 99.9

New Albany, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

Visit website

Big 4 Escape

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 108.9

Jeffersonville, Indiana

Hours: 2–8 pm

+18127251046

Visit website

Howard Steamboat Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 108.9

Jeffersonville, Indiana

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+18122833728

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 4.2 and 125.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
4.2 mi into trip | ~7m in

Take the ramp

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
6.5 mi into trip | ~10m in | US 60; US 231

Keep slight right at fork onto US 60; US 231

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight lanes.
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
6
117.1 mi into trip | ~2h 18m in

Take the exit toward I 71 North: Cincinnati

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

Use the right lane. Toward I 71 North: Cincinnati
7
125.4 mi into trip | ~2h 27m in

Take the exit toward KY 146: Buckner

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

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Exit 17 Toward KY 146: Buckner

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$19.87 one way

$39.74 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 45 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $21.82 $43.63
premium $4.89 $24.46 $48.92
diesel $5.61 $28.06 $56.12

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$20

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 44.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 38.1 0 $13.35 $6.10
Efficient EV 31.8 0 $11.12 $5.08
EV Truck/SUV 50.8 0 $17.79 $8.13

Gas CO2

44 kg

EV CO2

15 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

Owensboro, KY

Late night in Owensboro on Sunday

Local time

2:47 AM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Buckner, KY

Late night in Buckner on Sunday

Local time

3:47 AM

EDT

Current temp

74°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

2 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 30m 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?

This is a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 96% of the route on major roads. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 64.5 miles on I-64, which forms the backbone of this journey. The use of I-71 and US 60 means you'll be navigating faster speeds for the majority of the trip. The character of the drive is consistent, emphasizing efficient travel over winding backroads. Expect a smooth and direct path for most of the 127.1 miles, making for a predictable driving experience.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 64.5 mi on I 64.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and US 60. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.2 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 11 significant decision points across 127.1 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 4.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 6.5 miles (US 60; US 231): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 99.8 miles (I 265; SR 62): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 30m. Total distance: 127.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 64.5 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Buckner, 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 4.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 6.5 miles (US 60; US 231): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 99.8 miles (I 265; SR 62): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Buckner, 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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