Origin
Prospect, KY
Morning in Prospect on Tuesday
Local time
8:25 AM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Prospect, KY to Hopkinsville, KY
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 23m
Distance
179.5 mi
289 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 11m
★
6 AM
3h 23m
8 AM
3h 48m
10 AM
3h 32m
12 PM
3h 29m
3 PM
3h 33m
5 PM
3h 46m
8 PM
3h 16m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Prospect, KY
Vietnam Hidden Light
Hopkinsville, KY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Prospect, KY to Hopkinsville, KY is 179.5 miles and takes about 3h 23m via Western Kentucky Parkway and I-169, with a fuel budget near $28 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Kentucky, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. It's a straightforward, highway-focused journey, making it a solid option for a single-day trip. The route is primarily composed of interstate and parkway driving, offering a smooth and efficient way to travel between these two points. Consider this drive if you're looking for a no-fuss transit between destinations with minimal detours.
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
89.7 miles from Prospect, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 45m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Western Kentucky Parkway | 98 mi | 1h 45m |
| I 65 | 38.7 mi | 42m |
| I 169 | 24.7 mi | 26m |
| Henry Watterson Expressway | 9.1 mi | 12m |
| US 42 | 4.8 mi | 8m |
| East 9th Street | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| McLean Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Bethel Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Western Kentucky Parkway
— 98 mi, about 1h 45m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Prospect, KY and Hopkinsville, KY.
1
Start on this road
220 ft
·
25 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto US 42
4.8 mi
·
8 min
·
US 42
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward I 264 West
Use the left lane.
4
Merge onto I 264
9.1 mi
·
12 min
·
Henry Watterson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
Exit 12
Toward I 65, KY 61: Nashville, Indianapolis
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
Toward I 65: Nashville, Downtown Louisville, Indianapolis
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 65 South: Nashville
8
Merge onto I 65
39 mi
·
42 min
·
I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
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.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 91C-B
Toward US 31W: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway West
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Toward Paducah, Elizabethtown
12
Merge onto Western Kentucky Parkway
98 mi
·
1 hr 45 min
·
Western Kentucky Parkway
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
Exit 38B
Toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville
Use the slight right lane.
14
Merge onto I 169
281 ft
·
3 sec
·
I 169
15
Continue on I 169
25 mi
·
26 min
·
I 169
Exit 106A
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 9
Toward US 68, KY 80
17
Keep slight right at fork
184 ft
·
4 sec
Exit 9
Toward US 68, KY 80
18
Turn straight onto US 68; KY 80
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
·
McLean Avenue
19
Turn right onto US 41; KY 109
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
East 9th Street
20
Turn left onto Bethel Street
301 ft
·
13 sec
·
Bethel Street
21
Arrive at destination
Bethel Street
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 23m estimated drive time and 179.5 miles, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to take advantage of daylight and allow ample time for any brief stops. With a fuel cost estimate of $28, you can budget accordingly. The longest stretch without a major road change is 98 miles on the Western Kentucky Parkway, so plan your fuel and rest stops before embarking on that segment. There's only one recommended stop, so keep it brief to maximize your time.
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 89.7 miles from Prospect, KY, or about 1h 45m 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 39 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 89.7 miles or 1h 45m 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 47m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hopkinsville, KY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Prospect, 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 Prospect, KY
This is one driving day of about 179.5 miles and 3h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Prospect, 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.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
90 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 89.7 miles from Prospect, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Western Kentucky Parkway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 98 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 175 decision points cluster between mile 14.2 and 178.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
14.2 mi into trip
|
~21m in
Take the exit toward I 65, KY 61: Nashville, Indianapolis
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 12
Toward I 65, KY 61: Nashville, Indianapolis
9
14.4 mi into trip
|
~22m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 65: Nashville, Downtown Louisville, Indianapolis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 65: Nashville, Downtown Louisville, In...
8
54.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 6m 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
54.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 7m 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...
8
178.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 21m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 68, KY 80
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 9
Toward US 68, KY 80
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.06 one way
$56.13 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
63 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $30.81 | $61.62 |
| premium | $4.89 | $34.54 | $69.09 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $39.63 | $79.26 |
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: 62.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 53.9 | 0 | $18.85 | $8.62 |
| Efficient EV | 44.9 | 0 | $15.71 | $7.18 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 71.8 | 0 | $25.13 | $11.49 |
Gas CO2
63 kg
EV CO2
21 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.
Destination
Hopkinsville, KY
Morning in Hopkinsville on Tuesday
Local time
7:25 AM
CDT
Current temp
76°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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
3h 23m 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
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...
12 mi from route
~31 min detour
Free
near mile 55.7
View on nps.gov
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 80.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is largely highway-focused, with 98% of the journey on major roadways. You'll experience mostly high-speed travel, particularly on the Western Kentucky Parkway, where you'll encounter the longest uninterrupted stretch of 98 miles. The profile suggests a consistent pace, ideal for covering ground efficiently. Expect a driving experience characterized by smooth asphalt and predictable conditions for the vast majority of the trip. The shift to I-169 will maintain this highway feel as you approach your destination.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 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?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Western Kentucky Parkway and I 65. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 14.2 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 17 significant decision points across 179.5 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 14.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 54.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Prospect, KY and Hopkinsville, KY, road signs point toward Indianapolis, Louisville, Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway West and Elizabethtown.
Indianapolis
14.2 mi in
|
~21m
Louisville
14.4 mi in
|
~22m
Paducah
54.3 mi in
|
~1h 6m
Western Kentucky Parkway West
54.5 mi in
|
~1h 7m
Elizabethtown
54.7 mi in
|
~1h 7m
About the Cities
Arriving in Hopkinsville, KY
Full guide →Founded 1796
Hopkinsville , often nicknamed "Hoptown" by locals, is a town located in Kentucky's Western Waterlands.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 23m. Total distance: 179.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). 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.
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 Hopkinsville, 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 14.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 54.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — 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 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Hopkinsville, 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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