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Trip from Shepherdsville, KY to Hopkinsville, 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 45m

Distance

150.9 mi

243 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$24

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
2h 34m ★
6 AM
2h 45m
8 AM
3h 7m
10 AM
2h 53m
12 PM
2h 51m
3 PM
2h 54m
5 PM
3h 6m
8 PM
2h 39m

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 Bullitt County, Kentucky, United States of America

Shepherdsville, KY

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Hopkinsville, KY, KY

Hopkinsville, KY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

If you are planning a trip from Shepherdsville to Hopkinsville, expect a straightforward journey covering 150.9 miles. This drive typically takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes, making it a manageable day trip that does not require an overnight stay. You will primarily utilize the Kentucky Turnpike, I-169, and the Western Kentucky Parkway to navigate between these two Southeast locations. With an estimated fuel cost of $23, it is an affordable route for a quick getaway or a necessary business trip. Since the route is entirely within Kentucky, you can anticipate consistent road conditions throughout the drive. It is a practical, highway-focused path that prioritizes efficiency over complex navigation.

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

75.5 miles from Shepherdsville, KY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 22m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Western Kentucky Parkway 98 mi 1h 45m
I 169 24.7 mi 26m
Kentucky Turnpike 24.6 mi 26m
East 9th Street 0.7 mi 1m
East 4th Street 0.5 mi <1m
McLean Avenue 0.3 mi <1m
South Buckman Street 0.2 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 Shepherdsville, KY and Hopkinsville, KY.

1

Start on 3rd Street

203 ft · 10 sec · 3rd Street
2

Turn right onto KY 61

0.2 mi · 21 sec · South Buckman Street
3

Turn right onto KY 44

0.5 mi · 59 sec · East 4th Street
4

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 43 sec
5

Merge onto I 65

25 mi · 26 min · Kentucky Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

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.
7

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Exit 91C-B Toward US 31W: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway West
8

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Toward Paducah, Elizabethtown
9

Merge onto Western Kentucky Parkway

98 mi · 1 hr 45 min · Western Kentucky Parkway
10

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 45 sec
Exit 38B Toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville Use the slight right lane.
11

Merge onto I 169

281 ft · 3 sec · I 169
12

Continue on I 169

25 mi · 26 min · I 169
Exit 106A
13

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Exit 9 Toward US 68, KY 80
14

Keep slight right at fork

184 ft · 4 sec
Exit 9 Toward US 68, KY 80
15

Turn straight onto US 68; KY 80

0.3 mi · 29 sec · McLean Avenue
16

Turn right onto US 41; KY 109

0.7 mi · 1 min · East 9th Street
17

Turn left onto Bethel Street

301 ft · 13 sec · Bethel Street
18

Arrive at destination

Bethel Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 2-hour and 45-minute travel time, plan for at least one stop to break up the monotony of the long highway stretches. Since the route is relatively short, you have plenty of flexibility to depart whenever fits your schedule best, though leaving outside of peak traffic hours is always a smart move. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before merging onto the Western Kentucky Parkway, as this 98-mile section is where you will spend the bulk of your time. Given the $23 fuel budget, consider topping off in Shepherdsville to avoid any mid-trip stress. Ultimately, this drive is simple enough that you can focus on a comfortable pace rather than worrying about complex navigation.

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 75.5 miles from Shepherdsville, KY, or about 1h 22m 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 33 miles or 37m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 75.5 miles or 1h 22m 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 14m

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 Shepherdsville, 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 Shepherdsville, KY

This is one driving day of about 150.9 miles and 2h 45m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 miles from Shepherdsville, 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.

Downtown Oak Grove, KY, KY

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Oak Grove, KY

75 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

Elizabethtown, KY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 33 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Oak Grove, KY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 75.5 miles from Shepherdsville, 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 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

El Tarasco Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Shepherdsville, Kentucky

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15025434024

Denny's Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Shepherdsville, Kentucky

0.9 mi

Culver’s

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

1.7 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Cedar Grove Coffee House

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Shepherdsville, Kentucky

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7:30 am–5:30 pm

+15029210075

Visit website

El Tarasco Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Shepherdsville, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15025434024

Denny's Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

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

Shepherdsville, Kentucky

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15022511172

Visit website

Culver’s

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 21.6

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+12705063819

Visit website

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 21.6

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+12707655525

Visit website

Capris Italian Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 21.6

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12709867900

Las Chalupas Mexican Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 21.6

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+12709822244

Visit website

62 East (Restaurant)

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 107.8

Central City, Kentucky

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+12709315066

Back Home Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 21.6

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12707692800

Visit website

Cedar Grove Coffee House

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Shepherdsville, Kentucky

Hours: 7:30 am–5:30 pm

+15029210075

Visit website

Bean Cove

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 21.6

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12709822233

Visit website

Swope's Cars of Yesteryear Museum

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 21.6

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 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 25.7 and 149.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
25.7 mi into trip | ~28m 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
25.9 mi into trip | ~29m 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
26.2 mi into trip | ~29m 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
124.5 mi into trip | ~2h 15m in

Take the exit toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 38B Toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville
8
149.8 mi into trip | ~2h 43m 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

$23.59 one way

$47.18 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 53 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $25.90 $51.81
premium $4.89 $29.04 $58.08
diesel $5.61 $33.32 $66.63

Estimated Tolls: $1.72

Kentucky Turnpike (24.6 mi) $1.72

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$24

Tolls

$2

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 52.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 45.3 0 $15.84 $7.24
Efficient EV 37.7 0 $13.20 $6.04
EV Truck/SUV 60.4 0 $21.13 $9.66

Gas CO2

53 kg

EV CO2

18 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

Shepherdsville, KY

Afternoon in Shepherdsville on Sunday

Local time

12:33 PM

EDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Hopkinsville, KY

Morning in Hopkinsville on Sunday

Local time

11:33 AM

CDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

83°F

Oak Grove, KY

75 mi in

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

22 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 45m 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?

Expect a highly efficient experience, as 98% of this journey is spent on major highways. You will settle into a steady rhythm on the Western Kentucky Parkway, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 98 miles. The drive feels like a classic interstate grind, perfect for those who want to cover ground quickly without the hassle of technical local roads. Because it is so highway-focused, the character of the route remains consistent from start to finish. You should be prepared for a fast-paced environment where the focus is on maintaining momentum rather than frequent stops.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 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?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Western Kentucky Parkway and I 169. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 25.7 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 13 significant decision points across 150.9 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 25.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 26.2 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 Shepherdsville, KY and Hopkinsville, KY, road signs point toward Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway West and Elizabethtown.

Paducah

25.7 mi in | ~28m

Western Kentucky Parkway West

25.9 mi in | ~29m

Elizabethtown

26.2 mi in | ~29m

About the Cities

Arriving in Hopkinsville, KY

Full guide →

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 2h 45m. Total distance: 150.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 45m 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.

Expect about $1.72 in tolls one way, starting with Kentucky Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

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 25.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 26.2 miles: 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 Hopkinsville, 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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