Stearns, KY to Owensboro, KY is 213.4 miles and takes about 4h 2m via Cumberland Parkway and I 165, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip primarily stays within Kentucky, moving from the Southeast region towards the west. Given its mostly highway profile and manageable duration, it's a straightforward drive for a single day. You'll find it's a practical route for getting from point A to point B without extensive detours.
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
106.7 miles from Stearns, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 59m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Cumberland Parkway
86.2 mi
1h 32m
I 165
62.3 mi
1h 6m
US Route 27
22.7 mi
25m
I 65
16.5 mi
17m
KY 914
6 mi
7m
Main Street
3.9 mi
4m
Veterans Memorial Lane
3.7 mi
5m
Fairview Avenue
1.6 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Cumberland Parkway
— 86.2 mi, about 1h 32m
Traffic on I-65
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 6 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~2,100 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,634
Quietest
2 AM
~357 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 26 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 Stearns, KY and Owensboro, KY.
1
Start on this road
62 ft·5 sec·this road
2
Turn right
91 ft·8 sec
3
Turn right onto KY 1651
0.1 mi·20 sec·KY 1651
4
Turn left onto KY 92
1.1 mi·1 min·Wilburn Ross Highway
5
At end of road, turn left onto US 27
23 mi·25 min·US Route 27
6
Continue on US 27; KY 90
3.9 mi·4 min·Main Street
7
Turn left onto KY 914
6.0 mi·7 min·KY 914
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward Bowling Green
9
Merge onto Cumberland Parkway
86 mi·1 hr 32 min·Cumberland Parkway
10
Continue on Cumberland Parkway
0.3 mi·19 sec·Cumberland Parkway
Exit 1BToward I 65 South: Bowling Green
11
Continue on Cumberland Expressway
0.7 mi·1 min·Cumberland Expressway
12
Merge onto I 65
17 mi·17 min·I 65
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·35 sec
Toward KY 234: Bowling Green
14
Turn right onto KY 234
1.0 mi·1 min·Cemetery Road
15
Continue on KY 234
1.6 mi·2 min·Fairview Avenue
16
Continue on KY 234
0.8 mi·1 min·East 6th Avenue
17
Continue on US 68; KY 80
3.7 mi·5 min·Veterans Memorial Lane
18
Turn right onto US 231
1.0 mi·1 min·Morgantown Road
19
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·33 sec
20
Merge onto I 165
62 mi·1 hr 6 min·I 165
21
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 70AToward US 60 East, US 231 North: Hawesville
22
Merge onto US 60; US 231
0.8 mi·53 sec·Wendell Ford Expressway
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Exit 18Toward KY 54
24
Turn left onto KY 54
260 ft·6 sec·Leitchfield Road
25
Continue on KY 54
1.3 mi·2 min·East Parrish Avenue
26
Turn right onto Leitchfield Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Leitchfield Road
27
Turn left onto East 5th Street
0.8 mi·1 min·East 5th Street
28
Turn right onto Frederica Street
0.2 mi·20 sec·Frederica Street
29
Arrive at destination
Frederica Street
Trip Plan
For this 4h 2m drive, leaving in the morning is ideal to maximize daylight, especially since it's a single-day trip. With only one recommended stop, you have plenty of flexibility to start whenever you're ready. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $33, and gas stations can become less frequent on certain highway stretches. The longest stretch without a significant break is 86.2 miles on the Cumberland Parkway, so plan accordingly to ensure you're comfortable before embarking on that segment.
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 106.7 miles from Stearns, KY, or about 1h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 86.2 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 47 miles or 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 106.7 miles or 1h 59m 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 17m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Owensboro, KY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Stearns, 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 Stearns, KY
This is one driving day of about 213.4 miles and 4h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Stearns, 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 Cumberland Parkway for about 86.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Final third
4.7 mi from route
~12 min detour
$10 to $20
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Hours: 7:30 AM–5 PM
+12705991194
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Lynn Service Center
0.8 mi from route
Beaver Dam Rest Stop
1.2 mi from route
WK Truck Stop
2.3 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 210.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0 mi into trip|~0m in
Turn right
Navigation decision point
5
1.3 mi into trip|~2m in|US 27 / US Route 27
At end of road, turn left onto US 27 / US Route 27
Navigation decision point
5
34 mi into trip|~40m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Bowling Green
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward Bowling Green
7
209 mi into trip|~3h 54m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 60 East, US 231 North: Hawesville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 70A
Toward US 60 East, US 231 North: Hawesville
5
210.1 mi into trip|~3h 55m in
Take the exit toward KY 54
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 18
Toward KY 54
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.51 one way
$63.03 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg75 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$34.79
$69.58
premium
$4.72
$39.62
$79.24
diesel
$4.80
$40.29
$80.59
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
64
0
$22.41
$10.24
Efficient EV
53.4
0
$18.67
$8.54
EV Truck/SUV
85.4
1
$29.88
$13.66
Gas CO2
75 kg
EV CO2
25 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.
Forecast as of Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Stearns, KY
Late night
in Stearns on Sunday
Local time
3:00 AM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
WSW 5 mph42% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 7:04PM EDT until July 18 at 7:30PM EDT by NWS Louisville KY
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 5:36PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
Destination
Owensboro, KY
Late night
in Owensboro on Sunday
Local time
2:00 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 1 to 9 mph35% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 7:04PM EDT until July 18 at 7:30PM EDT by NWS Louisville KY
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 5:36PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
67°F
Greensburg, KY
107 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
3 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 2m 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.
Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument
National Monument
The US won a significant victory early in the Civil War at the Battle of Mill Springs. Explore the rolling fields of Kentucky where the battle took place and learn about that state's strategic importa...
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 125.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is 92% highway, so expect a smooth experience for most of the 213.4 miles. The longest continuous stretch on the Cumberland Parkway is 86.2 miles, offering extended cruising. You'll transition from parkway to interstate and eventually to US Route 27, where you might notice more frequent exits as you approach your destination. The overall feel is one of efficient travel.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 86.2 mi on Cumberland Parkway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Cumberland Parkway and I 165. You will hit about 19 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 213.4 miles you will encounter 19 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start: Navigation decision point; at 1.3 miles (US 27 / US Route 27): Navigation decision point; at 34 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,354 ft394 ft
Total Climb
271 ft
Total Descent
1,231 ft
Highest Point
1,354 ft
Elevation Range
960 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Stearns, KY to Owensboro, KY, road signs begin pointing toward Bowling Green along the way.
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 2m. Total distance: 213.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 86.2 miles on Cumberland Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 6 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Owensboro, 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. There are 6 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start: Navigation decision point; at 1.3 miles (US 27 / US Route 27): Navigation decision point; at 34 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Yes — Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument and Mammoth Cave National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Owensboro, KY, but most travelers stay overnight.
