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Trip from Tompkinsville, KY to Ironville, KY

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 53m

Distance

252.3 mi

406 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$39

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 40m ★
6 AM
4h 54m
8 AM
5h 21m
10 AM
5h 3m
12 PM
5h 1m
3 PM
5h 5m
5 PM
5h 20m
8 PM
4h 46m

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 Tompkinsville, KY, KY

Tompkinsville, KY

Kelly

village and civil parish in Amber Valley district, Derbyshire, England, UK

Ironville, KY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 252.3-mile drive from Tompkinsville, KY, to Ironville, KY, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 53 minutes. It's a highway-focused journey, with 83% of the route utilizing major interstates like I-64, I-75, and Cumberland Parkway. You can expect a fuel cost of around $39 for this trip. Given the relatively short duration and highway nature, it's a manageable day trip within the Southeast region of Kentucky, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. The route is straightforward, making it a practical choice for getting from point A to point B efficiently.

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

126.2 miles from Tompkinsville, KY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 27m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 64 84.5 mi 1h 30m
Cumberland Parkway 55.8 mi 59m
I 75 32.2 mi 34m
Edmonton Road 19.7 mi 25m
KY 461 17.6 mi 20m
Boonesborough Road 12.3 mi 15m
KY 80 10.7 mi 14m
US Route 60 4.6 mi 7m
Longest stretch: I 64 — 84.5 mi, about 1h 30m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Tompkinsville, KY and Ironville, KY.

1

Start on KY 63

61 ft · 9 sec · West 4th Street
2

Turn left onto KY 163

1.6 mi · 2 min · North Main Street
3

Continue on KY 163

20 mi · 25 min · Edmonton Road
4

Turn left onto US 68

1.0 mi · 1 min · Greensburg Street
5

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 50 sec
Toward Somerset
6

Merge onto Cumberland Parkway

56 mi · 59 min · Cumberland Parkway
7

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Exit 86 Toward KY 914: Somerset, Burnside
8

Continue on KY 914

0.4 mi · 33 sec · KY 914
9

Turn left onto KY 80

11 mi · 14 min · KY 80
Use the left lane.
10

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
11

Turn straight onto KY 461

18 mi · 20 min · KY 461
12

Continue on US 25

0.8 mi · 1 min · Richmond Street
13

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Use the left lane.
14

Merge onto I 75

32 mi · 34 min · I 75
15

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Toward KY 627: Boonesborough, Winchester
16

Turn right onto KY 627

12 mi · 15 min · Boonesborough Road
17

Continue on KY 627

1.3 mi · 2 min · Boone Avenue
18

Turn left onto KY 627

1.3 mi · 2 min · Maple Street
19

Continue on KY 627

0.1 mi · 17 sec · Paris Road
20

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 43 sec
21

Merge onto I 64

0.9 mi · 59 sec · I 64
22

Keep slight left at fork onto I 64

84 mi · 1 hr 29 min · I 64
23

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 53 sec
Exit 181 Toward US 60
24

Turn left onto US 60

4.0 mi · 6 min · US 60
25

Turn left onto US 60

4.6 mi · 7 min · US Route 60
26

Continue on US 60

0.3 mi · 28 sec · 13th Street
27

Turn left onto KY 766

0.5 mi · 1 min · Bob McCullough Drive
28

At end of road, turn right onto KY 766

0.3 mi · 43 sec · Roberts Drive
29

Turn sharp left onto KY 766

0.6 mi · 1 min · West Donta Road
30

Turn right onto Pine Street

157 ft · 8 sec · Pine Street
31

Turn right onto Brett Street

524 ft · 22 sec · Brett Street
32

Continue on Tiffany Drive

382 ft · 16 sec · Tiffany Drive
33

Arrive at destination

Tiffany Drive

Trip Plan

With a total duration of under 5 hours, this route is ideal for a single-day trip, offering flexibility for when you start your journey. You'll be spending most of your time on interstates, so plan for one primary stop to break up the 252.3 miles. The longest stretch without a significant road change is 84.5 miles on I-64, so consider a fuel and rest break before or after this segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $39, and ensure you're topped up before heading out to maximize your time on the road.

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 126.2 miles from Tompkinsville, KY, or about 2h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 84.5 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 56 miles or 1h 6m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 126.2 miles or 2h 27m 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 58m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ironville, KY than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Tompkinsville, 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 Tompkinsville, KY

This is one driving day of about 252.3 miles and 4h 53m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Tompkinsville, 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 84.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in and the county seat of Madison County, Kentucky, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Richmond, KY

126 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

Monticello, KY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 56 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Richmond, KY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 126.2 miles from Tompkinsville, 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 84.5 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

Limestone Grille & Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Mt Vernon, Kentucky

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 108.1

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+16062560131

Visit website

El Guadalajara

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Russell Springs, Kentucky

1.3 mi

Acapulco Mexican Grill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Russell Springs, Kentucky

1.5 mi

Limestone Grille & Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 108.1

Mt Vernon, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+16062560131

Visit website

El Guadalajara

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 54.1

Russell Springs, Kentucky

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+12708667775

Visit website

Acapulco Mexican Grill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 54.1

Russell Springs, Kentucky

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+12702900942

Visit website

Root-A-Bakers Bakery & Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 198.3

Morehead, Kentucky

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+16067804282

Visit website

The Rex Family Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 72.1

Nancy, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+16067080022

China Cafe

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 198.3

Morehead, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16067842388

M & J Cafe and Food Truck

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 252.3

Ashland, Kentucky

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+16063270001

Visit website

Speedy Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour Inexpensiv mile 234.3

Grayson, Kentucky

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16064744419

Visit website

Woodhouse Coffee Company

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 162.2

Winchester, Kentucky

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+18599793377

Kentucky Music Hall Of Fame & Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 108.1

Mt Vernon, Kentucky

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+16062561000

Visit website

The Highlands Museum & Discovery Center

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 252.3

Ashland, Kentucky

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+16063298888

Visit website

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 78.5 and 252.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
78.5 mi into trip | ~1h 30m in

Take the exit toward KY 914: Somerset, Burnside

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 86 Toward KY 914: Somerset, Burnside
5
109 mi into trip | ~2h 8m in

Take the exit

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

Use the left lane.
5
141.4 mi into trip | ~2h 43m in

Take the exit toward KY 627: Boonesborough, Winchester

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward KY 627: Boonesborough, Winchester
5
241.5 mi into trip | ~4h 35m in

Take the exit toward US 60

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 181 Toward US 60
5
252.2 mi into trip | ~4h 53m in | Brett Street

Turn right onto Brett Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$39.44 one way

$78.89 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 88 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $43.31 $86.62
premium $4.89 $48.55 $97.11
diesel $5.61 $55.70 $111.41

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$39

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$64–$89

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 88.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 75.7 0 $26.49 $12.11
Efficient EV 63.1 0 $22.08 $10.09
EV Truck/SUV 100.9 1 $35.32 $16.15

Gas CO2

88 kg

EV CO2

30 kg (66% 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 Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Tompkinsville, KY

Morning in Tompkinsville on Sunday

Local time

9:41 AM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Ironville, KY

Morning in Ironville on Sunday

Local time

10:41 AM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

51°F

Richmond, KY

126 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 later

The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.

Temperature spread

3 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

4h 53m 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

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...

4 mi from route ~11 min detour Free near mile 78.3
View on nps.gov
Camp Nelson National Monument

Camp Nelson National Monument

National Monument

The US Army established Camp Nelson as a fortified supply depot in April 1863. Over the next 3 years, the site evolved into a massive recruitment and training center for United States Colored Troops a...

15 mi from route ~37 min detour Free near mile 139.2
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Primarily a highway-focused drive, 83% of this 252.3-mile journey will be on major interstates. You'll experience long, uninterrupted stretches, including one segment of 84.5 miles solely on I-64. This means consistent speeds and a focus on covering distance efficiently. While the profile suggests a highway drive, the transition between Cumberland Parkway, I-75, and I-64 might offer slight variations in scenery and traffic patterns. Expect a driving experience geared towards smooth progress rather than winding backroads.

83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 84.5 mi on I 64.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and Cumberland Parkway. You will hit about 20 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 78.5 miles in.

Driving Effort 5/10

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 252.3 miles you will encounter 20 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: at 78.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 141.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Tompkinsville, KY and Ironville, KY, road signs point toward Somerset, Burnside and Winchester.

Somerset

22.3 mi in | ~29m

Burnside

78.5 mi in | ~1h 30m

Winchester

141.4 mi in | ~2h 43m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 53m. Total distance: 252.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 84.5 miles on I 64. 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.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 78.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 141.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument and Camp Nelson National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Ironville, 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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