Origin
Tompkinsville, KY
Afternoon in Tompkinsville on Sunday
Local time
3:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Tompkinsville, KY to Meads, 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 45m
Distance
248.1 mi
399 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$39
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 32m
★
6 AM
4h 46m
8 AM
5h 13m
10 AM
4h 55m
12 PM
4h 53m
3 PM
4h 57m
5 PM
5h 11m
8 PM
4h 38m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Tompkinsville, KY
Kelly
Meads, KY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Tompkinsville, KY to Meads, KY is 248.1 miles and takes about 4h 45m via I 64, Cumberland Parkway, and I 75, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip keeps you within Kentucky, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. Expect a drive that's predominantly on major highways, making it a straightforward journey for a single day. If you're looking for an efficient way to cover ground between these two points without venturing too far off the beaten path, this route is a solid choice.
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
124 miles from Tompkinsville, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 25m 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 60 | 4 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 84.5 mi, about 1h 30m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tompkinsville, KY and Meads, 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
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
US Route 60
26
Turn right onto Marsh Hill Drive
110 ft
·
8 sec
·
Marsh Hill Drive
27
Turn left onto Midland Trail Road
410 ft
·
19 sec
·
Midland Trail Road
28
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 4h 45m duration, you can comfortably complete this trip in a single day. Aiming for an early morning departure from Tompkinsville will allow you to arrive in Meads with plenty of daylight remaining. While there's only one noted stop, consider breaking up the 84.5-mile stretch on I 64 for a quick stretch if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially on the longer highway segments, as services can sometimes be spaced out on parkways.
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 124 miles from Tompkinsville, KY, or about 2h 25m 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 55 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 124 miles or 2h 25m 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 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Meads, 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 248.1 miles and 4h 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 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.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
124 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 55 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 124 miles from Tompkinsville, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop 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.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 175 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 241.5 — 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
|
KY 163 / North Main Street
Turn left onto KY 163 / North Main Street
Navigation decision point
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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.79 one way
$77.58 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
87 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $42.59 | $85.17 |
| premium | $4.89 | $47.74 | $95.49 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $54.78 | $109.55 |
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: 86.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 74.4 | 0 | $26.05 | $11.91 |
| Efficient EV | 62 | 0 | $21.71 | $9.92 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 99.2 | 1 | $34.73 | $15.88 |
Gas CO2
87 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Meads, KY
Afternoon in Meads on Sunday
Local time
4:24 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
51°F
Richmond, KY
124 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 45m 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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 77
View on nps.gov
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...
16 mi from route
~39 min detour
Free
near mile 136.9
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This highway-focused drive boasts an 84% highway share, meaning you'll spend most of your time on high-speed roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 84.5 miles on I 64, offering a substantial period of consistent travel. While the primary roads are interstates and parkways, the overall feel is one of steady progress rather than winding backroads. You'll likely experience a predictable driving rhythm for the majority of the 4h 45m duration.
84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 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 17 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near KY 163 / North Main Street.
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 248.1 miles you will encounter 17 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 (KY 163 / North Main Street): Navigation decision point; 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.
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 Tompkinsville, KY and Meads, 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 45m. Total distance: 248.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). 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: near the start (KY 163 / North Main Street): Navigation decision point; 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.
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 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Meads, 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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