Origin
Vanceburg, KY
Morning in Vanceburg on Tuesday
Local time
11:51 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Vanceburg, KY to Richmond, 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
2h 17m
Distance
96.8 mi
156 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$15
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 8m
★
6 AM
2h 18m
8 AM
2h 37m
10 AM
2h 25m
12 PM
2h 23m
3 PM
2h 25m
5 PM
2h 36m
8 PM
2h 12m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Vanceburg, KY
Wikimedia Commons
Richmond, KY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Vanceburg, KY to Richmond, KY is 96.8 miles and takes about 2h 17m via KY 11 Business and Interstate Highway 64, with a fuel budget near $15 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Kentucky's Southeast region, offering a straightforward, mixed-terrain drive. With a recommended one-day duration, it's a manageable journey that won't demand an overnight stay. The route balances highway speeds with more local road driving, making it a practical option for a quick trip between these two points.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
48.4 miles from Vanceburg, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 15m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| KY 11 Business | 19.2 mi | 28m |
| AA Highway | 16.6 mi | 22m |
| Interstate Highway 64 | 12.9 mi | 13m |
| Boonesboro Road | 12.4 mi | 15m |
| KY 57 | 12 mi | 21m |
| KY 11 | 9.3 mi | 12m |
| I 75 | 4.2 mi | 4m |
| Lexington Road | 2.2 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
KY 11 Business
— 19.2 mi, about 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Vanceburg, KY and Richmond, KY.
1
Start on KY 59
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
Lexington Avenue
2
Continue on KY 59
359 ft
·
8 sec
·
Fairlane Drive
3
Turn right onto Shelton Lane
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Shelton Lane
4
Turn right onto KY 9; KY 10; AA
17 mi
·
22 min
·
AA Highway
5
Turn left onto KY 57
12 mi
·
21 min
·
KY 57
6
Continue on KY 57
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Mount Carmel Road
Use the left lane.
7
Enter roundabout onto KY 57
181 ft
·
5 sec
·
North Main Cross Street
8
Continue on KY 57
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
North Main Cross Street
9
Turn slight left onto Clark Street
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
Clark Street
10
Turn right onto KY 11 Business
19 mi
·
28 min
·
KY 11 Business
Use the right lane.
11
Continue on KY 11; KY 36
9.3 mi
·
12 min
·
KY 11; KY 36
12
Continue on US 460; KY 11
0.6 mi
·
52 sec
·
Maysville Road
13
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
14
Merge onto I 64
13 mi
·
13 min
·
Interstate Highway 64
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward KY 627: Paris , Winchester
16
Turn left onto KY 627
0.5 mi
·
50 sec
·
Paris Road
17
Continue on KY 627
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
North Maple Street
18
Turn right onto KY 627
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Boone Avenue
19
Continue on KY 627
12 mi
·
15 min
·
Boonesboro Road
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward I 75 South
21
Merge onto I 75
4.2 mi
·
4 min
·
I 75
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 90B
Toward US 25 North, US 421 North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Turn right onto US 25; US 421
151 ft
·
8 sec
·
Lexington Road
24
Continue on US 25; US 421
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Lexington Road
25
Continue on US 25 Business; US 421 Business
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Lexington Road
26
Continue on US 25 Business; US 421 Business
0.5 mi
·
51 sec
·
West Main Street
27
Turn left onto KY 388
104 ft
·
2 sec
·
North 2nd Street
28
Arrive at destination
KY 388
Trip Plan
Given the short 2h 17m duration, this route is easily completed in a single day, so leaving Vanceburg any time in the morning should get you to Richmond with plenty of daylight to spare. With a fuel cost estimated at $15, it's an economical trip, but it's always wise to start with a full tank. The longest stretch on KY 11 Business is under 20 miles, so you won't be without services for too long. Keep an eye out for the transitions between the highway and the business routes, as these can sometimes involve slower traffic or unexpected turns.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 48.4 miles from Vanceburg, KY, or about 1h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 19.2 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 21 miles or 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 48.4 miles or 1h 15m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 55m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Richmond, KY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Vanceburg, 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 Vanceburg, KY
This is one driving day of about 96.8 miles and 2h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Vanceburg, KY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on KY 11 Business for about 19.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
48 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 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 48.4 miles from Vanceburg, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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 165 decision points cluster between mile 30.8 and 93.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
30.8 mi into trip
|
~48m in
|
KY 57 / North Main Cross Street
Enter roundabout onto KY 57 / North Main Cross Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
31.3 mi into trip
|
~49m in
|
KY 11 Business
Turn right onto KY 11 Business
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
73.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 46m in
Take the exit toward KY 627: Paris , Winchester
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward KY 627: Paris , Winchester
5
89.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 7m in
Take the exit toward I 75 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward I 75 South
8
93.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 12m in
Take the exit toward US 25 North, US 421 North
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 90B
Toward US 25 North, US 421 North
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$15.13 one way
$30.27 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
34 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $16.62 | $33.23 |
| premium | $4.89 | $18.63 | $37.26 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $21.37 | $42.74 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$15
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 33.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 29 | 0 | $10.16 | $4.65 |
| Efficient EV | 24.2 | 0 | $8.47 | $3.87 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 38.7 | 0 | $13.55 | $6.20 |
Gas CO2
34 kg
EV CO2
11 kg (68% 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
Richmond, KY
Morning in Richmond on Tuesday
Local time
11:51 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
1 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 17m 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?
This 96.8-mile drive features a 59% highway share, meaning you'll spend a good portion of your time on faster roads like Interstate Highway 64. However, expect to transition onto local routes such as KY 11 Business, which will slow your pace. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 19.2 miles on KY 11 Business, so be prepared for a few miles of less direct travel. This mixed drive profile suggests a journey that offers variety, moving from open highway cruising to more winding, community-focused roads.
59% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 19.2 mi on KY 11 Business.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 16 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 30.8 miles in near KY 57 / North Main Cross Street.
Driving Effort
6/10
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 96.8 miles you will encounter 16 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 30.8 miles (KY 57 / North Main Cross Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 31.3 miles (KY 11 Business): Lane positioning matters here; at 73.6 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.
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 Vanceburg, KY to Richmond, KY, road signs begin pointing toward Winchester along the way.
Winchester
73.6 mi in
|
~1h 46m
About the Cities
Arriving in Richmond, KY
Full guide →Richmond is a city in the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky, about 30 miles (50 km) south of Lexington. The county seat of Madison County, Richmond is best known as the home of Eastern Kentucky University.
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 17m. Total distance: 96.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (59%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 19.2 miles on KY 11 Business. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Richmond, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 30.8 miles (KY 57 / North Main Cross Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 31.3 miles (KY 11 Business): Lane positioning matters here; at 73.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Richmond, 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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