Origin
Clinton, KY
Late night in Clinton on Wednesday
Local time
5:04 AM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Clinton, KY to Louisville, KY
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
4h 46m
Distance
251.3 mi
404 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$39
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 33m
★
6 AM
4h 46m
8 AM
5h 13m
10 AM
4h 56m
12 PM
4h 53m
3 PM
4h 57m
5 PM
5h 12m
8 PM
4h 38m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Clinton, KY
Vietnam Hidden Light
Louisville, KY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 251.3-mile drive from Clinton, KY, to Louisville, KY, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 46 minutes of pure driving time. It's a highway-focused journey, with 94% of the route utilizing major interstates like I-69 and I-65, after an initial stretch on the Western Kentucky Parkway. With an estimated fuel cost of $39, this route is efficient for a road trip within Kentucky. The drive is straightforward, making it a manageable day trip for those looking to cover ground without extensive detours. Given the relatively short duration and high percentage of highway driving, it's a practical option for getting from point A to point B within the Southeast region.
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
125.6 miles from Clinton, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 26m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this 251.3-mile trip, with 94% of your journey on major roads like the Western Kentucky Parkway, I-69, and I-65. This means you'll be covering ground efficiently, with long stretches of consistent speed. The longest uninterrupted segment is a considerable 99.2 miles on the Western Kentucky Parkway, allowing for significant progress before needing to adjust your course. While not a scenic byway, the highway infrastructure provides a smooth and predictable drive, ideal for those prioritizing direct travel over winding backroads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Western Kentucky Parkway is the longest continuous segment at about 99.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Western Kentucky Parkway and I 69. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 51.6 miles in near I 69.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 251.3 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 51.6 miles (I 69): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 68.2 miles (I 69): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 106.5 miles (Western Kentucky Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
51.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 5m in
|
I 69
Keep slight left at fork onto I 69 toward I 24 East, I 69 North: Nashville, Henderson
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 24 East, I 69 North: Nashville, Hender...
6
68.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 23m in
|
I 69
Take the exit onto I 69 toward I 69 North: Elizabethtown, Princeton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 42
Toward I 69 North: Elizabethtown, Princeton
8
106.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 5m in
|
Western Kentucky Parkway
Keep slight right at fork onto Western Kentucky Parkway toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 106A-B
Toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville
8
205.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 52m in
Take the exit toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 137B
Toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville
7
250.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 43m in
Take the exit toward Brook Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 136B
Toward Brook Street
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Clinton, KY and Louisville, KY, road signs point toward Purchase Parkway North: Mayfield, Henderson, Princeton and Elizabethtown.
Purchase Parkway North: Mayfield
14.6 mi in
|
~25m
Henderson
51.6 mi in
|
~1h 5m
|
via I 69
Princeton
68.2 mi in
|
~1h 23m
|
via I 69
Elizabethtown
106.8 mi in
|
~2h 5m
|
via Western Kentucky Parkway
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Western Kentucky Parkway | 99.2 mi | 1h 46m |
| I 69 | 91.8 mi | 1h 39m |
| I 65 | 43.6 mi | 48m |
| Mayfield Road | 12 mi | 21m |
| KY 339 | 2.4 mi | 4m |
| West Muhammad Ali Boulevard | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| South 5th Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| South Brook Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Western Kentucky Parkway
— 99.2 mi, about 1h 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clinton, KY and Louisville, KY.
1
Start on US 51
0.1 mi
·
30 sec
·
North Washington Street
2
Turn left onto KY 58
12 mi
·
21 min
·
Mayfield Road
3
Continue on KY 339
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
KY 339
4
Turn left
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
Toward Purchase Parkway North: Mayfield
5
Merge onto I 69
37 mi
·
39 min
·
I 69
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 69
17 mi
·
17 min
·
I 69
Toward I 24 East, I 69 North: Nashville, Henderson
7
Take the exit onto I 69
38 mi
·
41 min
·
I 69
Exit 42
Toward I 69 North: Elizabethtown, Princeton
8
Keep slight right at fork onto Western Kentucky Parkway
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
·
Western Kentucky Parkway
Exit 106A-B
Toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on Western Kentucky Parkway
99 mi
·
1 hr 46 min
·
Western Kentucky Parkway
Exit 106B
Toward Elizabethtown
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Exit 137B
Toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville
Use the right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville
12
Merge onto I 65
44 mi
·
48 min
·
I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Exit 136B
Toward Brook Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on South Brook Street
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
South Brook Street
15
Turn left onto West Muhammad Ali Boulevard
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
West Muhammad Ali Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
16
Turn right onto South 5th Street
0.2 mi
·
36 sec
·
South 5th Street
17
Turn left onto West Jefferson Street
221 ft
·
7 sec
·
West Jefferson Street
18
Arrive at destination
West Jefferson Street
Trip Plan
For this 4 hour and 46 minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Clinton, KY, to maximize your daylight and allow for flexibility. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $39, you can easily manage this trip in a single day. The longest stretch without a major road change is 99.2 miles on the Western Kentucky Parkway, so plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly, perhaps around the transition to I-69 or I-65. Given the highway-heavy nature of this route, keeping an eye on traffic advisories for the approaches to Louisville is a good practical tip.
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 125.6 miles from Clinton, KY, or about 2h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.2 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 80 miles or 1h 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 125.6 miles or 2h 26m 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 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Louisville, KY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Clinton, 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 Clinton, KY
This is one driving day of about 251.3 miles and 4h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Clinton, 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 99.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 125.6 mi from Clinton, KY · 2h 26m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 125.6 miles from Clinton, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Western Kentucky Parkway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 99.2 miles.
Arriving in Louisville, KY
The final approach into Louisville, KY usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Louisville, KY.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.29 one way
$78.58 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
88 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $43.14 | $86.27 |
| premium | $4.89 | $48.36 | $96.72 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $55.48 | $110.97 |
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: 87.9 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 | 75.4 | 0 | $26.39 | $12.06 |
| Efficient EV | 62.8 | 0 | $21.99 | $10.05 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 100.5 | 1 | $35.18 | $16.08 |
Gas CO2
88 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
Louisville, KY
Morning in Louisville on Wednesday
Local time
6:04 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°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
1 hour later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
2 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 46m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Clinton, KY to Louisville, KY covers 251.3 miles and takes about 4h 46m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Western Kentucky Parkway, I 69, I 65. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 125.6 miles from Clinton, KY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $39.29 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 251.3 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 51.6 miles (I 69): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 68.2 miles (I 69): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 106.5 miles (Western Kentucky Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Clinton, KY and Louisville, KY, road signs point toward Purchase Parkway North: Mayfield, Henderson, Princeton and Elizabethtown.
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