Origin
Cynthiana, KY
Night in Cynthiana on Sunday
Local time
9:09 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Cynthiana, KY to Lexington, KY
Drive Time
53m
Distance
36.2 mi
58 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$6
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 49m
★
6 AM
0h 53m
8 AM
1h 2m
10 AM
0h 56m
12 PM
0h 55m
3 PM
0h 57m
5 PM
1h 1m
8 PM
0h 51m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Cynthiana, KY
Vietnam Hidden Light
Trip Overview
If you are planning a quick excursion from Cynthiana to Lexington, you are looking at a straightforward 35.2-mile journey. Expect to spend about 51 minutes behind the wheel, making this a perfect candidate for a single-day trip that requires no overnight stay. Because you will be navigating local roads like New Lair Road, Paris Pike, and Cynthiana Road, your fuel costs will remain minimal at approximately $5. This route keeps you entirely within the Southeast region of Kentucky, transitioning you from the smaller-town feel of Cynthiana into the city of Lexington. It is an efficient, practical way to travel between these two points without the need for extensive planning or multiple stops. You can easily complete the entire trip in under an hour, leaving you plenty of flexibility to enjoy your destination.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
18.1 miles from Cynthiana, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 26m into the drive .
Drive Character
Prepare for a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. Since this route features zero highway miles, you will spend the entire 35.2 miles navigating regional roads that offer a more intimate look at the local landscape. You won't find any long, uninterrupted stretches here, as the longest segment on New Lair Road is essentially non-existent in terms of highway speed. Instead, the road's personality is defined by constant adjustments and local traffic patterns. Expect a hands-on driving experience where the pace is steady but requires constant navigation through the turns that characterize these specific Kentucky roads.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Paris Pike is the longest continuous segment at about 8.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 3.5 miles in near US 27; KY 982 / Paris Pike.
Route Complexity
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 36.2 miles you will encounter 10 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 3.5 miles (US 27; KY 982 / Paris Pike): Lane positioning matters here; at 28.9 miles (KY 4 / West New Circle Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 34.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
3.5 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
US 27; KY 982 / Paris Pike
Continue onto US 27; KY 982 / Paris Pike
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
4
28.9 mi into trip
|
~39m in
|
KY 4 / West New Circle Road
Turn left onto KY 4 / West New Circle Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
34.2 mi into trip
|
~48m in
Take the exit toward Alumni Drive
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 16
Toward Alumni Drive
4
34.8 mi into trip
|
~49m in
|
Yellowstone Parkway
Turn right onto Yellowstone Parkway
Navigation decision point
4
35.1 mi into trip
|
~50m in
|
Pimlico Parkway
Turn right onto Pimlico Parkway
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Paris Pike | 8.6 mi | 10m |
| Lexington Road | 6.8 mi | 7m |
| Cynthiana Road | 6.7 mi | 9m |
| West New Circle Road | 5.2 mi | 8m |
| New Lair Road | 2.4 mi | 4m |
| North Broadway | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| By-Pass Road | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| Pimlico Parkway | 0.9 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Paris Pike
— 8.6 mi, about 10m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cynthiana, KY and Lexington, KY.
1
Start on North Church Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
North Church Street
2
Continue on KY 982
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
New Lair Road
3
Turn right onto KY 982
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
KY 982
4
Continue on US 27; KY 982
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Paris Pike
Use the left lane.
5
Continue on US 27
6.7 mi
·
9 min
·
Cynthiana Road
6
Take the ramp onto US 27
517 ft
·
14 sec
·
US 27
7
Merge onto US 27; US 68
0.7 mi
·
51 sec
·
Paris By-Pass Road
8
Continue on US 27; US 68
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
By-Pass Road
9
Turn right onto US 27; US 68
6.8 mi
·
7 min
·
Lexington Road
10
Continue on US 27; US 68
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Paris Pike
11
Continue on US 27; US 68
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
North Broadway
12
Turn left onto KY 4
5.2 mi
·
8 min
·
West New Circle Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
Exit 16
Toward Alumni Drive
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Turn left onto Alumni Drive
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
·
Alumni Drive
15
Turn right onto Yellowstone Parkway
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
·
Yellowstone Parkway
16
Turn right onto Pimlico Parkway
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Pimlico Parkway
17
Turn right onto Gainesway Drive
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
Gainesway Drive
18
Turn right onto Coldstream Drive
261 ft
·
9 sec
·
Coldstream Drive
19
Arrive at destination
Coldstream Drive
Trip Plan
Because this is a short 51-minute drive, you have the advantage of total schedule flexibility when choosing your departure time. You won't need to worry about planning for rest stops since the distance is so manageable, allowing you to head straight to your destination. Keep in mind that since this route relies exclusively on local roads, traffic flow can be less predictable than on a major interstate, so checking your GPS for current conditions before you leave is a smart move. With a fuel budget of only $5, this is one of the most cost-effective trips you can take in the region. Since you are dealing with a turn-heavy route, ensure your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated to handle the winding nature of the local pavement comfortably.
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 18.1 miles from Cynthiana, KY, or about 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 8.6 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 36.2 miles or 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 18.1 miles or 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 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lexington, KY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cynthiana, 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 Cynthiana, KY
This is one driving day of about 36.2 miles and 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Cynthiana, KY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Paris Pike for about 8.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 18.1 mi from Cynthiana, KY · 26m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
18 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 36.2 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 18.1 miles from Cynthiana, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Lexington, KY
The final approach into Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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
$5.50 one way
$11.00 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
13 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $6.06 | $12.12 |
| premium | $4.80 | $6.83 | $13.67 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $8.04 | $16.08 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$31–$56
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 12.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 69% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 10.9 | 0 | $3.80 | $1.74 |
| Efficient EV | 9.1 | 0 | $3.17 | $1.45 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 14.5 | 0 | $5.07 | $2.32 |
Gas CO2
13 kg
EV CO2
4 kg (69% 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
Lexington, KY
Night in Lexington on Sunday
Local time
9:09 PM
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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
53m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Cynthiana, KY to Lexington, KY covers 36.2 miles and takes about 53m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Paris Pike, Lexington Road, Cynthiana Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 18.1 miles from Cynthiana, KY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $5.50 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 36.2 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.5 miles (US 27; KY 982 / Paris Pike): Lane positioning matters here; at 28.9 miles (KY 4 / West New Circle Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 34.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Cynthiana, KY to Lexington, KY does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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