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 Richmond, KY
Drive Time
1h 8m
Distance
54.2 mi
87 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$8
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 3m
★
6 AM
1h 9m
8 AM
1h 20m
10 AM
1h 13m
12 PM
1h 11m
3 PM
1h 13m
5 PM
1h 19m
8 PM
1h 5m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Cynthiana, KY
Vietnam Hidden Light
Richmond, KY
Kelly
Trip Overview
Spanning 54.2 miles, this drive between Cynthiana and Richmond, Kentucky, is an efficient journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 8 minutes. Because of the relatively short distance, it is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, requiring no overnight stays. You should budget approximately $8 for fuel to complete the trek. The route transitions through the heart of the Southeast region, offering a straightforward path for travelers moving between these two Kentucky hubs. Whether you are commuting or heading out for a day trip, this connection provides a reliable and affordable transit experience.
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
27.1 miles from Cynthiana, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 36m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a mixed driving profile that transitions between highway speeds and local road navigation. You will utilize a combination of I-64, Lexington Road, and Paris Pike, with highway travel accounting for 43% of your total distance. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on I-64, where you can settle in for 22.8 miles of highway driving. This combination of road types creates a dynamic feel, shifting from the steady pace of the interstate to the more varied flow of local surface roads. Keep your eyes on the road as you transition between these different roadway categories.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 64 is the longest continuous segment at about 22.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 8 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 54.2 miles you will encounter 8 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 27.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 28.4 miles (I 64; I 75): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 8 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.
7
27.9 mi into trip
|
~37m in
Take the exit toward I 75 South, I 64 East: Knoxville, Ashland
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 75 South, I 64 East: Knoxville, Ashlan...
5
28.4 mi into trip
|
~38m in
|
I 64; I 75
Merge onto I 64; I 75
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
8
51.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 3m 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
4
54.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 8m in
|
KY 388 / North 2nd Street
Turn left onto KY 388 / North 2nd Street
Navigation decision point
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Cynthiana, KY to Richmond, KY, road signs begin pointing toward Ashland along the way.
Ashland
27.9 mi in
|
~37m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 22.8 mi | 24m |
| Lexington Road | 8.9 mi | 11m |
| Paris Pike | 8.6 mi | 10m |
| Cynthiana Road | 6.7 mi | 9m |
| New Lair Road | 2.4 mi | 4m |
| By-Pass Road | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| Paris By-Pass Road | 0.7 mi | <1m |
| North Church Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 22.8 mi, about 24m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cynthiana, KY and Richmond, 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
Use the none lane.
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
0.4 mi
·
33 sec
·
North Broadway
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 75 South, I 64 East: Knoxville, Ashland
13
Merge onto I 64; I 75
23 mi
·
24 min
·
I 64; I 75
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 90B
Toward US 25 North, US 421 North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Turn right onto US 25; US 421
151 ft
·
8 sec
·
Lexington Road
16
Continue on US 25; US 421
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Lexington Road
17
Continue on US 25 Business; US 421 Business
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Lexington Road
18
Continue on US 25 Business; US 421 Business
0.5 mi
·
51 sec
·
West Main Street
19
Turn left onto KY 388
104 ft
·
2 sec
·
North 2nd Street
20
Arrive at destination
KY 388
Trip Plan
Since this is a quick trip with zero mandatory stops, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around your personal schedule. You can easily complete the entire 54.2-mile distance in one go, so there is no need to worry about complex pacing or rest stop planning. If you want to avoid heavy traffic, consider checking local conditions on I-64 before you head out. Because your fuel cost is estimated at a modest $8, it is a good idea to ensure your tank is topped off before leaving Cynthiana to keep your trip stress-free. Take advantage of the short duration to enjoy a direct, uncomplicated drive to Richmond.
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 27.1 miles from Cynthiana, KY, or about 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 22.8 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 54.2 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 27.1 miles or 36m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 57m
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 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 54.2 miles and 1h 8m.
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 I 64 for about 22.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 27.1 mi from Cynthiana, KY · 36m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
27 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 54.2 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 27.1 miles from Cynthiana, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Richmond, KY
The final approach into Richmond, 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 Richmond, 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
$8.23 one way
$16.46 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
19 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $9.08 | $18.15 |
| premium | $4.80 | $10.23 | $20.46 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $12.04 | $24.08 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$8
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$33–$58
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 19 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 16.3 | 0 | $5.69 | $2.60 |
| Efficient EV | 13.6 | 0 | $4.74 | $2.17 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 21.7 | 0 | $7.59 | $3.47 |
Gas CO2
19 kg
EV CO2
6 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
Night in Richmond 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
1h 8m 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 Richmond, KY covers 54.2 miles and takes about 1h 8m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 64, Lexington Road, Paris Pike. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 27.1 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 $8.23 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 54.2 miles you will encounter 8 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 27.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 28.4 miles (I 64; I 75): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Cynthiana, KY to Richmond, KY, road signs begin pointing toward Ashland along the way.
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