Origin
Hardinsburg, KY
Late night in Hardinsburg on Saturday
Local time
3:40 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Hardinsburg, KY to Nicholasville, KY
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 37m
Distance
133 mi
214 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 27m
★
6 AM
2h 37m
8 AM
2h 58m
10 AM
2h 44m
12 PM
2h 42m
3 PM
2h 45m
5 PM
2h 57m
8 PM
2h 31m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hardinsburg, KY
Wikimedia Commons
Nicholasville, KY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
The drive from Hardinsburg, KY to Nicholasville, KY covers 133 miles and takes about 2h 37m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on Bluegrass Parkway, US 60, Joe Prather Highway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 67.6 miles on Bluegrass Parkway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $20.79 one way before food or hotel costs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
66.5 miles from Hardinsburg, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 19m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 37m. Total distance: 133 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (70%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 2h 37m highway drive covering 133 miles, with most of the trip on Bluegrass Parkway and US 60. The longest continuous stretch is about 67.6 miles on Bluegrass Parkway.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 28 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Bluegrass Parkway is the longest continuous segment at about 67.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Bluegrass Parkway and US 60. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2.1 miles in near US 60; KY 259.
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 133 miles you will encounter 14 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 2.1 miles (US 60; KY 259): Navigation decision point; at 39.1 miles (US 31W / South Dixie Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 49.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
2.1 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
US 60; KY 259
Turn left onto US 60; KY 259
Navigation decision point
5
39.1 mi into trip
|
~46m in
|
US 31W / South Dixie Boulevard
Turn right onto US 31W / South Dixie Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
8
49.7 mi into trip
|
~1h in
Take the exit toward Lexington, Bardstown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 93
Toward Lexington, Bardstown
5
118.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 15m in
Take the exit toward KY 33: Versailles
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 68
Toward KY 33: Versailles
5
132.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 36m in
|
US 27 Business / North Main Street
Turn right onto US 27 Business / North Main Street
Navigation decision point
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Hardinsburg, KY and Nicholasville, KY, road signs point toward Lexington and Bardstown.
Lexington
49.7 mi in
|
~1h
Bardstown
49.7 mi in
|
~1h
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bluegrass Parkway | 67.6 mi | 1h 12m |
| US 60 | 24.3 mi | 27m |
| Joe Prather Highway | 10.4 mi | 12m |
| Keene Road | 5.3 mi | 7m |
| North Dixie Highway | 4.9 mi | 6m |
| Pinckard Pike | 4.5 mi | 6m |
| Flaherty Road | 2.4 mi | 2m |
| Keene-Versailles Road | 2.1 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Bluegrass Parkway
— 67.6 mi, about 1h 12m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hardinsburg, KY and Nicholasville, KY.
1
Start on 3rd Street
0.5 mi
·
48 sec
·
3rd Street
2
Continue on State Highway N259
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
State Highway N259
3
Turn left onto US 60; KY 259
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
US 60; KY 259
4
Continue on US 60; KY 79
22 mi
·
25 min
·
US 60; KY 79
5
Turn right onto KY 144
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Flaherty Road
6
Continue on KY 313
10 mi
·
12 min
·
Joe Prather Highway
7
Turn right onto US 31W
0.4 mi
·
24 sec
·
South Dixie Boulevard
Use the right lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto US 31W
0.1 mi
·
7 sec
·
South Dixie Boulevard
9
Keep slight right at fork onto US 31W
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
South Dixie Boulevard
10
Continue on US 31W
476 ft
·
6 sec
·
North Dixie Highway
11
Keep slight right at fork onto US 31W
4.8 mi
·
6 min
·
North Dixie Highway
12
Continue on US 31W
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
West Dixie Avenue
13
Turn left onto US 62; KY 61
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
North Mulberry Street
14
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
15
Merge onto I 65
0.6 mi
·
38 sec
·
I 65
16
Take the exit
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 93
Toward Lexington, Bardstown
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Continue on Bluegrass Parkway
68 mi
·
1 hr 12 min
·
Bluegrass Parkway
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Exit 68
Toward KY 33: Versailles
19
Turn straight onto KY 33
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Troy Pike
20
Turn left onto KY 169
4.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Pinckard Pike
21
Continue on KY 169
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Keene-Versailles Road
22
Continue on KY 169
0.4 mi
·
40 sec
·
Pinchard Pike
23
Turn right onto KY 169; KY 1267
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
Keene Road
24
Continue on KY 169
5.1 mi
·
7 min
·
Keene Road
25
Continue on KY 169
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
North 3rd Street
26
Turn left onto KY 169
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
West Oak Street
27
Turn right onto US 27 Business
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
·
North Main Street
28
Arrive at destination
US 27 Business
Trip Plan
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 66.5 miles from Hardinsburg, KY, or about 1h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 67.6 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 29 miles or 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 66.5 miles or 1h 19m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Nicholasville, KY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hardinsburg, 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 Hardinsburg, KY
This is one driving day of about 133 miles and 2h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Hardinsburg, 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 Bluegrass Parkway for about 67.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 66.5 mi from Hardinsburg, KY · 1h 19m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
67 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 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 66.5 miles from Hardinsburg, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Bluegrass Parkway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 67.6 miles.
Arriving in Nicholasville, KY
The final approach into Nicholasville, 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 Nicholasville, 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
$20.79 one way
$41.59 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
47 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $22.83 | $45.66 |
| premium | $4.89 | $25.59 | $51.19 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $29.36 | $58.73 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 46.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 39.9 | 0 | $13.96 | $6.38 |
| Efficient EV | 33.3 | 0 | $11.64 | $5.32 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 53.2 | 0 | $18.62 | $8.51 |
Gas CO2
47 kg
EV CO2
16 kg (66% 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
Nicholasville, KY
Late night in Nicholasville on Saturday
Local time
4:40 AM
EDT
Current temp
73°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
2h 37m 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 Hardinsburg, KY to Nicholasville, KY covers 133 miles and takes about 2h 37m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Bluegrass Parkway, US 60, Joe Prather Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 66.5 miles from Hardinsburg, KY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.79 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.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 133 miles you will encounter 14 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 2.1 miles (US 60; KY 259): Navigation decision point; at 39.1 miles (US 31W / South Dixie Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 49.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Hardinsburg, KY and Nicholasville, KY, road signs point toward Lexington and Bardstown.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh 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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