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Trip from Lexington-Fayette, KY to Monticello, KY

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 57m

Distance

102.3 mi

165 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 26 min
4 AM
1h 49m ★
6 AM
1h 58m
8 AM
2h 15m
10 AM
2h 4m
12 PM
2h 2m
3 PM
2h 5m
5 PM
2h 14m
8 PM
1h 53m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in and county seat of Fayette County, Kentucky, United States

Lexington-Fayette, KY

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Monticello, KY, KY

Monticello, KY

Vietnam Hidden Light

Trip Overview

The drive from Lexington-Fayette, KY to Monticello, KY covers 102.3 miles and takes about 1h 57m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 75, Cumberland Lake Parkway, KY 90 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly highway. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 47.2 miles on I 75. At current regular gas prices, budget about $15.99 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.

Midpoint

51.1 miles from Lexington-Fayette, KY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 57m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 75 47.2 mi 50m
Cumberland Lake Parkway 18 mi 21m
KY 90 16.9 mi 19m
Hal Rogers Parkway 5.8 mi 6m
KY 914 4.4 mi 5m
KY 1247 3.8 mi 4m
KY 90 Business 2.2 mi 4m
Winchester Road 1.8 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 75 — 47.2 mi, about 50m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lexington-Fayette, KY and Monticello, KY.

1

Start on this road

0.1 mi · 42 sec · this road
2

At end of road, turn right onto Floyd Drive

0.2 mi · 26 sec · Floyd Drive
3

Turn right onto KY 4

0.5 mi · 49 sec · East New Circle Road
4

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 14 sec
Exit 13 Toward US 60: Winchester, Lexington
5

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 20 sec
Toward US 60 East: Winchester
6

Continue on US 60

1.8 mi · 2 min · Winchester Road
Use the left lane.
7

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec
8

Merge onto I 75

47 mi · 50 min · I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 28 sec
Exit 62 Toward US 25: Renfro Valley, Mount Vernon
10

Keep slight right at fork

327 ft · 5 sec
Exit 62 Toward US 25: Renfro Valley, Mount Vernon
11

Merge onto US 25

0.6 mi · 49 sec · Richmond Street
12

Turn straight onto KY 461

18 mi · 21 min · Cumberland Lake Parkway
Use the straight lane.
13

Merge onto KY 80

5.8 mi · 6 min · Hal Rogers Parkway
14

Turn left onto KY 914

1.0 mi · 1 min · KY 914
Use the left lane.
15

Continue on KY 914

3.3 mi · 3 min · KY 914
16

Turn left onto KY 1247

3.8 mi · 4 min · KY 1247
17

Continue on KY 90

17 mi · 19 min · KY 90
18

Turn left onto KY 90 Business; KY 1275

2.2 mi · 4 min · KY 90 Business; KY 1275
19

Arrive at destination

KY 90 Business; KY 92

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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 51.1 miles from Lexington-Fayette, KY, or about 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 47.2 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 23 miles or 26m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 51.1 miles or 57m 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 35m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Monticello, KY than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Lexington-Fayette, KY so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Lexington-Fayette, KY

This is one driving day of about 102.3 miles and 1h 57m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Lexington-Fayette, KY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 75 for about 47.2 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Rockcastle County, Kentucky

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Mount Vernon, KY

51 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

Richmond, KY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 23 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Mount Vernon, KY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 51.1 miles from Lexington-Fayette, 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Just Love Coffee - Berea, KY

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Berea, Kentucky

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 36.5

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+18597563089

Visit website

Limestone Grille & Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Mt Vernon, Kentucky

0.5 mi

El Buen Gusto

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Monticello, Kentucky

1.5 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Third Street Stuff

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lexington, Kentucky

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 6:30 am–7:30 pm

+18592555301

Visit website

Old School Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lexington, Kentucky

2.4 mi

The Greenery: Coffee + Social Space

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lexington, Kentucky

2.2 mi

Just Love Coffee - Berea, KY

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 36.5

Berea, Kentucky

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+18597563089

Visit website

Limestone Grille & Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 51.1

Mt Vernon, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+16062560131

Visit website

El Buen Gusto

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 102.3

Monticello, Kentucky

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+16067530283

Wendy's

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour Inexpensiv mile 102.3

Monticello, Kentucky

Hours: 6:30 am–9:30 pm

+16063484522

Visit website

Charlie Brown's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Lexington, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+18592695701

Visit website

Wings and Rings

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 80.3

Somerset, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16064519464

Visit website

El mezcal mexican grill restaurant y taqueria

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 80.3

Somerset, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16066785048

Visit website

El Charro Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 80.3

Somerset, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16066782883

Visit website

Third Street Stuff

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Lexington, Kentucky

Hours: 6:30 am–7:30 pm

+18592555301

Visit website

Old School Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10

Lexington, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+18593091968

Visit website

The Greenery: Coffee + Social Space

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Lexington, Kentucky

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

Visit website

Chaotic Good: Coffee, Comics and Games

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10

Lexington, Kentucky

Hours: 8:30 am–10 pm

+18593038668

Visit website

Funky Rooster Coffee Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10

Lexington, Kentucky

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

+18594071100

Visit website

Purdy's Coffee Co. (Downtown)

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 21.9

Richmond, Kentucky

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18596249920

Visit website

Brewtanicals Coffee House and Plant Lounge

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 21.9

Richmond, Kentucky

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

+18593027610

Visit website

Leestown Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10

Lexington, Kentucky

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

+18595545900

Visit website

Black Stallion Steak House Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 102.3

Monticello, Kentucky

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+16063430011

Kentucky Music Hall Of Fame & Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 51.1

Mt Vernon, Kentucky

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+16062561000

Visit website

Jacobson Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 7.3

Lexington, Kentucky

+18592882900

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 50.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Floyd Drive

At end of road, turn right onto Floyd Drive

Navigation decision point

6
0.7 mi into trip | ~1m in

Take the exit toward US 60: Winchester, Lexington

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 13 Toward US 60: Winchester, Lexington
6
0.8 mi into trip | ~2m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 60 East: Winchester

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward US 60 East: Winchester
6
50.2 mi into trip | ~56m in

Take the exit toward US 25: Renfro Valley, Mount Vernon

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 62 Toward US 25: Renfro Valley, Mount Vernon
7
50.5 mi into trip | ~56m in

Keep slight right at fork toward US 25: Renfro Valley, Mount Vernon

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 62 Toward US 25: Renfro Valley, Mount Vernon

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$15.99 one way

$31.99 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 36 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $17.56 $35.12
premium $4.89 $19.69 $39.37
diesel $5.61 $22.59 $45.17

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$41–$66

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 35.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 30.7 0 $10.74 $4.91
Efficient EV 25.6 0 $8.95 $4.09
EV Truck/SUV 40.9 0 $14.32 $6.55

Gas CO2

36 kg

EV CO2

12 kg (67% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026

Origin

Lexington-Fayette, KY

Afternoon in Lexington-Fayette on Saturday

Local time

2:26 PM

EDT

Current temp

75°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Monticello, KY

Afternoon in Monticello on Saturday

Local time

2:26 PM

EDT

Current temp

75°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 57m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument

Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument

National Monument

The US won a significant victory early in the Civil War at the Battle of Mill Springs. Explore the rolling fields of Kentucky where the battle took place and learn about that state's strategic importa...

7 mi from route ~18 min detour Free near mile 88.2
View on nps.gov
Camp Nelson National Monument

Camp Nelson National Monument

National Monument

The US Army established Camp Nelson as a fortified supply depot in April 1863. Over the next 3 years, the site evolved into a massive recruitment and training center for United States Colored Troops a...

15 mi from route ~37 min detour Free near mile 21.2
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

102.3 mi in 1h 57m, mostly highway — 47.2 mi of that is on I 75.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 47.2 mi on I 75.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Cumberland Lake Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Floyd Drive.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 102.3 miles you will encounter 13 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 0.1 miles (Floyd Drive): Navigation decision point; at 0.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 0.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

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 Lexington-Fayette, KY to Monticello, KY, road signs begin pointing toward Mount Vernon along the way.

Mount Vernon

50.2 mi in | ~56m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 57m. Total distance: 102.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 47.2 miles on I 75. 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 Monticello, KY before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Floyd Drive): Navigation decision point; at 0.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 0.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Yes — Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument and Camp Nelson National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Monticello, KY before heading back.

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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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