Sign in
No account yet?
Create accountData updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
7h 22m
Distance
399.3 mi
643 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$62
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Meads, KY
Wikimedia Commons
Fulton, KY
Vietnam Hidden Light
This 399.3-mile journey from Meads, KY, to Fulton, KY, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 7 hours and 22 minutes of pure driving time. It's a highway-focused trip, with 96% of the route utilizing major interstates and parkways, making it an efficient way to cover ground. With an estimated fuel cost of $62 and just two recommended stops, this drive is manageable for a determined traveler. Given its substantial length, starting early is advisable to ensure a comfortable arrival without feeling rushed. The entire trip stays within the Southeast region, offering a consistent travel experience.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
199.6 miles from Meads, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 46m into the drive .
Loading map...
Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 96% of the 399.3 miles on major roads like I-69, I-64, and the Western Kentucky Parkway. This means you'll experience long stretches of consistent speed and relatively straightforward navigation. The longest uninterrupted segment is a substantial 102.7 miles on I-69, so plan your breaks accordingly. While primarily interstate, the integration of the parkway might offer slight variations in scenery compared to a pure interstate route. Overall, it's a drive built for making miles efficiently.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 69 and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 108.5 miles in.
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 27 significant decision points across 399.3 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 108.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 115.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 195.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Take the exit toward US 27, US 68: Paris, Lexington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit toward US 60 West: Versailles
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward KY 61 South: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork toward US 31W: Elizabethtown, Paducah, Western Kentucky Parkway West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork onto I 69 toward I 24 West, I 69 South: Paducah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Meads, KY and Fulton, KY, road signs point toward Cincinnati, Lexington, Elizabethtown, Paducah and Western Kentucky Parkway West.
Cincinnati
Lexington
Elizabethtown
Paducah
Western Kentucky Parkway West
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 69 | 102.7 mi | 1h 50m |
| I 64 | 101.7 mi | 1h 50m |
| Western Kentucky Parkway | 98.9 mi | 1h 46m |
| Bluegrass Parkway | 70.6 mi | 1h 15m |
| West New Circle Road | 5.8 mi | 8m |
| Versailles Road | 4.5 mi | 6m |
| US 60 | 3.6 mi | 5m |
| US Route 60 | 2.6 mi | 4m |
Step-by-step road directions between Meads, KY and Fulton, KY.
Start on this road
Continue on Midland Trail Road
Turn right onto Marsh Hill Drive
Turn right onto US 60
Continue on US 60
Turn right onto US 60
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 64
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64
Take the exit
Turn right onto US 27; US 68
Turn right onto US KY4
Take the exit
Merge onto US 60
Continue on US 60
Take the exit
Continue on Bluegrass Parkway
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 65
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto Western Kentucky Parkway
Continue on Western Kentucky Parkway
Merge onto I 69
Keep slight right at fork onto I 69
Keep slight left at fork onto I 69
Take the exit
Turn left onto KY 307
Continue on KY 307
Turn right onto US 45; KY 307
Turn slight left onto KY 307
Continue on KY 307
Turn right onto KY 307
Continue on KY 307
Turn left onto Walnut Street
Turn left
Arrive at destination
For this 7-hour and 22-minute drive, aim to depart Meads, KY, early in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed pace. With only two suggested stops and a significant 102.7-mile stretch on I-69, be sure to fuel up before embarking and consider a mid-drive break after that long segment. The $62 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always budget a little extra. Since this is a single-day trip covering 399.3 miles, breaking it into two days is unnecessary, but be prepared for a full day behind the wheel.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
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 88 miles or 1h 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 199.6 miles or 3h 46m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 16m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fulton, KY than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Meads, 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.
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Meads, KY
This is one driving day of about 399.3 miles and 7h 22m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 199.6 mi from Meads, KY · 3h 46m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
200 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.
A short stop after about 88 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 199.6 miles from Meads, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 69 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 102.7 miles.
The final approach into Fulton, 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 Fulton, KY.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$62.43 one way
$124.85 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $68.54 | $137.08 |
| premium | $4.89 | $76.84 | $153.68 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $88.16 | $176.32 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$62
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$87–$112
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 139.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $42 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 119.8 | 1 | $41.93 | $19.17 |
| Efficient EV | 99.8 | 1 | $34.94 | $15.97 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 159.7 | 1 | $55.90 | $25.56 |
Gas CO2
140 kg
EV CO2
47 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Morning in Meads on Wednesday
Local time
8:16 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Mostly Clear
Destination
Morning in Fulton on Wednesday
Local time
7:16 AM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Partly Cloudy
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
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore more options from Meads, KY or browse trips ending in Fulton, KY.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse KY road trips.
Explore maps for Meads, KY or Fulton, KY on MapSof.net.