Origin
Morgantown, KY
Afternoon in Morgantown on Sunday
Local time
2:12 PM
CDT
Current temp
81°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Morgantown, KY to Georgetown, KY
Drive Time
5h 15m
Distance
261 mi
420 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$40
one way
Morgantown, KY
Vietnam Hidden Light
Georgetown, KY
Vietnam Hidden Light
Trip Overview
Connecting Morgantown to Georgetown, this 261-mile journey takes approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes to complete. Because the trip is manageable in a single day, you can comfortably make the trek without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via the Cumberland Parkway, KY 80, and the Cumberland Gap Parkway. Budgeting roughly $40 for fuel should cover your travel costs for this southeastern Kentucky route. Whether you are heading out for business or a change of scenery, the trip offers a straightforward path between these two points in the state. It is an efficient way to traverse the region if you prefer a steady, highway-focused pace.
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
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
130.5 miles from Morgantown, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 28m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a drive defined by its highway-focused nature, with 83% of your time spent on high-speed roads. You will settle into a rhythm quickly, particularly during the longest uninterrupted stretch of 85.6 miles along the Cumberland Parkway. The route moves away from local surface streets to prioritize efficiency, making for a consistent driving experience. While you will encounter a mix of thoroughfares, the road quality remains fairly uniform throughout the journey. Prepare for a steady pace that allows you to cover significant ground with minimal technical maneuvering.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 30 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Cumberland Parkway is the longest continuous segment at about 85.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Cumberland Parkway and KY 80. You will hit about 20 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2.1 miles in.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 261 miles you will encounter 20 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: Navigation decision point; at 44.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 130.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 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
Take the ramp toward I 165 South: Bowling Green
Navigation decision point
Toward I 165 South: Bowling Green
5
44.3 mi into trip
|
~54m in
Take the exit toward Somerset, Glasgow
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Somerset, Glasgow
6
130.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 27m in
Take the exit toward KY 914: Somerset, Burnside
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 86
Toward KY 914: Somerset, Burnside
5
176.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 22m in
Take the exit toward US 25, US 25E: Corbin, Barbourville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 25, US 25E: Corbin, Barbourville
5
241.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 40m in
|
KY 38
Enter roundabout onto KY 38
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Towns Along This Route
Between Morgantown, KY and Georgetown, KY, road signs point toward Somerset, Glasgow, Burnside and Barbourville.
Somerset
44.3 mi in
|
~54m
Glasgow
44.3 mi in
|
~54m
Burnside
130.4 mi in
|
~2h 27m
Barbourville
176.4 mi in
|
~3h 22m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Cumberland Parkway | 85.6 mi | 1h 31m |
| KY 80 | 33.8 mi | 40m |
| Cumberland Gap Parkway | 30.7 mi | 36m |
| KY 38 | 19.7 mi | 34m |
| I 165 | 18.6 mi | 19m |
| Harlan Road | 15.9 mi | 18m |
| I 65 | 14.5 mi | 15m |
| Pineville Road | 13.1 mi | 14m |
Longest stretch:
Cumberland Parkway
— 85.6 mi, about 1h 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Morgantown, KY and Georgetown, KY.
1
Start on North Main Street
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
North Main Street
2
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward I 165 South: Bowling Green
3
Merge onto I 165
19 mi
·
19 min
·
I 165
4
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
5
Turn left onto US 231
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Morgantown Road
6
Turn left onto Old Morgantown Road
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Old Morgantown Road
7
Turn left onto US 68 Business
361 ft
·
8 sec
·
University Boulevard
8
Continue on US 68 Business
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Kentucky Street
9
Continue on US 31W; US 68; KY 80
2.8 mi
·
4 min
·
Louisville Road
10
Turn right onto KY 446
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
KY 446
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
12
Merge onto I 65
14 mi
·
15 min
·
I 65
13
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward Somerset, Glasgow
14
Merge onto Cumberland Parkway
86 mi
·
1 hr 31 min
·
Cumberland Parkway
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 86
Toward KY 914: Somerset, Burnside
16
Continue on KY 914
0.4 mi
·
33 sec
·
KY 914
17
Turn left onto KY 80
34 mi
·
40 min
·
KY 80
Use the left lane.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
19
Merge onto I 75
11 mi
·
12 min
·
I 75
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward US 25, US 25E: Corbin, Barbourville
21
Turn left onto US 25E
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Corbin Bypass
22
Continue on US 25E
31 mi
·
36 min
·
Cumberland Gap Parkway
23
Continue on US 25E
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Bob Madon Bypass
24
Turn left onto US 119
16 mi
·
18 min
·
Harlan Road
25
Continue on US 119
13 mi
·
14 min
·
Pineville Road
26
Turn right onto US 421
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
US 421
27
Turn left onto KY 38
386 ft
·
9 sec
·
KY 38
28
Enter roundabout onto KY 38
91 ft
·
1 sec
·
KY 38
29
Continue on KY 38
20 mi
·
34 min
·
KY 38
30
Arrive at destination
KY 38
Trip Plan
Since this is a straightforward one-day trip, plan to depart early to make the most of your time on the road. You only need to build in one primary stop to stretch your legs and refuel, which keeps your momentum moving toward Georgetown. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during that long 85.6-mile stretch on the Cumberland Parkway to ensure you don't run low between service intervals. Because the route is highway-heavy, it is easy to maintain a consistent speed, but stay alert for changes in traffic density as you transition between the parkways. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, so feel free to adjust your departure time based on peak traffic hours to ensure a smoother transition between regions.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 130.5 miles from Morgantown, KY, or about 2h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 85.6 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 80 miles or 1h 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 130.5 miles or 2h 28m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Georgetown, KY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Morgantown, 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 Morgantown, KY
This is one driving day of about 261 miles and 5h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Morgantown, 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 Cumberland Parkway for about 85.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 130.5 mi from Morgantown, KY · 2h 28m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
131 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 130.5 miles from Morgantown, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Cumberland Parkway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 85.6 miles.
Arriving in Georgetown, KY
The final approach into Georgetown, 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 Georgetown, 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
$39.64 one way
$79.29 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
91 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $43.70 | $87.40 |
| premium | $4.80 | $49.27 | $98.54 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $57.99 | $115.97 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 91.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 78.3 | 0 | $27.40 | $12.53 |
| Efficient EV | 65.3 | 0 | $22.84 | $10.44 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 104.4 | 1 | $36.54 | $16.70 |
Gas CO2
91 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Georgetown, KY
Afternoon in Georgetown on Sunday
Local time
3:12 PM
EDT
Current temp
78°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
3 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
5h 15m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Morgantown, KY to Georgetown, KY covers 261 miles and takes about 5h 15m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Cumberland Parkway, KY 80, Cumberland Gap Parkway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 130.5 miles from Morgantown, KY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $39.64 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 261 miles you will encounter 20 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: Navigation decision point; at 44.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 130.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Morgantown, KY and Georgetown, KY, road signs point toward Somerset, Glasgow, Burnside and Barbourville.
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