Richmond, KY to Pineville, KY is 94.1 miles and takes about 1h 48m via I 75 and Cumberland Gap Parkway, with a fuel budget near $15 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Kentucky, connecting two points in the Southeast region. Expect a highway-focused experience for the majority of your trip. With a short duration and minimal stops recommended, this route is ideal for a quick transit or a leisurely day trip where you can take your time. You'll find it straightforward, with most of the journey on well-maintained roads.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
47.1 miles from Richmond, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 52m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 48m. Total distance: 94.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
This route is predominantly a highway drive, with 94% of the journey on major roads like I 75 and the Corbin Bypass. You'll encounter one significant uninterrupted stretch of 57.7 miles on I 75, offering a chance to maintain a steady pace. The Cumberland Gap Parkway segment might introduce a slightly different feel, but the overall character remains highway-focused. Expect efficient travel for most of the 94.1 miles, with the focus on covering ground effectively rather than winding scenic byways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 13 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 75 is the longest continuous segment at about 57.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Cumberland Gap Parkway. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 25 Business; US 421 Business; KY 52 / West Main Street.
Driving Effort2/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
The drive from Richmond, KY to Pineville, KY is easy. At 1h 48m with 94% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 25 Business; US 421 Business; KY 52 / West Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.2 miles (KY 876 / Eastern Bypass): Navigation decision point; at 2.2 miles: Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 8 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|US 25 Business; US 421 Business; KY 52 / West Main Street
Turn right onto US 25 Business; US 421 Business; KY 52 / West Main Street
Navigation decision point
4
1.2 mi into trip|~2m in|KY 876 / Eastern Bypass
Turn right onto KY 876 / Eastern Bypass
Navigation decision point
5
2.2 mi into trip|~3m in
Take the ramp
Navigation decision point
5
2.5 mi into trip|~4m in|I 75
Merge onto I 75
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
60.2 mi into trip|~1h 6m 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
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 Richmond, KY to Pineville, KY, road signs begin pointing toward Barbourville along the way.
Barbourville
60.2 mi in|~1h 6m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
57.7 mi
1h 1m
Cumberland Gap Parkway
30.7 mi
36m
Corbin Bypass
2 mi
3m
Eastern Bypass
1 mi
1m
Lancaster Avenue
1 mi
1m
Bob Madon Bypass
0.7 mi
1m
West Main Street
0.2 mi
<1m
Pine Street
0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 57.7 mi, about 1h 1m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Richmond, KY and Pineville, KY.
1
Start on KY 388
104 ft·6 sec·North 2nd Street
2
Turn right onto US 25 Business; US 421 Business; KY 52
0.2 mi·21 sec·West Main Street
3
Turn left onto KY 52
1.0 mi·1 min·Lancaster Avenue
4
Turn right onto KY 876
1.0 mi·1 min·Eastern Bypass
5
Continue on KY 876
512 ft·17 sec·Barnes Mill Road
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·30 sec
7
Merge onto I 75
58 mi·1 hr 1 min·I 75
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward US 25, US 25E: Corbin, Barbourville
9
Turn left onto US 25E
2.0 mi·3 min·Corbin Bypass
10
Continue on US 25E
31 mi·36 min·Cumberland Gap Parkway
11
Continue on US 25E
0.7 mi·1 min·Bob Madon Bypass
12
Turn right onto Pine Street
0.1 mi·12 sec·Pine Street
13
Arrive at destination
Pine Street
Trip Plan
Given the short 1h 48m duration, you have the flexibility to leave anytime. Aiming for a morning departure allows for a relaxed drive and arrival well before evening. With only 94.1 miles, you won't need extensive fuel stops, but it's wise to fill up before leaving Richmond, KY, as the $15 fuel budget is an estimate and prices can vary. Keep an eye on your GPS for the transition from I 75 to the Cumberland Gap Parkway to ensure you stay on track. The minimal recommended stops mean you can focus on getting to Pineville, KY efficiently.
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 47.1 miles from Richmond, KY, or about 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 57.7 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 21 miles or 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 47.1 miles or 52m 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 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pineville, KY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Richmond, KY so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Richmond, KY
This is one driving day of about 94.1 miles and 1h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Richmond, KY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 75 for about 57.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 47.1 mi from Richmond, KY
· 52m into the drive
The midpoint is around 47.1 miles from Richmond, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Pineville, KY
The final approach into Pineville, KY usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Cumberland Gap was the first great gateway to the west. Come follow the path of bison, Native Americans, longhunters, and pioneers. Walk where 300,000 people crossed the Appalachians to settle America...
11 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 94.1
Park Closure: Little Yellow Creek Bridge Closure - Construction Underway
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...
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
Free
near mile 3.2
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...
30 mi from route
~75 min detour
Free
near mile 32.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$14.71 one way
$29.42 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg33 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$16.15
$32.31
premium
$4.89
$18.11
$36.22
diesel
$5.61
$20.78
$41.55
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$15
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 32.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
28.2
0
$9.88
$4.52
Efficient EV
23.5
0
$8.23
$3.76
EV Truck/SUV
37.6
0
$13.17
$6.02
Gas CO2
33 kg
EV CO2
11 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 15, 2026
Origin
Richmond, KY
Morning
in Richmond on Saturday
Local time
8:52 AM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Pineville, KY
Morning
in Pineville on Saturday
Local time
8:52 AM
EDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
48°F
London, KY
47 mi in
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
27 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 48m 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 Richmond, KY to Pineville, KY covers 94.1 miles and takes about 1h 48m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 75, Cumberland Gap Parkway, Corbin Bypass. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 47.1 miles from Richmond, KY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $14.71 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.
The drive from Richmond, KY to Pineville, KY is easy. At 1h 48m with 94% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 25 Business; US 421 Business; KY 52 / West Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.2 miles (KY 876 / Eastern Bypass): Navigation decision point; at 2.2 miles: Navigation decision point.
On the drive from Richmond, KY to Pineville, KY, road signs begin pointing toward Barbourville along the way.
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.
