Richmond, KY to Radcliff, KY is 122.4 miles and takes about 2h 29m via Bluegrass Parkway and I-75, with a fuel budget near $21 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive primarily stays within the Southeast region of Kentucky. Expect a highway-focused experience for most of the journey, making it a straightforward trip. Given its relatively short duration and single-day recommendation, this route is ideal for those looking for an efficient way to travel between these two points without extensive planning.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
61.2 miles from Richmond, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 15m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Bluegrass Parkway
70.6 mi
1h 15m
I 75
13.5 mi
14m
New Circle Road
7.5 mi
10m
North Dixie Highway
4.9 mi
8m
Versailles Road
4.7 mi
6m
Ring Road
4 mi
6m
South Dixie Boulevard
3.3 mi
5m
Lexington Road
3.2 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
Bluegrass Parkway
— 70.6 mi, about 1h 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Richmond, KY and Radcliff, 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
0.5 mi·45 sec·West Main Street
3
Continue on US 25 Business; US 421 Business
1.6 mi·2 min·Lexington Road
4
Turn left onto US 25; US 421
0.2 mi·28 sec·Lexington Road
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·41 sec
6
Merge onto I 75
14 mi·14 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 104Toward KY 418: Lexington, AthensUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
361 ft·11 sec
9
Continue on KY 418
2.6 mi·3 min·Athens Boonesboro Road
10
Continue on US 25; US 421
1.6 mi·2 min·Richmond Road
11
Turn left onto Man O War Boulevard
1.0 mi·1 min·Man O War Boulevard
12
Turn right onto Alumni Drive
0.7 mi·1 min·Alumni Drive
13
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward KY 4 West
14
Merge onto KY 4
7.5 mi·10 min·New Circle Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 5BToward US 60 West: VersaillesUse the right lane.
16
Continue on US 60
4.7 mi·6 min·Versailles Road
Use the left lane.
17
Continue on US 60
1.3 mi·1 min·Lexington Road
18
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward Elizabethtown
19
Continue on Bluegrass Parkway
71 mi·1 hr 15 min·Bluegrass Parkway
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·52 sec
21
Merge onto I 65
0.2 mi·14 sec·I 65
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 94Toward US 62, KY 61: ElizabethtownUse the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork
212 ft·7 sec
Toward US 62: Historic Downtown Elizabethtown, ElizabethtownUse the left / right lanes.
24
Turn left onto US 62; KY 61
0.7 mi·1 min·North Mulberry Street
25
Turn right onto KY 3005
4.0 mi·6 min·Ring Road
26
Turn right onto US 31W
4.5 mi·7 min·North Dixie Highway
27
Keep slight right at fork onto US 31W
0.5 mi·48 sec·North Dixie Highway
28
Continue on US 31W
3.3 mi·5 min·South Dixie Boulevard
29
Turn left onto KY 1815
0.6 mi·1 min·West Lincoln Trail Boulevard
30
Turn right onto North Woodland Drive
0.3 mi·38 sec·North Woodland Drive
31
Turn right onto Elm Road
49 ft·1 sec·Elm Road
32
Arrive at destination
Elm Road
Trip Plan
With a total drive time of under 2.5 hours, this is a trip best tackled in a single day, offering plenty of flexibility for departure times. You'll want to keep an eye on your fuel, especially during the 70.6-mile stretch on the Bluegrass Parkway, as services might be less frequent. Consider leaving mid-morning to avoid potential rush hour traffic around Lexington if you choose to use New Circle Road. Given the short duration, you can easily plan your departure to align with your schedule, making this a convenient option for a quick trip.
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 61.2 miles from Richmond, KY, or about 1h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 70.6 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 27 miles or 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 61.2 miles or 1h 15m 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 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Radcliff, 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.
+
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 Richmond, KY
This is one driving day of about 122.4 miles and 2h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Richmond, KY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Bluegrass Parkway for about 70.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.6 and 108.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
2.6 mi into trip|~4m in|I 75
Merge onto I 75
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
16.2 mi into trip|~18m in
Take the exit toward KY 418: Lexington, Athens
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 104
Toward KY 418: Lexington, Athens
7
30.1 mi into trip|~39m in
Take the exit toward US 60 West: Versailles
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 5B
Toward US 60 West: Versailles
9
108.3 mi into trip|~2h 6m in
Take the exit toward US 62, KY 61: Elizabethtown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 94
Toward US 62, KY 61: Elizabethtown
9
108.6 mi into trip|~2h 7m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 62: Historic Downtown Elizabethtown, Elizabethtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left / right lanes.
Toward US 62: Historic Downtown Elizabethtown,...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$20.71 one way
$41.43 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg46 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$22.74
$45.49
premium
$4.89
$25.50
$51.00
diesel
$5.61
$29.25
$58.51
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: 46.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
36.7
0
$12.85
$5.88
Efficient EV
30.6
0
$10.71
$4.90
EV Truck/SUV
49
0
$17.14
$7.83
Gas CO2
43 kg
EV CO2
14 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
Afternoon
in Richmond on Saturday
Local time
1:42 PM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Radcliff, KY
Afternoon
in Radcliff on Saturday
Local time
1:42 PM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
73°F
Oregon, KY
61 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
23 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
2h 29m 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.
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
National Historical Park
For over a century people from around the world have come to rural Central Kentucky to honor the humble beginnings of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. His early life on Kentucky's frontier shaped...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 101.3
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...
14 mi from route
~36 min detour
Free
near mile 25.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway-focused, with 69% of the drive taking place on major roadways like I-75 and New Circle Road. You'll experience the longest uninterrupted stretch of 70.6 miles on the Bluegrass Parkway, offering a consistent pace. While the majority of the drive is on faster roads, be prepared for transitions as you navigate between these highway segments. The overall feel is one of efficient travel, designed for covering ground smoothly rather than lingering on 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 32 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 70.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Bluegrass Parkway and I 75. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.6 miles in near I 75.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 122.4 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 2.6 miles (I 75): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 16.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Richmond, KY and Radcliff, KY, road signs point toward Athens and Elizabethtown.
Athens
16.2 mi in|~18m
Elizabethtown
36.4 mi in|~48m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 29m. Total distance: 122.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (69%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Richmond, KY to Radcliff, KY covers 122.4 miles and takes about 2h 29m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Bluegrass Parkway, I 75, New Circle Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 61.2 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 $19.14 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 122.4 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.6 miles (I 75): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 16.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Richmond, KY and Radcliff, KY, road signs point toward Athens and Elizabethtown.
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, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
