Origin
Russellville, KY
Evening in Russellville on Sunday
Local time
8:54 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Russellville, KY to Owensboro, KY
Drive Time
1h 26m
Distance
72 mi
116 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$11
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 20m
★
6 AM
1h 26m
8 AM
1h 40m
10 AM
1h 31m
12 PM
1h 30m
3 PM
1h 32m
5 PM
1h 39m
8 PM
1h 22m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Russellville, KY
Get Lost Mike
Owensboro, KY
Vietnam Hidden Light
Trip Overview
Connecting Russellville to Owensboro, this 72-mile journey is a straightforward trip that typically takes about 1 hour and 26 minutes to complete. Because the travel time is so manageable, you can easily tackle this route as a simple day trip without needing an overnight stay. Expect to spend approximately $11 on fuel for the trek, making it a budget-friendly option for your Kentucky travels. You will navigate primarily via US 431, North Main Street, and KY 1031 as you transition between these two Southeast locations. It is a practical, no-nonsense drive designed for efficiency rather than sightseeing, perfect for those looking to reach their destination reliably.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
36 miles from Russellville, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 41m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a focused, highway-heavy experience, as 98% of this route consists of high-speed transit. The majority of your time behind the wheel will be spent on US 431, which accounts for a single, uninterrupted stretch of 69.6 miles. Because nearly the entire trip stays on main thoroughfares, you can anticipate consistent speeds and a very predictable driving environment. There are no planned stops along the way, allowing you to maintain a steady pace from start to finish. You will find this to be a highly efficient, highway-focused drive that prioritizes direct travel over winding backroads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 7 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 431 is the longest continuous segment at about 69.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 431 and North Main Street. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 1.9 miles in near US 431.
Route Complexity
1/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Russellville, KY to Owensboro, KY is easy. At 1h 26m with 98% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.9 miles (US 431): Lane positioning matters here; at 39.5 miles (US 431): Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
2 of 2 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
1.9 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
US 431
Turn right onto US 431
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
39.5 mi into trip
|
~45m in
|
US 431
Turn right onto US 431
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 431 | 69.6 mi | 1h 22m |
| North Main Street | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| KY 1031 | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| US 68 | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| East 4th Street | <0.1 mi | Refreshing |
| Frederica Street | Unavailable | Refreshing |
Per-road distance and duration are being refreshed from OSRM for this route.
Longest stretch:
US 431
— 69.6 mi, about 1h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Russellville, KY and Owensboro, KY.
1
Start on US 68 Business
27 ft
·
0 sec
·
East 4th Street
2
Turn right onto US 68 Business; KY 3519
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
North Main Street
3
Turn left onto US 68; KY 80
0.4 mi
·
35 sec
·
US 68; KY 80
4
Turn right onto US 431
37 mi
·
42 min
·
US 431
Use the straight lane.
5
Continue on KY 1031
0.5 mi
·
35 sec
·
KY 1031
6
Turn right onto US 431
32 mi
·
40 min
·
US 431
Use the right lane.
7
Arrive at destination
Frederica Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have plenty of flexibility when planning your departure time. You won't need to worry about complex pacing or overnight breaks, as the 1 hour and 26 minute duration fits easily into any morning or afternoon schedule. Keep your $11 fuel budget in mind before you head out, and ensure your vehicle is ready for the long 69.6-mile stretch on US 431. Because the route is so concentrated on major roads, stay alert to changing speed limits as you transition onto North Main Street or KY 1031 near your destination. This simplicity is your biggest advantage, so enjoy the straightforward nature of the drive.
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 36 miles from Russellville, KY, or about 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 69.6 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 72 miles or 1h 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 36 miles or 41m 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 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Owensboro, KY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Russellville, 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 Russellville, KY
This is one driving day of about 72 miles and 1h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Russellville, KY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on US 431 for about 69.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 36 mi from Russellville, KY · 41m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
36 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 72 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 36 miles from Russellville, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 431 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 69.6 miles.
Arriving in Owensboro, KY
The final approach into Owensboro, 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 Owensboro, 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
$10.94 one way
$21.87 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
25 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $12.06 | $24.11 |
| premium | $4.80 | $13.59 | $27.18 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $16.00 | $31.99 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$11
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$36–$61
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 25.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 21.6 | 0 | $7.56 | $3.46 |
| Efficient EV | 18 | 0 | $6.30 | $2.88 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 28.8 | 0 | $10.08 | $4.61 |
Gas CO2
25 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (68% 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.
Destination
Owensboro, KY
Evening in Owensboro on Sunday
Local time
8:54 PM
CDT
Current temp
61°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
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
1h 26m 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 Russellville, KY to Owensboro, KY covers 72 miles and takes about 1h 26m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 431, North Main Street, KY 1031. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 36 miles from Russellville, KY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $10.94 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 Russellville, KY to Owensboro, KY is easy. At 1h 26m with 98% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.9 miles (US 431): Lane positioning matters here; at 39.5 miles (US 431): Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Russellville, KY to Owensboro, KY does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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