Origin
Shively, KY
Morning in Shively on Saturday
Local time
7:19 AM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Shively, KY to Meads, KY
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 35m
Distance
188.6 mi
304 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$29
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 23m
★
6 AM
3h 35m
8 AM
4h 0m
10 AM
3h 44m
12 PM
3h 41m
3 PM
3h 45m
5 PM
3h 59m
8 PM
3h 28m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Shively, KY
Thirdman
Meads, KY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embarking on this 188.6-mile journey from Shively, KY, to Meads, KY, will take you approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes of driving time. Primarily utilizing I-64 and US 60, this route is a solid option for a single-day trip, allowing ample time for exploration at your destination. With a projected fuel cost of around $29, it's an economical choice for a quick getaway within the Southeast region. The drive is almost entirely highway, making it a straightforward and efficient way to cover the distance.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
94.3 miles from Shively, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 50m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 35m. Total distance: 188.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for 98% of this 188.6-mile trip. You'll spend the majority of your time on I-64, with a significant uninterrupted stretch of 168.1 miles. This means consistent speeds and a focus on covering ground efficiently. While the character remains largely highway, the transition onto Henry Watterson Expressway and US 60 will offer slight variations in the driving environment as you get closer to your destination. It's a route designed for steady progress.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 64 is the longest continuous segment at about 168.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and Henry Watterson Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near Burrell Drive.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 188.6 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 0.2 miles (Burrell Drive): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 1.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 13 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Burrell Drive
At end of road, turn left onto Burrell Drive
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
8
1.7 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 264 East: Watterson Expressway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 264 East: Watterson Expressway
7
13 mi into trip
|
~20m in
Take the exit toward I 64 East: Lexington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 19A
Toward I 64 East: Lexington
5
13.9 mi into trip
|
~22m in
|
I 64
Merge onto I 64
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
81.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 36m in
|
I 64
Take the exit onto I 64 toward I 64 East: Winchester, Ashland
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 111
Toward I 64 East: Winchester, Ashland
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 Shively, KY to Meads, KY, road signs begin pointing toward Ashland along the way.
Ashland
81.9 mi in
|
~1h 36m
|
via I 64
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 168.1 mi | 3h 2m |
| Henry Watterson Expressway | 10.5 mi | 14m |
| US 60 | 4 mi | 6m |
| US Route 60 | 2 mi | 3m |
| Crums Lane | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Shawnee Expressway | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| Dixie Highway | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Burrell Drive | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 168.1 mi, about 3h 2m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Shively, KY and Meads, KY.
1
Start on Burrell Drive
0.2 mi
·
43 sec
·
Burrell Drive
2
At end of road, turn left onto Burrell Drive
211 ft
·
11 sec
·
Burrell Drive
3
Turn right onto Schaffner Drive
0.2 mi
·
49 sec
·
Schaffner Drive
4
Turn left onto KY 2049
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Crums Lane
5
Turn right onto US 31W; US 60
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
Dixie Highway
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
Toward I 264: Watterson Expressway
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Toward I 264 East: Watterson Expressway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8
Merge onto I 264
0.5 mi
·
38 sec
·
Shawnee Expressway
9
Continue on I 264
11 mi
·
14 min
·
Henry Watterson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 19A
Toward I 64 East: Lexington
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 64
68 mi
·
1 hr 14 min
·
I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit onto I 64
17 mi
·
18 min
·
I 64
Exit 111
Toward I 64 East: Winchester, Ashland
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
84 mi
·
1 hr 29 min
·
I 64
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
Exit 181
Toward US 60
15
Turn left onto US 60
4.0 mi
·
6 min
·
US 60
16
Turn left onto US 60
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
US Route 60
17
Turn right onto Marsh Hill Drive
110 ft
·
8 sec
·
Marsh Hill Drive
18
Turn left onto Midland Trail Road
410 ft
·
19 sec
·
Midland Trail Road
19
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given its manageable 3-hour 35-minute duration, this 188.6-mile drive is best completed in a single day. To make the most of your time, consider an early morning departure to maximize daylight hours upon arrival. With only one recommended stop implied by the data, you'll have plenty of flexibility to pause when needed, perhaps around the halfway mark or when you feel the need for a break. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the longest stretch on I-64, to avoid any unexpected delays.
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 94.3 miles from Shively, KY, or about 1h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 168.1 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 41 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 94.3 miles or 1h 50m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 55m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Meads, KY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Shively, 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 Shively, KY
This is one driving day of about 188.6 miles and 3h 35m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 41 miles from Shively, 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 I 64 for about 168.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 94.3 mi from Shively, KY · 1h 50m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
94 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 41 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 94.3 miles from Shively, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 64 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 168.1 miles.
Arriving in Meads, KY
The final approach into Meads, 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 Meads, 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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$29.49 one way
$58.97 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
66 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $32.37 | $64.75 |
| premium | $4.89 | $36.29 | $72.59 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $41.64 | $83.28 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 66 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 56.6 | 0 | $19.80 | $9.05 |
| Efficient EV | 47.2 | 0 | $16.50 | $7.54 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 75.4 | 0 | $26.40 | $12.07 |
Gas CO2
66 kg
EV CO2
22 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.
Destination
Meads, KY
Morning in Meads on Saturday
Local time
7:19 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Mostly Clear
SW 8 mph
4% chance
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
18 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
3h 35m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Shively, KY to Meads, KY covers 188.6 miles and takes about 3h 35m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 64, Henry Watterson Expressway, US 60. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 94.3 miles from Shively, KY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $29.49 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 188.6 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 0.2 miles (Burrell Drive): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 1.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 13 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Shively, KY to Meads, KY, road signs begin pointing toward Ashland 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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