Origin
Sturgis, KY
Evening in Sturgis on Friday
Local time
6:17 PM
CDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Sturgis, KY to Nicholasville, KY
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 28m
Distance
229.9 mi
370 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$36
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 15m
★
6 AM
4h 29m
8 AM
4h 55m
10 AM
4h 38m
12 PM
4h 35m
3 PM
4h 39m
5 PM
4h 54m
8 PM
4h 21m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Sturgis, KY
Vietnam Hidden Light
Nicholasville, KY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
The drive from Sturgis, KY to Nicholasville, KY covers 229.9 miles and takes about 4h 28m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on Western Kentucky Parkway, Bluegrass Parkway, US 41 Alternate for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 98.5 miles on Western Kentucky Parkway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $35.94 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
115 miles from Sturgis, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 17m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 28m. Total distance: 229.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 4h 28m highway drive covering 229.9 miles, with most of the trip on Western Kentucky Parkway and Bluegrass Parkway. The longest continuous stretch is about 98.5 miles on Western Kentucky Parkway.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 29 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Western Kentucky Parkway is the longest continuous segment at about 98.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Western Kentucky Parkway and Bluegrass Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 45.1 miles in near I 169.
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 17 significant decision points across 229.9 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 45.1 miles (I 169): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 45.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 144.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
45.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 2m in
|
I 169
Keep slight left at fork onto I 169 toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 106B-A
Toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville
7
45.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 2m in
Take the exit toward Elizabethtown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 106B
Toward Elizabethtown
8
144.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 49m in
Take the exit toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 137B
Toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville
6
145 mi into trip
|
~2h 50m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville
8
146.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 52m in
Take the exit toward Lexington, Bardstown
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 93
Toward Lexington, Bardstown
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Sturgis, KY and Nicholasville, KY, road signs point toward Elizabethtown, Louisville, Lexington and Bardstown.
Elizabethtown
45.7 mi in
|
~1h 2m
Louisville
144.6 mi in
|
~2h 49m
Lexington
146.9 mi in
|
~2h 52m
Bardstown
146.9 mi in
|
~2h 52m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Western Kentucky Parkway | 98.5 mi | 1h 45m |
| Bluegrass Parkway | 67.6 mi | 1h 12m |
| US 41 Alternate | 14.6 mi | 21m |
| I 69 | 9.3 mi | 9m |
| KY 109 | 7.5 mi | 11m |
| Keene Road | 5.3 mi | 7m |
| North Broadway | 5.1 mi | 7m |
| Pinckard Pike | 4.5 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
Western Kentucky Parkway
— 98.5 mi, about 1h 45m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sturgis, KY and Nicholasville, KY.
1
Start on US 60
434 ft
·
11 sec
·
North Main Street
2
Turn left onto US 60; KY 109
4.2 mi
·
4 min
·
5th Street
3
Turn left onto KY 109
7.5 mi
·
11 min
·
KY 109
4
At end of road, turn right onto KY 109; KY 132
0.7 mi
·
59 sec
·
Main Street
5
Continue on KY 109
5.1 mi
·
7 min
·
North Broadway
6
Turn straight onto KY 670
2.7 mi
·
4 min
·
KY 670
7
Turn right onto US 41 Alternate
15 mi
·
21 min
·
US 41 Alternate
8
Continue on KY 281
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Island Ford Road
9
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
10
Merge onto I 69
9.3 mi
·
9 min
·
I 69
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 169
0.7 mi
·
43 sec
·
I 169
Exit 106B-A
Toward I 169 South: Hopkinsville
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Exit 106B
Toward Elizabethtown
Use the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto Western Kentucky Parkway
99 mi
·
1 hr 45 min
·
Western Kentucky Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Exit 137B
Toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville
Use the right lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 65 North: Lexington, Louisville
16
Merge onto I 65
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
I 65
17
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 93
Toward Lexington, Bardstown
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on Bluegrass Parkway
68 mi
·
1 hr 12 min
·
Bluegrass Parkway
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Exit 68
Toward KY 33: Versailles
20
Turn straight onto KY 33
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Troy Pike
21
Turn left onto KY 169
4.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Pinckard Pike
22
Continue on KY 169
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Keene-Versailles Road
23
Continue on KY 169
0.4 mi
·
40 sec
·
Pinchard Pike
24
Turn right onto KY 169; KY 1267
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
Keene Road
25
Continue on KY 169
5.1 mi
·
7 min
·
Keene Road
26
Continue on KY 169
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
North 3rd Street
27
Turn left onto KY 169
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
West Oak Street
28
Turn right onto US 27 Business
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
·
North Main Street
29
Arrive at destination
US 27 Business
Trip Plan
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 115 miles from Sturgis, KY, or about 2h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 98.5 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 51 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 115 miles or 2h 17m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Nicholasville, KY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Sturgis, 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 Sturgis, KY
This is one driving day of about 229.9 miles and 4h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Sturgis, 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 Western Kentucky Parkway for about 98.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 115 mi from Sturgis, KY · 2h 17m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
115 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 51 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 115 miles from Sturgis, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Western Kentucky Parkway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 98.5 miles.
Arriving in Nicholasville, KY
The final approach into Nicholasville, 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 Nicholasville, 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
$35.94 one way
$71.88 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
80 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $39.46 | $78.93 |
| premium | $4.89 | $44.24 | $88.48 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $50.76 | $101.52 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 69 | 0 | $24.14 | $11.04 |
| Efficient EV | 57.5 | 0 | $20.12 | $9.20 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 92 | 1 | $32.19 | $14.71 |
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 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
Nicholasville, KY
Evening in Nicholasville on Friday
Local time
7:17 PM
EDT
Current temp
73°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
18 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
4h 28m 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 Sturgis, KY to Nicholasville, KY covers 229.9 miles and takes about 4h 28m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Western Kentucky Parkway, Bluegrass Parkway, US 41 Alternate. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 115 miles from Sturgis, KY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $35.94 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 is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 229.9 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 45.1 miles (I 169): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 45.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 144.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Sturgis, KY and Nicholasville, KY, road signs point toward Elizabethtown, Louisville, Lexington and Bardstown.
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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