Origin
Tompkinsville, KY
Afternoon in Tompkinsville on Saturday
Local time
1:30 PM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Tompkinsville, KY to Richmond, KY
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 39m
Distance
136.2 mi
219 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
14 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 29m
★
6 AM
2h 40m
8 AM
3h 1m
10 AM
2h 47m
12 PM
2h 45m
3 PM
2h 48m
5 PM
3h 0m
8 PM
2h 34m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Tompkinsville, KY
Kelly
Richmond, KY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
The drive from Tompkinsville, KY to Richmond, KY covers 136.2 miles and takes about 2h 39m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on Cumberland Parkway, I 75, Edmonton Road for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 55.8 miles on Cumberland Parkway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $21.29 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
68.1 miles from Tompkinsville, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 19m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Cumberland Parkway | 55.8 mi | 59m |
| I 75 | 24.5 mi | 26m |
| Edmonton Road | 19.7 mi | 25m |
| KY 461 | 17.6 mi | 20m |
| KY 80 | 10.7 mi | 14m |
| North Main Street | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| Greensburg Street | 1 mi | 1m |
| Lancaster Avenue | 1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Cumberland Parkway
— 55.8 mi, about 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tompkinsville, KY and Richmond, KY.
1
Start on KY 63
61 ft
·
9 sec
·
West 4th Street
2
Turn left onto KY 163
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
North Main Street
3
Continue on KY 163
20 mi
·
25 min
·
Edmonton Road
4
Turn left onto US 68
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Greensburg Street
5
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
Toward Somerset
6
Merge onto Cumberland Parkway
56 mi
·
59 min
·
Cumberland Parkway
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 86
Toward KY 914: Somerset, Burnside
8
Continue on KY 914
0.4 mi
·
33 sec
·
KY 914
9
Turn left onto KY 80
11 mi
·
14 min
·
KY 80
Use the left lane.
10
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
11
Turn straight onto KY 461
18 mi
·
20 min
·
KY 461
12
Continue on US 25
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Richmond Street
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Use the left lane.
14
Merge onto I 75
25 mi
·
26 min
·
I 75
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward KY 876: Richmond, Lancaster
16
Keep slight right at fork
324 ft
·
9 sec
17
Turn straight onto KY 876
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Eastern Bypass
18
Turn left onto KY 52
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Lancaster Avenue
19
At end of road, turn right onto US 25 Business; US 421 Business; KY 52
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
West Main Street
20
Turn left onto KY 388
104 ft
·
2 sec
·
North 2nd Street
21
Arrive at destination
KY 388
Trip Plan
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 68.1 miles from Tompkinsville, KY, or about 1h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 55.8 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 30 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 68.1 miles or 1h 19m 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 11m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Richmond, KY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Tompkinsville, 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 Tompkinsville, KY
This is one driving day of about 136.2 miles and 2h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Tompkinsville, 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 Cumberland Parkway for about 55.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
68 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 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 68.1 miles from Tompkinsville, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 145 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 136.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
KY 163 / North Main Street
Turn left onto KY 163 / North Main Street
Navigation decision point
6
78.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 30m in
Take the exit toward KY 914: Somerset, Burnside
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 86
Toward KY 914: Somerset, Burnside
5
109 mi into trip
|
~2h 8m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
133.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 35m in
Take the exit toward KY 876: Richmond, Lancaster
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward KY 876: Richmond, Lancaster
5
136.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 39m in
|
KY 388 / North 2nd Street
Turn left onto KY 388 / North 2nd Street
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.29 one way
$42.59 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
48 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $23.38 | $46.76 |
| premium | $4.89 | $26.21 | $52.42 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $30.07 | $60.14 |
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: 47.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
14 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
Buc-ee's - Tesla Supercharger
Richmond, KY
Tesla
12 DCFC
CircleK - Berea, KY
Berea, KY
CIRCLE_K
4 DCFC
CircleK - Richmond, KY
Richmond, KY
CIRCLE_K
4 DCFC
Don Franklin Ford Lincoln
Fairplay, KY
FORD_CHARGE
2 DCFC
Russell County Tourist Center
Russell Springs, KY
Non-Networked
2 DCFC
MB BUCEES RICHMOND 1-2
Richmond, KY
MERCEDES_BENZ
2 DCFC
MB BUCEES RICHMOND 3-4
Richmond, KY
MERCEDES_BENZ
2 DCFC
MB BUCEES RICHMOND 5-6
Richmond, KY
MERCEDES_BENZ
2 DCFC
MERCEDES_BENZ: 5
Non-Networked: 2
ChargePoint Network: 2
CIRCLE_K: 2
FORD_CHARGE: 1
Tesla: 1
Blink Network: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 40.9 | 0 | $14.30 | $6.54 |
| Efficient EV | 34.1 | 0 | $11.92 | $5.45 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 54.5 | 0 | $19.07 | $8.72 |
Gas CO2
48 kg
EV CO2
16 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
Richmond, KY
Afternoon in Richmond on Saturday
Local time
2:30 PM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
76°F
Liberty, KY
68 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
1 hour later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
1 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
2h 39m 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.
Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument
National Monument
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 75.2
View on nps.gov
Camp Nelson National Monument
National Monument
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...
17 mi from route
~42 min detour
Free
near mile 131.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This is a 2h 39m highway drive covering 136.2 miles, with most of the trip on Cumberland Parkway and I 75. The longest continuous stretch is about 55.8 miles on Cumberland Parkway.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Cumberland Parkway is the longest continuous segment at about 55.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Cumberland Parkway and I 75. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near KY 163 / North Main Street.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 136.2 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (KY 163 / North Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 78.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Tompkinsville, KY and Richmond, KY, road signs point toward Somerset and Burnside.
Somerset
22.3 mi in
|
~29m
Burnside
78.5 mi in
|
~1h 30m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 39m. Total distance: 136.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Tompkinsville, KY to Richmond, KY covers 136.2 miles and takes about 2h 39m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Cumberland Parkway, I 75, Edmonton 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 68.1 miles from Tompkinsville, KY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.29 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.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 136.2 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (KY 163 / North Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 78.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Tompkinsville, KY and Richmond, KY, road signs point toward Somerset and Burnside.
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.
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