Origin
Union, KY
Night in Union on Friday
Local time
9:18 PM
EDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Union, 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 12m
Distance
142.8 mi
230 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 1m
★
6 AM
3h 13m
8 AM
3h 37m
10 AM
3h 21m
12 PM
3h 19m
3 PM
3h 22m
5 PM
3h 35m
8 PM
3h 6m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Union, KY
Atlantic Ambience
Meads, KY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 142.8-mile journey from Union, KY to Meads, KY is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take about 3 hours and 12 minutes. You'll navigate a mix of roads, including the AA Highway, I 64, and Ronald Reagan Highway, with about 16% of the drive on higher-speed roads. The estimated fuel cost for this route is $22, and with one recommended stop, it's a straightforward drive. The entire trip stays within the Southeast region, offering a consistent feel throughout your travels. This route is well-suited for a single day, allowing for a relaxed pace.
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
71.4 miles from Union, KY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 37m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 12m. Total distance: 142.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile.
Drive Character
Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for much of this 142.8-mile route. While 16% of the journey involves highway driving, the majority will be on more winding local roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 109 miles on the AA Highway, so be prepared for varying speeds and conditions. This road personality suggests a drive where you'll be actively engaged, with frequent adjustments rather than long periods of cruising on an interstate.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
AA Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 109 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near KY 536 / Mount Zion Road.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 142.8 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 0.1 miles (KY 536 / Mount Zion Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 4.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
KY 536 / Mount Zion Road
Enter roundabout onto KY 536 / Mount Zion Road
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
6
4.3 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Take the ramp toward I 71 North, I 75 North: Cincinnati
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward I 71 North, I 75 North: Cincinnati
7
8.7 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Take the exit toward I 275
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 185
Toward I 275
8
15.5 mi into trip
|
~21m in
Take the exit toward KY 9, AA: Wilder, Maysville
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 77
Toward KY 9, AA: Wilder, Maysville
9
15.8 mi into trip
|
~22m in
Keep slight right at fork toward KY 9, AA: Alexandria, Maysville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward KY 9, AA: Alexandria, Maysville
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Union, KY and Meads, KY, road signs point toward Aa: Wilder, Maysville, Aa: Alexandria and Alexandria.
Aa: Wilder
15.5 mi in
|
~21m
Maysville
15.5 mi in
|
~21m
Aa: Alexandria
15.8 mi in
|
~22m
Alexandria
15.9 mi in
|
~22m
|
via KY 9; AA
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| AA Highway | 109 mi | 2h 26m |
| I 64 | 9.2 mi | 9m |
| Ronald Reagan Highway | 5.9 mi | 6m |
| I 71 | 4.1 mi | 4m |
| US 42 | 4 mi | 6m |
| US 60 | 4 mi | 6m |
| US Route 60 | 2 mi | 3m |
| Licking Pike | 1.4 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
AA Highway
— 109 mi, about 2h 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Union, KY and Meads, KY.
1
Start on Union School Road
148 ft
·
12 sec
·
Union School Road
2
Turn left onto Old Union Road
361 ft
·
9 sec
·
Old Union Road
3
Enter roundabout onto KY 536
195 ft
·
4 sec
·
Mount Zion Road
4
Continue on KY 536
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
Mount Zion Road
5
Turn left onto US 42; US 127
4.0 mi
·
6 min
·
US 42; US 127
Use the left lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Toward I 71 North, I 75 North: Cincinnati
Use the right lane.
7
Merge onto I 71; I 75
4.1 mi
·
4 min
·
I 71; I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 185
Toward I 275
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 275 East
10
Merge onto I 275
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Ronald Reagan Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Exit 77
Toward KY 9, AA: Wilder, Maysville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Toward KY 9, AA: Alexandria, Maysville
Use the right lane.
13
Merge onto KY 9; AA
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Licking Pike
Toward Alexandria, Maysville
14
Continue on KY 9; AA
83 mi
·
1 hr 51 min
·
AA Highway
15
Continue on KY 9; KY 1149; AA
26 mi
·
34 min
·
AA Highway
16
Take the exit
248 ft
·
6 sec
Use the right lane.
17
Merge onto KY 1; KY 7
0.5 mi
·
46 sec
·
Carol Malone Boulevard
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
19
Merge onto I 64
9.2 mi
·
9 min
·
I 64
20
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
Exit 181
Toward US 60
21
Turn left onto US 60
4.0 mi
·
6 min
·
US 60
22
Turn left onto US 60
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
US Route 60
23
Turn right onto Marsh Hill Drive
110 ft
·
8 sec
·
Marsh Hill Drive
24
Turn left onto Midland Trail Road
410 ft
·
19 sec
·
Midland Trail Road
25
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour and 12-minute drive, consider an early morning departure to maximize your daylight hours. With a fuel cost around $22, filling up before you leave Union, KY, is a good idea. The route includes one recommended stop, so plan your break about halfway through the 142.8 miles. Given the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, pay close attention to your navigation, especially during the longest stretch on the AA Highway, to ensure you don't miss any crucial turns.
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 71.4 miles from Union, KY, or about 1h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 109 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 31 miles or 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 71.4 miles or 1h 37m 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 38m
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 Union, 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 Union, KY
This is one driving day of about 142.8 miles and 3h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Union, 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 AA Highway for about 109 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 71.4 mi from Union, KY · 1h 37m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
71 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 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 71.4 miles from Union, KY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before AA Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 109 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
$22.33 one way
$44.65 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
50 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $24.51 | $49.02 |
| premium | $4.89 | $27.48 | $54.96 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $31.53 | $63.06 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 50 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 42.8 | 0 | $14.99 | $6.85 |
| Efficient EV | 35.7 | 0 | $12.50 | $5.71 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 57.1 | 0 | $19.99 | $9.14 |
Gas CO2
50 kg
EV CO2
17 kg (66% 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
Night in Meads on Friday
Local time
9:18 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°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
4 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 12m 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 Union, KY to Meads, KY covers 142.8 miles and takes about 3h 12m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are AA Highway, I 64, Ronald Reagan Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 71.4 miles from Union, KY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $22.33 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 18 significant decision points across 142.8 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 0.1 miles (KY 536 / Mount Zion Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 4.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Union, KY and Meads, KY, road signs point toward Aa: Wilder, Maysville, Aa: Alexandria and Alexandria.
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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