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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesSouth USAKentuckyKentucky
Kentucky

Kentucky Road Trip

Louisville - Lexington - Prestonsburg - Jenkins - Pineville - Berea - Bowling Green - Grand Rivers - Evansville

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Landscape Landscape
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Culture Culture
Historical sites Historical sites
Wildlife Wildlife
Kentucky Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages9 km1,616 h/stage2.2

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Kentucky Road Trip in Kentucky?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 540EUR drive & more 213EUR sleep & more 946EUR eat & more 864EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,023EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,563EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 648EUR drive & more 288EUR sleep & more 1,430EUR eat & more 1,296EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 3,014EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,662EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,080EUR drive & more 400EUR sleep & more 2,376EUR eat & more 1,728EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 4,504EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 5,584EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,700EUR drive & more 438EUR sleep & more 660EUR eat & more 864EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,962EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 4,662EUR
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Kentucky Road Trip Itinerary

Embark on a captivating road trip through Kentucky! Starting in Louisville, you will travel through Lexington, Prestonsburg, Jenkins, Pineville, Berea, and Bowling Green, covering a distance of about 1616 km over the course of twelve days. The best time of year to take this journey is in the summer or fall, when you can take advantage of the comfortable temperatures and good road conditions. You will find plenty of curvy roads along the way, so be sure to stay alert and enjoy the scenery. This road trip is an excellent way to experience the beauty of Kentucky while also creating lasting memories. It is suitable for all drivers and can be managed on a moderate budget. So, get ready to explore the rolling hills and vibrant cities of Kentucky and have the adventure of a lifetime!
number of days 12 number of days
route length 1,616 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Louisville

Distance 1,616 km Driving time 19.6 h Pace: fast 484.9 kWh Airports SDF
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Louisville, Kentucky is the perfect starting point for the Kentucky Road Trip. Famous for its culture and history, Louisville offers a variety of attractions and activities to explore. From the Kentucky Derby Museum and Louisville Slugger Museum to the Louisville Zoo and Waterfront Park, there is something for everyone. History buffs can visit Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby, and the historic district of Old Louisville. Art lovers will enjoy exploring the numerous art galleries and museums in the city. For those traveling by air, Louisville International Airport (IATA: SDF) is the closest international airport to Louisville. The airport offers car rental services should you wish to explore the city and the rest of Kentucky by car. If you are looking for a unique experience, don't forget to visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and taste some of the finest Kentucky bourbon. Louisville also has some great restaurants, bars and nightlife to explore. So, plan your Kentucky Road Trip and start your adventure in Louisville, Kentucky!

1 Louisville - Lexington

Distance 125 km Driving time 1.3 h Pace: fast 37.5 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting cultural site accommodation options EV charging station dining venues
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Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready to explore some of the most interesting places in Louisville and Lexington, two of the most beloved cities in the United States. This stage of your tour is a 78mi drive between the two cities, taking no more than two hours. In Louisville, the most interesting places to visit are the Muhammad Ali Center, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, the Kentucky Derby Museum, and the Louisville Zoo. In Lexington, you can visit the Kentucky Horse Park, the Mary Todd Lincoln House, and the Aviation Museum of Kentucky. In addition to the attractions, you can also enjoy the culinary delights of both cities. Louisville is home to some of the most famous restaurants in the country, while Lexington offers a variety of local eateries. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please visit the "Itinerary" of this stage. We hope you enjoy your journey between Louisville and Lexington!

2 Lexington - Prestonsburg

Distance 208 km Driving time 2.4 h Pace: fast 62.4 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options EV charging station dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road
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Are you looking for a short yet exciting road trip? Then look no further than Lexington to Prestonsburg! This 129 mile drive will take you less than 3 hours, and you'll be able to take in some stunning scenery along the way. The road is very winding in some sections, so be sure to keep your eyes on the road. You'll be able to pass through some great places like Lexington, Winchester, and Mount Sterling on your way to Prestonsburg. Make sure to take in the sights and sounds of each of these cities. You'll also be able to visit some great attractions like the Kentucky Horse Park, the Red River Gorge Geological Area and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum. No matter what you decide to do, you're sure to have an unforgettable road trip! For more information on attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage.

3 Prestonsburg - Jenkins

Distance 91 km Driving time 1.1 h Pace: fast 27.3 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips EV charging station dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road
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Embark on a thrilling road trip from Prestonsburg to Jenkins! This 57-mile drive should take you less than an hour to complete, and you'll be rewarded with some spectacular views along the way. This winding road is full of scenic spots, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the most breathtaking sights. As you travel, you'll also find some interesting places to visit in both Prestonsburg and Jenkins. In Prestonsburg, you can explore the Mountain Arts Center, which is home to a variety of galleries, theaters, and shops. In Jenkins, you can take a walk along the Elkhorn City Rail Trail, which is a peaceful spot to take in the natural beauty of the area. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage.

4 Jenkins - Pineville

Distance 143 km Driving time 1.7 h Pace: fast 42.8 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues
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Embark on a road trip from Jenkins, United States to Pineville, a journey of 89 miles that will take you less than two hours. This is one of the stages of an amazing tour, so don't forget to take pictures! In Jenkins, make sure to visit the Jenkins City Park, a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. In Pineville, take a trip to the Pine Mountain State Resort Park, a beautiful natural area with stunning views. Here, you can go hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

5 Pineville - Berea

Distance 136 km Driving time 1.5 h Pace: fast 40.7 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options EV charging station dining venues scenic road
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Welcome to the Pineville-Berea road trip stage! This 84mi journey is a great way to explore the beauty of the American Midwest. You'll have plenty of time to take in the sights along the way, as the drive should take you less than two hours. As you drive, keep an eye out for the scenic roads that make this route so special. You'll pass through small towns and rolling hills, with plenty of chances to stop and explore. In Pineville, be sure to visit the historic downtown area, where you can find charming shops and restaurants. In Berea, take a walk around the campus of Berea College, and explore the many galleries and museums. No matter where you stop along the way, you're sure to find something special. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

6 Berea - Bowling Green

Distance 279 km Driving time 3.2 h Pace: fast 83.8 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options dining venues
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Welcome road-trippers! This stage of your tour will take you from Berea, United States to Bowling Green, a 174mi journey that will take you fewer than 4 hours. In Berea, make sure to visit the Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant, a historic hotel built in 1909, and the Kentucky Artisan Center, which showcases the works of Kentucky artisans. On the way to Bowling Green, you can visit the Mammoth Cave National Park, a World Heritage Site, and the National Corvette Museum, where you can admire the history of the iconic American sports car. Once you arrive in Bowling Green, you can explore the Historic Railpark & Train Museum, with its collection of vintage locomotives, and the Lost River Cave, an underground river where you can take boat tours. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your tour!

7 Bowling Green - Grand Rivers

Distance 215 km Driving time 2.9 h Pace: fast 64.6 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options scenic road
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Are you ready for an awesome road trip experience starting in Bowling Green and ending in Grand Rivers? This 134mi journey will take you less than 3 hours and will be full of fun! You will be able to explore the beauty of the countryside and enjoy the scenic road. If you start your trip in Bowling Green, make sure to visit the National Corvette Museum and the Historic Railpark and Train Museum to learn more about the city’s history. The Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon is also a great place to spend a few hours with family and friends. When you reach Grand Rivers, you can visit the Badgett Playhouse, the Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, and the Grand Rivers Community Park. If you’re looking for a unique experience, don’t miss the Kentucky Opry and the Patti’s 1880’s Settlement. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip experience!

8 Grand Rivers - Evansville

Distance 154 km Driving time 2.1 h Pace: fast 46.3 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options EV charging station dining venues stretches of winding road
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from Grand Rivers to Evansville? This journey is only 96 miles long and will take you less than two hours to complete. You will be delighted by the winding roads and the stunning views of the countryside. Along the way, you will find many interesting places to visit, such as the Grand Rivers Park, the Grand Rivers Museum, and the Grand Rivers Marina. In Evansville, you can explore the Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science, the Evansville Zoological Society, and the Evansville Botanical Garden. Don’t forget to visit the Angel Mounds State Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. Bon Voyage!

9 Evansville - Louisville

Distance 265 km Driving time 3.3 h Pace: fast 79.4 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting cultural site accommodation options EV charging station dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Evansville to Louisville! This 165-mile journey will take you fewer than 4 hours, and you'll be able to take in the scenic beauty of the winding roads along the way. Start off in Evansville and make your first stop at Angel Mounds State Historic Site, where you can explore the ancient Native American civilization that once inhabited the area. Then, head to the John James Audubon State Park, where you can take a stroll around the lake and enjoy the wildlife. After that, you can make your way to the Falls of the Ohio State Park and explore the fossil beds and the interpretive center. Finally, you can end your trip in Louisville and visit the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, the Frazier History Museum, and the Louisville Zoo. Don't forget to check out the Itinerary for this stage of the trip for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.

  Louisville

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Louisville, the largest city in the state of Kentucky, is the perfect end to the "Kentucky Road Trip". Louisville is known for its history, culture and art. The city is home to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, where visitors can learn about the history of baseball bat making, and the Muhammad Ali Center, which celebrates the life and legacy of the late heavyweight champion. Louisville is also known for its bourbon, and many distilleries offer tours and tastings. Visitors can explore the city's many parks and outdoor attractions, including the Waterfront Park, Cherokee Park and the Big Four Bridge. The Louisville Zoo and the Louisville Mega Cavern are also popular attractions, offering family-friendly activities and experiences. For those looking to experience Louisville's nightlife, the city's downtown area is home to a variety of bars and restaurants. Travelers can reach Louisville by car via Interstates 64, 65 and 71. The closest international airport is Louisville International Airport (IATA code: SDF), located approximately 10 miles from downtown. No matter what kind of experience you're looking for, Louisville is the perfect way to end your "Kentucky Road Trip".

Kentucky Road Trip at a glance

We hope that our itinerary idea has become a perfect inspiration for your future travels.
Our tour can be used as a foundation that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with diverse stopovers.
If travelling by car is your plan when moving around Kentucky, there are a number of essential road rules to follow and a list of things to bear in mind to turn your journey into pleasure. These tips will also become useful for drivers who are interested in hiring a car or renting a camper in Kentucky.
It is essential to follow the local road regulations when on a trip around Kentucky. Alcohol is best to be avoided at any expense when Kentucky is your holiday destination. Holidayers should remember that the allowed blood alcohol level is very low and cannot exceed 0.5‰. Exceeding the maximum allowed speed limit, which is 40km/h, when travelling around the the city streets may result in a speeding ticket. In rural areas, drivers can travel at the maximum permissible speed of 72km/h. While on motorways, you can travel at the maximum speed of 129km/h. In order to stay safe, it is best to drive with your headlights on at daytime and equip your vehicle with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher.
How about the costs of the trip? The amount of money that you have to pay during the whole undertaking are dependent on the budget option that you are interested in. Below, you will find the budget possibilities.
We estimate that the cheapest option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 10 stages while travelling around Kentucky may cost approximately 213 EUR. Holidaymakers will have to pay the average of up to 946 EUR for budget hotels. You should also take into consideration the fact that you will spend roughly 864 EUR for food and restaurants in this option. Travellers will have to pay approximately 540 EUR if they go for the cheapest car hire option as well. Thus, you can expect the travel expenses to be about 2,023 EUR without car rental and 2,563 EUR with vehicle rental.
Tourists who are looking for greater comfort and the standard option will pay around 288 EUR for the fuel needed to cover the trip. Cost amounting to 1,430 EUR can be expected by all travellers who are searching for standard accommodation options. Tourists can expect that the standard option in terms of food and restaurants will cost more or less 1,296 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard rental vehicle can expect a cost of more or less 648 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total more or less 3,662 EUR for holidaymakers who would like to try vehicle hire and 3,014 EUR for those who are not interested in renting.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will live up to the expectations of the most demanding tourists. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay more or less 5,584 EUR for the whole trip, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle rental will spend approximately 4,504 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the itinerary in a premium hire vehicle can expect a cost of about 1,080 EUR. When it comes to the top standard option of the trip, you need to spend the maximum of 400 EUR on the fuel needed to cover the itinerary. Travellers who will go for top services in all aspects of their tour should expect to pay around 1,728 EUR for restaurants and food and more or less 2,376 EUR for accommodation.
Our tour is also an exquisite opportunity for all camper enthusiasts. When it comes to this travel means, you should expect the costs of more or less 2,700 EUR. Camper fans will spend roughly 438 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the tour. Drivers who choose camper rental should expect to pay roughly 660 EUR for overnight stays and more or less 864 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section presents all the above-mentioned details in a straightforward manner.
The part of Kentucky presented in our road trip idea is great to be explored between May and October. There are multiple beautiful road adventures that we offer on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip opportunities. The great versatility of trips will definitely live up to the expectations of the most demanding drivers.

Facts for safer driving in Kentucky

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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