How far is Franklin, KY from Owensboro, KY?
The driving distance from Franklin, KY to Owensboro, KY is about 87.6 miles (140.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 29m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 78.4 miles (126.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 58m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 29m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
County seat in Kentucky
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Franklin and Owensboro.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Franklin and Owensboro.
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1
Start on North Water Street
30 m · 6 sec · North Water Street
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2
Turn right onto East Cedar Street
91 m · 10 sec · East Cedar Street
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3
Turn right onto North Main Street
1.7 mi · 3 min · North Main Street
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4
Continue on Bowling Green Road
5.8 mi · 9 min · Bowling Green Road
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5
Continue on Nashville Road
9 mi · 14 min · Nashville Road
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6
Turn left onto I 165 North: Owensboro
1320 ft · 34 sec
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7
Merge slight left
66.1 mi · 1 hr 11 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on US 60 East, US 231 North: Hawesville
1792 ft · 44 sec
-
9
Merge slight left onto Wendell Ford Expressway
1.2 km · 53 sec · Wendell Ford Expressway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward KY 54
1437 ft · 42 sec
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11
Turn left onto Leitchfield Road
79 m · 6 sec · Leitchfield Road
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12
Continue on East Parrish Avenue
1.3 mi · 2 min · East Parrish Avenue
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13
Turn right onto Leitchfield Road
1.1 km · 2 min · Leitchfield Road
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14
Turn left onto East 5th Street
1.4 km · 2 min · East 5th Street
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15
Turn right onto Frederica Street
997 ft · 21 sec · Frederica Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Frederica Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Franklin and Owensboro.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 165 North
Merge slight left
66.1 mi · 01h 11m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Franklin and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny near Owensboro.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Franklin to Owensboro?
The road trip is about 87.6 miles (140.9 km) and usually takes 01h 29m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Morgantown is a useful midpoint, sitting about 43.7 miles from Franklin and 43.8 miles from Owensboro.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 78.4 miles (126.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.2 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.65 one way or $23.30 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 27.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Franklin and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny near Owensboro.
Stop Ideas Near Morgantown
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Morgantown.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Franklin and Owensboro. Straight-line distance: 78.44 mi (126.23 km).
#1 Franklin
City in and county seat of Simpson County, Kentucky, United States
| Population | 9,046 |
| Coordinates | 36.7222600, -86.5772200 |
| Altitude | 216 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Owensboro
The most populous city in Daviess County, Kentucky.
| Population | 60,344 |
| Coordinates | 37.7742200, -87.1133300 |
| Altitude | 120 |
| Country | United States |
End: Frederica Street (-87.113495, 37.77421)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 141 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 15m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.65 | $23.30 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.14 | $26.28 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.38 | $28.76 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $16.39 | $32.78 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Kentucky · May 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.