What is the exact distance from St. Louis to Louisville?

The driving distance from St. Louis to Louisville is 417 kilometers (259 miles). The straight-line distance is 388 km.

How long does it take to drive from St. Louis to Louisville?

The estimated driving time from St. Louis to Louisville is 4 hours under normal traffic conditions. This can vary based on traffic, road conditions, and your driving speed.

What is the fastest route from St. Louis to Louisville?

The fastest route is typically 417km and takes about 4 hours. This route is optimized for time and usually uses major highways and roads.

Are there alternative routes from St. Louis to Louisville?

Yes, we provide up to 2 different route options including the fastest route, shortest distance route, and alternative paths that may offer different scenery or avoid certain road types.

Does the route from St. Louis to Louisville include tolls?

Yes, some routes from St. Louis to Louisville may include toll roads. Check the detailed route information below for specific toll road indicators.

Can I get turn-by-turn directions from St. Louis to Louisville?

While we provide the route overview and key information, for detailed turn-by-turn directions, we recommend using the route data with your preferred GPS navigation app or mapping service.

St. Louis to Louisville Distance

259 miles•417 km•4 hours

Driving distance and route information from St. Louis, United Statesto Louisville, United States. Compare multiple routes and get detailed travel information.

⭐

FASTEST ROUTE

258.97 mi

(416.77 km)

⏱️3h 58m

Via Market Street, North 4th Street

Market Street → North 4th Street

🛣️ 70% Highway💰 Tolls

📏

SHORTEST ROUTE

280.53 mi

(451.47 km)

⏱️4h 50m

Via Market Street, North 4th Street

Market Street → North 4th Street

🛣️ 70% Highway💰 Tolls

📏 Straight-line distance: 241 miles (388 km)

See crow flies distance →

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Complete Driving Guide: St. Louis to Louisville

Essential Route Information

TOTAL DISTANCE

259 mi

417 kilometers

DRIVING TIME

4 hours

240 minutes

FUEL ESTIMATE

35 L

$52 cost

📍 Route Overview

Starting PointSt. Louis, Missouri

DestinationLouisville, Kentucky

Route Options2 available routes

Countries Crossed1 country

Time Zone ChangesCheck local times

🚗 Driving Details

Average Speed104 km/h

Straight-line Distance388 km

Route Efficiency93%

Toll RoadsYes - Budget required

Ferry CrossingsNo ferries

Compare All Routes from St. Louis to Louisville

Route Type	Distance	Drive Time	Avg Speed	Tolls
⭐ Fastest Route	259 mi (417 km)	4 hours	105 km/h	✅ Yes
Alternative 1	281 mi (451 km)	4.8 hours	93 km/h	✅ Yes

Complete Journey Overview: St. Louis to Louisville

The road journey from St. Louis to Louisville spans approximately 259 miles (417 kilometers), making it a medium-distance drive that typically requires 4 hours of continuous driving under normal traffic conditions.

This route connects Missouri, United States with Kentucky, United States, traversing through various regions within United States. The journey offers 2 distinct routing options, each with unique advantages in terms of distance, time, or scenic value.

The most efficient route from St. Louis to Louisville follows major highways and arterial roads, maintaining an average speed of approximately 104 km/h. This route has been optimized for speed, though it includes toll roads that require payment.

🗺️ Travel Planning Essentials

✓

Fuel Planning: Expect to use approximately 10 gallons (35 liters) of fuel for this 259 mile journey. Plan fuel stops every 250-300 miles.

✓

Rest Stops: For safety, plan a 15-minute break every 2 hours of driving. Total journey with breaks: 4.6 hours.

✓

Best Travel Times: Avoid peak traffic hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) in major cities along your route for optimal travel time.

✓

Weather Check: Monitor weather conditions along the entire route, especially during winter months or rainy seasons.

💰 Cost Estimation Guide

Fuel Cost (approximate)$36

Toll Costs$13

Vehicle Wear (per mile)$65

Total Trip Cost$114

* Costs are estimates based on average fuel prices and vehicle maintenance. Actual costs may vary.

Alternative Transportation Options

🚗

By Car

4 hours

259 miles

✈️

By Plane

0.5 hours flight

388 km direct

🚌

By Bus

5.2 hours

Multiple stops

🚂

By Train

Check availability

Scenic route