The Easy Drive from Ashland, Kentucky to Shenandoah, Virginia

Are you planning a road trip from Ashland, Kentucky to Shenandoah, Virginia? This guide will help you choose the fastest and easiest route based on different traffic patterns.

The Fastest Route

For those who want to get to Shenandoah as quickly as possible, the fastest route is to take I-64 East to I-81 South. This route has a distance of approximately 326 miles and will take around 5 hours and 20 minutes of driving time.

During peak hours, this route can be unpredictable since it passes through major cities like Roanoke and Richmond. However, if you are traveling during off-peak hours, the driving time can be reduced to around 4 hours and 45 minutes.

The Slowest Route

If you have enough time and would like to enjoy the scenic views along the way, the slowest but most beautiful route is to take US-60 East through the lovely countryside of Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia. This route, though scenic, has a distance of around 410 miles and would take approximately 7 hours and 25 minutes of driving time.

Once you get to Lexington, you can take the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive to arrive at Shenandoah. However, keep in mind that these roads have a lower speed limit, so the driving time can be longer than anticipated.

The Middle Ground

If you neither want to spend your entire day driving nor miss the beautiful countryside of Kentucky, you can opt for the middle ground route. Take I-64 East to I-81 South and exit at the Lexington Exit. From Lexington, you can take the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive to arrive at Shenandoah.

This route has a distance of around 370 miles and would take around 6 hours and 30 minutes of driving time. During peak hours, the driving time can increase by approximately 30-40 minutes, so if possible, avoid traveling during peak hours.

Conclusion

Whether you're in a hurry or have enough time to appreciate the scenic views along the way, there are options for your road trip from Ashland, Kentucky, to Shenandoah, Virginia. So, choose the route that works best for you and have a safe journey!