Road Trip! How Long Does it Take to Get from Bowling Green to Murray?

Whether you're a local or a tourist, a drive from Bowling Green to Murray is a great opportunity to explore some of the Western Kentucky's unique character and charm. There are a few routes to take between these two cities, depending on your preferences and time constraints. In this article, we'll calculate the driving time for each route and recommend some of the best places to stop along the way.

Route 1: I-65 N and I-24 W (76.6 miles)

The most direct route to take between Bowling Green and Murray is to follow I-65 N and I-24 W. This route takes you from Bowling Green to Nashville, and then on to Paducah. From there, it's a quick trip east on Route 80 to Murray. This route is mostly highway, so it's a straightforward drive that should take you between an hour and an hour and a half, depending on traffic.

Along the way, we recommend stopping in Nashville to check out the iconic music venues, like the Grand Ole Opry or the Ryman Auditorium, or the Country Music Hall of Fame. Another great option is to visit the Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo in Horse Cave, which houses native Australian wildlife and offers fun educational tours.

Route 2: KY-68 W and KY-80 W (99.4 miles)

Another scenic route between Bowling Green and Murray is to take KY-68 W and KY-80 W. This route takes you through charming small towns like Auburn, Elkton, and Cadiz, with plenty of picturesque farms and rolling hills along the way. The switch from highway to country roads means that it takes a bit longer to get to Murray-- around two hours-- but the stunning scenery is worth it.

We recommend stopping in Elkton to visit the Casey Jones Distillery, where you can tour the facilities and taste some locally produced moonshine. If you're looking for a bite to eat, stop by Roy's Barbecue in Auburn for some of the most mouth-watering ribs and brisket in the region.

Route 3: KY-185 W (86.7 miles)

If you're not in a hurry and want to take the scenic route, consider taking KY-185 W from Bowling Green to Murray. This route will take you through backroads, green fields, and forests. You'll drive past Lake Malone State Park, where you can enjoy a picnic or take a walk around the lake.

This route would take between 2-2.5 hours, depending on how fast you feel like driving and how many times you stop to take pictures, to get to Murray. Once you reach Murray, visit the Murray State University Arboretum, which is a beautiful place to walk or have a picnic.

Conclusion

Whether you're looking for speed or adventure, there are plenty of options for getting from Bowling Green to Murray. While each route has its charm, we recommend taking KY-68 W and KY-80 W, which offers a good mix of scenic beauty and attractions along the way. Regardless of the route, be sure to explore some of the wonderful attractions and hidden gems in Kentucky. So pack a picnic and hit the road for a memorable escape!