Road Trip from Bristol, Tennessee to Barbourville, Kentucky: The Best Routes and Duration Estimate

Whether you're planning on taking a road trip with friends or family, or you're heading for a conference in Barbourville, Kentucky, it's always important to know how long it will take you to get there. The time it takes to get to your destination will help you plan better for gas stops, restroom breaks, or lunch stops along the way. Of course, there are several routes you can take when driving from Bristol, Tennessee to Barbourville, Kentucky. Here are the best routes and duration estimates for each:

The Fastest Route: I-81 N and I-40 E

If you're looking for the quickest driving route from Bristol, Tennessee, to Barbourville, Kentucky, we suggest taking I-81 N and I-40 E. The distance of this route is approximately 205 miles. Accounting for normal traffic, you can drive from Bristol to Barbourville in around 3 hours and 15 minutes.

The Scenic Route: TN-32 W, US-25E S, and KY-229 N

If you're looking for a different travel experience and you're not in a rush, we suggest taking the scenic route from Bristol, Tennessee to Barbourville, Kentucky. The distance of this route is approximately 220 miles. Accounting for normal traffic, you can drive from Bristol to Barbourville in around 4 hours and 30 minutes.

The Halfway Route: I-81 N and I-40 W

If you want a route that splits driving time in half, you can take I-81 N and I-40 W. The distance of this route is approximately 230 miles. Accounting for normal traffic, you can drive from Bristol to Barbourville in around 4 hours and 15 minutes.

Food Stops: What to eat along the way?

With so many miles to cover, it's important to know where you can grab some food along the way. If you're starting from Bristol, Tennessee, you can stop at The Golden Dairy or Quaker Steak & Lube in Bristol or Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in Lebanon, Tennessee, for a quick bite to eat. Once you cross into Kentucky, you can stop at Dino's Drive-In in Barbourville for some tasty burgers and fries or at McDonald's for a quick snack.

Things to see and do along the way

If you're interested in seeing some attractions along the way, you can stop at the following places: Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower (TN), Pine Mountain State Park (KY), or Wilderness Road State Park (VA). There, you will find beautiful scenery and various hiking trails to explore.

Final Thoughts

Overall, there are several routes you can take from Bristol, Tennessee to Barbourville, Kentucky, and each depends on your preferences for driving time, scenery, or food stops. If you're in a rush or want to save time, you can take the shortest route. However, if you're interested in seeing some beautiful natural landscapes, choose the scenic route instead. Don't forget to plan for food stops along the way, and to take a break and stretch your legs when you can. Safe travels!