How Bad Is Lexington Traffic?

Drivers in Lexington lose an average of 35 hours to rush hour traffic each year, which accounts for an average loss of $809 a year on gas.
Written by Samuel Todd
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Though traffic in Lexington is fairly light, drivers still lose an average of 35 hours to road congestion every year.
The Horse Capital of the World is known for many things—hospitality, southern charm, and equestrian farms, to name a few—but bad traffic isn’t one of them. In fact, the only time that congestion ever really gets bad in
Lexington
is during a horse racing event, like Keeneland!
Still, if your daily commute takes you down I-64 or I-75, you’ll want to dodge traffic whenever you can to make the most of a full fuel tank.
Car insurance
super app
Jerry
is here to give you the lowdown on Lexington traffic with a look at the factors that cause gridlock, the effect of Covid-19, and the best tactics to avoid traffic jams.
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How bad is Lexington traffic?

Compared to the rest of the nation, Lexington ranks very well with little to no traffic! Driving in Lexington is bound to be less frustrating than driving in, say,
Louisville
or
Indianapolis
, but traffic can still take a toll on local drivers.
Even with some of the best traffic in the country, the average driver in Lexington loses about 35 hours a year to increased traffic. When you account for how much fuel those 35 hours require, you’re looking at an average loss of $809 a year on gas
Traffic numbers have gone down in recent years as the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped workplaces and caused more people to work from home. However, in certain parts of the city, traffic can still be a major concern. Let’s walk through the reasons that cause traffic to get bad in the Horse Capital of
Kentucky

Why is Lexington traffic so bad?

As a rule of thumb, there are three main reasons for traffic: a city’s population size, the infrastructure of its roads, and the driving habits of its citizens. 

Population size 

Almost 350,000 people call Lexington home, making it the second-largest city in Kentucky. Sure, it doesn’t have the sprawling millions of a city like
Houston
or
NYC
, but it still has plenty of drivers to fill the highways.

Major chokepoints

Traffic isn’t all about the number of drivers, though! It also depends on the width and efficiency of a city’s roads. Overall, Lexington’s infrastructure is great—but even the best street designs can have their weak spots. Some noteworthy chokepoints to avoid in Lexington include:
  • High St
  • N/S Limestone
  • Rt 27-68
  • Main St
  • Short St
  • Nicholasville Rd

Driving habits

The average commute time for a driver in Lexington is about 21 minutes—well below the national average of 26 minutes. These shorter commute times allow for the roads to clear up more quickly so you can get to your destination right on time.
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How to navigate Lexington traffic like a pro

Now that we’ve tackled what causes traffic in Lexington, it’s time for the fun part: learning how to conquer it.
Even for the most peaceful drivers, a bad traffic jam can lead to
maddening frustration
, as well as increased risk for car accidents, and a
spike in average insurance payments
. Here’s what you can do to steer clear of traffic’s worse side effects:
  • Stay away from rush hour. Traffic in Lexington peaks between 6:30 and 9 AM and 3 and 6 PM. If you can, hit the roads before or after rush hour for the smoothest ride possible.
  • Learn the backroads. Whether there’s a traffic jam, road work, or an accident, knowing the local roads in Lexington can be a huge help. You’ll be able to navigate any potential gridlock much better than less knowledgeable drivers.
  • Get traffic reports or a navigation app. Tune your radio to 590 AM or 1620 AM to stay up-to-date on road conditions or download
    Google Maps
    or
    Waze
    for real-time traffic reports.
  • Focus on the road. No matter what, you should prioritize
    safe driving practices
    over all else.
    Avoid distractions
    , take it slow, and leave plenty of space between yourself and other drivers. That way, you’ll get where you’re going on time and keep your vehicle (and bank account!) safe.

Prepare for Lexington traffic by updating your car insurance

Whether you’re living in Lexington or just in town for Keeneland, you’ve got better things to do than spending hours shopping for
car insurance
. That’s why
Jerry
does all the heavy lifting for you—helping you find all the best insurance savings in less than a minute!
All you have to do is download our top-rated insurance app, sign up (it only takes 45 seconds!), and relax as Jerry gets you the lowest rates on the market. You just pick your favorite, and it’s off to the races—we’ll take care of the policy-switching paperwork and phone calls for you so that you can take it easy.
Best of all, the average Jerry user saves $887 a year on car insurance!
Jerry
was helpful every step of the way. They saved me over $100 a month for insurance in Kentucky.” —Jim F.
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
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FAQs

There are a few traffic hotspots in Lexington, but overall, it’s a relatively easy place to drive. Just plan your route ahead of time, take it slow on the roads, and you should have no problem reaching your destination.
Avoid rush hour in Lexington by driving through the city before 7 AM or after 6 PM. Traffic on the weekends should be fairly light, so if you’re doing a cross-country road trip, try to pass through Lexington on a Saturday or Sunday.
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