Fort Knox to Elizabethtown Commute Guide

The commute from Elizabethtown to Fort Knox is one of the most common daily drives in the area — and one of the most manageable. At 15-20 minutes under normal conditions, it's short enough to be a non-issue for most families but long enough to feel like you're leaving post behind at the end of the day.

Primary Route: US-31W

The main route from Elizabethtown to Fort Knox is US-31W (North Dixie Highway), which runs directly between the two cities. It's a straightforward, mostly four-lane drive through Radcliff before reaching the Fort Knox gates. From central E-town, the drive takes 15-20 minutes depending on your exact starting point and which gate you use.

Gate Access & Traffic

Fort Knox has multiple gates, and your commute time can vary based on which one you use and when. During morning rush (0600-0730), expect some backup at the main gates. Tips for minimizing gate wait times:

• Have your CAC/ID ready before you reach the gate
• Some gates have shorter lines than others — ask colleagues which gate they prefer
• Arriving before 0630 or after 0730 typically avoids the worst backup
• Random vehicle inspections can add time — budget a 5-minute buffer

Drive Times from E-town Neighborhoods

• Freeman Creek Estates: ~15 minutes (west side, closest to 31W)
• Helmwood Heights: ~15 minutes
• Ring Road area: ~17 minutes
• Pear Orchard: ~20 minutes
• Foxwood: ~22 minutes (south side, longest commute)

Weather Considerations

Kentucky winters can bring ice and occasional snow, which can extend the commute. US-31W is a priority road for treatment, but use caution during winter weather. Fort Knox and area schools may operate on delayed schedules during weather events.

Why E-town Over Radcliff?

Many military families accept the slightly longer commute from E-town (vs. 5 minutes from Radcliff) in exchange for E-town's wider selection of neighborhoods, better shopping, more dining options, and broader school choices. The extra 10-15 minutes each way translates to a significantly different lifestyle and community experience.