Interstate 75: Cincinnati to Interstate 71 – Kentucky

Crossing the mighty Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati, Interstate 75 makes a dramatic entrance into Kentucky via the double-decked Brent Spence Bridge, a well-known crossing shared with Interstate 71. As we leave the city skyline behind, we descend briefly before quickly climbing out of the Ohio River Valley. The urban density of northern Kentucky is on full display here, with closely packed communities like Covington and Park Hills hugging the hillsides. These early miles offer glimpses of historic neighborhoods and churches perched above the freeway. Despite its urban setting, the terrain provides a scenic mix of elevation changes and tight curves as I-75 begins its journey southward.

Once we reach Fort Mitchell, the pace changes slightly. The road straightens and the surroundings begin to open up a bit. We pass the interchange with U.S. Highway 25, a historic route that once carried travelers long before the interstates were built. From here, the route arcs southwest as it threads through Erlanger, a vital logistics hub thanks to its proximity to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and the massive DHL facility just west of the interstate. We then intersect with Interstate 275, which forms a beltway around Cincinnati and provides connections to other major regional routes.

Past Erlanger, I-75 reorients itself southward as we approach the city of Florence, famous for its quirky “Florence Y’all” water tower that greets southbound drivers. This stretch of road includes an interchange with U.S. Highway 42, offering access to local businesses, shopping centers, and residential areas. It’s the last truly urban-feeling segment before the road transitions into a more rural character. As we continue south, the landscape opens up to rolling fields, woodlots, and a quieter rhythm that marks the gateway to Kentucky’s more pastoral regions. The final leg of this drive leads us toward Walton, where Interstate 75 splits with Interstate 71—continuing south toward Lexington while I-71 heads southwest to Louisville.

While this segment of I-75 may be relatively short at 29 miles, it’s a vital connection that transitions from dense metro into the open countryside. Along the way, travelers get a quick tour of northern Kentucky’s commercial and residential belt—filled with plenty of options for dining, fuel, and lodging. If you have time to stop, downtown Covington offers a walkable historic district with riverfront parks and restaurants, while Florence gives you that classic roadside Americana vibe that Kentucky does so well.