Kentucky Route 242 (KY 242) is a 10.275-mile-long (16.536 km) long east–west state highway located south of the city limits of Bowling Green in rural Warren County, Kentucky.

The route begins at an intersection with the cojoined US 68/KY 80, known locally as Russellville Road.

From US 68 and KY 80, KY 242 heads to the southeast, passing through the Rockfield community prior to turning eastward and traveling through rural country for 2.4 miles (3.9 km) to an intersection with U.S. Route 31W.

Past KY 884, the route narrows considerably for the remainder of its length.

Three miles after the junction with KY 884, the route traverses Interstate 65 by way of an overpass.