Origin
Athens, TN
Late night in Athens on Sunday
Local time
12:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
84°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Athens, TN to Nashville, TN
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 32m
Distance
167.3 mi
269 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 20m
★
6 AM
3h 32m
8 AM
3h 57m
10 AM
3h 41m
12 PM
3h 38m
3 PM
3h 42m
5 PM
3h 56m
8 PM
3h 25m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Athens, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Nashville, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embarking on a journey from Athens to Nashville, Tennessee, covers 167.3 miles and typically takes around 3 hours and 32 minutes. This drive is easily manageable as a single-day trip, with an estimated fuel cost of $26. You'll primarily navigate I-40, with brief segments on Wassom Memorial Highway and US 127. The route stays within the Southeast region and Tennessee, offering a straightforward drive. Its highway-focused profile makes it an efficient way to connect these two Tennessee cities.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
83.6 miles from Athens, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 58m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 106.3 mi | 1h 55m |
| Wassom Memorial Highway | 19.8 mi | 29m |
| US 127 | 7.7 mi | 12m |
| Clearwater Road | 6.9 mi | 12m |
| Watts Bar Highway | 6.1 mi | 8m |
| SR 68 | 5.9 mi | 8m |
| John J Duncan Parkway | 4 mi | 6m |
| New Lake Road | 3.4 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 106.3 mi, about 1h 55m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Athens, TN and Nashville, TN.
1
Start on SR 39
186 ft
·
9 sec
·
Washington Avenue
2
Turn left onto North White Street
244 ft
·
12 sec
·
North White Street
3
Turn left onto SR 39
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
East Madison Avenue
4
Turn left onto SR 30; SR 39
248 ft
·
6 sec
·
Green Street
5
Turn slight right onto SR 305
2.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Ingleside Avenue
6
Continue on SR 305
4.0 mi
·
6 min
·
John J Duncan Parkway
7
Continue on SR 305
6.9 mi
·
12 min
·
Clearwater Road
8
At end of road, turn left onto SR 68
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
SR 68
9
Enter roundabout
140 ft
·
2 sec
10
Continue
40 ft
·
1 sec
11
Turn slight right onto SR 68
3.9 mi
·
5 min
·
SR 68
12
Continue on TN 68
6.1 mi
·
8 min
·
Watts Bar Highway
13
Turn right onto SR 302
3.4 mi
·
5 min
·
New Lake Road
14
Continue on Piccadilly Avenue
0.5 mi
·
53 sec
·
Piccadilly Avenue
15
Continue on Herb M Wassom Mem Highway
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
Herb M Wassom Mem Highway
16
At end of road, turn right onto SR 68
0.3 mi
·
30 sec
·
Herb M Wassom Mem Highway
17
Continue on SR 68
20 mi
·
29 min
·
Wassom Memorial Highway
18
Turn straight onto US 127
7.7 mi
·
12 min
·
US 127
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
20
Merge onto I 40
104 mi
·
1 hr 52 min
·
I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
I 40
Exit 213B
Toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 24
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
·
I 24
Exit 211
Toward I 24 West: Clarksville, Louisville
Use the slight right lane.
23
Merge onto I 24
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 48
Toward James Robertson Parkway, State Capitol
Use the right lane.
25
Turn straight onto US 31; US 41; US 431
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
James Robertson Parkway
Use the straight lane.
26
Turn left onto 3rd Avenue North
129 ft
·
6 sec
·
3rd Avenue North
Use the left lane.
27
Turn right onto Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
·
Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Turn right onto 7th Avenue North
0.2 mi
·
1 min
·
7th Avenue North
29
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour 32-minute duration, leaving Athens in the morning allows ample time to reach Nashville without feeling rushed. With only one recommended stop and a manageable distance, you have flexibility in planning your breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 106.3-mile segment on I-40, as services might be less frequent. Planning to depart early can help you avoid potential traffic closer to Nashville, making your arrival smoother.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 83.6 miles from Athens, TN, or about 1h 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106.3 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 37 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 83.6 miles or 1h 58m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 55m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Nashville, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Athens, TN so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Athens, TN
This is one driving day of about 167.3 miles and 3h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Athens, TN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 106.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
84 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 83.6 miles from Athens, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 106.3 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 175 decision points cluster between mile 162.2 and 166.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
162.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 22m in
|
I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 213B
Toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville
9
164.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 25m in
|
I 24
Keep slight right at fork onto I 24 toward I 24 West: Clarksville, Louisville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 211
Toward I 24 West: Clarksville, Louisville
8
165.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 27m in
Take the exit toward James Robertson Parkway, State Capitol
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 48
Toward James Robertson Parkway, State Capitol
6
166.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 30m in
|
3rd Avenue North
Turn left onto 3rd Avenue North
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
166.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 30m in
|
Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
Turn right onto Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.16 one way
$52.31 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
59 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $28.72 | $57.44 |
| premium | $4.89 | $32.20 | $64.39 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $36.94 | $73.88 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 58.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 50.2 | 0 | $17.57 | $8.03 |
| Efficient EV | 41.8 | 0 | $14.64 | $6.69 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 66.9 | 0 | $23.42 | $10.71 |
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Nashville, TN
Night in Nashville on Saturday
Local time
11:23 PM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
30 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 32m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Stones River National Battlefield
National Battlefield
The Battle of Stones River began on the last day of 1862 and became one of the bloodiest conflicts of the Civil War. The battle produced important military and political gains for the Union, and it ch...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 150
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly a highway experience, with 75% of the route utilizing major roadways. You'll encounter a significant stretch of 106.3 miles on I-40, offering a consistent pace. While much of the journey follows the main interstate, there are moments where you'll transition to other significant roads like US 127. Expect a profile that leans heavily towards efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways, allowing for steady progress towards your destination.
75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 106.3 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Wassom Memorial Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 162.2 miles in near I 40.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 167.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 162.2 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 164.3 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 165.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 32m. Total distance: 167.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (75%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 106.3 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Nashville, TN before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 162.2 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 164.3 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 165.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Stones River National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Nashville, TN, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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