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Trip from Blountville, TN to Clarksville, TN

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

6h 4m

Distance

328.3 mi

528 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$51

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
5h 51m ★
6 AM
6h 4m
8 AM
6h 30m
10 AM
6h 13m
12 PM
6h 11m
3 PM
6h 14m
5 PM
6h 29m
8 PM
5h 56m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

census-designated place in Sullivan County, Tennessee, United States

Blountville, TN

Wikimedia Commons

city in Tennessee, United States

Clarksville, TN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 328.3-mile journey from Blountville, TN to Clarksville, TN is a straightforward 6-hour drive, making it a feasible day trip for most travelers. The route primarily utilizes major interstates, with 97% of the drive on highways, so expect a consistent pace across Tennessee. With an estimated fuel cost of $51, this highway-focused trip is budget-friendly. Given the relatively short duration and focus on interstates, you can comfortably complete this drive in a single day, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

164.1 miles from Blountville, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 209.8 mi 3h 49m
I 81 69.2 mi 1h 14m
I 24 36.4 mi 40m
Madison Street 4.7 mi 8m
TN 76 3.4 mi 3m
Downtown Loop 2.3 mi 3m
Tennessee Ernie Ford Parkway 1 mi 1m
University Avenue 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 209.8 mi, about 3h 49m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Blountville, TN and Clarksville, TN.

1

Start on this road

98 ft · 9 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto SR 126

179 ft · 7 sec · Bristol Highway
3

Turn right onto TN 394; I 81 Alt

1.0 mi · 1 min · Tennessee Ernie Ford Parkway
4

Turn left

0.3 mi · 45 sec
Toward I 81 South Use the left lane.
5

Merge onto I 81

68 mi · 1 hr 13 min · I 81
6

Continue on I 81

0.7 mi · 45 sec · I 81
Exit 1B Toward I 40 West: Knoxville
7

Merge onto I 40

53 mi · 59 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

155 mi · 2 hr 46 min · I 40
Toward Nashville Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

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.
10

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.
11

Merge onto I 24

2.3 mi · 3 min · Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Continue on I 24

2.1 mi · 2 min · I 24
Exit 46A Toward I 24 West, I 65 North: Clarksville, Louisville Use the straight / slight left lanes.
13

Take the exit onto I 24

34 mi · 36 min · I 24
Exit 88 Toward I 24 West: Clarksville Use the slight left / straight lanes.
14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward TN 76
15

Keep slight left at fork

283 ft · 9 sec
16

Continue on TN 76

3.4 mi · 3 min · TN 76
17

Turn right onto US 41A

4.7 mi · 8 min · Madison Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
18

Turn right onto US 41A

0.4 mi · 44 sec · University Avenue
19

At end of road, turn left onto US 41A; SR 48

0.3 mi · 45 sec · College Street
20

Turn left onto North 2nd Street

134 ft · 2 sec · North 2nd Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
21

Arrive at destination

North 2nd Street

Trip Plan

For this 6-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Blountville to maximize your daylight and arrive in Clarksville with time to spare. You'll only need about one planned stop for a break or fuel during the 328.3-mile journey. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch of 209.8 miles on I-40, as services can be spaced out. The highway-heavy nature means you can maintain a steady speed, but remember to stay alert for changing traffic conditions as you cross Tennessee.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 164.1 miles from Blountville, TN, or about 3h into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 209.8 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 72 miles or 1h 18m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 164.1 miles or 3h in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 53m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Clarksville, TN than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Blountville, 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 Blountville, TN

This is one driving day of about 328.3 miles and 6h 4m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 72 miles from Blountville, 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 209.8 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in and county seat of White County, Tennessee, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Sparta, TN

164 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

Sevierville, TN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 72 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Spring City, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 164.1 miles from Blountville, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 209.8 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 17

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.1 and 285.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
1.1 mi into trip | ~2m in

Turn left toward I 81 South

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward I 81 South
7
123.4 mi into trip | ~2h 16m in | I 40

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward Nashville

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Nashville
9
278.2 mi into trip | ~5h 2m 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
280.4 mi into trip | ~5h 6m 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
7
285.2 mi into trip | ~5h 12m in | I 24

Take the exit onto I 24 toward I 24 West: Clarksville

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Exit 88 Toward I 24 West: Clarksville

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$51.33 one way

$102.65 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 115 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $56.35 $112.71
premium $4.89 $63.18 $126.36
diesel $5.61 $72.48 $144.97

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$51

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$76–$101

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 114.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 98.5 1 $34.47 $15.76
Efficient EV 82.1 0 $28.73 $13.13
EV Truck/SUV 131.3 1 $45.96 $21.01

Gas CO2

115 kg

EV CO2

38 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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.

Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Blountville, TN

Late night in Blountville on Sunday

Local time

4:19 AM

EDT

Current temp

79°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Clarksville, TN

Late night in Clarksville on Sunday

Local time

3:19 AM

CDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

74°F

Sparta, TN

164 mi in

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

25 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

6h 4m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

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

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 ~53 min detour Free near mile 262.6
View on nps.gov
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

National Park

Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of it...

28 mi from route ~71 min detour Free near mile 79.9
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 97% of the 328.3 miles spent on interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 209.8 miles along I-40, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. The main roads guiding you are I-81, I-40, and I-24, suggesting a consistent and efficient travel profile. This drive is designed for covering ground, offering a functional rather than a winding or technically challenging experience.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 209.8 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.1 miles in.

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 328.3 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 1.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 123.4 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 278.2 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Blountville, TN and Clarksville, TN, road signs point toward Nashville and Louisville.

Nashville

123.4 mi in | ~2h 16m | via I 40

Louisville

280.4 mi in | ~5h 6m | via I 24

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 4m. Total distance: 328.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 4m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 209.8 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 Clarksville, 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 1.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 123.4 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 278.2 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Stones River National Battlefield and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.1 hours each way, a round trip means 12.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Clarksville, TN before the return drive.

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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