Spanning 299.1 miles across Tennessee, this drive from Chattanooga to Germantown typically takes about 5 hours and 59 minutes behind the wheel. Because the route is straightforward and manageable, you can easily complete it in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to budget approximately $45 for fuel as you navigate primarily via US 72, John T Reid Parkway, and US 72 Alternate. Traveling from the Southeast region toward the western edge of the state, you will find this path serves as a practical, highway-focused connection. It is an efficient way to cross the state, prioritizing speed and accessibility over complex detours. Whether you are moving between these two hubs for business or leisure, the route offers a reliable, no-nonsense itinerary.
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
149.6 miles from Chattanooga, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 55m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 72
91.5 mi
1h 49m
John T Reid Parkway
71.9 mi
1h 22m
US 72 Alternate
59.6 mi
1h 14m
I 24
26.4 mi
29m
North Cedar Avenue
17.8 mi
20m
Highway 72
9.5 mi
12m
Bill Morris Parkway
8.9 mi
10m
Huntsville-Decatur Highway
3.5 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
US 72
— 91.5 mi, about 1h 49m
Traffic on I-24
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 9 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,974 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,367
Quietest
2 AM
~348 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chattanooga, TN and Germantown, TN.
1
Start on TN 8
0.3 mi·55 sec·West Martin Luther King Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
2
Turn left
0.2 mi·30 sec
Use the left lane.
3
Merge onto US 27
0.7 mi·58 sec·US 27
4
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·42 sec
Toward 24: Nashville, BirminghamUse the slight right lane.
5
Merge onto I 24
26 mi·29 min·I 24
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi·33 sec
Exit 152AToward US 72 West: South Pittsburg
7
Continue on US 72
18 mi·20 min·North Cedar Avenue
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on US 72
0.8 mi·56 sec·Lee Highway
9
Continue on US 72
2.0 mi·2 min·John T Reid Parkway
10
Continue on US 72
2.0 mi·2 min·Lee Highway
11
Continue on US 72
70 mi·1 hr 20 min·John T Reid Parkway
12
Continue on US 72 Alternate; AL 20
3.5 mi·4 min·Huntsville-Decatur Highway
Use the right lane.
13
Continue on US 31; US 72 Alternate; AL 20
1.6 mi·2 min·Bee Line Highway
14
Keep slight right at fork onto US 72 Alternate; AL 20
60 mi·1 hr 14 min·US 72 Alternate; AL 20
Use the right lane.
15
Continue on US 72
22 mi·26 min·US 72
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Continue on US 72
1.5 mi·1 min·US 72
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Continue on US 72
9.5 mi·12 min·Highway 72
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Continue on US 72
1.4 mi·2 min·US 72
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Continue on US 72
44 mi·52 min·US 72
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Enter roundabout onto US 72
155 ft·1 sec·US 72
Toward US 72 West: Memphis
21
Continue on US 72
13 mi·15 min·US 72
Toward US 72 West: MemphisUse the straight / right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto US 72
8.4 mi·10 min·US 72
Toward Collierville, MemphisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.4 mi·46 sec
Toward TN 385 West, To I-240: Memphis
24
Merge onto TN 385
8.9 mi·10 min·Bill Morris Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward Winchester RoadUse the slight right lane.
26
Keep slight left at fork
482 ft·14 sec
Toward Winchester Road WestUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
27
Turn slight left onto Winchester Road
0.2 mi·23 sec·Winchester Road
28
Turn right onto TN 177
2.4 mi·4 min·South Germantown Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
29
Continue on TN 177
0.2 mi·26 sec·West Street
30
Continue on North Street
281 ft·13 sec·North Street
31
Turn right onto South Germantown Road
429 ft·12 sec·South Germantown Road
32
Turn left onto Southern Avenue
175 ft·7 sec·Southern Avenue
33
Arrive at destination
Southern Avenue
Trip Plan
To keep your 6-hour journey comfortable, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Since the route relies heavily on major highways like US 72, traffic volume can vary, so departing early in the morning is a smart way to maximize your daylight hours. With a fuel budget of $45, consider filling up before you hit the longest 91.5-mile stretch to ensure you aren't hunting for a station during the middle of that segment. Because this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time based on local traffic patterns. Keep a close eye on your navigation for transitions between US 72 and the John T Reid Parkway to avoid missing key junction points.
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 149.6 miles from Chattanooga, TN, or about 2h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 91.5 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 66 miles or 1h 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 149.6 miles or 2h 55m 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 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Germantown, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga, TN
This is one driving day of about 299.1 miles and 5h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 66 miles from Chattanooga, 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 US 72 for about 91.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.3 and 296 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
1.3 mi into trip|~2m in
Keep slight right at fork toward 24: Nashville, Birmingham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward 24: Nashville, Birmingham
6
125.9 mi into trip|~2h 26m in|US 72 Alternate; AL 20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 72 Alternate; AL 20
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
264.6 mi into trip|~5h 15m in|US 72
Enter roundabout onto US 72 toward US 72 West: Memphis
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Toward US 72 West: Memphis
8
278.1 mi into trip|~5h 31m in|US 72
Keep slight left at fork onto US 72 toward Collierville, Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Collierville, Memphis
8
296 mi into trip|~5h 53m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Winchester Road West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward Winchester Road West
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.17 one way
$88.34 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg105 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$48.76
$97.53
premium
$4.72
$55.53
$111.07
diesel
$4.80
$56.48
$112.95
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 104.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
89.7
1
$31.41
$14.36
Efficient EV
74.8
0
$26.17
$11.96
EV Truck/SUV
119.6
1
$41.87
$19.14
Gas CO2
105 kg
EV CO2
35 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Chattanooga, TN
Late night
in Chattanooga on Sunday
Local time
5:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
91°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 0 to 5 mph42% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 5:19PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 4:17PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
Destination
Germantown, TN
Late night
in Germantown on Sunday
Local time
4:46 AM
CDT
Current temp
95°F
Mostly Sunny
WNW 10 mph5% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 5:19PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 4:17PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
92°F
Decatur, AL
150 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
4 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 59m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a drive defined by its highway-focused nature, with roughly 90% of your time spent on major thoroughfares. You will face a consistent pace, highlighted by a longest uninterrupted stretch of 91.5 miles along US 72. The character of the road remains steady, providing a predictable experience rather than a collection of technical or winding local paths. As you transition between the various segments of the route, the road maintains a focus on efficiency, allowing you to settle into a rhythm. This is a practical, steady drive that favors straightforward navigation over the stop-and-go patterns of smaller secondary roads.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 91.5 mi on US 72.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 72 and John T Reid Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.3 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 299.1 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 1.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 125.9 miles (US 72 Alternate; AL 20): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 264.6 miles (US 72): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
730 ft383 ft
Total Climb
265 ft
Total Descent
557 ft
Highest Point
730 ft
~21.4 mi in
Elevation Range
348 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Chattanooga, TN and Germantown, TN, road signs point toward Collierville and Memphis.
Chattanooga is the 4th largest city in Tennessee. It is the seat of Hamilton County. It is in Southeast Tennessee on the Tennessee River and near the border of Georgia. It was immortalized in the popular 1941 song "Chattanooga Choo Choo", made famous by Glenn Miller.
Top landmarks
•Delta Queen — paddle steamer launched in 1926
•Hunter Museum of American Art — art museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee
•Saints Peter and Paul Basilica — historic church in Tennessee, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 59m. Total distance: 299.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 91.5 miles on US 72. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 14 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Germantown, 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. There are 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 125.9 miles (US 72 Alternate; AL 20): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 264.6 miles (US 72): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 12.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Germantown, TN before the return drive.
