Origin
Clarksville, TN
Night in Clarksville on Saturday
Local time
11:48 PM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Clarksville, TN to Lafayette, TN
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 13m
Distance
113.1 mi
182 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$18
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 4m
★
6 AM
2h 14m
8 AM
2h 32m
10 AM
2h 20m
12 PM
2h 18m
3 PM
2h 21m
5 PM
2h 31m
8 PM
2h 8m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Clarksville, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Lafayette, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Spanning 113.1 miles across Tennessee, this trek from Clarksville to Lafayette is a straightforward journey typically taking 2 hours and 13 minutes. Because the drive is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a single-day trip, requiring no overnight stays. You will primarily navigate via I-24, Nashville Highway, and Madison Street, keeping your fuel costs to a modest $17. The route stays entirely within the Southeast region, offering a consistent feel as you transition between these two Tennessee towns. It is a highly practical drive for those looking to reach their destination efficiently without the need for extensive travel planning.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
56.5 miles from Clarksville, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 7m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 24 | 95.6 mi | 1h 44m |
| Nashville Highway | 4.8 mi | 7m |
| Madison Street | 4.7 mi | 8m |
| TN 76 | 3.1 mi | 3m |
| Buffalo Valley Highway | 3 mi | 5m |
| Chestnut Mound Road | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Franklin Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| University Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 24
— 95.6 mi, about 1h 44m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clarksville, TN and Lafayette, TN.
1
Start on North 2nd Street
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
North 2nd Street
2
Turn left onto Franklin Street
0.3 mi
·
52 sec
·
Franklin Street
3
Turn right onto US 41A
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
University Avenue
4
Turn left onto US 41A; SR 76
4.7 mi
·
8 min
·
Madison Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
5
Turn left onto TN 76
3.1 mi
·
3 min
·
TN 76
6
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
7
Merge onto I 24
33 mi
·
35 min
·
I 24
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 24
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
I 24
Exit 44A
Toward I 24 East, I 65 South: Nashville
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
9
Continue on I 24
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
I 24
Exit 86
Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga, Knoxville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 24
57 mi
·
1 hr 2 min
·
I 24
Exit 50A
Toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
Use the slight left lane.
11
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
Toward TN 96: Center Hill Dam
12
Turn left onto SR 96
3.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Buffalo Valley Highway
13
Continue on SR 96
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Chestnut Mound Road
14
Turn right onto US 70N; SR 96
4.8 mi
·
7 min
·
Nashville Highway
15
Arrive at destination
US 70N; SR 96
Trip Plan
Since this is a compact 2 hour and 13 minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. You can easily complete the entire 113.1-mile distance without needing to schedule formal stops, though keeping your fuel budget of $17 in mind is wise before you hit the road. To avoid the heaviest traffic, try to time your departure to miss peak commuting hours, especially when navigating the segments near the interstate. Because the longest stretch of the drive is nearly 96 miles of highway, ensure your vehicle is prepped for sustained speeds before leaving Clarksville. This route’s simplicity is its greatest asset, so enjoy the ease of a drive that gets you to Lafayette without any complex navigation requirements.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 56.5 miles from Clarksville, TN, or about 1h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 95.6 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 25 miles or 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 56.5 miles or 1h 7m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 46m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lafayette, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Clarksville, 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 Clarksville, TN
This is one driving day of about 113.1 miles and 2h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 25 miles from Clarksville, TN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 24 for about 95.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
57 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 25 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 56.5 miles from Clarksville, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 24 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 95.6 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 115 decision points cluster between mile 0.7 and 47.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.7 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
US 41A; SR 76 / Madison Street
Turn left onto US 41A; SR 76 / Madison Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
5
8.9 mi into trip
|
~14m in
|
I 24
Merge onto I 24
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
42.2 mi into trip
|
~50m in
|
I 24
Keep slight right at fork onto I 24 toward I 24 East, I 65 South: Nashville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 44A
Toward I 24 East, I 65 South: Nashville
5
44.5 mi into trip
|
~53m in
|
I 24
Continue onto I 24 toward I 24 East: Chattanooga, Knoxville
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 86
Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga, Knoxville
9
47.3 mi into trip
|
~57m in
|
I 24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 24 toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 50A
Toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattan...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$17.68 one way
$35.36 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
40 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $19.41 | $38.83 |
| premium | $4.89 | $21.77 | $43.53 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $24.97 | $49.94 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$18
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 39.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 33.9 | 0 | $11.88 | $5.43 |
| Efficient EV | 28.3 | 0 | $9.90 | $4.52 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 45.2 | 0 | $15.83 | $7.24 |
Gas CO2
40 kg
EV CO2
13 kg (68% 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
Lafayette, TN
Night in Lafayette on Saturday
Local time
11:48 PM
CDT
Current temp
51°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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
3 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
2h 13m 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 62.4
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 highway-focused experience, as 87% of your time will be spent cruising on major roads. The most significant portion of your journey involves a 95.6-mile uninterrupted stretch on I-24, which sets a steady, fast-paced tone for the majority of the trip. Transitioning from the interstate to local roads like the Nashville Highway and Madison Street provides a shift in pace as you approach your destination. While the drive is characterized by its efficiency, the clear distinction between the long interstate haul and the final highway segments keeps the experience from feeling entirely monotonous.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 95.6 mi on I 24.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 24 and Nashville Highway. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in near US 41A; SR 76 / Madison Street.
Driving Effort
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 113.1 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.7 miles (US 41A; SR 76 / Madison Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 8.9 miles (I 24): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 42.2 miles (I 24): 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Clarksville, TN and Lafayette, TN, road signs point toward Knoxville and Chattanooga.
Knoxville
44.5 mi in
|
~53m
|
via I 24
Chattanooga
47.3 mi in
|
~57m
|
via I 24
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 13m. Total distance: 113.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 95.6 miles on I 24. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.7 miles (US 41A; SR 76 / Madison Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 8.9 miles (I 24): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 42.2 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Lafayette, TN before heading back.
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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