Origin
Cleveland, TN
Morning in Cleveland on Tuesday
Local time
8:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Cleveland, TN to Portland, TN
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 42m
Distance
189.1 mi
304 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 30m
★
6 AM
3h 42m
8 AM
4h 8m
10 AM
3h 51m
12 PM
3h 49m
3 PM
3h 52m
5 PM
4h 6m
8 PM
3h 35m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Portland, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Cleveland, TN to Portland, TN is 189.1 miles and takes about 3h 42m via I 24 and I 75, with a fuel budget near $30 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Tennessee, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. Expect a highway-focused trip for the most part, making it a straightforward journey. With a recommended one-day duration and a relatively short drive time, this route is ideal for a quick transit or a day trip.
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
94.5 miles from Cleveland, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 51m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 24 | 111.3 mi | 2h 6m |
| Tennessee National Guard Parkway | 18.5 mi | 19m |
| I 75 | 18.4 mi | 22m |
| SR 109 | 17.6 mi | 20m |
| Central Pike | 16.8 mi | 23m |
| South Lee Highway | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| US 74 | 1.3 mi | 1m |
| Lee Highway | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 24
— 111.3 mi, about 2h 6m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cleveland, TN and Portland, TN.
1
Start on US 64
68 ft
·
9 sec
·
Inman Street West
2
Turn left onto US 64; US 11 Business
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
Broad Street Southwest
3
Turn right onto US 64; US 11 Business
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
3rd Street Southwest
Use the right lane.
4
Continue on US 64; US 11 Business
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
·
Lee Highway
5
Turn left onto US 11; US 64
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
South Lee Highway
Use the straight / left lanes.
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
7
Merge onto US 74
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
US 74
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Use the left / straight lanes.
9
Merge onto I 75
18 mi
·
22 min
·
I 75
Use the straight lane.
10
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
56 sec
Toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, Nashville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 24
111 mi
·
2 hr 6 min
·
I 24
Toward Chattanooga, Nashville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
55 sec
Exit 74B
Toward I 840 East: Lebanon, Knoxville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 840
19 mi
·
19 min
·
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
51 sec
Exit 72B
Toward TN 265 West: Central Pike
Use the right lane.
15
Continue on SR 109; SR 265
17 mi
·
23 min
·
Central Pike
Use the right lane.
16
Turn left onto SR 109
18 mi
·
20 min
·
SR 109
Use the left lane.
17
Arrive at destination
SR 109
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 42m duration, you can easily complete this drive in a single day, leaving ample flexibility for when you depart. Consider an early morning start to avoid any potential traffic, especially around larger Tennessee cities. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $30, planning is straightforward. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 111.3-mile stretch on I-24, as services can be spaced out on interstates.
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 94.5 miles from Cleveland, TN, or about 1h 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.3 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 42 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 94.5 miles or 1h 51m 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 59m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Portland, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cleveland, 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 Cleveland, TN
This is one driving day of about 189.1 miles and 3h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from Cleveland, 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 24 for about 111.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
95 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 42 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 94.5 miles from Cleveland, 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 111.3 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 135 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 154.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 64; US 11 Business / 3rd Street Southwest
Turn right onto US 64; US 11 Business / 3rd Street Southwest
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
4.6 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
7
23.3 mi into trip
|
~30m in
Take the exit toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, Nashville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, Nashville
8
135.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 37m in
Take the exit toward I 840 East: Lebanon, Knoxville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 74B
Toward I 840 East: Lebanon, Knoxville
7
154.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 58m in
Take the exit toward TN 265 West: Central Pike
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 72B
Toward TN 265 West: Central Pike
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$29.56 one way
$59.13 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
66 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $32.46 | $64.92 |
| premium | $4.89 | $36.39 | $72.78 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $41.75 | $83.50 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 66.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 56.7 | 0 | $19.86 | $9.08 |
| Efficient EV | 47.3 | 0 | $16.55 | $7.56 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 75.6 | 0 | $26.47 | $12.10 |
Gas CO2
66 kg
EV CO2
22 kg (67% 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
Portland, TN
Morning in Portland on Tuesday
Local time
7:59 AM
CDT
Current temp
76°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
1 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 42m 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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 136.9
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is an 88% highway-focused drive, meaning you'll spend most of your time on high-speed interstates like I-24 and I-75. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 111.3 miles on I-24, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. While primarily interstate, the inclusion of Tennessee National Guard Parkway adds a slight variation. Overall, anticipate a steady pace with minimal slowdowns, characteristic of a functional transit route rather than a winding scenic byway.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 111.3 mi on I 24.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 24 and Tennessee National Guard Parkway. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near US 64; US 11 Business / 3rd Street Southwest.
Driving Effort
6/10
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 189.1 miles you will encounter 13 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 0.2 miles (US 64; US 11 Business / 3rd Street Southwest): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Cleveland, TN and Portland, TN, road signs point toward Nashville, Chattanooga and Knoxville.
Nashville
23.3 mi in
|
~30m
Chattanooga
24 mi in
|
~31m
|
via I 24
Knoxville
135.3 mi in
|
~2h 37m
About the Cities
Starting in Cleveland, TN
Full guide →Cleveland is the county seat of Bradley County, Tennessee. As of 2020, the population was 45,902. Just like in other areas of the South, Native Americans such as the Cherokees were forced to cede their tribal homelands and move west in what was termed "The Trail Of Tears", in which many died. Cleveland was an exhibition in all this in that not only was it the site of the diminishing Cherokee's council at a place called Charleston and then Red Clay nearby, but it also was where federal troops imprisoned tribal members in stockades for forced removal by the time the crafty Treaty of New Echota passed in 1835. These things are represented at the Museum Center At Five Points and Red Clay State Park.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 42m. Total distance: 189.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 111.3 miles on I 24. 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 Portland, 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 0.2 miles (US 64; US 11 Business / 3rd Street Southwest): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.3 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 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Portland, 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.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Portland, TN
More trips to Portland, TN
Explore more options from Cleveland, TN or browse trips ending in Portland, TN.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TN road trips.