Clinton, TN to Columbia, TN is 214.2 miles and takes about 4h 2m via I 40 and I 65, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive primarily stays within Tennessee, traveling from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. Expect a straightforward journey focused on efficient travel, as the majority of your miles will be on interstate highways. Given the relatively short duration, this trip is easily manageable as a single-day excursion, allowing for a relaxed start or a prompt arrival.
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
107.1 miles from Clinton, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 5m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
112.3 mi
2h
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
44.6 mi
47m
I 65
11.5 mi
12m
Harriman Highway
9.8 mi
11m
Bear Creek Pike
7.1 mi
8m
Oliver Springs Highway
7.1 mi
12m
East Tri County Boulevard
4.6 mi
5m
North Roane Street
4.1 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 112.3 mi, about 2h
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clinton, TN and Columbia, TN.
1
Start on Market Street
135 ft·10 sec·Market Street
2
Turn left onto US 25W
0.5 mi·51 sec·North Main Street
3
Turn right onto TN 61
2.1 mi·3 min·South Charles G Seivers Boulevard
4
Continue on TN 61
0.5 mi·49 sec·South Charles G. Seivers Boulevard
5
Continue on TN 61
1.1 mi·1 min·Oak Ridge Highway
6
Continue on TN 61
1.1 mi·1 min·Oak Ridge Turnpike
7
Turn right onto TN 61
7.1 mi·12 min·Oliver Springs Highway
8
Turn right onto SR 61; SR 62
4.6 mi·5 min·East Tri County Boulevard
9
Continue on SR 61
9.6 mi·10 min·Harriman Highway
10
Merge onto US 27
0.2 mi·10 sec·Bitter Creek Highway
11
Continue on US 27
0.2 mi·15 sec·Harriman Highway
12
Continue on US 27
2.1 mi·2 min·Hannah Highway
13
Continue on US 27
4.1 mi·4 min·North Roane Street
14
Turn left
0.2 mi·25 sec
15
Merge onto I 40
112 mi·2 hr·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
1.1 mi·1 min
Exit 235Toward I 840 West: Memphis, MurfreesboroUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 840
45 mi·47 min·Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·22 sec
Exit 31Toward I 65: Nashville, HuntsvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork
1.6 mi·2 min
Exit 31AToward I 65 South: HuntsvilleUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto I 65
11 mi·12 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Exit 46Toward 412, 99: Columbia, Chapel Hill
22
Keep slight right at fork
162 ft·4 sec
Exit 46Toward 412: Columbia
23
Turn right onto US 412
7.1 mi·8 min·Bear Creek Pike
24
Turn left onto US 31; US 412 Business
1.4 mi·2 min·Nashville Highway
25
Continue on US 31; US 412 Business
0.5 mi·57 sec·North Garden Street
26
Turn left onto West 7th Street
79 ft·2 sec·West 7th Street
27
Arrive at destination
West 7th Street
Trip Plan
With a total drive time of just over 4 hours, this trip is well-suited for a single day. Consider departing in the morning to make the most of daylight and allow for an unhurried pace. You'll encounter one recommended stop, so plan to take a break roughly halfway through your journey to stretch your legs and refuel. The longest stretch without a significant road change is 112.3 miles on I 40, so be prepared for that continuous segment. Since the drive is manageable in one day, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time as needed.
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 107.1 miles from Clinton, TN, or about 2h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 112.3 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 47 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 107.1 miles or 2h 5m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Columbia, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Clinton, 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 Clinton, TN
This is one driving day of about 214.2 miles and 4h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Clinton, 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 112.3 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 145.8 and 205.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
145.8 mi into trip|~2h 46m in
Take the exit toward I 840 West: Memphis, Murfreesboro
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 235
Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Murfreesboro
8
191.5 mi into trip|~3h 35m in
Take the exit toward I 65: Nashville, Huntsville
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 31
Toward I 65: Nashville, Huntsville
8
191.8 mi into trip|~3h 36m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 65 South: Huntsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 31A
Toward I 65 South: Huntsville
6
205 mi into trip|~3h 51m in
Take the exit toward 412, 99: Columbia, Chapel Hill
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 46
Toward 412, 99: Columbia, Chapel Hill
7
205.2 mi into trip|~3h 51m in
Keep slight right at fork toward 412: Columbia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 46
Toward 412: Columbia
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.49 one way
$66.98 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg75 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$36.77
$73.54
premium
$4.89
$41.22
$82.44
diesel
$5.61
$47.29
$94.59
Estimated Tolls: $0.08
Oak Ridge Turnpike
(1.1 mi)$0.08
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
64.3
0
$22.49
$10.28
Efficient EV
53.6
0
$18.74
$8.57
EV Truck/SUV
85.7
1
$29.99
$13.71
Gas CO2
75 kg
EV CO2
25 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.
Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026
Origin
Clinton, TN
Late night
in Clinton on Tuesday
Local time
4:47 AM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Columbia, TN
Late night
in Columbia on Tuesday
Local time
3:47 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 2m 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.
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
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 169.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive has a highway-focused profile, with 79% of the journey taking place on interstates. You'll experience long stretches of fast-paced driving, including an uninterrupted segment of 112.3 miles on I 40. The route is designed for efficiency, meaning you'll encounter the typical characteristics of major highway travel. Expect a consistent driving experience for the most part, punctuated by transitions between different interstate systems.
79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 112.3 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Tennessee National Guard Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 145.8 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 214.2 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 145.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 191.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 191.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Clinton, TN and Columbia, TN, road signs point toward Murfreesboro and Huntsville.
Columbia is the county seat of Maury County in Central Tennessee, and is 50 miles south of Nashville. It is home to an estimated 38,224 people and hosts a mule day festival the first weekend of April every year. It is more famously known for being the hometown of the 11th President of the United States, James K. Polk. In addition, numerous antebellum homes are located around the city including Ripavilla, the Atheneum, Elm Springs, Rattle and Snap, and Hamilton Place to name a few. It is a city rich in history and culture endearingly known by its locals as "The Dimple of the Universe".
It's safe to say the South has had its moments of racism and racial unrest, but Columbia seems to take it to a higher level. From indiscriminate lynchings as though they were pastimes to a race riot in 1946, racism has seemed pretty systemic here.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 2m. Total distance: 214.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 112.3 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.08 in tolls one way, starting with Oak Ridge Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
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 Columbia, 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 145.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 191.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 191.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Stones River National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Columbia, TN, but most travelers stay overnight.
