Connecting Clinton to Nashville, this 173-mile journey is a straightforward trek across Tennessee that typically takes 3 hours and 20 minutes to complete. Because the duration is relatively short, you can easily manage this as a single-day trip without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via I-40, supplemented by stretches of Harriman Highway and Oliver Springs Highway. Budgeting approximately $26 for fuel should cover your needs for the trip. Since both cities are located within the Southeast, the drive maintains a consistent regional feel throughout. Whether you are traveling for business or a quick getaway, this route offers a reliable, time-efficient path between the two Tennessee hubs.
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
86.5 miles from Clinton, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 42m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
136.6 mi
2h 27m
Harriman Highway
9.8 mi
11m
Oliver Springs Highway
7.1 mi
12m
East Tri County Boulevard
4.6 mi
5m
North Roane Street
4.1 mi
4m
South Charles G Seivers Boulevard
2.1 mi
3m
Hannah Highway
2.1 mi
2m
Oak Ridge Turnpike
1.1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 136.6 mi, about 2h 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clinton, TN and Nashville, 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
134 mi·2 hr 24 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
2.1 mi·3 min·I 40
Exit 213BToward I 24 West, I 40 West: NashvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 24
0.3 mi·28 sec·I 24
Exit 211Toward I 24 West: Clarksville, LouisvilleUse the slight right lane.
18
Merge onto I 24
1.1 mi·1 min·Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·35 sec
Exit 48Toward James Robertson Parkway, State CapitolUse the right lane.
20
Turn straight onto US 31; US 41; US 431
0.7 mi·1 min·James Robertson Parkway
Use the straight lane.
21
Turn left onto 3rd Avenue North
129 ft·6 sec·3rd Avenue North
Use the left lane.
22
Turn right onto Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
0.3 mi·43 sec·Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Turn right onto 7th Avenue North
0.2 mi·1 min·7th Avenue North
24
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To keep your travel stress-free, plan for at least one dedicated stop during your 173-mile trek to break up the long interstate segment. Since the drive is quite manageable in one sitting, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule best. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge when you transition from the local highways onto the long 136.6-mile stretch of I-40 to ensure you have enough coverage for the core of your trip. Because the route is heavily weighted toward highway driving, try to avoid peak commuter hours in either Clinton or Nashville to ensure your 3-hour and 20-minute estimate remains accurate. Prioritize a comfortable vehicle setup, as the extended time on I-40 requires sustained attention.
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 86.5 miles from Clinton, TN, or about 1h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 136.6 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 38 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 86.5 miles or 1h 42m 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 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Nashville, 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 173 miles and 3h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 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 136.6 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 167.9 and 172.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
167.9 mi into trip|~3h 10m 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
170.1 mi into trip|~3h 13m 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
8
171.5 mi into trip|~3h 15m in
Take the exit toward James Robertson Parkway, State Capitol
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 48
Toward James Robertson Parkway, State Capitol
6
172.4 mi into trip|~3h 18m in|3rd Avenue North
Turn left onto 3rd Avenue North
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
172.5 mi into trip|~3h 18m in|Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
Turn right onto Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.05 one way
$54.09 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg61 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$29.70
$59.39
premium
$4.89
$33.29
$66.58
diesel
$5.61
$38.20
$76.39
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
$27
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 60.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
51.9
0
$18.17
$8.30
Efficient EV
43.3
0
$15.14
$6.92
EV Truck/SUV
69.2
0
$24.22
$11.07
Gas CO2
61 kg
EV CO2
20 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 12, 2026
Origin
Clinton, TN
Morning
in Clinton on Tuesday
Local time
6:34 AM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Mostly Clear
0 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Nashville, TN
Late night
in Nashville on Tuesday
Local time
5:34 AM
CDT
Current temp
59°F
Mostly Clear
0 mph2% chanceLive 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
7 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
3h 20m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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 155.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 80% of your travel occurs on major thoroughfares. The journey is dominated by a substantial 136.6-mile stretch on I-40, which serves as the backbone of your transit. You will start with a mix of local roads like the Harriman and Oliver Springs Highways before transitioning into the steady, fast-paced rhythm of the interstate. This combination creates a drive that shifts from localized navigation to a more monotonous, high-speed cruise as you head toward Nashville. It is a practical drive designed for efficiency rather than technical complexity, allowing you to settle into a consistent pace for the majority of your time behind the wheel.
80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 136.6 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Harriman Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 167.9 miles in near I 40.
Driving Effort7/10
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 173 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 167.9 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 170.1 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 171.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Nashville is the capital of the American state of Tennessee. With 716,000 residents in 2022, it is the state's largest city. Nashville is sometimes called the "Country Music Capital of the World" or more often "Music City, USA"; however, Nashville has done much to escape its country music image and become a regional center of culture and commerce. In fact, Dell, Nissan, and Amazon have all moved some operations to or near the city. The music is various; major rap artists and rock bands (Jelly Roll, Young Buck, Haystak, Kings of Leon, Paramore, and Ben Folds) claim Nashville as their hometown, and the city is also the epicenter of the contemporary Christian music industry. Nashville has been the home of the world-famous Grand Ole Opry since 1925. Nashville also has a great bar scene. If you like to drink, you can go "Honky-tonking," also known as bar-hopping.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 20m. Total distance: 173 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 136.6 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 Nashville, 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 167.9 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 170.1 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 171.5 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 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Nashville, TN, but most travelers stay overnight.
