Origin
Columbia, TN
Late night in Columbia on Sunday
Local time
5:08 AM
CDT
Current temp
84°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Columbia, TN to Crossville, 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 50m
Distance
154 mi
248 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 40m
★
6 AM
2h 51m
8 AM
3h 13m
10 AM
2h 58m
12 PM
2h 56m
3 PM
3h 0m
5 PM
3h 12m
8 PM
2h 44m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Columbia, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Crossville, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Columbia to Crossville covers 154 miles through the heart of Tennessee. You should plan for a driving time of approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes, making this a very manageable single-day trip. Your route relies heavily on major thoroughfares, including I-65, the Tennessee National Guard Parkway, and I-40. With a fuel budget of about $23, it is an economical journey for a weekend getaway or a quick change of scenery. Because both cities are located within the Southeast region, the transitions between landscapes remain consistent throughout the drive. This itinerary is best suited for those who prefer highway efficiency over winding backroads.
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
77 miles from Columbia, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 25m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 82 mi | 1h 28m |
| Tennessee National Guard Parkway | 45 mi | 48m |
| I 65 | 12.1 mi | 12m |
| Bear Creek Pike | 7.2 mi | 8m |
| North Main Street | 3.8 mi | 5m |
| Nashville Highway | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| North Garden Street | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| West 7th Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 82 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia, TN and Crossville, TN.
1
Start on West 7th Street
79 ft
·
6 sec
·
West 7th Street
2
Turn right onto US 31; US 412 Business
0.5 mi
·
50 sec
·
North Garden Street
3
Continue on US 31; US 412 Business
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Nashville Highway
4
Turn right onto US 412
7.2 mi
·
8 min
·
Bear Creek Pike
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
6
Merge onto I 65
12 mi
·
12 min
·
I 65
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
Exit 59A-B
Toward I 840: Memphis, Knoxville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
41 sec
Exit 59A
Toward 840: Knoxville, Murfreesboro
9
Merge onto I 840
45 mi
·
48 min
·
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 76A
Toward I 40 East: Knoxville, Lebanon
Use the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto I 40
82 mi
·
1 hr 28 min
·
I 40
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 317
Toward US 127, TN 28: Crossville, Jamestown
13
Turn straight onto US 127
3.8 mi
·
5 min
·
North Main Street
14
Arrive at destination
US 127
Trip Plan
Since this 154-mile journey is easily completed in one day, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around local traffic patterns. Aim to hit the road outside of peak commuting hours to ensure your 2-hour and 50-minute travel time stays consistent. With only one recommended stop planned, you can easily pace your drive to break up the 82-mile I-40 stretch if you feel the need to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before starting, though a $23 budget should cover your needs comfortably for the full distance. If you want to avoid the heaviest interstate congestion, try timing your transit through the larger highway interchanges for mid-morning or early afternoon.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 77 miles from Columbia, TN, or about 1h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82 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 34 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 77 miles or 1h 25m 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 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Crossville, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Columbia, 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 Columbia, TN
This is one driving day of about 154 miles and 2h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Columbia, 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 82 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
77 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 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 77 miles from Columbia, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 82 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 105 decision points cluster between mile 9.1 and 150 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
9.1 mi into trip
|
~11m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
8
21.6 mi into trip
|
~25m in
Take the exit toward I 840: Memphis, 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 59A-B
Toward I 840: Memphis, Knoxville
7
21.8 mi into trip
|
~25m in
Keep slight right at fork toward 840: Knoxville, Murfreesboro
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 59A
Toward 840: Knoxville, Murfreesboro
9
67.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 14m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 40 East: Knoxville, Lebanon
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 76A
Toward I 40 East: Knoxville, Lebanon
6
150 mi into trip
|
~2h 44m in
Take the exit toward US 127, TN 28: Crossville, Jamestown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 317
Toward US 127, TN 28: Crossville, Jamestown
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.08 one way
$48.15 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
54 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $26.43 | $52.87 |
| premium | $4.89 | $29.64 | $59.27 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $34.00 | $68.00 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 53.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 46.2 | 0 | $16.17 | $7.39 |
| Efficient EV | 38.5 | 0 | $13.48 | $6.16 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 61.6 | 0 | $21.56 | $9.86 |
Gas CO2
54 kg
EV CO2
18 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
Crossville, TN
Late night in Crossville on Sunday
Local time
5:08 AM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
77°F
Lebanon, TN
77 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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
4 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 50m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a trip defined by its highway-focused profile, as 90% of your time will be spent cruising on major roads. The drive moves quickly once you merge onto the interstates, featuring a significant 82-mile stretch on I-40 that serves as the longest uninterrupted portion of the journey. While you will encounter a mix of interstate lanes and the Tennessee National Guard Parkway, the experience is generally straightforward and fast-paced. You won't find many technical turns or slow-moving local roads here, allowing you to maintain a steady speed for most of the trip. The road personality is functional and efficient, prioritizing time-saving transit between these two Tennessee hubs.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 82 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
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 9.1 miles in.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 10 significant decision points across 154 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 9.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 21.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Columbia, TN and Crossville, TN, road signs point toward Knoxville, 840: Knoxville, Murfreesboro and Lebanon.
Knoxville
21.6 mi in
|
~25m
840: Knoxville
21.8 mi in
|
~25m
Murfreesboro
21.8 mi in
|
~25m
Lebanon
67.3 mi in
|
~1h 14m
About the Cities
Starting in Columbia, TN
Full guide →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.
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 2h 50m. Total distance: 154 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 50m 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 82 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Crossville, 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 9.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 21.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Crossville, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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