Connecting Columbia to East Brainerd, this 159.5-mile journey is a straightforward trek across Tennessee. You can expect to spend about 3 hours and 4 minutes on the road, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day trip. By utilizing a mix of I-65, the Tennessee National Guard Parkway, and I-24, you can navigate the Southeast with ease. Budget roughly $24 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. Because this is a highly efficient drive, you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay unless your schedule requires a slower pace. It is a practical, no-nonsense route that keeps you moving toward your destination without unnecessary detours.
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
79.8 miles from Columbia, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 30m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 24
110 mi
2h 3m
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
21.2 mi
22m
I 65
12.1 mi
12m
Bear Creek Pike
7.2 mi
8m
East Brainerd Road
2 mi
3m
I 75
1.4 mi
1m
Nashville Highway
1.4 mi
2m
Graysville Road
0.6 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 24
— 110 mi, about 2h 3m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia, TN and East Brainerd, 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-BToward I 840: Memphis, KnoxvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·41 sec
Exit 59AToward 840: Knoxville, Murfreesboro
9
Merge onto I 840
21 mi·22 min·Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.8 mi·2 min
Exit 53AToward I 24 East: ChattanoogaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 24
110 mi·2 hr 3 min·I 24
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 185 BToward I 75 North: KnoxvilleUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 75
1.4 mi·1 min·I 75
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·50 sec
Exit 3AToward SR 320 EastUse the slight right lane.
15
Turn right onto SR 320
2.0 mi·3 min·East Brainerd Road
Use the right lane.
16
Turn right onto Graysville Road
0.6 mi·1 min·Graysville Road
17
Turn right onto Iris Drive
479 ft·21 sec·Iris Drive
18
Arrive at destination
Iris Drive
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. Plan for at least one stop during the 3-hour journey to keep your focus sharp, especially during the long 110-mile segment on I-24. Because fuel costs are estimated at $24, topping off your tank in Columbia before you merge onto the interstate can help you avoid higher prices at busy highway service centers. Keep a close eye on traffic patterns when navigating the interstate sections to ensure you maintain your estimated arrival time. Taking advantage of the single planned stop will make the drive feel significantly less taxing as you cross the state.
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 79.8 miles from Columbia, TN, or about 1h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 110 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 35 miles or 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 79.8 miles or 1h 30m 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 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near East Brainerd, 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 159.5 miles and 3h 4m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 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 24 for about 110 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 21.6 and 156.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
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
7
43.5 mi into trip|~48m in
Take the exit toward I 24 East: Chattanooga
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 53A
Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga
8
154.2 mi into trip|~2h 54m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 75 North: Knoxville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 185 B
Toward I 75 North: Knoxville
7
156.5 mi into trip|~2h 58m in
Take the exit toward SR 320 East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 3A
Toward SR 320 East
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.94 one way
$49.87 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg56 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$27.38
$54.76
premium
$4.89
$30.69
$61.39
diesel
$5.61
$35.22
$70.43
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 55.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
47.9
0
$16.75
$7.66
Efficient EV
39.9
0
$13.96
$6.38
EV Truck/SUV
63.8
0
$22.33
$10.21
Gas CO2
56 kg
EV CO2
19 kg (66% 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 18, 2026
Origin
Columbia, TN
Night
in Columbia on Saturday
Local time
11:25 PM
CDT
Current temp
84°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
East Brainerd, TN
Late night
in East Brainerd on Sunday
Local time
12:25 AM
EDT
Current temp
84°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 later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
3h 4m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 91% of this route takes place on major thoroughfares. The majority of your time behind the wheel will be spent on I-24, which features a long, uninterrupted stretch of 110 miles. While the drive starts with local connectivity, it quickly transitions into a consistent interstate grind. You will find that the road maintains a high-speed personality throughout the duration of the trip. The transition between these major arteries is seamless, allowing you to settle into a steady rhythm once you merge onto the primary highways.
91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 110 mi on I 24.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 24 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 21.6 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 159.5 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 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; at 43.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,820 ft596 ft
Total Climb
1,812 ft
Total Descent
1,720 ft
Highest Point
1,820 ft
~102.6 mi in
Elevation Range
1,225 ft
Notable High Points
1,820 ft at ~102.6 miles+775 ft prominence
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 East Brainerd, TN, road signs point toward Knoxville, 840: Knoxville and Murfreesboro.
Knoxville
21.6 mi in|~25m
840: Knoxville
21.8 mi in|~25m
Murfreesboro
21.8 mi in|~25m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 4m. Total distance: 159.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 110 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 East Brainerd, 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 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; at 43.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.2 hours — manageable with a long break at East Brainerd, TN, but most travelers stay overnight.
