Traveling from Dyersburg to Nashville covers 172.5 miles across the Tennessee landscape, a journey that typically takes about 3 hours and 14 minutes. Because this route is highly efficient, you can easily complete the trip in a single day without needing an overnight stop. Budgeting around $26 for fuel should cover your transit across the Southeast, keeping the costs predictable for your travel planning. The drive functions well as a straightforward connection between these two cities, relying primarily on US 412 to bridge the distance. It is a practical, no-nonsense path that prioritizes speed and directness over detours, making it an ideal choice if your goal is simply to reach Nashville with minimal fuss.
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
86.2 miles from Dyersburg, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 39m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 412
167.5 mi
3h 5m
East Court Street
2.5 mi
3m
Downtown Loop
0.6 mi
<1m
Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
0.5 mi
1m
7th Avenue North
0.2 mi
1m
North Main Avenue
0.1 mi
<1m
Charlotte Avenue
<0.1 mi
<1m
12th Avenue North
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
US 412
— 167.5 mi, about 3h 5m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dyersburg, TN and Nashville, TN.
1
Start on US 51 Bus; SR 104
63 ft·3 sec·McGaughey Street
2
Turn right onto US 51 Bus; SR 104
0.1 mi·17 sec·North Main Avenue
3
Turn left onto SR 104
2.5 mi·3 min·East Court Street
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward US 412 East: Jackson
5
Merge onto US 412
10 mi·11 min·US 412
6
Continue on US 412
29 mi·34 min·US 412
7
Turn left onto US 412
128 mi·2 hr 18 min·US 412
Toward I-40 East, US 412 East: NashvilleUse the straight / right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·24 sec
Exit 208AToward I 40 East, I 65 South: Knoxville, HuntsvilleUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 40; I 65
0.6 mi·47 sec·Downtown Loop
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·25 sec
Exit 209Toward US 70: Charlotte Avenue, Demonbreun StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on 12th Avenue North
200 ft·12 sec·12th Avenue North
Use the left / straight lanes.
12
Turn left onto US 70
329 ft·7 sec·Charlotte Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
13
Continue on Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
0.5 mi·1 min·Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
14
Turn left onto 7th Avenue North
0.2 mi·1 min·7th Avenue North
15
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a manageable 3-hour and 14-minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though leaving early can help you avoid potential traffic as you approach Nashville. Plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs during the 172.5-mile trek, as the long, consistent stretches of US 412 can become monotonous. Keep your $26 fuel budget in mind, and consider topping off before you hit the longest 167.5-mile stretch to ensure you don't need to hunt for gas stations in more remote areas. Because the route is so highway-focused, take advantage of the short duration to arrive in the city with enough energy to enjoy your destination immediately upon arrival.
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 86.2 miles from Dyersburg, TN, or about 1h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 167.5 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 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 86.2 miles or 1h 39m 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 38m
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 Dyersburg, 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 Dyersburg, TN
This is one driving day of about 172.5 miles and 3h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Dyersburg, 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 US 412 for about 167.5 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 11
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 171.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0 mi into trip|~0m in|US 51 Bus; SR 104 / North Main Avenue
Turn right onto US 51 Bus; SR 104 / North Main Avenue
Navigation decision point
6
42.2 mi into trip|~51m in|US 412
Turn left onto US 412 toward I-40 East, US 412 East: Nashville
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I-40 East, US 412 East: Nashville
9
170.6 mi into trip|~3h 10m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 40 East, I 65 South: Knoxville, Huntsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 208A
Toward I 40 East, I 65 South: Knoxville, Huntsv...
8
171.4 mi into trip|~3h 11m in
Take the exit toward US 70: Charlotte Avenue, Demonbreun Street
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 209
Toward US 70: Charlotte Avenue, Demonbreun Stre...
7
171.6 mi into trip|~3h 12m in|US 70 / Charlotte Avenue
Turn left onto US 70 / Charlotte Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.97 one way
$53.94 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg60 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$29.61
$59.22
premium
$4.89
$33.20
$66.39
diesel
$5.61
$38.09
$76.17
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 60.4 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
51.8
0
$18.11
$8.28
Efficient EV
43.1
0
$15.09
$6.90
EV Truck/SUV
69
0
$24.15
$11.04
Gas CO2
60 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 15, 2026
Origin
Dyersburg, TN
Morning
in Dyersburg on Sunday
Local time
9:56 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Nashville, TN
Morning
in Nashville on Sunday
Local time
9:56 AM
CDT
Current temp
54°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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
23 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 14m 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...
28 mi from route
~70 min detour
Free
near mile 172.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a focused, highway-heavy experience as you navigate this 172.5-mile stretch, with 97% of your travel occurring on major roads. The personality of this drive is defined by a massive 167.5-mile uninterrupted stint on US 412, allowing you to settle into a steady pace for the vast majority of the duration. While you will briefly navigate East Court Street and the Downtown Loop at the start, the character of the road remains consistent and efficient throughout. You won't encounter significant technical challenges, as the route is designed for sustained highway travel rather than winding local roads. It is a reliable, high-speed transit that demands focus but offers a predictable rhythm from start to finish.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 167.5 mi on US 412.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 412 and East Court Street. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 51 Bus; SR 104 / North Main Avenue.
Driving Effort5/10
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 172.5 miles you will encounter 11 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: near the start (US 51 Bus; SR 104 / North Main Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 42.2 miles (US 412): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 170.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 14m. Total distance: 172.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 167.5 miles on US 412. 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 51 Bus; SR 104 / North Main Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 42.2 miles (US 412): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 170.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Nashville, TN, but most travelers stay overnight.
