Origin
Etowah, TN
Late night in Etowah on Sunday
Local time
5:54 AM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Etowah, TN to Nashville, TN
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 45m
Distance
177.4 mi
285 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 33m
★
6 AM
3h 46m
8 AM
4h 11m
10 AM
3h 55m
12 PM
3h 52m
3 PM
3h 56m
5 PM
4h 10m
8 PM
3h 38m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Etowah, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Nashville, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 177.4-mile drive from Etowah, TN to Nashville, TN is easily manageable as a one-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. You'll primarily be on I-40, with some time on Wassom Memorial Highway and US-127. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $28. Given its manageable length and focus on highway travel, it's a straightforward route connecting the Southeast region of Tennessee. This trip is well-suited for a single day's adventure without the need for an overnight stay, offering a direct path to your destination.
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
88.7 miles from Etowah, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 6m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 106.3 mi | 1h 55m |
| Wassom Memorial Highway | 19.8 mi | 29m |
| US 127 | 7.7 mi | 12m |
| David W Lillard Memorial Highway | 7.6 mi | 10m |
| Clearwater Road | 6.9 mi | 12m |
| Watts Bar Highway | 6.1 mi | 8m |
| SR 68 | 5.9 mi | 8m |
| John J Duncan Parkway | 4 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 106.3 mi, about 1h 55m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Etowah, TN and Nashville, TN.
1
Start on L & N Drive
115 ft
·
12 sec
·
L & N Drive
2
Turn right onto US 411; SR 30
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Tennessee Avenue
3
Turn left onto SR 30
7.6 mi
·
10 min
·
David W Lillard Memorial Highway
4
Continue on SR 30
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
South White Street
5
Continue on SR 30; SR 39
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
Green Street
6
Turn slight right onto SR 305
2.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Ingleside Avenue
7
Continue on SR 305
4.0 mi
·
6 min
·
John J Duncan Parkway
8
Continue on SR 305
6.9 mi
·
12 min
·
Clearwater Road
9
At end of road, turn left onto SR 68
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
SR 68
10
Enter roundabout
140 ft
·
2 sec
11
Continue
40 ft
·
1 sec
12
Turn slight right onto SR 68
3.9 mi
·
5 min
·
SR 68
13
Continue on TN 68
6.1 mi
·
8 min
·
Watts Bar Highway
14
Turn right onto SR 302
3.4 mi
·
5 min
·
New Lake Road
15
Continue on Piccadilly Avenue
0.5 mi
·
53 sec
·
Piccadilly Avenue
16
Continue on Herb M Wassom Mem Highway
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
Herb M Wassom Mem Highway
17
At end of road, turn right onto SR 68
0.3 mi
·
30 sec
·
Herb M Wassom Mem Highway
18
Continue on SR 68
20 mi
·
29 min
·
Wassom Memorial Highway
19
Turn straight onto US 127
7.7 mi
·
12 min
·
US 127
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
21
Merge onto I 40
104 mi
·
1 hr 52 min
·
I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
I 40
Exit 213B
Toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto I 24
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
·
I 24
Exit 211
Toward I 24 West: Clarksville, Louisville
Use the slight right lane.
24
Merge onto I 24
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 48
Toward James Robertson Parkway, State Capitol
Use the right lane.
26
Turn straight onto US 31; US 41; US 431
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
James Robertson Parkway
Use the straight lane.
27
Turn left onto 3rd Avenue North
129 ft
·
6 sec
·
3rd Avenue North
Use the left lane.
28
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.
29
Turn right onto 7th Avenue North
0.2 mi
·
1 min
·
7th Avenue North
30
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 3-hour and 45-minute drive, consider departing early in the morning to avoid potential traffic as you approach Nashville. With a longest uninterrupted stretch of 106.3 miles on I-40, plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly, perhaps around the halfway point. The estimated fuel cost of $28 is quite reasonable for this distance. Since this is a one-day trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits you best, but a morning start will offer a more relaxed arrival in Nashville.
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 88.7 miles from Etowah, TN, or about 2h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106.3 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 39 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 88.7 miles or 2h 6m 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 7m
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 Etowah, 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 Etowah, TN
This is one driving day of about 177.4 miles and 3h 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Etowah, 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 106.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
89 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 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 88.7 miles from Etowah, 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 106.3 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 165 decision points cluster between mile 172.3 and 176.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
172.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 36m 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
174.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 39m 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
175.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 41m 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
176.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 43m in
|
3rd Avenue North
Turn left onto 3rd Avenue North
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
176.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 43m 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
$27.73 one way
$55.47 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
62 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $30.45 | $60.90 |
| premium | $4.89 | $34.14 | $68.28 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $39.17 | $78.34 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 62.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 53.2 | 0 | $18.63 | $8.52 |
| Efficient EV | 44.4 | 0 | $15.52 | $7.10 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 71 | 0 | $24.84 | $11.35 |
Gas CO2
62 kg
EV CO2
21 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.
Destination
Nashville, TN
Late night in Nashville on Sunday
Local time
4:54 AM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
75°F
Spring City, TN
89 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
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
28 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 45m 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...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 159
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
The character of this drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 70% of the journey taking place on faster roads. You'll experience a significant stretch of 106.3 miles on I-40, offering a consistent pace. While Wassom Memorial Highway and US-127 provide some variation, the overall feel is one of efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways. Expect a smooth, relatively uninterrupted drive for the majority of the trip, making it ideal for covering distance.
70% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 106.3 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Wassom Memorial Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 172.3 miles in near I 40.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 177.4 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 172.3 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 174.4 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 175.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 45m. Total distance: 177.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (70%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 106.3 miles on I 40. 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 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 172.3 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 174.4 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 175.9 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 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Nashville, TN, but most travelers stay overnight.
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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Nashville, TN
More trips to Nashville, TN
Explore more options from Etowah, TN or browse trips ending in Nashville, TN.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TN road trips.