Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Franklin, TN to Grimsley, TN
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 35m
Distance
132.1 mi
213 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 25m
★
6 AM
2h 36m
8 AM
2h 57m
10 AM
2h 43m
12 PM
2h 41m
3 PM
2h 44m
5 PM
2h 56m
8 PM
2h 30m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Franklin, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Grimsley, TN
Mike Fox
Trip Overview
This 132.1-mile drive from Franklin, Tennessee, to Grimsley, Tennessee, is a straightforward 2 hour and 35 minute journey. Primarily utilizing I-65 and I-40, with a section of Clarkrange Highway, this route is well-suited for a single day trip. The estimated fuel cost is around $21, making it an economical option. You'll experience a highway-focused drive that efficiently covers the ground between these two points within the Southeast region. With one recommended stop, you can easily complete this trip without needing an overnight stay.
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
66 miles from Franklin, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 15m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 87 mi | 1h 33m |
| Clarkrange Highway | 14.8 mi | 22m |
| I 65 | 14.1 mi | 15m |
| South York Highway | 6.2 mi | 8m |
| Murfreesboro Road | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| Debra K Johnson Memorial Parkway | 2 mi | 2m |
| East Commercial Avenue | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| South Holly Street | 0.6 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 87 mi, about 1h 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Franklin, TN and Grimsley, TN.
1
Start on US 31 Business; TN 96
418 ft
·
7 sec
·
Public Square
2
Continue on 3rd Avenue South
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
3rd Avenue South
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Continue on SR 96
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Murfreesboro Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Use the left lane.
5
Merge onto I 65
14 mi
·
15 min
·
I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 80
Toward I 440: Memphis, Knoxville
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
Toward I 440 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
Use the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto I 440
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Debra K Johnson Memorial Parkway
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
48 sec
Toward I 24 West: Nashville, Knoxville
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Toward I 24 West, I 40 East: Nashville, Knoxville
Use the slight left lane.
11
Merge onto I 24
0.3 mi
·
20 sec
·
I 24
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 52B
Toward I 40 East: Knoxville
Use the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto I 40
87 mi
·
1 hr 33 min
·
I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 70N, Primary SR 84: Monterey, Livingston
15
Turn straight onto US 70N; SR 84
0.6 mi
·
59 sec
·
South Holly Street
16
Turn right onto SR 62
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
East Commercial Avenue
17
Turn straight onto SR 62
15 mi
·
22 min
·
Clarkrange Highway
18
Turn left onto US 127
6.2 mi
·
8 min
·
South York Highway
19
Turn left
42 ft
·
3 sec
20
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 2 hours and 35 minutes, leaving Franklin, TN, in the morning allows ample time to reach Grimsley, TN, by midday. With only one recommended stop and a total distance of 132.1 miles, you have flexibility in pacing. The estimated fuel cost of $21 is manageable, but it's always wise to check your fuel gauge before departing. Keep an eye out for the transition from I-40 to Clarkrange Highway, as this is where the character of the drive changes most significantly and requires your attention.
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 66 miles from Franklin, TN, or about 1h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 87 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 29 miles or 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 66 miles or 1h 15m 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
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Grimsley, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Franklin, 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 Franklin, TN
This is one driving day of about 132.1 miles and 2h 35m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Franklin, 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 87 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
66 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 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 66 miles from Franklin, 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 87 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Tennessee Visitor Center
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Granny White Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
1.9 mi from route
~5 min detour
Brentwood, Tennessee
Hours: 8 am–10 pm
+16153712208
Visit websiteMarcella Vivrette Smith Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~10 min detour
First break
4.1 mi from route
~10 min detour
Brentwood, Tennessee
Hours: 6 am–8 pm
+16153710060
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 2.9 and 21 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
2.9 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
17.5 mi into trip
|
~21m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 440 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 440 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
8
19.9 mi into trip
|
~24m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 24 West: Nashville, Knoxville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 24 West: Nashville, Knoxville
8
20.4 mi into trip
|
~25m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 24 West, I 40 East: Nashville, Knoxville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 24 West, I 40 East: Nashville, Knoxvil...
8
21 mi into trip
|
~26m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 40 East: Knoxville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 52B
Toward I 40 East: Knoxville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$20.65 one way
$41.30 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
46 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $22.68 | $45.35 |
| premium | $4.89 | $25.42 | $50.84 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $29.17 | $58.33 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 46.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 39.6 | 0 | $13.87 | $6.34 |
| Efficient EV | 33 | 0 | $11.56 | $5.28 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 52.8 | 0 | $18.49 | $8.45 |
Gas CO2
46 kg
EV CO2
15 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.
Origin
Franklin, TN
Late night in Franklin on Tuesday
Local time
3:06 AM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Grimsley, TN
Late night in Grimsley on Tuesday
Local time
3:06 AM
CDT
Current temp
52°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
24 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 35m 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 36.4
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience, with 78% of the drive taking place on major interstates like I-40 and I-65. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 87 miles on I-40, offering a chance to maintain a steady pace. While the majority is interstate, the inclusion of Clarkrange Highway introduces a change of scenery and road type as you approach your destination. This mix provides a dynamic driving experience, shifting from high-speed travel to more local road conditions.
78% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 87 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Clarkrange Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.9 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 15 significant decision points across 132.1 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 2.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. 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 Franklin, TN and Grimsley, TN, road signs point toward Knoxville, Chattanooga, Primary Sr 84: Monterey and Livingston.
Knoxville
17.2 mi in
|
~20m
Chattanooga
17.5 mi in
|
~21m
Primary Sr 84: Monterey
108.3 mi in
|
~2h
Livingston
108.3 mi in
|
~2h
About the Cities
Starting in Franklin, TN
Full guide →Franklin is a city of 81,000 people (2018) in Tennessee, just a few miles south of Nashville. There are two main areas of interest. One is the Cool Springs area, which is identified by its corporate and retail growth surrounding one of the largest malls in the Southeast, the CoolSprings Galleria. The other is historic downtown Franklin which retains much of its small town charm. It is a walkable, friendly historic downtown district, recognized as a Great American Main Street.
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 35m. Total distance: 132.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (78%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 87 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 6 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Grimsley, 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. There are 6 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.9 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.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Grimsley, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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