Origin
Franklin, TN
Night in Franklin on Saturday
Local time
11:16 PM
CDT
Current temp
84°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Franklin, TN to Parsons, TN
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 44m
Distance
92.3 mi
149 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$14
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 37m
★
6 AM
1h 44m
8 AM
2h 0m
10 AM
1h 50m
12 PM
1h 48m
3 PM
1h 51m
5 PM
1h 59m
8 PM
1h 40m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Franklin, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Parsons, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
If you are planning a trip from Franklin to Parsons, you are looking at a straightforward 92.3-mile journey across Tennessee. This drive typically takes about 1 hour and 44 minutes, making it a perfectly manageable day trip that does not require an overnight stay. You will spend roughly 99% of your time on highways, primarily utilizing I-40, US 641, and State Highway 96. Budgeting about $14 for fuel should cover your transit costs comfortably. Since both cities reside within the Southeast region, the environment remains consistent throughout the trip. It is a practical, efficient route for those who prioritize getting from point A to point B without unnecessary detours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
46.2 miles from Franklin, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 53m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 55.4 mi | 59m |
| US 641 | 14 mi | 16m |
| State Highway 96 | 11.8 mi | 15m |
| SR 96 | 5.4 mi | 6m |
| Highway 96 | 2.5 mi | 2m |
| TN 96 | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| Main Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| 5th Avenue North | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 55.4 mi, about 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Franklin, TN and Parsons, TN.
1
Start on US 31 Business; TN 96
324 ft
·
5 sec
·
Public Square
2
Continue on US 31 Business; TN 96
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Turn right onto US 431 Business; TN 96
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
5th Avenue North
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Turn left onto TN 96
12 mi
·
15 min
·
State Highway 96
Use the left lane.
5
At end of road, turn left onto SR 96; SR 100
5.4 mi
·
6 min
·
SR 96; SR 100
6
Take the exit onto TN 96
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
TN 96
7
Continue on Highway 96
2.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Highway 96
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
9
Merge onto I 40
55 mi
·
59 min
·
I 40
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 126
Toward US 641: Camden, Paris, Parsons
11
Keep slight left at fork
153 ft
·
7 sec
Exit 126
Toward US 641: Camden, Paris, Parsons
12
Turn left onto US 641
14 mi
·
16 min
·
US 641
13
Turn left onto US 412
62 ft
·
0 sec
·
East Main Street
14
Arrive at destination
US 412
Trip Plan
Because this is a relatively short 1-hour and 44-minute drive, you have a high degree of flexibility regarding when you choose to depart. You do not need to worry about complex stop planning, as the route is short enough to complete in a single, continuous push. However, keep in mind that since you are relying so heavily on I-40, you should check for typical interstate traffic patterns before you head out to ensure a smooth arrival. With a $14 fuel budget, it is wise to fill up before leaving Franklin to avoid the need for unnecessary stops along the 92.3-mile path. Using this direct approach allows you to maximize your time once you reach Parsons.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 46.2 miles from Franklin, TN, or about 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 55.4 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 20 miles or 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 46.2 miles or 53m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Parsons, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Franklin, TN
This is one driving day of about 92.3 miles and 1h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Franklin, TN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 55.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
46 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 20 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 46.2 miles from Franklin, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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 115 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 78.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 31 Business; TN 96 / Main Street
Slight right onto US 31 Business; TN 96 / Main Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 431 Business; TN 96 / 5th Avenue North
Turn right onto US 431 Business; TN 96 / 5th Avenue North
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
0.4 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
TN 96 / State Highway 96
Turn left onto TN 96 / State Highway 96
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
78.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 27m in
Take the exit toward US 641: Camden, Paris, Parsons
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 126
Toward US 641: Camden, Paris, Parsons
8
78.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 28m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 641: Camden, Paris, Parsons
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 126
Toward US 641: Camden, Paris, Parsons
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$14.43 one way
$28.86 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
32 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $15.84 | $31.69 |
| premium | $4.89 | $17.76 | $35.52 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $20.38 | $40.76 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$14
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 32.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 27.7 | 0 | $9.69 | $4.43 |
| Efficient EV | 23.1 | 0 | $8.08 | $3.69 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 36.9 | 0 | $12.92 | $5.91 |
Gas CO2
32 kg
EV CO2
11 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
Parsons, TN
Night in Parsons on Saturday
Local time
11:16 PM
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
32 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
1h 44m 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...
25 mi from route
~62 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is heavily highway-focused, prioritizing speed and efficiency over winding backroads. You will spend the bulk of your time on major thoroughfares, with the longest uninterrupted stretch covering 55.4 miles on I-40. Because 99% of the route consists of highway driving, you can expect a consistent, high-speed pace for almost the entire duration. While the transition from State Highway 96 to the interstate and eventually onto US 641 creates some variety in road type, the overall feel is one of steady, reliable travel. Prepare for a standard interstate experience that keeps you moving toward your destination with minimal technical driving.
99% 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: 55.4 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and US 641. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near US 31 Business; TN 96 / Main Street.
Driving Effort
6/10
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 92.3 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: at 0.1 miles (US 31 Business; TN 96 / Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.2 miles (US 431 Business; TN 96 / 5th Avenue North): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.4 miles (TN 96 / State Highway 96): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
835 ft
435 ft
Total Climb
347 ft
Total Descent
494 ft
Highest Point
835 ft
~33 mi in
Elevation Range
400 ft
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.
On the drive from Franklin, TN to Parsons, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Paris along the way.
Paris
78.1 mi in
|
~1h 27m
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 1h 44m. Total distance: 92.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 55.4 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 Parsons, TN before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (US 31 Business; TN 96 / Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.2 miles (US 431 Business; TN 96 / 5th Avenue North): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.4 miles (TN 96 / State Highway 96): Lane positioning matters here.
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 Parsons, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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