This 168.6-mile drive from Hendersonville, TN to Martin, TN will take you about 3 hours and 21 minutes, making it a perfect one-day road trip. The journey stays within Tennessee, a Southeast region experience throughout. With 90% of the route on highways, expect a fairly direct path, with an estimated fuel cost of $26. This trip is focused on efficient travel, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. It's a straightforward drive designed to get you where you're going 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
84.3 miles from Hendersonville, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 35m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
99.2 mi
1h 46m
TN 22
32.1 mi
41m
State Highway 22
10.8 mi
15m
I 65
9 mi
10m
Vietnam Veterans Boulevard
3.4 mi
3m
Main Street
3.1 mi
5m
West Main Street
2.1 mi
3m
South Veterans Drive
2.1 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 99.2 mi, about 1h 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hendersonville, TN and Martin, TN.
1
Start on Walton Ferry Road
53 ft·10 sec·Walton Ferry Road
2
Turn left onto US 31E
2.1 mi·3 min·West Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward TN 386
4
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·59 sec
Toward TN 386 South: Nashville
5
Merge onto TN 386
3.4 mi·3 min·Vietnam Veterans Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Merge onto I 65
8.7 mi·10 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit onto I 65
0.3 mi·32 sec·I 65
Toward I 65 South: Huntisville, MemphisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 65
1.6 mi·2 min·Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.6 mi·48 sec
Exit 84BToward I 40 West: Memphis
10
Merge onto I 40
99 mi·1 hr 46 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward Primary SR 22: Parkers Crossroads, Lexington, Huntingdon
12
Turn right onto TN 22
5.3 mi·7 min·TN 22
13
Continue on SR 22; SR 424
0.2 mi·21 sec·Lexington Clarksburg Road
14
Continue on TN 22
6.5 mi·8 min·TN 22
15
Turn left onto Lexington Street
1.9 mi·3 min·Lexington Street
16
Turn left onto US 70; SR 22 Bypass
2.1 mi·3 min·South Veterans Drive
17
Take the exit onto SR 22 Bypass
0.1 mi·18 sec·SR 22 Bypass
18
Merge onto US 70A; SR 22 Bypass
1.4 mi·1 min·Veterans Drive North
19
Turn left onto TN 22
20 mi·25 min·TN 22
20
Merge onto TN 22
11 mi·15 min·State Highway 22
21
Continue on TN 431
3.1 mi·5 min·Main Street
22
At end of road, turn right onto US 45E Business
77 ft·1 sec·South Lindell Street
23
Arrive at destination
US 45E Business
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 3-hour duration, departing Hendersonville in the morning allows for ample time to reach Martin without feeling rushed. Factor in the $26 fuel estimate for your budget. While the longest stretch on I-40 is nearly 100 miles, keep an eye out for designated rest areas and potential fuel stops, especially as you transition onto TN-22. Since this is a relatively short drive, you have the flexibility to stop for a quick break if needed, but the seamless highway travel means you likely won't need extensive planning for longer pauses. A good tip is to ensure your vehicle is fueled before you leave Hendersonville to maximize your time on the road.
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 84.3 miles from Hendersonville, TN, or about 1h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.2 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 37 miles or 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84.3 miles or 1h 35m 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 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Martin, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hendersonville, 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 Hendersonville, TN
This is one driving day of about 168.6 miles and 3h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Hendersonville, 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 99.2 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 15 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0 mi into trip|~0m in|US 31E / West Main Street
Turn left onto US 31E / West Main Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
2.4 mi into trip|~4m in
Keep slight left at fork toward TN 386 South: Nashville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward TN 386 South: Nashville
5
2.9 mi into trip|~5m in|TN 386 / Vietnam Veterans Boulevard
Merge onto TN 386 / Vietnam Veterans Boulevard
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
6.3 mi into trip|~9m in|I 65
Merge onto I 65
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
15 mi into trip|~19m in|I 65
Take the exit onto I 65 toward I 65 South: Huntisville, Memphis
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.
Toward I 65 South: Huntisville, Memphis
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.36 one way
$52.72 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg59 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$28.94
$57.88
premium
$4.89
$32.45
$64.89
diesel
$5.61
$37.22
$74.45
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
50.6
0
$17.70
$8.09
Efficient EV
42.2
0
$14.75
$6.74
EV Truck/SUV
67.4
0
$23.60
$10.79
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 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 15, 2026
Origin
Hendersonville, TN
Late night
in Hendersonville on Sunday
Local time
5:00 AM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Martin, TN
Late night
in Martin on Sunday
Local time
5:00 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 21m 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...
29 mi from route
~73 min detour
Free
near mile 17.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly a highway-focused experience, with 90% of the miles spent on major roads. You'll primarily be on I-40 and TN-22, offering a consistent pace for most of the journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a substantial 99.2 miles on I-40, meaning you can settle in for a good portion of the drive. While the majority is highway, there's a shift as you transition to TN-22, which might offer a slightly different feel as you approach Martin. Expect a smooth, albeit highway-centric, progression.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 99.2 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and TN 22. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 31E / West Main Street.
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 16 significant decision points across 168.6 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: near the start (US 31E / West Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 2.9 miles (TN 386 / Vietnam Veterans Boulevard): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Hendersonville, TN and Martin, TN, road signs point toward Memphis, Primary Sr 22: Parkers Crossroads, Lexington and Huntingdon.
Hendersonville is a city in Sumner County of the American state of Tennessee. It is a well-known suburb of Nashville, Tennessee, and has been the home of many country music stars, including Conway Twitty, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 21m. Total distance: 168.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 99.2 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 Martin, 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: near the start (US 31E / West Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 2.9 miles (TN 386 / Vietnam Veterans Boulevard): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Stones River National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Martin, TN, but most travelers stay overnight.
