Origin
Jackson, TN
Night in Jackson on Saturday
Local time
11:22 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Jackson, TN to Red Boiling Springs, TN
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 53m
Distance
197.9 mi
319 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$31
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 40m
★
6 AM
3h 53m
8 AM
4h 19m
10 AM
4h 2m
12 PM
4h 0m
3 PM
4h 3m
5 PM
4h 17m
8 PM
3h 45m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Jackson, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Red Boiling Springs, TN
Connor Scott McManus
Trip Overview
This 197.9-mile drive from Jackson, TN to Red Boiling Springs, TN takes approximately 3 hours and 53 minutes and is easily manageable as a single-day trip. With a fuel cost estimated at $31, it's an economical journey through the Southeast region. The route primarily utilizes I-40, offering a straightforward and efficient path. Given its manageable length and duration, this drive is well-suited for departing in the morning and arriving at your destination by the afternoon, allowing for flexibility in your schedule.
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
99 miles from Jackson, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 49m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 120.5 mi | 2h 9m |
| SR 52 | 23.7 mi | 35m |
| West Broadway | 17 mi | 21m |
| Vietnam Veterans Boulevard | 15 mi | 17m |
| I 65 | 9.1 mi | 11m |
| Whitehall Street | 4 mi | 6m |
| Long Hollow Pike | 2 mi | 2m |
| US 70 | 1.8 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 120.5 mi, about 2h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jackson, TN and Red Boiling Springs, TN.
1
Start on East Main Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
East Main Street
2
At end of road, turn left onto US 70
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
US 70
3
Turn right onto US 70
4.0 mi
·
6 min
·
Whitehall Street
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
5
Merge onto I 40
121 mi
·
2 hr 9 min
·
I 40
Use the straight lane.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 208B
Toward I 65 North: Louisville
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 65
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Downtown Loop
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 65
8.9 mi
·
10 min
·
I 65
Exit 86A
Toward I 24 West, I 65 North: Clarksville, Louisville
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 65
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
·
I 65
10
Keep slight right at fork onto TN 386
15 mi
·
17 min
·
Vietnam Veterans Boulevard
Exit 95
Toward SR 386: Hendersonville, Gallatin
Use the slight right lane.
11
Continue on SR 665
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Long Hollow Pike
12
Continue on TN 25
0.4 mi
·
33 sec
·
Red River Road
13
Turn left onto US 31E
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
Nashville Pike
14
Continue on US 31E
17 mi
·
21 min
·
West Broadway
15
Turn right onto SR 52
24 mi
·
35 min
·
SR 52
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Turn left onto SR 56
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
17
Arrive at destination
SR 56
Trip Plan
Starting your journey from Jackson, TN in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight and allow for a leisurely pace. With a total duration under four hours, you'll likely only need one planned stop for fuel or a break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 120.5-mile stretch on I-40 where services might be more spaced out. The relatively short distance means you have the flexibility to depart later if needed, but a morning start ensures a relaxed arrival in Red Boiling Springs.
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 99 miles from Jackson, TN, or about 1h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 120.5 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 44 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 99 miles or 1h 49m 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 2m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Red Boiling Springs, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Jackson, 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 Jackson, TN
This is one driving day of about 197.9 miles and 3h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 miles from Jackson, 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 120.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
99 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 44 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 99 miles from Jackson, 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 120.5 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 85 decision points cluster between mile 6.8 and 173.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
6.8 mi into trip
|
~10m in
|
I 40
Merge onto I 40
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
127.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 19m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 65 North: Louisville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 208B
Toward I 65 North: Louisville
9
129.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 22m in
|
I 65
Keep slight left at fork onto I 65 toward I 24 West, I 65 North: Clarksville, Louisville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 86A
Toward I 24 West, I 65 North: Clarksville, Loui...
9
138.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 33m in
|
TN 386 / Vietnam Veterans Boulevard
Keep slight right at fork onto TN 386 / Vietnam Veterans Boulevard toward SR 386: Hendersonville, Gallatin
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 95
Toward SR 386: Hendersonville, Gallatin
6
173.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 15m in
|
SR 52
Turn right onto SR 52
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.94 one way
$61.88 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
69 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $33.97 | $67.94 |
| premium | $4.89 | $38.08 | $76.17 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $43.69 | $87.39 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 69.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 59.4 | 0 | $20.78 | $9.50 |
| Efficient EV | 49.5 | 0 | $17.32 | $7.92 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 79.2 | 0 | $27.71 | $12.67 |
Gas CO2
69 kg
EV CO2
23 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.
Destination
Red Boiling Springs, TN
Night in Red Boiling Springs on Saturday
Local time
11:22 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°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
3 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 53m 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 129.7
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 78% of the route on major roads like I-40. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 120.5 miles on I-40, making for consistent progress. While the initial part of the journey is highway-centric, expect a transition as you approach your destination, incorporating roads like SR 52 and West Broadway. This blend means you'll cover ground efficiently before navigating more local routes.
78% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 120.5 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and SR 52. You will hit about 8 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 6.8 miles in near I 40.
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 197.9 miles you will encounter 8 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 6.8 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 127.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 129.4 miles (I 65): 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 Jackson, TN and Red Boiling Springs, TN, road signs point toward Louisville and Gallatin.
Louisville
129.4 mi in
|
~2h 22m
|
via I 65
Gallatin
138.6 mi in
|
~2h 33m
|
via TN 386
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 53m. Total distance: 197.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 53m 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 120.5 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 Red Boiling Springs, 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 6.8 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 127.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 129.4 miles (I 65): 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 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Red Boiling Springs, 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.
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