Jellico, TN to Franklin, TN is 206.3 miles and takes about 4h 21m via I 40 and Deer Lodge Highway East, with a fuel budget near $32 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region, entirely within Tennessee, offering a straightforward journey. With a recommended one-day drive, you'll experience a mixed drive profile, making it a manageable trip for most travelers. Consider this route if you're looking for a practical, relatively quick drive between these two points.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
103.1 miles from Jellico, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 27m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
87.3 mi
1h 34m
Deer Lodge Highway East
21.8 mi
32m
Howard H Baker Highway
15.8 mi
24m
I 75
15.8 mi
16m
I 65
14.1 mi
15m
Scott Highway
10.1 mi
13m
Nashville Highway
9.7 mi
13m
Deer Lodge Highway
9.5 mi
16m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 87.3 mi, about 1h 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jellico, TN and Franklin, TN.
1
Start on US 25W
68 ft·8 sec·North Main Street
2
Turn left onto US 25W
1.0 mi·1 min·5th Street
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·32 sec
Toward Knoxville
4
Merge onto I 75
16 mi·16 min·I 75
5
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward Stinking Creek Road
6
Turn left onto Stinking Creek Road
2.1 mi·5 min·Stinking Creek Road
7
Turn right onto SR 63
2.0 mi·2 min·Howard H. Baker Highway
8
Continue on SR 63
16 mi·24 min·Howard H Baker Highway
9
At end of road, turn left onto US 27
3.5 mi·4 min·Scott Highway
10
Continue on US 27
2.6 mi·4 min·Scott Highway
11
Continue on US 27
1.4 mi·1 min·Lon Foust Highway
12
Continue on US 27
4.0 mi·4 min·Scott Highway
13
Continue on US 27
5.3 mi·6 min·Morgan County Highway
14
Turn right onto SR 329
6.9 mi·12 min·Deer Lodge Highway
15
Continue on SR 329
0.2 mi·25 sec·Irving Street
16
Turn left onto SR 329
2.6 mi·4 min·Deer Lodge Highway
17
Continue on SR 62
9.7 mi·13 min·Nashville Highway
18
Continue on SR 62
22 mi·32 min·Deer Lodge Highway East
19
Turn straight onto SR 62
1.3 mi·2 min·East Commercial Avenue
20
Turn left onto SR 84
0.7 mi·58 sec·South Holly Street
21
Turn straight onto US 70N; SR 84
366 ft·7 sec·Monterey Highway
22
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
23
Merge onto I 40
87 mi·1 hr 34 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 213AToward I 24 East, I 440 West: Memphis, Chattanooga
25
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
Exit 53Toward I 440 West: Memphis
26
Continue on I 440
2.1 mi·2 min·Debra K Johnson Memorial Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.1 mi·15 sec
Exit 5Toward I 65: Nashville, HuntsvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·15 sec
Toward I 65 South: Huntsville
29
Continue on this road
0.5 mi·57 sec·this road
Exit 5Toward 65: Huntsville
30
Merge onto I 65
14 mi·15 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 65Toward TN 96: Franklin, MurfreesboroUse the slight right lane.
32
Turn right onto TN 96
2.3 mi·3 min·Murfreesboro Road
Use the right lane.
33
Continue on TN 96
0.3 mi·34 sec·3rd Avenue South
Use the straight / right lanes.
34
Enter roundabout onto US 31 Business; TN 96
397 ft·6 sec·Public Square
35
Arrive at destination
US 31 Business; TN 96
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 21m estimated drive time, leaving Jellico in the morning is ideal to maximize daylight. You'll only need about one stop for fuel or a quick break on this 206.3-mile trip. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially before heading onto Deer Lodge Highway East, as services might be less frequent than on the interstate. The $32 fuel cost is an estimate, so be sure to check current prices before you depart. Since this is a single-day drive, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time slightly if needed.
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 103.1 miles from Jellico, TN, or about 2h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 87.3 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 45 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 103.1 miles or 2h 27m 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 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Franklin, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Jellico, 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 Jellico, TN
This is one driving day of about 206.3 miles and 4h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Jellico, 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 87.3 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 37.3 and 203.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
37.3 mi into trip|~52m in|US 27 / Scott Highway
At end of road, turn left onto US 27 / Scott Highway
Navigation decision point
7
184.9 mi into trip|~3h 55m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 24 East, I 440 West: Memphis, Chattanooga
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 213A
Toward I 24 East, I 440 West: Memphis, Chattano...
8
188.3 mi into trip|~3h 59m in
Take the exit toward I 65: Nashville, Huntsville
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.
Exit 5
Toward I 65: Nashville, Huntsville
6
188.4 mi into trip|~4h in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 65 South: Huntsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 65 South: Huntsville
8
203.3 mi into trip|~4h 16m in
Take the exit toward TN 96: Franklin, Murfreesboro
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 65
Toward TN 96: Franklin, Murfreesboro
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.47 one way
$60.93 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg72 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$33.63
$67.27
premium
$4.72
$38.30
$76.61
diesel
$4.80
$38.95
$77.91
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 72.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
61.9
0
$21.66
$9.90
Efficient EV
51.6
0
$18.05
$8.25
EV Truck/SUV
82.5
1
$28.88
$13.20
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 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.
Forecast as of Jul 19, 2026
Origin
Jellico, TN
Morning
in Jellico on Sunday
Local time
7:07 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
0 mph48% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 7:55PM CDT until July 19 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Destination
Franklin, TN
Morning
in Franklin on Sunday
Local time
6:07 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
WSW 0 to 5 mph20% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 7:55PM CDT until July 19 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
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
1 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
4h 21m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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 170.7
Cumberland Gap was the first great gateway to the west. Come follow the path of bison, Native Americans, longhunters, and pioneers. Walk where 300,000 people crossed the Appalachians to settle America...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This journey features a mixed drive profile, with 58% of the route on highways. You'll encounter an 87.3-mile stretch on I 40, which will likely be your longest uninterrupted drive segment. As you transition off the main interstate, expect the road to evolve, incorporating sections of Deer Lodge Highway East and Howard H Baker Highway. This variation means you won't be on a monotonous interstate for the entire 206.3 miles, offering a change of pace as you get closer to Franklin.
58% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 87.3 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 37.3 miles in near US 27 / Scott Highway.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 206.3 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 37.3 miles (US 27 / Scott Highway): Navigation decision point; at 184.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 188.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,227 ft511 ft
Total Climb
2,122 ft
Total Descent
2,450 ft
Highest Point
2,227 ft
~14.7 mi in
Elevation Range
1,715 ft
Notable High Points
2,227 ft at ~14.7 miles+921 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Jellico, TN and Franklin, TN, road signs point toward Chattanooga, Huntsville and 65: Huntsville.
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.
Top landmarks
•Hiram Masonic Lodge No. 7 — masonic temple in Franklin, United States of America
•Carter House — Tennessee state-owned historic site
•Toussaint L'Overture County Cemetery — historic cemetery in Tennessee, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 21m. Total distance: 206.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 87.3 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 10 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 Franklin, 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 10 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 37.3 miles (US 27 / Scott Highway): Navigation decision point; at 184.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 188.3 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 and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Franklin, TN, but most travelers stay overnight.
