This 233.7-mile drive from Maryville, TN, to Clarksville, TN, is a straightforward one-day trip, estimated to take around 3 hours and 35 minutes. You'll primarily be on West Lamar Alexander Parkway and then I-40 West and I-24 West, with no significant highway driving percentage. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is about $36, making it an economical option. Given the manageable distance and duration, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. It’s a practical drive through the Southeast region of Tennessee.
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
113.6 miles from Maryville, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 10m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
152.5 mi
2h 44m
I 24
36.4 mi
40m
West Lamar Alexander Parkway
26.1 mi
35m
Madison Street
4.7 mi
8m
TN 76
3.4 mi
3m
Downtown Loop
2.3 mi
3m
East Broadway Avenue
0.5 mi
1m
University Avenue
0.4 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 152.5 mi, about 2h 44m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Maryville, TN and Clarksville, TN.
1
Start on US 411
0.5 mi·1 min·East Broadway Avenue
2
Turn slight right onto US 321
26 mi·35 min·West Lamar Alexander Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Toward I 40 West: NashvilleUse the left lane.
4
Merge onto I 40
150 mi·2 hr 41 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
2.1 mi·3 min·I 40
Exit 213BToward I 24 West, I 40 West: NashvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 24
0.3 mi·28 sec·I 24
Exit 211Toward I 24 West: Clarksville, LouisvilleUse the slight right lane.
7
Merge onto I 24
2.3 mi·3 min·Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 24
2.1 mi·2 min·I 24
Exit 46AToward I 24 West, I 65 North: Clarksville, LouisvilleUse the straight / slight left lanes.
9
Take the exit onto I 24
34 mi·36 min·I 24
Exit 88Toward I 24 West: ClarksvilleUse the slight left / straight lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward TN 76
11
Keep slight left at fork
283 ft·9 sec
12
Continue on TN 76
3.4 mi·3 min·TN 76
13
Turn right onto US 41A
4.7 mi·8 min·Madison Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
14
Turn right onto US 41A
0.4 mi·44 sec·University Avenue
15
At end of road, turn left onto US 41A; SR 48
0.3 mi·45 sec·College Street
16
Turn left onto North 2nd Street
134 ft·2 sec·North 2nd Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
17
Arrive at destination
North 2nd Street
Trip Plan
With a driving time of just under four hours, this trip from Maryville to Clarksville is best tackled in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to give yourself ample time to reach your destination comfortably, perhaps with one planned stop for a break. The route involves a mix of local roads and interstate, so stay attentive to changing speed limits and road conditions. Given the economical fuel cost of around $36, you won't need to worry excessively about refueling, but it's always wise to top off before you leave Maryville to ensure a smooth journey to Clarksville.
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 113.6 miles from Maryville, TN, or about 2h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 152.5 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 50 miles or 1h 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 113.6 miles or 2h 10m 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 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Clarksville, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Maryville, 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 Maryville, TN
This is one driving day of about 227.2 miles and 4h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Maryville, 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 152.5 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 26.6 and 221.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
26.6 mi into trip|~36m in
Take the exit toward I 40 West: Nashville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I 40 West: Nashville
9
177.2 mi into trip|~3h 18m in|I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 213B
Toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville
9
179.4 mi into trip|~3h 22m in|I 24
Keep slight right at fork onto I 24 toward I 24 West: Clarksville, Louisville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 211
Toward I 24 West: Clarksville, Louisville
7
184.2 mi into trip|~3h 28m in|I 24
Take the exit onto I 24 toward I 24 West: Clarksville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 88
Toward I 24 West: Clarksville
6
221.8 mi into trip|~4h 10m in|US 41A / Madison Street
Turn right onto US 41A / Madison Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.55 one way
$67.10 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg80 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$37.04
$74.08
premium
$4.72
$42.18
$84.37
diesel
$4.80
$42.90
$85.80
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 79.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
68.2
0
$23.86
$10.91
Efficient EV
56.8
0
$19.88
$9.09
EV Truck/SUV
90.9
1
$31.81
$14.54
Gas CO2
79 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 18, 2026
Origin
Maryville, TN
Late night
in Maryville on Monday
Local time
2:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
88°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 5 mph52% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 1:29PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:57PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
Destination
Clarksville, TN
Late night
in Clarksville on Monday
Local time
1:02 AM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Sunny
WNW 5 to 10 mph14% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 1:29PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:57PM CDT by NWS Nashville 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
5 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 20m 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 164.5
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of it...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a route with a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, suggesting a more engaging experience than a pure interstate cruise. While the data doesn't specify the longest uninterrupted stretch, the emphasis on local roads indicates you'll likely encounter more frequent changes in scenery and potentially traffic patterns compared to a high-speed highway. This suggests a driving experience where you'll be more actively navigating through various road types as you progress from Maryville to Clarksville, rather than simply covering ground on a monotonous stretch.
96% 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: 152.5 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 24. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 26.6 miles in.
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 14 significant decision points across 227.2 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 26.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 177.2 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 179.4 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,953 ft445 ft
Total Climb
1,571 ft
Total Descent
2,035 ft
Highest Point
1,953 ft
~81.2 mi in
Elevation Range
1,508 ft
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 Maryville, TN to Clarksville, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Louisville along the way.
Clarksville is the county seat of Montgomery County, in Central Tennessee. Founded in 1784, Clarksville is one of the south's most historic cities. Today, visitors can experience that history through memorable attractions, unique historic architecture and a variety of annual festivals and events.
Steeped in history, Clarksville began as a settlement along the banks of the Cumberland and Red Rivers by Revolutionary War hero John Montgomery in the early 1780s. In 1785, Clarksville became Tennessee's first incorporated city.
Top landmarks
•Customs House Museum and Cultural Center — Clarksville, Tennessee, former customs house and former post office
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 20m. Total distance: 227.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 152.5 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 16 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 Clarksville, 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 16 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 26.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 177.2 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 179.4 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Stones River National Battlefield and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.3 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 Clarksville, TN, but most travelers stay overnight.
