Origin
Nashville, TN
Night in Nashville on Saturday
Local time
11:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Nashville, TN to Lakesite, TN
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 1m
Distance
137 mi
221 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 50m
★
6 AM
3h 2m
8 AM
3h 25m
10 AM
3h 10m
12 PM
3h 7m
3 PM
3h 11m
5 PM
3h 23m
8 PM
2h 55m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Nashville, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Lakesite, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
This 137-mile drive from Nashville, TN, to Lakesite, TN, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 1 minute to complete. With a fuel cost estimated at $21, it's an economical option for exploring within the Southeast region. The route primarily utilizes I-24, John Bragg Highway, and TN-8, offering a mixed driving experience. Given its relatively short duration, this trip is ideal for a single day of travel, allowing for flexibility in your schedule and minimal need for overnight stays. You'll experience a straightforward journey that makes for a convenient excursion.
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
68.5 miles from Nashville, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 26m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 24 | 32.1 mi | 35m |
| John Bragg Highway | 15.6 mi | 18m |
| TN 8 | 12.6 mi | 17m |
| Harrison Ferry Road | 12.3 mi | 17m |
| SR 111 | 11.5 mi | 13m |
| Nashville Highway | 10.1 mi | 11m |
| McMinnville Highway | 8.2 mi | 10m |
| State Highway 8 | 7.3 mi | 10m |
Longest stretch:
I 24
— 32.1 mi, about 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Nashville, TN and Lakesite, TN.
1
Start on this road
0.4 mi
·
2 min
·
this road
2
At end of road, turn left onto Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
·
Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
3
Turn left onto James Robertson Parkway
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
James Robertson Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Turn right onto Interstate Drive
451 ft
·
9 sec
·
Interstate Drive
Use the right lane.
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward I 24 East
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
6
Merge onto I 24
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Downtown Loop
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 24
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
I 24
Exit 50A
Toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
Use the slight left lane.
8
Take the exit onto I 24
30 mi
·
33 min
·
I 24
Exit 213A
Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
Exit 81B
Toward US 231 North: Murfreesboro
Use the right lane.
10
Merge onto US 231
0.6 mi
·
43 sec
·
South Church Street
11
Turn right onto South Rutherford Boulevard
3.8 mi
·
5 min
·
South Rutherford Boulevard
Use the right lane.
12
Turn right onto US 70S
16 mi
·
18 min
·
John Bragg Highway
13
Continue on US 70S
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
West Main Street
14
Continue on US 70S; SR 53
8.2 mi
·
10 min
·
McMinnville Highway
15
Continue on US 70S
10 mi
·
11 min
·
Nashville Highway
16
Continue on US 70S
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
West Main Street
17
Continue on SR 380
308 ft
·
11 sec
·
West Main Street
18
Continue on SR 380
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
·
West Main Street
19
Continue on SR 380
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
·
East Main Street
20
At end of road, turn left onto SR 56
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Beersheba Highway
21
Turn slight left onto TN 8
12 mi
·
17 min
·
Harrison Ferry Road
22
Continue on TN 8
7.3 mi
·
10 min
·
State Highway 8
23
At end of road, turn right onto TN 8; TN 111
13 mi
·
17 min
·
TN 8; TN 111
24
Continue on SR 111
11 mi
·
13 min
·
SR 111
25
Continue on TN 111
5.9 mi
·
7 min
·
TN 111
26
Merge onto US 27
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
US 27
27
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
49 sec
Toward TN 319: Hixson Pike, Soddy Daisy
28
Turn left onto SR 319
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Tsati Terrace
29
Continue on SR 319
4.0 mi
·
7 min
·
Hixson Pike
30
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 319
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
Hixson Pike
31
Turn left onto Shoreline Drive
0.2 mi
·
48 sec
·
Shoreline Drive
32
Continue on Shoreline Drive
305 ft
·
16 sec
·
Shoreline Drive
33
Turn sharp right
343 ft
·
15 sec
34
Continue on Bayview Road
0.1 mi
·
33 sec
·
Bayview Road
35
Arrive at destination
Bayview Road
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Nashville to make the most of your day, especially since it's a single-day trip. With only one recommended stop, you have ample flexibility to decide when and where to take a break. Keep an eye on your fuel, with an estimated cost of $21, and be aware that the longest stretch without a significant change in road type is 32.1 miles on I-24. Planning your fuel and rest stops around this longer highway segment can help ensure a smooth journey to Lakesite.
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 68.5 miles from Nashville, TN, or about 1h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 32.1 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 30 miles or 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 68.5 miles or 1h 26m 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 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lakesite, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Nashville, 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 Nashville, TN
This is one driving day of about 137 miles and 3h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Nashville, 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 24 for about 32.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
69 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 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 68.5 miles from Nashville, 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 195 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 34.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0.4 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
At end of road, turn left onto Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
6
1.5 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Take the ramp toward I 24 East
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 24 East
9
2.5 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
I 24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 24 toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 50A
Toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattan...
7
4.6 mi into trip
|
~9m in
|
I 24
Take the exit onto I 24 toward I 24 East: Chattanooga
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 213A
Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga
7
34.6 mi into trip
|
~42m in
Take the exit toward US 231 North: Murfreesboro
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 81B
Toward US 231 North: Murfreesboro
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.42 one way
$42.84 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
48 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $23.52 | $47.03 |
| premium | $4.89 | $26.36 | $52.73 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $30.25 | $60.50 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 47.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 41.1 | 0 | $14.39 | $6.58 |
| Efficient EV | 34.3 | 0 | $11.99 | $5.48 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 54.8 | 0 | $19.18 | $8.77 |
Gas CO2
48 kg
EV CO2
16 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
Lakesite, TN
Late night in Lakesite on Sunday
Local time
12:24 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
51°F
McMinnville, TN
69 mi in
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 later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
4 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 1m 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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 28.3
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route presents a mixed drive, with 52% of the journey on highways. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 32.1 miles on I-24, providing a period of consistent highway travel. As you transition to John Bragg Highway and TN-8, expect the character of the drive to change, likely offering a more local feel. This blend of interstate cruising and secondary road driving means you'll experience varying speeds and scenery, keeping the drive engaging without being overly demanding.
52% 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: 32.1 mi on I 24.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 0.4 miles in near Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 19 significant decision points across 137 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 0.4 miles (Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 2.5 miles (I 24): 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.
On the drive from Nashville, TN to Lakesite, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Soddy Daisy along the way.
Soddy Daisy
129 mi in
|
~2h 46m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 1m. Total distance: 137 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 32.1 miles on I 24. 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 Lakesite, 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 0.4 miles (Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 2.5 miles (I 24): 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 3.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Lakesite, 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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