Origin
Paris, TN
Late night in Paris on Tuesday
Local time
4:14 AM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Paris, TN to Nashville, TN
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 15m
Distance
111.3 mi
179 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$17
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 6m
★
6 AM
2h 16m
8 AM
2h 34m
10 AM
2h 22m
12 PM
2h 20m
3 PM
2h 23m
5 PM
2h 34m
8 PM
2h 10m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Paris, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Nashville, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Paris to Nashville covers 111.3 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. This journey is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to easily complete the drive without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $17 for fuel to make the transit between these two Southeast Tennessee locations. Since the route is relatively short, it offers great flexibility for your schedule, whether you are heading to the city for business or a quick getaway. You will primarily utilize a combination of I-24, Main Street, and the Austin Peay Memorial Highway to reach your destination. It is a straightforward trip that balances local roads with interstate connectivity, making it an accessible route for any driver.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
55.7 miles from Paris, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 6m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 24 | 37.1 mi | 40m |
| Main Street | 28.1 mi | 34m |
| Austin Peay Memorial Highway | 25.1 mi | 28m |
| Ashland City Road | 5.6 mi | 6m |
| West Wood Street | 3.9 mi | 5m |
| TN 76 | 3.1 mi | 3m |
| North Riverside Drive | 2.4 mi | 4m |
| Donelson Parkway | 1.7 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 24
— 37.1 mi, about 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Paris, TN and Nashville, TN.
1
Start on SR 54; SR 69
3.9 mi
·
5 min
·
West Wood Street
2
Continue on US 79
25 mi
·
27 min
·
Austin Peay Memorial Highway
3
Continue on US 79
0.2 mi
·
11 sec
·
Fort Donelson Parkway
4
Continue on US 79
0.6 mi
·
37 sec
·
Austin Peay Memorial Highway
5
Continue on US 79
0.5 mi
·
36 sec
·
Lake Highway
6
Continue on US 79
1.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Donelson Parkway
7
Continue on US 79
28 mi
·
34 min
·
Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Merge onto US 41A; US 79
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
Fort Campbell Boulevard
9
Continue on US 41A; US 79
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Providence Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on US 41A; US 79
340 ft
·
7 sec
·
North 2nd Street
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
11
Turn right onto US 41A Bypass
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
North Riverside Drive
Use the straight / right lanes.
12
Continue on US 41A Bypass
5.6 mi
·
6 min
·
Ashland City Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
13
Continue on TN 76
3.1 mi
·
3 min
·
TN 76
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
15
Merge onto I 24
33 mi
·
35 min
·
I 24
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 24
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
I 24
Exit 44A
Toward I 24 East, I 65 South: Nashville
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
17
Continue on I 24
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
I 24
Exit 86
Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga, Knoxville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Exit 48
Toward James Robertson Parkway, State Capitol
Use the slight right lane.
19
Continue on Interstate Drive
374 ft
·
6 sec
·
Interstate Drive
20
Turn right onto US 31; US 41; US 431
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
James Robertson Parkway
Use the straight lane.
21
Turn left onto 3rd Avenue North
129 ft
·
6 sec
·
3rd Avenue North
Use the left lane.
22
Turn right onto Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
·
Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Turn right onto 7th Avenue North
0.2 mi
·
1 min
·
7th Avenue North
24
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Because this trip is under three hours, you have the advantage of being able to depart whenever it best fits your schedule without worrying about complex overnight logistics. Keep in mind that with 0 designated stops in your plan, you should fuel up before you leave to make the most of your $17 gas budget. Since you are spending a significant portion of your time on both local roads and I-24, stay alert for changing speed limits as you transition between state highways and the interstate. If you prefer to avoid heavier traffic near Nashville, try to time your arrival outside of typical morning or evening rush hours. Use the flexibility of this short drive to your advantage by planning your departure based on your personal preference rather than endurance constraints.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 55.7 miles from Paris, TN, or about 1h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 37.1 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 24 miles or 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 55.7 miles or 1h 6m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Nashville, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Paris, 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 Paris, TN
This is one driving day of about 111.3 miles and 2h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 miles from Paris, TN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 24 for about 37.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
56 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 24 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 55.7 miles from Paris, 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 115 decision points cluster between mile 72.8 and 110.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
72.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 30m in
|
I 24
Merge onto I 24
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
106.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 6m in
|
I 24
Keep slight right at fork onto I 24 toward I 24 East, I 65 South: Nashville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 44A
Toward I 24 East, I 65 South: Nashville
8
109.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 11m in
Take the exit toward James Robertson Parkway, State Capitol
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 48
Toward James Robertson Parkway, State Capitol
6
110.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 13m in
|
3rd Avenue North
Turn left onto 3rd Avenue North
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
110.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 13m in
|
Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
Turn right onto Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$17.40 one way
$34.80 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
39 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $19.11 | $38.21 |
| premium | $4.89 | $21.42 | $42.84 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $24.57 | $49.15 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$42–$67
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 38.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 33.4 | 0 | $11.69 | $5.34 |
| Efficient EV | 27.8 | 0 | $9.74 | $4.45 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 44.5 | 0 | $15.58 | $7.12 |
Gas CO2
39 kg
EV CO2
13 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
Nashville, TN
Late night in Nashville on Tuesday
Local time
4:14 AM
CDT
Current temp
88°F
Mostly Sunny
SSW 5 to 10 mph
0% chance
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
12 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
2h 15m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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.
Fort Donelson National Battlefield
National Battlefield
Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant was becoming quite famous as he wrote these words following the surrender of Confederate Fort Donelson on Sunday, February 16, 1862. The Union victory at Fort Donels...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 26.9
View on nps.gov
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...
28 mi from route
~70 min detour
Free
near mile 111.3
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mixed driving experience as you navigate this 111.3-mile path. Roughly 38% of your journey takes place on highways, meaning you will transition between slower-paced local roads and higher-speed interstate travel. The most significant portion of your time on the interstate occurs during a 37.1-mile stretch on I-24, where you can maintain a consistent pace. As you move away from the starting point in Paris, you will navigate local thoroughfares like Main Street and the Austin Peay Memorial Highway before merging onto the larger interstate system. This variety prevents the drive from feeling like a monotonous grind, keeping the transition between rural and urban infrastructure engaging throughout the two-hour duration.
38% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 37.1 mi on I 24.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 72.8 miles in near I 24.
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 111.3 miles you will encounter 11 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 72.8 miles (I 24): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 106.1 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
About the Cities
Starting in Paris, TN
Full guide →Paris is a city of 10,000 people (2019) in Western Tennessee. Visitors come to see the 70-foot (21 m) replica of the Eiffel Tower and for the "World's Biggest Fish Fry."
Arriving in Nashville, TN
Full guide →Nashville is the capital of the American state of Tennessee. With 716,000 residents in 2022, it is the state's largest city. Nashville is sometimes called the "Country Music Capital of the World" or more often "Music City, USA"; however, Nashville has done much to escape its country music image and become a regional center of culture and commerce. In fact, Dell, Nissan, and Amazon have all moved some operations to or near the city. The music is various; major rap artists and rock bands (Jelly Roll, Young Buck, Haystak, Kings of Leon, Paramore, and Ben Folds) claim Nashville as their hometown, and the city is also the epicenter of the contemporary Christian music industry. Nashville has been the home of the world-famous Grand Ole Opry since 1925. Nashville also has a great bar scene. If you like to drink, you can go "Honky-tonking," also known as bar-hopping.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 15m. Total distance: 111.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 15m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (38%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 37.1 miles on I 24. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Nashville, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 72.8 miles (I 24): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 106.1 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Fort Donelson National Battlefield and Stones River National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Nashville, TN before heading back.
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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