South Cleveland, TN to Hendersonville, TN is 178.9 miles and takes about 3h 29m via I-24 and I-75, with a fuel budget near $28 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive keeps you within Tennessee, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. It's a straightforward, highway-focused trip that’s ideal for a single-day journey. You'll mainly be on major interstates, making it a practical choice for getting from point A to point B efficiently.
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
89.5 miles from South Cleveland, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 44m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 24
145.9 mi
2h 45m
I 75
18.4 mi
22m
Appalachian Highway
4.6 mi
5m
West Main Street
2.7 mi
4m
Vietnam Veterans Boulevard
2.4 mi
2m
Downtown Loop
2.3 mi
3m
Dalton Pike Southeast
0.4 mi
<1m
Dalton Pk
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 24
— 145.9 mi, about 2h 45m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between South Cleveland, TN and Hendersonville, TN.
1
Start on this road
123 ft·11 sec·this road
2
Turn right
38 ft·4 sec
3
Turn right onto 18th Street Southeast
142 ft·8 sec·18th Street Southeast
4
Turn right onto Dalton Pk
0.3 mi·27 sec·Dalton Pk
5
Continue on Dalton Pike Southeast
0.4 mi·45 sec·Dalton Pike Southeast
6
Turn right
0.1 mi·21 sec
7
Turn left onto King Street Southeast
233 ft·10 sec·King Street Southeast
8
Turn right onto US 74; US 64 Bypass
4.6 mi·5 min·Appalachian Highway
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Use the left / straight lanes.
10
Merge onto I 75
18 mi·22 min·I 75
Use the straight lane.
11
Take the exit
0.7 mi·56 sec
Toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, NashvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 24
134 mi·2 hr 31 min·I 24
Toward Chattanooga, NashvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 24
2.2 mi·2 min·I 24
Exit 52AToward I 24West, I 40 West: NashvilleUse the slight left lane.
14
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.
15
Merge onto I 24
2.3 mi·3 min·Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 24
9.0 mi·10 min·I 24
Exit 46AToward I 24 West, I 65 North: Clarksville, LouisvilleUse the straight / slight left lanes.
17
Continue on I 65
0.2 mi·14 sec·I 65
18
Keep slight right at fork onto TN 386
2.4 mi·2 min·Vietnam Veterans Boulevard
Exit 95Toward SR 386: Hendersonville, GallatinUse the slight right lane.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 2Toward Center Point Road, HendersonvilleUse the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork
163 ft·6 sec
Toward Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center, HendersonvilleUse the slight right lane.
21
Turn right onto Center Point Road
0.2 mi·38 sec·Center Point Road
22
Turn left onto US 31E
2.7 mi·4 min·West Main Street
Use the left lane.
23
Turn right onto Walton Ferry Road
53 ft·1 sec·Walton Ferry Road
24
Arrive at destination
Walton Ferry Road
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short 3h 29m duration, you can comfortably start this drive anytime in the morning and arrive at your destination the same day. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $28, planning is minimal. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 145.9-mile stretch on I-24, as services can sometimes be spread out on interstates. This route is best tackled in one go, so aim to depart early to maximize your daylight and avoid any potential evening traffic.
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 89.5 miles from South Cleveland, TN, or about 1h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 145.9 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 39 miles or 47m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 89.5 miles or 1h 44m 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 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hendersonville, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving South Cleveland, 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 South Cleveland, TN
This is one driving day of about 178.9 miles and 3h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from South Cleveland, 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 145.9 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 159.3 and 176 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
159.3 mi into trip|~3h 3m in|I 24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 24 toward I 24West, I 40 West: Nashville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 52A
Toward I 24West, I 40 West: Nashville
9
161.5 mi into trip|~3h 6m 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
9
173.3 mi into trip|~3h 20m 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
8
175.7 mi into trip|~3h 23m in
Take the exit toward Center Point Road, Hendersonville
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 2
Toward Center Point Road, Hendersonville
9
176 mi into trip|~3h 24m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center, Hendersonville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center, Hend...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.97 one way
$55.94 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg63 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$30.71
$61.42
premium
$4.89
$34.43
$68.86
diesel
$5.61
$39.50
$79.00
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 62.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
53.7
0
$18.78
$8.59
Efficient EV
44.7
0
$15.65
$7.16
EV Truck/SUV
71.6
0
$25.05
$11.45
Gas CO2
63 kg
EV CO2
21 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
South Cleveland, TN
Morning
in South Cleveland on Sunday
Local time
6:30 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hendersonville, TN
Late night
in Hendersonville on Sunday
Local time
5:30 AM
CDT
Current temp
54°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
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
4 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
3h 29m 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
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 135.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 92% of the 178.9 miles on major roadways like I-24 and I-75. Expect long stretches of consistent driving, including one segment of 145.9 miles primarily on I-24. The route largely consists of interstate travel, offering a predictable driving experience. Appalachian Highway offers a brief change of pace, but the majority of your time will be spent on the faster, more direct interstate system.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 145.9 mi on I 24.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 24 and I 75. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 159.3 miles in near I 24.
Driving Effort10/10
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 20 significant decision points across 178.9 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 159.3 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 161.5 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 173.3 miles (TN 386 / Vietnam Veterans Boulevard): 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.
Between South Cleveland, TN and Hendersonville, TN, road signs point toward Nashville, Chattanooga and Louisville.
Hendersonville is a city in Sumner County of the American state of Tennessee. It is a well-known suburb of Nashville, Tennessee, and has been the home of many country music stars, including Conway Twitty, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 29m. Total distance: 178.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 145.9 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 Hendersonville, 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 159.3 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 161.5 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 173.3 miles (TN 386 / Vietnam Veterans Boulevard): 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 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Hendersonville, TN, but most travelers stay overnight.
