Origin
Springfield, TN
Late night in Springfield on Tuesday
Local time
3:47 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Springfield, TN to Chattanooga, 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
3h
Distance
159.2 mi
256 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$25
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 50m
★
6 AM
3h 1m
8 AM
3h 24m
10 AM
3h 9m
12 PM
3h 7m
3 PM
3h 10m
5 PM
3h 23m
8 PM
2h 54m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Springfield, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Chattanooga, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 159.2-mile drive from Springfield, TN, to Chattanooga, TN, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in about 3 hours. Given its relatively short duration and minimal stops, it's an ideal candidate for a single-day trip. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $25, making it an economical option. Traveling within the Southeast region of Tennessee, you'll primarily be on I-24, with brief segments on Tom Austin Highway and Whites Creek Pike. This route offers a practical and efficient way to get from point A to point B without extensive planning.
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
79.6 miles from Springfield, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 31m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 24 | 143.2 mi | 2h 40m |
| Tom Austin Highway | 7.5 mi | 8m |
| Whites Creek Pike | 5.1 mi | 5m |
| Memorial Boulevard | 1.2 mi | 1m |
| US 27 | 0.7 mi | <1m |
| West Martin Luther King Boulevard | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| East 5th Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| South Main Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 24
— 143.2 mi, about 2h 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Springfield, TN and Chattanooga, TN.
1
Start on South Main Street
45 ft
·
4 sec
·
South Main Street
2
Turn right onto TN 49
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
East 5th Avenue
3
Turn right onto US 41; US 431
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Memorial Boulevard
4
Turn right onto US 431
7.5 mi
·
8 min
·
Tom Austin Highway
5
Continue on US 431
5.1 mi
·
5 min
·
Whites Creek Pike
6
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
7
Merge onto I 24
9.2 mi
·
9 min
·
I 24
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
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.
9
Continue on I 24
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
I 24
Exit 86
Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga, Knoxville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
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.
11
Take the exit onto I 24
127 mi
·
2 hr 21 min
·
I 24
Exit 213A
Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Exit 184B
Toward US 27 North: Downtown Chattanooga
13
Continue on US 27
0.7 mi
·
59 sec
·
US 27
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Exit 1B
Toward Downtown
15
Turn right onto West Martin Luther King Boulevard
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
West Martin Luther King Boulevard
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
16
Arrive at destination
TN 8
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour drive, consider an early morning departure to maximize your day, especially if you plan on activities upon arrival in Chattanooga. With only one recommended stop and a relatively short duration, flexibility is key. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch on I-24 is quite substantial at 143.2 miles, and it's always wise to refuel before hitting those longer, less populated segments. The $25 fuel cost is a helpful budget estimate, but it's good practice to confirm current prices. This route is efficient, so plan your stops strategically to break up the driving without significant detours.
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 79.6 miles from Springfield, TN, or about 1h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 143.2 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 35 miles or 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 79.6 miles or 1h 31m 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 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Chattanooga, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Springfield, 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 Springfield, TN
This is one driving day of about 159.2 miles and 3h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Springfield, 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 143.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
80 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 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 79.6 miles from Springfield, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 24 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 143.2 miles.
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 14.5 and 159 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
14.5 mi into trip
|
~17m in
|
I 24
Merge onto I 24
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
23.7 mi into trip
|
~27m 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
9
28.8 mi into trip
|
~34m 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
30.8 mi into trip
|
~37m 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
6
159 mi into trip
|
~3h in
|
West Martin Luther King Boulevard
Turn right onto West Martin Luther King Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.89 one way
$49.78 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
56 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $27.33 | $54.65 |
| premium | $4.89 | $30.64 | $61.27 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $35.15 | $70.30 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 55.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 47.8 | 0 | $16.72 | $7.64 |
| Efficient EV | 39.8 | 0 | $13.93 | $6.37 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 63.7 | 0 | $22.29 | $10.19 |
Gas CO2
56 kg
EV CO2
19 kg (66% 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
Chattanooga, TN
Late night in Chattanooga on Tuesday
Local time
4:47 AM
EDT
Current temp
77°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 later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
2 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 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 54.8
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 drive that's 90% highway, meaning you'll spend the majority of your time on fast-paced interstates. The primary road is I-24, which forms the backbone of this trip, providing a consistent and direct path. You'll encounter one significant uninterrupted stretch of 143.2 miles on I-24, so be prepared for extended periods of cruising. While the route is predominantly highway, it begins and ends with shorter segments on local roads like Tom Austin Highway and Whites Creek Pike, offering a brief transition before and after the main interstate portion.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 143.2 mi on I 24.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 24 and Tom Austin Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 14.5 miles in near I 24.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 159.2 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 14.5 miles (I 24): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.7 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 28.8 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 Springfield, TN to Chattanooga, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Knoxville along the way.
Knoxville
26 mi in
|
~30m
|
via I 24
About the Cities
Arriving in Chattanooga, TN
Full guide →Founded 1839
Chattanooga is the 4th largest city in Tennessee. It is the seat of Hamilton County. It is in Southeast Tennessee on the Tennessee River and near the border of Georgia. It was immortalized in the popular 1941 song "Chattanooga Choo Choo", made famous by Glenn Miller.
Top landmarks
- • Delta Queen — paddle steamer launched in 1926
- • Hunter Museum of American Art — art museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee
- • Saints Peter and Paul Basilica — historic church in Tennessee, United States
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 3h. Total distance: 159.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 143.2 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 Chattanooga, 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 14.5 miles (I 24): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.7 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 28.8 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 6.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Chattanooga, 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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