Origin
Tazewell, TN
Afternoon in Tazewell on Sunday
Local time
4:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Tazewell, TN to Chattanooga, 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 14m
Distance
155.8 mi
251 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 2m
★
6 AM
3h 14m
8 AM
3h 38m
10 AM
3h 23m
12 PM
3h 20m
3 PM
3h 24m
5 PM
3h 37m
8 PM
3h 7m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Tazewell, TN
Kelly
Chattanooga, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Tazewell, TN to Chattanooga, TN is 155.8 miles and takes about 3h 14m via I 75, with a fuel budget near $24 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This highway-focused drive stays within Tennessee, making it a straightforward trip within the Southeast region. With a relatively short duration and a clear path on major interstates, it’s ideal for a single-day journey. You'll spend most of your time on I-75, so expect a consistent pace. This route is a practical option if you're looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B without many detours.
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
77.9 miles from Tazewell, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 45m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 83.1 mi | 1h 31m |
| Maynardville Highway | 16.7 mi | 24m |
| I 40 | 16.6 mi | 19m |
| Highway 33 South | 10.1 mi | 15m |
| Maynardville Pike | 8.7 mi | 13m |
| I 24 | 5.8 mi | 7m |
| Knoxville Bypass | 5.7 mi | 6m |
| North Broad Street | 2.8 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 83.1 mi, about 1h 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tazewell, TN and Chattanooga, TN.
1
Start on Main Street
196 ft
·
14 sec
·
Main Street
2
Turn left onto Montgomery Street
235 ft
·
12 sec
·
Montgomery Street
3
Turn right onto SR 33
2.8 mi
·
4 min
·
North Broad Street
4
Continue on SR 33
10 mi
·
15 min
·
Highway 33 South
5
Continue on SR 33
11 mi
·
16 min
·
Maynardville Highway
6
Continue on SR 33; SR 61; SR 144
0.3 mi
·
27 sec
·
Main Street
7
Continue on SR 33; SR 61
5.4 mi
·
8 min
·
Maynardville Highway
8
Continue on SR 33
8.7 mi
·
13 min
·
Maynardville Pike
Use the left lane.
9
Continue on US 441
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
North Broadway
10
Take the ramp
0.8 mi
·
58 sec
11
Merge onto I 640; US 25W
5.7 mi
·
6 min
·
Knoxville Bypass
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 40; I 75
17 mi
·
19 min
·
I 40; I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
83 mi
·
1 hr 31 min
·
I 75
Toward I 75 South: Chattanooga
Use the straight lane.
14
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
56 sec
Toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, Nashville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 24
5.8 mi
·
7 min
·
I 24
Toward Chattanooga, Nashville
16
Take the exit onto US 27
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
US 27
Exit 178
Toward US 27 North: Downtown, Lookout Mountain
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto US 27
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
US 27
Exit 178
Toward US 27 North: Downtown, Lookout Mountain
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto US 27
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
US 27
Use the straight lane.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Exit 1B
Toward Downtown
20
Turn right onto West Martin Luther King Boulevard
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
West Martin Luther King Boulevard
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
21
Arrive at destination
TN 8
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 14m estimated drive time, you can easily complete this trip in one day, allowing for flexibility in your departure. Aim to leave Tazewell in the morning to maximize daylight and take advantage of the single stop suggested. The longest stretch without a planned stop is over 83 miles on I-75, so ensure you have enough fuel before embarking on that segment. With a fuel cost estimated around $24, it's a budget-friendly journey. Keep an eye on traffic, especially as you approach Chattanooga, as interstate congestion can sometimes add time.
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 77.9 miles from Tazewell, TN, or about 1h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 83.1 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 34 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 77.9 miles or 1h 45m 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 40m
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 Tazewell, 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 Tazewell, TN
This is one driving day of about 155.8 miles and 3h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Tazewell, 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 75 for about 83.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
78 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 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 77.9 miles from Tazewell, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 83.1 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 64.1 and 154 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
64.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 30m in
|
I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward I 75 South: Chattanooga
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 75 South: Chattanooga
7
147.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 2m in
Take the exit toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, Nashville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, Nashville
8
153.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 10m in
|
US 27
Take the exit onto US 27 toward US 27 North: Downtown, Lookout Mountain
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 178
Toward US 27 North: Downtown, Lookout Mountain
10
153.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 11m in
|
US 27
Keep slight left at fork onto US 27 toward US 27 North: Downtown, Lookout Mountain
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 178
Toward US 27 North: Downtown, Lookout Mountain
6
154 mi into trip
|
~3h 11m in
|
US 27
Keep slight left at fork onto US 27
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.36 one way
$48.72 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
55 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $26.74 | $53.49 |
| premium | $4.89 | $29.98 | $59.96 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $34.40 | $68.80 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 46.7 | 0 | $16.36 | $7.48 |
| Efficient EV | 39 | 0 | $13.63 | $6.23 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 62.3 | 0 | $21.81 | $9.97 |
Gas CO2
55 kg
EV CO2
18 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
Chattanooga, TN
Afternoon in Chattanooga on Sunday
Local time
4:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
84°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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
10 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 14m 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.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Cumberland Gap was the first great gateway to the west. Come follow the path of bison, Native Americans, longhunters, and pioneers. Walk where 300,000 people crossed the Appalachians to settle America...
12 mi from route
~30 min detour
Free
Park Closure: Little Yellow Creek Bridge Closure - Construction Underway
Park Closure: Bartlett Park Restrooms Closed
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 75% of the journey utilizing major roads like I-75 and I-40. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 83.1 miles on I-75, offering a chance to settle into a steady rhythm. While Maynardville Highway offers a brief change of pace, the overall character is that of a direct interstate transit. Expect efficient travel with minimal slowdowns, making it easy to maintain speed and cover ground quickly. This isn't a route for meandering country roads; it's built for getting you to your destination.
75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 83.1 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Maynardville Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 64.1 miles in near I 75.
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 11 significant decision points across 155.8 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 64.1 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 147.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 153.7 miles (US 27): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Tazewell, TN to Chattanooga, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Nashville along the way.
Nashville
147.2 mi in
|
~3h 2m
About the Cities
Arriving in Chattanooga, TN
Full guide →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.
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 14m. Total distance: 155.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (75%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 83.1 miles on I 75. 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 64.1 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 147.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 153.7 miles (US 27): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.5 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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