Tazewell, TN to Franklin, TN is 240.3 miles and takes about 4h 43m via I 40 and I 65, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Tennessee, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. You'll spend most of your time on the interstate, making for a straightforward drive. Consider this route if you're looking for an efficient way to get from East Tennessee to the Nashville area without a lot of fuss. It's a solid choice for a single-day transit.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
120.1 miles from Tazewell, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 30m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
171.4 mi
3h 5m
Maynardville Highway
16.7 mi
24m
I 65
14.1 mi
15m
Highway 33 South
10.1 mi
15m
Maynardville Pike
8.7 mi
13m
Knoxville Bypass
5.7 mi
6m
North Broad Street
2.8 mi
4m
North Broadway
2.4 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 171.4 mi, about 3h 5m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tazewell, TN and Franklin, 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 right at fork onto I 40
155 mi·2 hr 46 min·I 40
Toward NashvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 213AToward I 24 East, I 440 West: Memphis, Chattanooga
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
Exit 53Toward I 440 West: Memphis
16
Continue on I 440
2.1 mi·2 min·Debra K Johnson Memorial Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.1 mi·15 sec
Exit 5Toward I 65: Nashville, HuntsvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·15 sec
Toward I 65 South: Huntsville
19
Continue on this road
0.5 mi·57 sec·this road
Exit 5Toward 65: Huntsville
20
Merge onto I 65
14 mi·15 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 65Toward TN 96: Franklin, MurfreesboroUse the slight right lane.
22
Turn right onto TN 96
2.3 mi·3 min·Murfreesboro Road
Use the right lane.
23
Continue on TN 96
0.3 mi·34 sec·3rd Avenue South
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Enter roundabout onto US 31 Business; TN 96
397 ft·6 sec·Public Square
25
Arrive at destination
US 31 Business; TN 96
Trip Plan
For this 4h 43m drive, you can easily complete it in one day, so there’s flexibility in your departure time. Aiming for an early morning start will help you avoid any potential midday traffic congestion. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $38, planning around gas stations on I 40 is straightforward. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 171.4-mile segment on I 40, as services can sometimes be spread out in more rural interstate stretches. A good point to refuel or take a break would be around the halfway mark of that long highway section.
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 120.1 miles from Tazewell, TN, or about 2h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 171.4 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 53 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 120.1 miles or 2h 30m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 53m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Franklin, 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 240.3 miles and 4h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 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 40 for about 171.4 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 64.1 and 237.2 — 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 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward Nashville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Nashville
7
218.9 mi into trip|~4h 17m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 24 East, I 440 West: Memphis, Chattanooga
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 213A
Toward I 24 East, I 440 West: Memphis, Chattano...
8
222.3 mi into trip|~4h 21m in
Take the exit toward I 65: Nashville, Huntsville
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 5
Toward I 65: Nashville, Huntsville
6
222.4 mi into trip|~4h 21m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 65 South: Huntsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 65 South: Huntsville
8
237.2 mi into trip|~4h 38m in
Take the exit toward TN 96: Franklin, Murfreesboro
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 65
Toward TN 96: Franklin, Murfreesboro
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.08 one way
$80.17 round trip
$4.24/gal25.4 MPG avg84 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.62
$43.74
$87.47
premium
$5.25
$49.70
$99.39
diesel
$6.28
$59.37
$118.75
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 84.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
72.1
0
$25.23
$11.53
Efficient EV
60.1
0
$21.03
$9.61
EV Truck/SUV
96.1
1
$33.64
$15.38
Gas CO2
84 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Oct 22, 2026
Origin
Tazewell, TN
Morning
in Tazewell on Thursday
Local time
7:20 AM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Mostly Clear
0 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Franklin, TN
Morning
in Franklin on Thursday
Local time
6:20 AM
CDT
Current temp
45°F
Clear
0 mph0% chanceLive 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
4h 43m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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...
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...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 207.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is 82% highway, meaning you'll be on interstates for the vast majority of the trip. The longest continuous stretch on I 40 covers 171.4 miles, offering extended periods of cruising. Expect the highway portion to conclude as you approach your destination, transitioning to surface roads for the final miles into Franklin. You'll notice a high volume of exits and merging traffic as you navigate these major arteries.
82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 171.4 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 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 40.
Driving Effort9/10
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 13 significant decision points across 240.3 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 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 218.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 222.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,674 ft511 ft
Total Climb
1,067 ft
Total Descent
1,781 ft
Highest Point
1,674 ft
~103 mi in
Elevation Range
1,163 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Tazewell, TN and Franklin, TN, road signs point toward Nashville, Chattanooga, Huntsville and 65: Huntsville.
Franklin is a city of 81,000 people (2018) in Tennessee, just a few miles south of Nashville.
There are two main areas of interest. One is the Cool Springs area, which is identified by its corporate and retail growth surrounding one of the largest malls in the Southeast, the CoolSprings Galleria. The other is historic downtown Franklin which retains much of its small town charm. It is a walkable, friendly historic downtown district, recognized as a Great American Main Street.
Top landmarks
•Hiram Masonic Lodge No. 7 — masonic temple in Franklin, United States of America
•Carter House — Tennessee state-owned historic site
•Toussaint L'Overture County Cemetery — historic cemetery in Tennessee, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 43m. Total distance: 240.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 171.4 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 16 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Franklin, 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. There are 16 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 64.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 218.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 222.3 miles: 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 and Stones River National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Franklin, TN, but most travelers stay overnight.
