Origin
Unicoi, TN
Late night in Unicoi on Sunday
Local time
3:51 AM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Unicoi, TN to Franklin, TN
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 43m
Distance
310.6 mi
500 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$49
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 31m
★
6 AM
5h 44m
8 AM
6h 10m
10 AM
5h 53m
12 PM
5h 50m
3 PM
5h 54m
5 PM
6h 9m
8 PM
5h 36m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Unicoi, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Franklin, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 310.6-mile journey from Unicoi, TN to Franklin, TN is a manageable one-day road trip, taking approximately 5 hours and 43 minutes of pure driving time. The route is almost entirely highway, making it a straightforward drive through the Southeast region of Tennessee. With an estimated fuel cost of $49, it's an economical option for a quick getaway or a travel day. You'll spend most of your time on I-40 and I-81, with a brief section on James H. Quillen Parkway, so expect consistent driving conditions for the majority of the trip.
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
155.3 miles from Unicoi, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 53m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 207.6 mi | 3h 45m |
| I 81 | 57.1 mi | 1h 1m |
| James H. Quillen Parkway | 23 mi | 27m |
| I 65 | 14.1 mi | 15m |
| Murfreesboro Road | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| Debra K Johnson Memorial Parkway | 2.1 mi | 2m |
| Unicoi Drive | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| 3rd Avenue South | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 207.6 mi, about 3h 45m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Unicoi, TN and Franklin, TN.
1
Start on SR 173
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Unicoi Drive
2
Turn left onto SR 173
0.3 mi
·
30 sec
·
SR 173
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
4
Merge onto I 26; US 19W; US 23
23 mi
·
27 min
·
James H. Quillen Parkway
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
Exit 8A
Toward I 81 South: Knoxville
6
Merge onto I 81
56 mi
·
1 hr
·
I 81
7
Continue on I 81
0.7 mi
·
45 sec
·
I 81
Exit 1B
Toward I 40 West: Knoxville
8
Merge onto I 40
53 mi
·
59 min
·
I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
155 mi
·
2 hr 46 min
·
I 40
Toward Nashville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 213A
Toward I 24 East, I 440 West: Memphis, Chattanooga
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
Exit 53
Toward I 440 West: Memphis
12
Continue on I 440
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Debra K Johnson Memorial Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Exit 5
Toward I 65: Nashville, Huntsville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
Toward I 65 South: Huntsville
15
Continue on this road
0.5 mi
·
57 sec
·
this road
Exit 5
Toward 65: Huntsville
16
Merge onto I 65
14 mi
·
15 min
·
I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 65
Toward TN 96: Franklin, Murfreesboro
Use the slight right lane.
18
Turn right onto TN 96
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Murfreesboro Road
Use the right lane.
19
Continue on TN 96
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
3rd Avenue South
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Enter roundabout onto US 31 Business; TN 96
397 ft
·
6 sec
·
Public Square
21
Arrive at destination
US 31 Business; TN 96
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour 43-minute duration, this trip is easily accomplished in a single day. To make the most of your drive, consider an early morning departure from Unicoi to avoid potential traffic. With only one recommended stop and a 207.6-mile longest stretch, plan your break strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or when you feel ready for a stretch. Keeping an eye on your fuel level is wise, especially before embarking on the longest segment on I-40, to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted journey to Franklin.
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 155.3 miles from Unicoi, TN, or about 2h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 207.6 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 68 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 155.3 miles or 2h 53m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 40m
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 Unicoi, 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 Unicoi, TN
This is one driving day of about 310.6 miles and 5h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 68 miles from Unicoi, 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 207.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
155 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 68 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 155.3 miles from Unicoi, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 207.6 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 155 decision points cluster between mile 134.4 and 307.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
134.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 31m 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
289.3 mi into trip
|
~5h 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
292.6 mi into trip
|
~5h 22m 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
292.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 22m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 65 South: Huntsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 65 South: Huntsville
8
307.6 mi into trip
|
~5h 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
$48.56 one way
$97.12 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
109 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $53.32 | $106.63 |
| premium | $4.89 | $59.77 | $119.54 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $68.58 | $137.15 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$49
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$74–$99
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 108.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 93.2 | 1 | $32.61 | $14.91 |
| Efficient EV | 77.7 | 0 | $27.18 | $12.42 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 124.2 | 1 | $43.48 | $19.88 |
Gas CO2
109 kg
EV CO2
36 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Franklin, TN
Late night in Franklin on Sunday
Local time
2:51 AM
CDT
Current temp
82°F
Rain Showers Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
WSW 10 mph
62% chance
Live forecast
75°F
Spring City, TN
155 mi in
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
17 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
5h 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.
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...
21 mi from route
~53 min detour
Free
near mile 278.5
View on nps.gov
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
National Park
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of it...
27 mi from route
~68 min detour
Free
near mile 96.4
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 highway-focused drive for 98% of this route, meaning you'll be on high-speed roads for most of the 310.6 miles. The longest stretch without a required turn is an impressive 207.6 miles, primarily on I-40. This suggests a consistent pace with minimal interruptions, ideal for covering ground efficiently. While the majority is interstate, the inclusion of James H. Quillen Parkway might offer a slight variation in scenery or road type before you rejoin the main highways.
98% 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: 207.6 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 134.4 miles in near I 40.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 15 significant decision points across 310.6 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 134.4 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 289.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 292.6 miles: 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.
Between Unicoi, TN and Franklin, TN, road signs point toward Nashville, Chattanooga, Huntsville and 65: Huntsville.
Nashville
134.4 mi in
|
~2h 31m
|
via I 40
Chattanooga
289.3 mi in
|
~5h 17m
Huntsville
292.6 mi in
|
~5h 22m
65: Huntsville
292.9 mi in
|
~5h 22m
About the Cities
Arriving in Franklin, TN
Full guide →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.
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 5h 43m. Total distance: 310.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 207.6 miles on I 40. 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 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 134.4 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 289.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 292.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Stones River National Battlefield and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Franklin, TN before the return drive.
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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