Union City, TN to East Chattanooga, TN is 298.5 miles and takes about 5h 48m via I-24, I-40, and TN-22, with a fuel budget near $47 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This highway-focused drive primarily stays within Tennessee, moving from the western part of the state towards the eastern mountains. Expect a straightforward journey that's well-suited for a single day's travel, making it a practical option if you're looking to cover ground efficiently. The route is almost entirely on major highways, so it's less about scenic detours and more about getting from point A to point B.
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
149.2 miles from Union City, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 58m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 24
103.1 mi
1h 54m
I 40
68 mi
1h 12m
TN 22
58.6 mi
1h 13m
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
52.2 mi
55m
SR 22 Bypass
2.1 mi
3m
Lexington Street
1.9 mi
3m
Nailling Drive
1.9 mi
3m
Veterans Drive North
1.5 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 24
— 103.1 mi, about 1h 54m
Traffic on I-24
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 9 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,974 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,367
Quietest
2 AM
~348 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Union City, TN and East Chattanooga, TN.
1
Start on East Church Street
74 ft·7 sec·East Church Street
2
Turn right onto TN 5; TN 21
0.1 mi·20 sec·South 1st Street
3
Continue on SR 21
0.8 mi·1 min·East Main Street
4
Turn straight onto SR 214
1.9 mi·3 min·Nailling Drive
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward TN 22 South
6
Merge onto TN 22
15 mi·16 min·TN 22
7
Keep slight left at fork onto TN 22
31 mi·41 min·TN 22
Toward TN 22 South: Dresden
8
Continue on SR 22 Business
390 ft·9 sec·SR 22 Business
9
Turn right onto US 70A
1.5 mi·2 min·Veterans Drive North
10
Turn left onto SR 22 Bypass
2.1 mi·3 min·SR 22 Bypass
11
Turn right onto Lexington Street
1.9 mi·3 min·Lexington Street
12
Turn right onto TN 22
6.5 mi·8 min·TN 22
13
Continue on SR 22; SR 424
0.2 mi·21 sec·Lexington Clarksburg Road
14
Continue on TN 22
5.4 mi·7 min·TN 22
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·25 sec
Toward Primary SR 22: Parkers Crossroad, Lexington, Huntingdon
16
Merge onto I 40
68 mi·1 hr 12 min·I 40
17
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 840 East: Knoxville, Franklin
18
Merge onto I 840
52 mi·55 min·Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.8 mi·2 min
Exit 53AToward I 24 East: ChattanoogaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto I 24
103 mi·1 hr 54 min·I 24
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi·46 sec
Exit 184BToward US 27 North: Downtown Chattanooga
22
Continue on US 27
0.7 mi·59 sec·US 27
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·25 sec
Exit 1BToward Downtown
24
Turn right onto West Martin Luther King Boulevard
0.3 mi·50 sec·West Martin Luther King Boulevard
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
25
Turn left onto Georgia Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·Georgia Avenue
26
Turn right onto East 4th Street
0.4 mi·35 sec·East 4th Street
27
Turn straight
0.1 mi·22 sec
28
Continue on Riverside Drive
1.3 mi·2 min·Riverside Drive
29
Turn right onto Wilcox Boulevard
0.9 mi·2 min·Wilcox Boulevard
Use the right lane.
30
Turn left onto SR 17
0.8 mi·1 min·Dodson Avenue
31
Turn right onto SR 17
0.4 mi·45 sec·Glass Street
32
Turn sharp right onto North Chamberlain Avenue
52 ft·1 sec·North Chamberlain Avenue
33
Arrive at destination
North Chamberlain Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 48m estimated drive time and 298.5 miles, this trip is comfortably achievable in a single day. Consider an early morning departure from Union City to maximize daylight and arrive in East Chattanooga with ample time before evening. While there's only one recommended stop, you'll want to plan your own breaks for fuel and meals, especially considering the longest stretch without exits can be significant. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach the 103.1-mile mark on I-24, as service areas might be spaced out.
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 149.2 miles from Union City, TN, or about 2h 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 103.1 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 66 miles or 1h 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 149.2 miles or 2h 58m 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 43m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near East Chattanooga, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Union City, 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 Union City, TN
This is one driving day of about 298.5 miles and 5h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 66 miles from Union City, 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 103.1 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 293.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|TN 5; TN 21 / South 1st Street
Turn right onto TN 5; TN 21 / South 1st Street
Navigation decision point
5
2.8 mi into trip|~5m in
Take the ramp toward TN 22 South
Navigation decision point
Toward TN 22 South
7
67.4 mi into trip|~1h 29m in
Take the exit toward Primary SR 22: Parkers Crossroad, Lexington, Huntingdon
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Primary SR 22: Parkers Crossroad, Lexing...
7
188.5 mi into trip|~3h 40m in
Take the exit toward I 24 East: Chattanooga
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 53A
Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga
6
293.8 mi into trip|~5h 39m 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
$44.08 one way
$88.16 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg104 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$48.66
$97.33
premium
$4.72
$55.42
$110.84
diesel
$4.80
$56.36
$112.72
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 104.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
89.6
1
$31.34
$14.33
Efficient EV
74.6
0
$26.12
$11.94
EV Truck/SUV
119.4
1
$41.79
$19.10
Gas CO2
104 kg
EV CO2
35 kg (66% 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.
Forecast as of Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Union City, TN
Late night
in Union City on Sunday
Local time
3:23 AM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
WNW 5 mph15% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 5:19PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 4:17PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
Destination
East Chattanooga, TN
Late night
in East Chattanooga on Sunday
Local time
4:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
90°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 0 to 5 mph44% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 5:19PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 4:17PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
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
1 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 48m 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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 195.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is heavily highway-oriented, with 95% of the drive on interstates and major roads. You'll experience long stretches of consistent speed, including one segment of 103.1 miles on I-24, which means fewer opportunities for spontaneous stops but a predictable pace. The character of the drive is largely defined by its main arteries, I-24 and I-40, offering a smooth, though perhaps less varied, driving experience. While TN-22 offers a slight change of pace, the overall feel is one of efficient travel on well-maintained highways.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 103.1 mi on I 24.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 24 and I 40. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near TN 5; TN 21 / South 1st Street.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 298.5 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: near the start (TN 5; TN 21 / South 1st Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.8 miles: Navigation decision point; at 67.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,000 ft337 ft
Total Climb
1,119 ft
Total Descent
772 ft
Highest Point
1,000 ft
~234.5 mi in
Elevation Range
663 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Union City, TN and East Chattanooga, TN, road signs point toward Primary Sr 22: Parkers Crossroad, Lexington, Huntingdon and Franklin.
Primary Sr 22: Parkers Crossroad
67.4 mi in|~1h 29m
Lexington
67.4 mi in|~1h 29m
Huntingdon
67.4 mi in|~1h 29m
Franklin
135.6 mi in|~2h 42m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 48m. Total distance: 298.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 103.1 miles on I 24. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 26 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 East 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. There are 26 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (TN 5; TN 21 / South 1st Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.8 miles: Navigation decision point; at 67.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Stones River National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at East Chattanooga, TN before the return drive.
