Trip from Alcoa, TN to Hendersonville, TN

Drive Time

3h 35m

Distance

184.7 mi

297 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min

4 AM

3h 23m ★

6 AM

3h 35m

8 AM

4h 0m

10 AM

3h 44m

12 PM

3h 42m

3 PM

3h 45m

5 PM

3h 59m

8 PM

3h 28m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

Alcoa, TN

Kelly

Trip Overview

Stretching 184.7 miles across Tennessee, this trek from Alcoa to Hendersonville is a straightforward journey that typically takes about 3 hours and 35 minutes behind the wheel. Because the route is compact, it is easily manageable as a single-day trip, requiring only one planned stop to break up the travel. You should budget approximately $28 for fuel to complete the transit between these two Southeast locations. Navigating the connection relies heavily on the Pellissippi Parkway, I-40, and SR 109. Whether you are traveling for business or a quick visit, this drive offers a reliable and efficient corridor across the state.

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

92.4 miles from Alcoa, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 46m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused experience, as 92% of your travel time will be spent on high-speed roads. You will settle into a long, uninterrupted rhythm for 143.2 miles while cruising along I-40, which forms the core of your journey. The transition from the Pellissippi Parkway onto the interstate provides a consistent driving environment, making this a practical choice for those who prefer steady highway speeds over technical, winding local roads. While the drive is predominantly a straightforward interstate grind, the shift to SR 109 toward the end of your trip offers a change of pace as you approach your destination.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 40 is the longest continuous segment at about 143.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and SR 109. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Springbrook Road.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 184.7 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 (Springbrook Road): Navigation decision point; at 3.8 miles (I 140 / Pellissippi Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.3 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 16 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Springbrook Road

At end of road, turn left onto Springbrook Road

Navigation decision point

3.8 mi into trip | ~7m in | I 140 / Pellissippi Parkway

Merge onto I 140 / Pellissippi Parkway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

23.3 mi into trip | ~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 none / straight / slight right lanes. Toward Nashville

159.3 mi into trip | ~2h 58m in

Take the exit toward TN 109: Gallatin

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 232 Toward TN 109: Gallatin

174.4 mi into trip | ~3h 19m in

Take the exit toward US 31E: Gallatin, Hendersonville

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Toward US 31E: Gallatin, Hendersonville

Towns Along This Route

Between Alcoa, TN and Hendersonville, TN, road signs point toward Chattanooga and Nashville.

Chattanooga

15.1 mi in | ~21m

Nashville

23.3 mi in | ~31m | via I 40

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 40	143.2 mi	2h 34m
SR 109	14.8 mi	20m
Pellissippi Parkway	11.3 mi	13m
Nashville Pike	5.7 mi	8m
East Main Street	3 mi	4m
North Wright Road	2.1 mi	5m
Gallatin Road	1.4 mi	2m
Alcoa Highway	1.1 mi	1m

Longest stretch: I 40 — 143.2 mi, about 2h 34m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Alcoa, TN and Hendersonville, TN.

Start on Springbrook Road

23 ft · 1 sec · Springbrook Road

Continue on Springbrook Road

79 ft · 3 sec · Springbrook Road

At end of road, turn left onto Springbrook Road

94 ft · 3 sec · Springbrook Road

Turn left onto Springbrook Road

115 ft · 3 sec · Springbrook Road

Continue on East Edison Street

0.2 mi · 35 sec · East Edison Street

Turn left onto North Wright Road

2.1 mi · 5 min · North Wright Road

Take the ramp

263 ft · 8 sec

Merge onto US 129; TN 115

1.1 mi · 1 min · Alcoa Highway

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec

Toward I 140 North

Merge onto I 140

11 mi · 13 min · Pellissippi Parkway

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 59 sec

Toward I 40 West, I 75 South: Nashville, Chattanooga

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min

Merge onto I 40; I 75

7.2 mi · 8 min · I 40; I 75

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

136 mi · 2 hr 26 min · I 40

Toward Nashville Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 48 sec

Exit 232 Toward TN 109: Gallatin Use the slight right lane.

Turn right onto SR 109

13 mi · 18 min · SR 109

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto SR 109

2.1 mi · 2 min · SR 109

Use the left lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 32 sec

Toward US 31E: Gallatin, Hendersonville Use the right lane.

Turn right onto US 31E

5.7 mi · 8 min · Nashville Pike

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 31E

1.4 mi · 2 min · East Main Street

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 31E

1.4 mi · 2 min · Gallatin Road

Use the left / none lanes.

Continue on US 31E

1.7 mi · 2 min · East Main Street

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto Walton Ferry Road

53 ft · 1 sec · Walton Ferry Road

Use the left lane.

Arrive at destination

Walton Ferry Road

Trip Plan

Planning your departure is simple since the 3-hour and 35-minute duration provides plenty of flexibility for your schedule. Aim to time your exit to avoid peak traffic periods on the major interstates, as the heavy highway reliance means congestion could impact your arrival time. Since you only have one recommended stop, choose a location along that 143.2-mile stretch of I-40 to refuel or stretch your legs effectively. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the longest interstate segment to ensure you stay within your $28 gas budget. Because this is a single-day route, you have the advantage of completing the entire trip without the need for an overnight stay.

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 92.4 miles from Alcoa, TN, or about 1h 46m 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 80 miles or 1h 32m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 92.4 miles or 1h 46m 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 49m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hendersonville, TN than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Alcoa, 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 Alcoa, TN

This is one driving day of about 184.7 miles and 3h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Alcoa, 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 143.2 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 92.4 mi from Alcoa, TN · 1h 46m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Johnson, TN

92 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

Johnson, TN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Johnson, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 92.4 miles from Alcoa, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 143.2 miles.

Arriving in Hendersonville, TN

The final approach into Hendersonville, TN usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Hendersonville, TN.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$28.05 one way

$56.11 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 65 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$30.93	$61.85
premium	$4.80	$34.87	$69.74
diesel	$5.64	$41.03	$82.07

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 64.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	55.4	$19.39	$8.87
Efficient EV	46.2	$16.16	$7.39
EV Truck/SUV	73.9	$25.86	$11.82

Gas CO2

65 kg

EV CO2

22 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.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Alcoa, TN

Afternoon in Alcoa on Sunday

Local time

4:44 PM

EDT

Current temp

62°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Hendersonville, TN

Afternoon in Hendersonville on Sunday

Local time

3:44 PM

CDT

Current temp

64°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

61°F

Johnson, TN

92 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

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 35m 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Alcoa, TN to Hendersonville, TN covers 184.7 miles and takes about 3h 35m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 40, SR 109, Pellissippi Parkway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 92.4 miles from Alcoa, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $28.05 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Between Alcoa, TN and Hendersonville, TN, road signs point toward Chattanooga and Nashville.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Return Trip

Hendersonville, TN to Alcoa, TN

Plan the drive back the other way.

185.1 mi 3h 34m

Explore more options from Alcoa, TN or browse trips ending in Hendersonville, TN.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TN road trips.

Explore maps for Alcoa, TN or Hendersonville, TN on MapSof.net.

Trip from Alcoa, TN to Hendersonville, TN

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Hendersonville, TN

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Alcoa, TN

Hendersonville, TN

1 hour earlier

2 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 35m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this route helpful?

Explore More

Continue From Hendersonville, TN

More from Alcoa, TN

More trips to Hendersonville, TN