Origin
Ardmore, TN
Morning in Ardmore on Friday
Local time
7:29 AM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ardmore, TN to Chattanooga, TN
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 32m
Distance
124.4 mi
200 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$19
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 22m
★
6 AM
2h 32m
8 AM
2h 53m
10 AM
2h 40m
12 PM
2h 38m
3 PM
2h 41m
5 PM
2h 52m
8 PM
2h 26m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ardmore, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Chattanooga, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 124.4-mile journey from Ardmore, TN to Chattanooga, TN takes approximately 2 hours and 32 minutes and is a straightforward drive through the Southeast region. Primarily following US 72 and I-24, with a brief segment on AL 53, this route is almost entirely highway, making it an excellent candidate for a single-day trip. You can expect a fuel cost of around $19 for this drive. With only one recommended stop, it’s designed for efficient travel, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. The overall feel is one of steady progress toward Chattanooga.
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
62.2 miles from Ardmore, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 20m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 32m. Total distance: 124.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Straightforward navigation.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive with 94% of the route utilizing major roadways. You'll experience a significant stretch of 72.6 miles on US 72, which forms the longest uninterrupted segment of your journey. The transition to I-24 will offer a faster pace, characteristic of interstate travel. While largely a functional drive, the highway nature means you’ll be covering ground efficiently, with limited opportunities for spontaneous roadside exploration unless you plan specific exits. The road character remains consistent, prioritizing speed and directness.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 12 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 72 is the longest continuous segment at about 72.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 72 and I 24. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 20.8 miles in near Sparkman Drive Northwest.
Driving Effort
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 2h 32m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 20.8 miles (Sparkman Drive Northwest): Lane positioning matters here; at 25.5 miles (US 72): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 122.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 7 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
20.8 mi into trip
|
~29m in
|
Sparkman Drive Northwest
Turn left onto Sparkman Drive Northwest
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
25.5 mi into trip
|
~37m in
|
US 72
Keep slight left at fork onto US 72 toward US 72 East: Scottsboro
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward US 72 East: Scottsboro
5
122.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 29m in
Take the exit toward US 27 North: Downtown Chattanooga
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 184B
Toward US 27 North: Downtown Chattanooga
5
124 mi into trip
|
~2h 31m in
Take the exit toward Downtown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 1B
Toward Downtown
6
124.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 31m in
|
West Martin Luther King Boulevard
Turn right onto West Martin Luther King Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 72 | 72.6 mi | 1h 25m |
| I 24 | 26.2 mi | 28m |
| AL 53 | 16.9 mi | 23m |
| Main Street | 3.9 mi | 6m |
| Sparkman Drive Northwest | 3.1 mi | 5m |
| US 27 | 0.7 mi | <1m |
| West Martin Luther King Boulevard | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 72
— 72.6 mi, about 1h 25m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ardmore, TN and Chattanooga, TN.
1
Start on TN 7
3.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Main Street
2
Continue on AL 53
17 mi
·
23 min
·
AL 53
3
Turn left onto Sparkman Drive Northwest
3.1 mi
·
5 min
·
Sparkman Drive Northwest
Use the straight lane.
4
Continue on US 72
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
US 72
Use the straight lane.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto US 72
71 mi
·
1 hr 22 min
·
US 72
Toward US 72 East: Scottsboro
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward I-24 East: Chattanooga
7
Merge onto I 24
26 mi
·
28 min
·
I 24
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Exit 184B
Toward US 27 North: Downtown Chattanooga
9
Continue on US 27
0.7 mi
·
59 sec
·
US 27
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Exit 1B
Toward Downtown
11
Turn right onto West Martin Luther King Boulevard
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
West Martin Luther King Boulevard
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
12
Arrive at destination
TN 8
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of about 2.5 hours, this route is best tackled in one go, offering flexibility in your departure time. Aiming to leave in the morning will allow you to arrive in Chattanooga with plenty of the day ahead. The longest stretch without a major road change is over 70 miles, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly before you embark. With a fuel cost estimated at $19, it's an economical trip. A practical tip for this drive is to be aware of the transition from US 72 to I-24, as this is where the driving character shifts most noticeably.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 62.2 miles from Ardmore, TN, or about 1h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 72.6 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 27 miles or 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 62.2 miles or 1h 20m 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 6m
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 Ardmore, 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 Ardmore, TN
This is one driving day of about 124.4 miles and 2h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Ardmore, 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 US 72 for about 72.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 62.2 mi from Ardmore, TN · 1h 20m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
62 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 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 62.2 miles from Ardmore, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 72 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 72.6 miles.
Arriving in Chattanooga, TN
The final approach into Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga, TN.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.45 one way
$38.90 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
44 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $21.35 | $42.71 |
| premium | $4.89 | $23.94 | $47.88 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $27.47 | $54.93 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$19
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 43.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 37.3 | 0 | $13.06 | $5.97 |
| Efficient EV | 31.1 | 0 | $10.89 | $4.98 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 49.8 | 0 | $17.42 | $7.96 |
Gas CO2
44 kg
EV CO2
15 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.
Destination
Chattanooga, TN
Morning in Chattanooga on Friday
Local time
8:29 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°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
1 hour later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
23 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
2h 32m 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 Ardmore, TN to Chattanooga, TN covers 124.4 miles and takes about 2h 32m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 72, I 24, AL 53. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 62.2 miles from Ardmore, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $19.45 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a straightforward 2h 32m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 20.8 miles (Sparkman Drive Northwest): Lane positioning matters here; at 25.5 miles (US 72): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 122.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
The route from Ardmore, TN to Chattanooga, TN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from OSRM over OpenStreetMap. Fuel cost uses EIA weekly regional averages. Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our methodology page documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
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