Origin
Bells, TN
Night in Bells on Wednesday
Local time
11:00 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Bells, TN to Franklin, TN
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
2h 36m
Distance
139.2 mi
224 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 27m
★
6 AM
2h 37m
8 AM
2h 58m
10 AM
2h 44m
12 PM
2h 42m
3 PM
2h 45m
5 PM
2h 57m
8 PM
2h 31m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Bells, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Franklin, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Bells to Franklin covers 139.2 miles of Tennessee landscape, typically taking about 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete. Because the duration is quite manageable, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, meaning you won't need to worry about overnight lodging. You can expect to spend approximately $21 on fuel for the journey, making it a cost-effective excursion across the Southeast. Your path will take you along a mix of US 412 East, I-40 East, and SR 96. Whether you are heading out for business or a quick getaway, the trip is straightforward enough to navigate without complex planning.
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
69.6 miles from Bells, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 17m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that keeps you engaged behind the wheel rather than settling into a monotonous interstate cruise. While you will utilize major thoroughfares like I-40 East, the route relies heavily on local roads like SR 96 to bridge the gap between Bells and Franklin. This transition from highway speeds to local driving means the road's personality shifts frequently. You won't find one long, uninterrupted stretch here; instead, anticipate a more technical experience that demands your attention. It is a practical drive that favors local connectivity over high-speed highway transit.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 13 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 412 is the longest continuous segment at about 115.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 412 and State Highway 96. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 14 miles in near US 412.
Route Complexity
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 2h 36m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 14 miles (US 412): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 116.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 127.1 miles (TN 96 / State Highway 96): Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
14 mi into trip
|
~17m in
|
US 412
Turn left onto US 412 toward I-40 East, US 412 East: Nashville
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I-40 East, US 412 East: Nashville
7
116.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 8m in
Take the exit toward Primary SR 96: Fairview, Franklin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward Primary SR 96: Fairview, Franklin
5
127.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 21m in
|
TN 96 / State Highway 96
Turn right onto TN 96 / State Highway 96
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
7
139.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 36m in
|
3rd Avenue North
Turn right onto 3rd Avenue North
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
5
139.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 36m in
|
US 31 Business; TN 96 / Public Square
Enter roundabout onto US 31 Business; TN 96 / Public Square
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Bells, TN to Franklin, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Primary Sr 96: Fairview along the way.
Primary Sr 96: Fairview
116.9 mi in
|
~2h 8m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 412 | 115.1 mi | 2h 5m |
| State Highway 96 | 11.8 mi | 14m |
| Fairview Boulevard | 5.2 mi | 5m |
| Highway 96 | 4.8 mi | 6m |
| High Street | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| Bridge Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| 3rd Avenue North | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| Public Square | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 412
— 115.1 mi, about 2h 5m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bells, TN and Franklin, TN.
1
Start on US 70A; US 79; SR 88
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
High Street
2
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward US 412 East: Jackson
3
Merge onto US 412
12 mi
·
14 min
·
US 412
4
Turn left onto US 412
103 mi
·
1 hr 50 min
·
US 412
Toward I-40 East, US 412 East: Nashville
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
Toward Primary SR 96: Fairview, Franklin
Use the right lane.
6
Turn left onto TN 96
4.8 mi
·
6 min
·
Highway 96
7
Merge onto SR 96; SR 100
5.2 mi
·
5 min
·
Fairview Boulevard
8
Take the exit
292 ft
·
8 sec
9
Turn right onto TN 96
12 mi
·
14 min
·
State Highway 96
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on Bridge Street
0.2 mi
·
40 sec
·
Bridge Street
11
Turn right onto 3rd Avenue North
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
·
3rd Avenue North
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
12
Enter roundabout onto US 31 Business; TN 96
174 ft
·
2 sec
·
Public Square
13
Arrive at destination
US 31 Business; TN 96
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short drive, you have the flexibility to depart whenever fits your schedule best. Keep in mind that the turn-heavy nature of the local sections means you should stay alert, especially when navigating the transition onto SR 96. Even though the fuel cost is modest at $21, it is always a good practice to fill your tank before leaving Bells to avoid unnecessary stops along the way. Because there are no designated stops required for this 139.2-mile trek, feel free to build in your own breaks if you prefer a more relaxed pace. Prioritize checking local traffic patterns before heading out, as the local road segments can be sensitive to congestion.
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 69.6 miles from Bells, TN, or about 1h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 115.1 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 31 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 69.6 miles or 1h 17m 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 5m
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 Bells, 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 Bells, TN
This is one driving day of about 139.2 miles and 2h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Bells, 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 412 for about 115.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 69.6 mi from Bells, TN · 1h 17m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
70 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 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 69.6 miles from Bells, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 412 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 115.1 miles.
Arriving in Franklin, TN
The final approach into Franklin, 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 Franklin, 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
$21.76 one way
$43.52 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
49 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $23.89 | $47.79 |
| premium | $4.89 | $26.79 | $53.58 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $30.73 | $61.47 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 48.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 41.8 | 0 | $14.62 | $6.68 |
| Efficient EV | 34.8 | 0 | $12.18 | $5.57 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 55.7 | 0 | $19.49 | $8.91 |
Gas CO2
49 kg
EV CO2
16 kg (67% 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
Franklin, TN
Night in Franklin on Wednesday
Local time
11:00 PM
CDT
Current temp
76°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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
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
2h 36m 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 Bells, TN to Franklin, TN covers 139.2 miles and takes about 2h 36m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 412, State Highway 96, Fairview Boulevard. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 69.6 miles from Bells, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.76 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 36m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 14 miles (US 412): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 116.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 127.1 miles (TN 96 / State Highway 96): Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Bells, TN to Franklin, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Primary Sr 96: Fairview along the way.
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