Trip from Brentwood, TN to Chattanooga, TN

Drive Time

2h 1m

Distance

104.5 mi

168 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 26 min
4 AM
1h 53m ★
6 AM
2h 2m
8 AM
2h 19m
10 AM
2h 8m
12 PM
2h 6m
3 PM
2h 9m
5 PM
2h 18m
8 PM
1h 57m

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

Downtown Brentwood, TN, TN

Brentwood, TN

Kelly

Downtown Chattanooga, TN, TN

Chattanooga, TN

Kelly

Trip Overview

Connecting Brentwood to Chattanooga is a straightforward 104.5-mile journey that typically takes about 2 hours and 1 minute. Because the trip is relatively short, it is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, meaning you won't need to worry about overnight lodging. You can expect to spend roughly $16 on fuel for this one-way transit across the Southeast. Navigating primarily via I-24, I-40, and I-75, you will find this is a highly efficient route for those looking to move between these two Tennessee hubs. Given the manageable duration, this drive offers great flexibility for your schedule, whether you are heading out for a quick business meeting or a weekend getaway.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

0 planned breaks

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

52.3 miles from Brentwood, TN

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

Drive Character

This trip is a quintessential highway-focused drive, with 96% of your time spent on major interstates. You will settle into a steady rhythm behind the wheel, especially during the longest uninterrupted stretch of 83.1 miles on I-75. Expect a fast-paced experience that prioritizes directness over local scenic detours or winding backroads. The transition between these major Tennessee thoroughfares is designed for speed and consistency, making it a reliable choice for commuters and travelers alike. You should be prepared for a standard interstate environment where traffic flow and steady cruising define the personality of the road.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 16 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 75 is the longest continuous segment at about 83.1 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and I 40. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.1 miles in near SR 169 / Middlebrook Pike.

Route Complexity 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 104.5 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: at 1.1 miles (SR 169 / Middlebrook Pike): Lane positioning matters here; at 12.9 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 96 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 12 key points

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

6
1.1 mi into trip | ~2m in | SR 169 / Middlebrook Pike

Turn right onto SR 169 / Middlebrook Pike

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
7
12.9 mi into trip | ~18m in | I 75

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward I 75 South: Chattanooga

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane. Toward I 75 South: Chattanooga
7
96 mi into trip | ~1h 49m in

Take the exit toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, Nashville

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. Toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, Nashville
8
102.4 mi into trip | ~1h 58m in | US 27

Take the exit onto US 27 toward US 27 North: Downtown, Lookout Mountain

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 178 Toward US 27 North: Downtown, Lookout Mountain
10
102.6 mi into trip | ~1h 58m in | US 27

Keep slight left at fork onto US 27 toward US 27 North: Downtown, Lookout Mountain

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 178 Toward US 27 North: Downtown, Lookout Mountain

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Brentwood, TN to Chattanooga, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Nashville along the way.

Nashville

96 mi in | ~1h 49m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 75 83.1 mi 1h 31m
I 40 9.4 mi 10m
I 24 5.8 mi 7m
US 27 1.7 mi 2m
North Cedar Bluff Road 1.6 mi 3m
Chert Pit Road 0.8 mi 2m
Middlebrook Pike 0.5 mi 1m
Andes Road 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 75 — 83.1 mi, about 1h 31m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Brentwood, TN and Chattanooga, TN.

1

Start on Andes Road

0.3 mi · 40 sec · Andes Road
2

Continue on Chert Pit Road

0.8 mi · 2 min · Chert Pit Road
3

Turn right onto SR 169

0.5 mi · 1 min · Middlebrook Pike
Use the straight lane.
4

Turn left onto North Cedar Bluff Road

1.6 mi · 3 min · North Cedar Bluff Road
Use the left lane.
5

Take the ramp

198 ft · 4 sec
Toward I 40, I 75 Use the slight right lane.
6

Turn slight right

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Toward I 40 West, I 75 South: Nashville, Chattanooga
7

Merge onto I 40; I 75

9.4 mi · 10 min · I 40; I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75

83 mi · 1 hr 31 min · I 75
Toward I 75 South: Chattanooga Use the straight lane.
9

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 56 sec
Toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, Nashville Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Continue on I 24

5.8 mi · 7 min · I 24
Toward Chattanooga, Nashville
11

Take the exit onto US 27

0.2 mi · 15 sec · US 27
Exit 178 Toward US 27 North: Downtown, Lookout Mountain Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork onto US 27

0.2 mi · 16 sec · US 27
Exit 178 Toward US 27 North: Downtown, Lookout Mountain Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork onto US 27

1.4 mi · 1 min · US 27
Use the straight lane.
14

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Exit 1B Toward Downtown
15

Turn right onto West Martin Luther King Boulevard

0.2 mi · 29 sec · West Martin Luther King Boulevard
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
16

Arrive at destination

TN 8

Trip Plan

Since this is a quick 2-hour trek, you have the advantage of being able to depart at your convenience without needing a complex itinerary. While the drive is short enough to handle in one go, try to time your departure to avoid peak traffic hours on the major interstates to ensure you stay within your estimated duration. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before leaving Brentwood, as $16 should cover your needs, but having a little extra for local driving in Chattanooga is wise. Because there are no mandatory stops built into this route, feel free to stretch your legs whenever you feel necessary to keep your focus sharp. A smart tip for this specific path is to remain alert during the transitions between I-40 and I-75, as these highway interchanges are where you will encounter the most significant shifts in traffic density.

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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 52.3 miles from Brentwood, TN, or about 1h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 83.1 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 80 miles or 1h 32m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 52.3 miles or 1h 1m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 38m

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 Brentwood, 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 Brentwood, TN

This is one driving day of about 104.5 miles and 2h 1m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Brentwood, TN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on I 75 for about 83.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 52.3 mi from Brentwood, TN · 1h 1m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cleveland, TN

52 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.

Popular next leg

Cleveland, TN to Chattanooga, TN

31.8 mi · 42m

Pacing Suggestions

Cleveland, TN

Fuel and coffee

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

Cleveland, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 52.3 miles from Brentwood, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 83.1 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

$15.87 one way

$31.74 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 37 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.25 $17.50 $35.00
premium $4.80 $19.73 $39.45
diesel $5.64 $23.22 $46.43

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$41–$66

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 36.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 31.3 0 $10.97 $5.02
Efficient EV 26.1 0 $9.14 $4.18
EV Truck/SUV 41.8 0 $14.63 $6.69

Gas CO2

37 kg

EV CO2

12 kg (68% 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 2 days ago

Origin

Brentwood, TN

Evening in Brentwood on Sunday

Local time

6:08 PM

EDT

Current temp

62°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Chattanooga, TN

Evening in Chattanooga on Sunday

Local time

6:08 PM

EDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

64°F

Cleveland, TN

52 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

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 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 1m 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 Brentwood, TN to Chattanooga, TN covers 104.5 miles and takes about 2h 1m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 75, I 40, I 24. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 52.3 miles from Brentwood, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $15.87 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 104.5 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.1 miles (SR 169 / Middlebrook Pike): Lane positioning matters here; at 12.9 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 96 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Brentwood, TN to Chattanooga, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Nashville along the way.

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