Trip from Bristol, TN to Clarksville, TN

Drive Time

6h 13m

Distance

336.9 mi

542 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$51

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

6h 1m ★

6 AM

6h 14m

8 AM

6h 39m

10 AM

6h 23m

12 PM

6h 20m

3 PM

6h 24m

5 PM

6h 38m

8 PM

6h 6m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Bristol, TN

Kelly

Clarksville, TN

Kelly

Trip Overview

Spanning 336.9 miles across Tennessee, this drive connects Bristol to Clarksville in approximately 6 hours and 13 minutes. Because the route is entirely contained within the Southeast, you will experience a consistent regional feel as you transition across the state. With a total estimated fuel cost of $51, this trip is manageable as a single-day journey for most drivers. While you could technically push through in one go, planning for at least one stop is recommended to break up the time behind the wheel. It is a straightforward, highway-focused route that prioritizes efficiency over exploration.

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

168.5 miles from Bristol, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 5m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a high-speed experience, as 97% of this trip consists of interstate travel. You will primarily navigate the corridors of I-81, I-40, and I-24, creating a very consistent driving rhythm. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a 209.8-mile haul on I-40, which demands focused attention and steady cruising. Because the route relies so heavily on major highways, you should prepare for a streamlined, interstate-heavy drive rather than a winding backroad excursion. This is a practical, no-nonsense path designed to get you from the eastern edge of the state to the north-central region as quickly as possible.

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

There are about 20 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 209.8 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 132.1 miles in near I 40.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 336.9 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 132.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 286.9 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 289 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

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

132.1 mi into trip | ~2h 26m 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

286.9 mi into trip | ~5h 12m in | I 40

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville

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

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes. Exit 213B Toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville

289 mi into trip | ~5h 16m in | I 24

Keep slight right at fork onto I 24 toward I 24 West: Clarksville, Louisville

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 211 Toward I 24 West: Clarksville, Louisville

293.8 mi into trip | ~5h 22m in | I 24

Take the exit onto I 24 toward I 24 West: Clarksville

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

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Exit 88 Toward I 24 West: Clarksville

331.5 mi into trip | ~6h 4m in | US 41A / Madison Street

Turn right onto US 41A / Madison Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / left / right lanes.

Towns Along This Route

Between Bristol, TN and Clarksville, TN, road signs point toward Nashville and Louisville.

Nashville

132.1 mi in | ~2h 26m | via I 40

Louisville

289 mi in | ~5h 16m | via I 24

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 40	209.8 mi	3h 49m
I 81	76.3 mi	1h 21m
I 24	36.4 mi	40m
Madison Street	4.7 mi	8m
TN 76	3.4 mi	3m
Downtown Loop	2.3 mi	3m
Gate City Highway	1.4 mi	2m
West State Street	1.2 mi	1m

Longest stretch: I 40 — 209.8 mi, about 3h 49m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bristol, TN and Clarksville, TN.

Start on West State Street

1.2 mi · 1 min · West State Street

Continue on US 421

1.4 mi · 2 min · Gate City Highway

Turn left

0.4 mi · 45 sec

Merge onto I 81

76 mi · 1 hr 21 min · I 81

Continue on I 81

0.7 mi · 45 sec · I 81

Exit 1B Toward I 40 West: Knoxville

Merge onto I 40

53 mi · 59 min · I 40

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

155 mi · 2 hr 46 min · I 40

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

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

2.1 mi · 3 min · I 40

Exit 213B Toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 24

0.3 mi · 28 sec · I 24

Exit 211 Toward I 24 West: Clarksville, Louisville Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 24

2.3 mi · 3 min · Downtown Loop

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 24

2.1 mi · 2 min · I 24

Exit 46A Toward I 24 West, I 65 North: Clarksville, Louisville Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.

Take the exit onto I 24

34 mi · 36 min · I 24

Exit 88 Toward I 24 West: Clarksville Use the slight left / straight lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec

Toward TN 76

Keep slight left at fork

283 ft · 9 sec

Continue on TN 76

3.4 mi · 3 min · TN 76

Turn right onto US 41A

4.7 mi · 8 min · Madison Street

Use the straight / left / right lanes.

Turn right onto US 41A

0.4 mi · 44 sec · University Avenue

At end of road, turn left onto US 41A; SR 48

0.3 mi · 45 sec · College Street

Turn left onto North 2nd Street

134 ft · 2 sec · North 2nd Street

Use the straight / left lanes.

Arrive at destination

North 2nd Street

Trip Plan

Since this is a full-day commitment, aim to depart early in the morning to avoid the heaviest traffic cycles near major city centers. You should budget for at least one scheduled stop during the long 209.8-mile stretch on I-40 to refuel and stretch your legs. Keep your $51 fuel budget in mind, but consider carrying a small buffer for price fluctuations at different stations along the interstate. Given the heavy reliance on highway miles, check traffic reports for I-24 before you depart, as congestion can occasionally impact your arrival time in Clarksville. Utilizing your one planned stop effectively will help maintain your energy levels throughout the six-hour transit.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 168.5 miles from Bristol, TN, or about 3h 5m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 209.8 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 27m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 168.5 miles or 3h 5m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 1m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Bristol, 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 Bristol, TN

This is one driving day of about 336.9 miles and 6h 13m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Bristol, 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 209.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 168.5 mi from Bristol, TN · 3h 5m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Johnson, TN

168 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

Knoxville, 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 168.5 miles from Bristol, 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 209.8 miles.

Arriving in Clarksville, TN

The final approach into Clarksville, 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 Clarksville, 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

$51.17 one way

$102.34 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 118 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$56.41	$112.82
premium	$4.80	$63.60	$127.20
diesel	$5.64	$74.85	$149.70

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$51

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$76–$101

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 117.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $35 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	101.1	1	$35.37	$16.17
Efficient EV	84.2	0	$29.48	$13.48
EV Truck/SUV	134.8	1	$47.17	$21.56

Gas CO2

118 kg

EV CO2

39 kg (67% 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Bristol, TN

Afternoon in Bristol on Sunday

Local time

4:44 PM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Clarksville, TN

Afternoon in Clarksville on Sunday

Local time

3:44 PM

CDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

61°F

Johnson, TN

168 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

6h 13m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Bristol, TN to Clarksville, TN covers 336.9 miles and takes about 6h 13m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 40, I 81, 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 168.5 miles from Bristol, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $51.17 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Between Bristol, TN and Clarksville, TN, road signs point toward Nashville and Louisville.

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Return Trip

Clarksville, TN to Bristol, TN

Plan the drive back the other way.

336.8 mi 6h 14m

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Trip from Bristol, TN to Clarksville, 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 Clarksville, TN

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Bristol, TN

Clarksville, TN

1 hour earlier

2 degrees warmer at arrival

6h 13m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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