Origin
Bristol, TN
Afternoon in Bristol on Sunday
Local time
4:43 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Bristol, TN to Murfreesboro, TN
Drive Time
5h 23m
Distance
292.7 mi
471 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$44
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 10m
★
6 AM
5h 23m
8 AM
5h 50m
10 AM
5h 33m
12 PM
5h 30m
3 PM
5h 34m
5 PM
5h 49m
8 PM
5h 15m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Bristol, TN
Kelly
Murfreesboro, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
Traveling from Bristol to Murfreesboro covers 292.7 miles across Tennessee, making for a straightforward cross-state journey. You can expect about 5 hours and 23 minutes of drive time, which is manageable as a single-day trip if you are comfortable with a full day behind the wheel. Budgeting approximately $44 for fuel should cover your primary transit costs. Since the route stays entirely within the Southeast, you will experience a consistent regional feel as you head west. Because this is a highway-focused drive, it is best suited for those looking to reach their destination efficiently rather than those seeking a leisurely backroads tour.
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
146.4 miles from Bristol, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 41m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is defined by its reliance on major transit corridors, with 97% of the drive consisting of highway travel. You will spend the bulk of your time navigating I-81 and I-40, which provide a fast, consistent pace across the state. The most significant portion of your journey is a single 185.5-mile stretch on I-40, requiring sustained focus. While the Tennessee National Guard Parkway plays a role in your navigation, expect a standard interstate experience rather than technical or winding roads. It is a functional, high-speed route designed for getting from point A to point B without unnecessary deviations.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 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 185.5 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 79.3 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 11 significant decision points across 292.7 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: at 79.3 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 132.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 264.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
79.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 26m in
|
I 40
Merge onto I 40
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7
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
8
264.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 48m in
Take the exit toward I 840 West: Memphis, Murfreesboro
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 235
Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Murfreesboro
8
286.9 mi into trip
|
~5h 12m in
Take the exit toward US 41, US 70S: Murfreesboro, Smyrna
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 55A-B
Toward US 41, US 70S: Murfreesboro, Smyrna
9
287.1 mi into trip
|
~5h 13m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 41 South, US 70S East: Murfreesbord
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 55A
Toward US 41 South, US 70S East: Murfreesbord
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Bristol, TN to Murfreesboro, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Nashville along the way.
Nashville
132.1 mi in
|
~2h 26m
|
via I 40
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 185.5 mi | 3h 22m |
| I 81 | 76.3 mi | 1h 21m |
| Tennessee National Guard Parkway | 21 mi | 22m |
| Northwest Broad Street | 3.7 mi | 5m |
| Gate City Highway | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| West State Street | 1.2 mi | 1m |
| New Nashville Highway | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| West Main Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 185.5 mi, about 3h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bristol, TN and Murfreesboro, TN.
1
Start on West State Street
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
West State Street
2
Continue on US 421
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Gate City Highway
3
Turn left
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
4
Merge onto I 81
76 mi
·
1 hr 21 min
·
I 81
5
Continue on I 81
0.7 mi
·
45 sec
·
I 81
Exit 1B
Toward I 40 West: Knoxville
6
Merge onto I 40
53 mi
·
59 min
·
I 40
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
133 mi
·
2 hr 22 min
·
I 40
Toward Nashville
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
1.1 mi
·
1 min
Exit 235
Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Murfreesboro
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 840
21 mi
·
22 min
·
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 55A-B
Toward US 41, US 70S: Murfreesboro, Smyrna
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
Exit 55A
Toward US 41 South, US 70S East: Murfreesbord
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
1 min
13
Turn straight onto US 41; US 70S
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
New Nashville Highway
14
Continue on US 41; US 70S
3.7 mi
·
5 min
·
Northwest Broad Street
Use the none lane.
15
Turn left onto West Main Street
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
West Main Street
16
Turn right onto South Maple Street
138 ft
·
4 sec
·
South Maple Street
17
Turn slight left onto South Public Square
467 ft
·
12 sec
·
South Public Square
18
Turn slight right onto East Main Street
47 ft
·
1 sec
·
East Main Street
19
Continue on East Main Street
347 ft
·
13 sec
·
East Main Street
20
Turn right onto South Spring Street
84 ft
·
3 sec
·
South Spring Street
21
Arrive at destination
South Spring Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5h 23m drive, consider departing early in the morning to beat potential congestion near the urban centers. While the route only necessitates one planned stop, do not hesitate to build in extra flexibility to stretch your legs during that 185.5-mile stretch on I-40. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge throughout the trip to ensure you stay within your $44 budget. Since the route is so heavily focused on interstates, plan your break strategically to avoid stopping in heavy traffic zones. Staying hydrated and switching drivers if possible will help keep you alert during the long, monotonous highway segments.
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 146.4 miles from Bristol, TN, or about 2h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 185.5 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 146.4 miles or 2h 41m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Murfreesboro, 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 292.7 miles and 5h 23m.
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 185.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 146.4 mi from Bristol, TN · 2h 41m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
146 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 146.4 miles from Bristol, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 185.5 miles.
Arriving in Murfreesboro, TN
The final approach into Murfreesboro, 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 Murfreesboro, 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
$44.46 one way
$88.92 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
102 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $49.01 | $98.02 |
| premium | $4.80 | $55.26 | $110.51 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $65.03 | $130.06 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 87.8 | 1 | $30.73 | $14.05 |
| Efficient EV | 73.2 | 0 | $25.61 | $11.71 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 117.1 | 1 | $40.98 | $18.73 |
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 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.
Destination
Murfreesboro, TN
Afternoon in Murfreesboro on Sunday
Local time
3:43 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
61°F
Johnson, TN
146 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
3 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
5h 23m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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 Murfreesboro, TN covers 292.7 miles and takes about 5h 23m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, I 81, Tennessee National Guard 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 146.4 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 $44.46 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 292.7 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 79.3 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 132.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 264.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Bristol, TN to Murfreesboro, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Nashville along the way.
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