Origin
Clarksville, TN
Afternoon in Clarksville on Sunday
Local time
3:44 PM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Clarksville, TN to Bristol, TN
Drive Time
6h 14m
Distance
336.8 mi
542 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$51
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 2m
★
6 AM
6h 14m
8 AM
6h 40m
10 AM
6h 23m
12 PM
6h 21m
3 PM
6h 24m
5 PM
6h 38m
8 PM
6h 7m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Clarksville, TN
Kelly
Bristol, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
Spanning 336.8 miles across the state of Tennessee, this drive from Clarksville to Bristol typically takes about 6 hours and 14 minutes. You will primarily navigate a path along I-24, I-40, and I-81, making it a straightforward highway-focused journey. While it is certainly feasible to complete this trip in a single day, it remains a significant stretch that will require your full attention. Budgeting around $50 for fuel should cover your needs, provided your vehicle maintains standard efficiency. Because both cities are located within the Southeast, the transit remains consistent in climate and geography, offering a reliable route for those looking to cross the state efficiently.
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
168.4 miles from Clarksville, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 9m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a high-speed experience, as 97% of this route consists of interstate travel. You will spend the vast majority of your time behind the wheel on major thoroughfares, including a notable 129.9-mile uninterrupted stretch along I-40. The character of the road is defined by its efficiency rather than technical curves, favoring steady cruising over winding local paths. As you transition between the three primary interstates, the flow of traffic will be the main variable in your speed and comfort. Prepare for a predictable, highway-heavy rhythm that allows for sustained momentum from start to finish.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 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 129.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 24. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in near US 41A; SR 76 / Madison Street.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 336.8 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 0.7 miles (US 41A; SR 76 / Madison Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 42.2 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 47.3 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.7 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
US 41A; SR 76 / Madison Street
Turn left onto US 41A; SR 76 / Madison Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
9
42.2 mi into trip
|
~50m in
|
I 24
Keep slight right at fork onto I 24 toward I 24 East, I 65 South: Nashville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
Exit 44A
Toward I 24 East, I 65 South: Nashville
9
47.3 mi into trip
|
~57m in
|
I 24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 24 toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 50A
Toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattan...
6
221 mi into trip
|
~4h 6m in
|
I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
257.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 47m in
|
I 81
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 North: Bristol
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 421
Toward I 81 North: Bristol
Towns Along This Route
Between Clarksville, TN and Bristol, TN, road signs point toward Knoxville and Chattanooga.
Knoxville
44.5 mi in
|
~53m
|
via I 24
Chattanooga
47.3 mi in
|
~57m
|
via I 24
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 129.9 mi | 2h 23m |
| I 24 | 119 mi | 2h 9m |
| I 81 | 76.3 mi | 1h 21m |
| Madison Street | 4.7 mi | 8m |
| TN 76 | 3.1 mi | 3m |
| West State Street | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| Gate City Highway | 1 mi | 1m |
| Franklin Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 129.9 mi, about 2h 23m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clarksville, TN and Bristol, TN.
1
Start on North 2nd Street
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
North 2nd Street
2
Turn left onto Franklin Street
0.3 mi
·
52 sec
·
Franklin Street
3
Turn right onto US 41A
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
University Avenue
4
Turn left onto US 41A; SR 76
4.7 mi
·
8 min
·
Madison Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
5
Turn left onto TN 76
3.1 mi
·
3 min
·
TN 76
6
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
7
Merge onto I 24
33 mi
·
35 min
·
I 24
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 24
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
I 24
Exit 44A
Toward I 24 East, I 65 South: Nashville
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
9
Continue on I 24
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
I 24
Exit 86
Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga, Knoxville
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 24
81 mi
·
1 hr 27 min
·
I 24
Exit 50A
Toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
Use the slight left lane.
11
Continue on I 40
93 mi
·
1 hr 42 min
·
I 40
Use the none / straight / right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
37 mi
·
40 min
·
I 40
Use the none lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
76 mi
·
1 hr 21 min
·
I 81
Exit 421
Toward I 81 North: Bristol
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Toward US 58, US 421: Bristol, Gate City
15
Keep slight right at fork
442 ft
·
11 sec
16
Turn straight onto US 421
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Gate City Highway
17
Continue on West State Street
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
West State Street
18
Arrive at destination
West State Street
Trip Plan
Planning a single stop is your best strategy to keep fatigue at bay during this 6-hour-plus trek. Since the route is entirely interstate-based, aim to depart early in the morning to bypass peak traffic congestion often found near major urban hubs along the corridor. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the longer segments, as the 129.9-mile stretch on I-40 is the primary area where you will want to ensure your tank is sufficiently filled before merging. Because this is a one-day trip, maintaining a steady pace is key to arriving in Bristol without feeling drained by the nearly 337-mile distance.
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 168.4 miles from Clarksville, TN, or about 3h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 129.9 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 168.4 miles or 3h 9m 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 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bristol, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Clarksville, 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 Clarksville, TN
This is one driving day of about 336.8 miles and 6h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Clarksville, 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 129.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 168.4 mi from Clarksville, TN · 3h 9m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 168.4 miles from Clarksville, 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 129.9 miles.
Arriving in Bristol, TN
The final approach into Bristol, 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 Bristol, 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
$51.16 one way
$102.31 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
118 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $56.39 | $112.79 |
| premium | $4.80 | $63.58 | $127.16 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $74.83 | $149.65 |
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: 117.8 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 | $35.36 | $16.17 |
| Efficient EV | 84.2 | 0 | $29.47 | $13.47 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 134.7 | 1 | $47.15 | $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.
Destination
Bristol, TN
Afternoon in Bristol on Sunday
Local time
4:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°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 later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
2 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
6h 14m 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 Clarksville, TN to Bristol, TN covers 336.8 miles and takes about 6h 14m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, I 24, I 81. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 168.4 miles from Clarksville, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $51.16 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 336.8 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 0.7 miles (US 41A; SR 76 / Madison Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 42.2 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 47.3 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Clarksville, TN and Bristol, TN, road signs point toward Knoxville and Chattanooga.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Bristol, TN
More trips to Bristol, TN
Explore more options from Clarksville, TN or browse trips ending in Bristol, TN.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TN road trips.
Explore maps for Clarksville, TN or Bristol, TN on MapSof.net.