Origin
Collegedale, TN
Afternoon in Collegedale on Sunday
Local time
4:43 PM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Collegedale, TN to Clarksville, TN
Drive Time
3h 51m
Distance
196.5 mi
316 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 38m
★
6 AM
3h 51m
8 AM
4h 17m
10 AM
4h 0m
12 PM
3h 57m
3 PM
4h 1m
5 PM
4h 15m
8 PM
3h 43m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Collegedale, TN
Davide Comunian
Clarksville, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
Connecting Collegedale to Clarksville, this 196.5-mile journey across Tennessee is a straightforward trek that typically takes about 3 hours and 51 minutes. Because it is a highway-focused drive, you can easily complete the trip in a single day, making it an ideal option for travelers looking to get from the Southeast corner of the state to the north efficiently. You should budget approximately $30 for fuel, keeping the costs manageable for a solo traveler or a small group. Since the entire route stays within Tennessee, you won't need to worry about regional transitions or time zone changes. While one stop is recommended to break up the monotony, the route is simple enough that you can comfortably manage it without an overnight split.
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
98.2 miles from Collegedale, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 55m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a trip dominated by high-speed interstate travel, as 93% of your journey takes place on major highways. You will spend the vast majority of your time on I-75 and I-24, with the latter providing a significant 173-mile uninterrupted stretch that defines the core of your travel experience. As you move away from the Collegedale area and navigate toward Clarksville, the road maintains a consistent, fast-paced character. The final leg transitions off the interstate onto Madison Street, providing a shift from the long-haul highway grind to local city driving. It is a functional, no-nonsense route designed for speed rather than technical maneuvering, so prepare for a steady rhythm behind the wheel.
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 24 is the longest continuous segment at about 173 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 24 and I 75. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.8 miles in near SR 317 / Apison Pike.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 196.5 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 0.8 miles (SR 317 / Apison Pike): Lane positioning matters here; at 11.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 146.4 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.8 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
SR 317 / Apison Pike
At end of road, turn left onto SR 317 / Apison Pike
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
7
11.3 mi into trip
|
~17m 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
9
146.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 50m in
|
I 24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 24 toward I 24West, I 40 West: Nashville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 52A
Toward I 24West, I 40 West: Nashville
9
148.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 53m 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
7
153.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 59m 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
Towns Along This Route
Between Collegedale, TN and Clarksville, TN, road signs point toward Nashville, Chattanooga and Louisville.
Nashville
11.3 mi in
|
~17m
Chattanooga
12 mi in
|
~18m
|
via I 24
Louisville
148.6 mi in
|
~2h 53m
|
via I 24
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 24 | 173 mi | 3h 14m |
| I 75 | 6.9 mi | 9m |
| Madison Street | 4.7 mi | 8m |
| Apison Pike | 3.8 mi | 6m |
| TN 76 | 3.4 mi | 3m |
| Downtown Loop | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| University Avenue | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| College Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 24
— 173 mi, about 3h 14m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Collegedale, TN and Clarksville, TN.
1
Start on Colcord Drive
70 ft
·
7 sec
·
Colcord Drive
2
Turn left onto SR 317
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Apison Pike
3
At end of road, turn left onto SR 317
3.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Apison Pike
Use the none lane.
4
Continue on SR 317
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
Volkswagen Drive
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
6
Merge onto I 75; US 11; US 64; SR 317
6.9 mi
·
9 min
·
I 75; US 11; US 64; SR 317
Use the straight lane.
7
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
56 sec
Toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, Nashville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 24
134 mi
·
2 hr 31 min
·
I 24
Toward Chattanooga, Nashville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 24
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
I 24
Exit 52A
Toward I 24West, I 40 West: Nashville
Use the slight left lane.
10
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.
11
Merge onto I 24
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Downtown Loop
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
12
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.
13
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.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward TN 76
15
Keep slight left at fork
283 ft
·
9 sec
16
Continue on TN 76
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
TN 76
17
Turn right onto US 41A
4.7 mi
·
8 min
·
Madison Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
18
Turn right onto US 41A
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
·
University Avenue
19
At end of road, turn left onto US 41A; SR 48
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
·
College Street
20
Turn left onto North 2nd Street
134 ft
·
2 sec
·
North 2nd Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
21
Arrive at destination
North 2nd Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this drive, try to time your departure to avoid peak traffic hours near major urban corridors along I-24. Since you have nearly 200 miles to cover, planning for at least one dedicated stop is a smart way to stay alert during the long interstate haul. Keep in mind that your fuel expenses will hover around $30, so filling up before you leave Collegedale can save you the hassle of hunting for gas stations mid-stretch. Because the route is relatively short, you have plenty of flexibility to adjust your pace if you encounter unexpected delays. My best advice for this specific drive is to keep a close eye on your GPS as you approach Clarksville, as the exit onto Madison Street marks a sudden change from high-speed interstate flow to local traffic.
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 98.2 miles from Collegedale, TN, or about 1h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 173 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 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 98.2 miles or 1h 55m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 7m
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 Collegedale, 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 Collegedale, TN
This is one driving day of about 196.5 miles and 3h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Collegedale, 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 24 for about 173 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 98.2 mi from Collegedale, TN · 1h 55m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
98 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 98.2 miles from Collegedale, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 24 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 173 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
$29.85 one way
$59.69 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
69 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $32.90 | $65.80 |
| premium | $4.80 | $37.10 | $74.19 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $43.66 | $87.31 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 68.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 58.9 | 0 | $20.63 | $9.43 |
| Efficient EV | 49.1 | 0 | $17.19 | $7.86 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 78.6 | 0 | $27.51 | $12.58 |
Gas CO2
69 kg
EV CO2
23 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
Clarksville, TN
Afternoon in Clarksville on Sunday
Local time
3:43 PM
CDT
Current temp
63°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
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
3h 51m 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 Collegedale, TN to Clarksville, TN covers 196.5 miles and takes about 3h 51m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 24, I 75, Madison Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 98.2 miles from Collegedale, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $29.85 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 196.5 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 0.8 miles (SR 317 / Apison Pike): Lane positioning matters here; at 11.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 146.4 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Collegedale, TN and Clarksville, TN, road signs point toward Nashville, Chattanooga and Louisville.
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