Origin
Columbia, TN
Evening in Columbia on Sunday
Local time
8:42 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Columbia, TN to Collegedale, TN
Drive Time
3h 12m
Distance
166.2 mi
267 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$25
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 1m
★
6 AM
3h 13m
8 AM
3h 36m
10 AM
3h 21m
12 PM
3h 19m
3 PM
3h 22m
5 PM
3h 35m
8 PM
3h 6m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Columbia, TN
Kelly
Collegedale, TN
Davide Comunian
Trip Overview
Traveling from Columbia to Collegedale covers 166.2 miles and takes approximately 3 hours and 12 minutes of driving time. Since this trek is easily manageable in a single day, you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay unless you prefer a slower pace. Your path primarily utilizes I-65, the Tennessee National Guard Parkway, and I-24 to navigate across the Southeast. With an estimated fuel cost of $25, it is a budget-friendly excursion for a weekend or a quick getaway. Whether you are heading out for business or a visit, the trip is straightforward and efficient, keeping you on major thoroughfares for the vast majority of your journey.
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
83.1 miles from Columbia, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 34m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 91% of this route is dedicated to high-speed travel. You will spend the bulk of your time on the interstate, including a significant 110-mile stretch on I-24 that serves as the longest uninterrupted portion of your drive. This is a functional, efficient route designed for steady progress rather than winding backroads. Because you are mostly on major highways, you can anticipate consistent speeds and predictable driving conditions throughout the trip. It is a straightforward drive that prioritizes speed and directness over technical or scenic detours.
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 24 is the longest continuous segment at about 110 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 24 and Tennessee National Guard Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 21.6 miles in.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 166.2 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 21.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 43.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
21.6 mi into trip
|
~25m in
Take the exit toward I 840: Memphis, Knoxville
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 59A-B
Toward I 840: Memphis, Knoxville
7
21.8 mi into trip
|
~25m in
Keep slight right at fork toward 840: Knoxville, Murfreesboro
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 59A
Toward 840: Knoxville, Murfreesboro
7
43.5 mi into trip
|
~48m in
Take the exit toward I 24 East: Chattanooga
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 53A
Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga
8
154.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 54m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 75 North: Knoxville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 185 B
Toward I 75 North: Knoxville
8
161.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 5m in
|
SR 317
Take the exit onto SR 317 toward SR 317: Collegedale, Volkswagen Drive
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 9
Toward SR 317: Collegedale, Volkswagen Drive
Towns Along This Route
Between Columbia, TN and Collegedale, TN, road signs point toward Knoxville, 840: Knoxville and Murfreesboro.
Knoxville
21.6 mi in
|
~25m
840: Knoxville
21.8 mi in
|
~25m
Murfreesboro
21.8 mi in
|
~25m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 24 | 110 mi | 2h 3m |
| Tennessee National Guard Parkway | 21.2 mi | 22m |
| I 65 | 12.1 mi | 12m |
| Bear Creek Pike | 7.2 mi | 8m |
| I 75 | 6.8 mi | 9m |
| Apison Pike | 3.9 mi | 7m |
| Nashville Highway | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| North Garden Street | 0.5 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 24
— 110 mi, about 2h 3m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia, TN and Collegedale, TN.
1
Start on West 7th Street
79 ft
·
6 sec
·
West 7th Street
2
Turn right onto US 31; US 412 Business
0.5 mi
·
50 sec
·
North Garden Street
3
Continue on US 31; US 412 Business
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Nashville Highway
4
Turn right onto US 412
7.2 mi
·
8 min
·
Bear Creek Pike
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
6
Merge onto I 65
12 mi
·
12 min
·
I 65
Use the none lane.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
Exit 59A-B
Toward I 840: Memphis, Knoxville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
41 sec
Exit 59A
Toward 840: Knoxville, Murfreesboro
9
Merge onto I 840
21 mi
·
22 min
·
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
2 min
Exit 53A
Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 24
110 mi
·
2 hr 3 min
·
I 24
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 185 B
Toward I 75 North: Knoxville
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 75
6.8 mi
·
9 min
·
I 75
Use the straight lane.
14
Take the exit onto SR 317
0.4 mi
·
32 sec
·
SR 317
Exit 9
Toward SR 317: Collegedale, Volkswagen Drive
Use the slight right lane.
15
Continue on SR 317
3.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Apison Pike
Use the left / straight lanes.
16
Continue on SR 317
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Apison Pike
17
Turn right onto Colcord Drive
70 ft
·
3 sec
·
Colcord Drive
18
Arrive at destination
Colcord Drive
Trip Plan
To ensure a smooth journey, plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and refresh during the 3-hour drive. Leaving early in the morning can help you avoid potential traffic congestion on the busier interstate segments. Since the trip relies heavily on I-24, keep an eye on real-time traffic reports before you depart to account for any unexpected slowdowns. Budgeting roughly $25 for fuel should cover your needs, but having a little extra set aside is always a wise move for any road trip. Use the flexibility of this shorter drive to your advantage by adjusting your departure time to bypass peak rush hours in the more populated areas along your path.
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 83.1 miles from Columbia, TN, or about 1h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 110 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 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 83.1 miles or 1h 34m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Collegedale, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Columbia, 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 Columbia, TN
This is one driving day of about 166.2 miles and 3h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Columbia, 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 110 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 83.1 mi from Columbia, TN · 1h 34m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
83 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 83.1 miles from Columbia, 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 110 miles.
Arriving in Collegedale, TN
The final approach into Collegedale, 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 Collegedale, 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
$25.24 one way
$50.49 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
58 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $27.83 | $55.66 |
| premium | $4.80 | $31.38 | $62.75 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $36.92 | $73.85 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 58.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 49.9 | 0 | $17.45 | $7.98 |
| Efficient EV | 41.6 | 0 | $14.54 | $6.65 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 66.5 | 0 | $23.27 | $10.64 |
Gas CO2
58 kg
EV CO2
19 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
Collegedale, TN
Night in Collegedale on Sunday
Local time
9:42 PM
EDT
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 later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
1 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
3h 12m 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 Columbia, TN to Collegedale, TN covers 166.2 miles and takes about 3h 12m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 24, Tennessee National Guard Parkway, I 65. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 83.1 miles from Columbia, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.24 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 13 significant decision points across 166.2 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 21.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 43.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Columbia, TN and Collegedale, TN, road signs point toward Knoxville, 840: Knoxville and Murfreesboro.
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