Origin
Columbia, TN
Evening in Columbia on Sunday
Local time
6:26 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Columbia, TN to East Brainerd, TN
Drive Time
3h 4m
Distance
159.5 mi
257 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 53m
★
6 AM
3h 5m
8 AM
3h 28m
10 AM
3h 13m
12 PM
3h 10m
3 PM
3h 14m
5 PM
3h 26m
8 PM
2h 58m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Columbia, TN
Kelly
East Brainerd, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
Connecting Columbia to East Brainerd, this 159.5-mile journey is a straightforward trek across Tennessee. You can expect to spend about 3 hours and 4 minutes on the road, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day trip. By utilizing a mix of I-65, the Tennessee National Guard Parkway, and I-24, you can navigate the Southeast with ease. Budget roughly $24 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. Because this is a highly efficient drive, you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay unless your schedule requires a slower pace. It is a practical, no-nonsense route that keeps you moving toward your destination without unnecessary detours.
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
79.8 miles from Columbia, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 30m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 91% of this route takes place on major thoroughfares. The majority of your time behind the wheel will be spent on I-24, which features a long, uninterrupted stretch of 110 miles. While the drive starts with local connectivity, it quickly transitions into a consistent interstate grind. You will find that the road maintains a high-speed personality throughout the duration of the trip. The transition between these major arteries is seamless, allowing you to settle into a steady rhythm once you merge onto the primary highways.
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 14 significant decision points across 159.5 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 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 14 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
7
156.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 58m in
Take the exit toward SR 320 East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 3A
Toward SR 320 East
Towns Along This Route
Between Columbia, TN and East Brainerd, 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 |
| East Brainerd Road | 2 mi | 3m |
| I 75 | 1.4 mi | 1m |
| Nashville Highway | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| Graysville Road | 0.6 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 East Brainerd, 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
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
I 75
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
50 sec
Exit 3A
Toward SR 320 East
Use the slight right lane.
15
Turn right onto SR 320
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
East Brainerd Road
Use the right lane.
16
Turn right onto Graysville Road
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Graysville Road
17
Turn right onto Iris Drive
479 ft
·
21 sec
·
Iris Drive
18
Arrive at destination
Iris Drive
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. Plan for at least one stop during the 3-hour journey to keep your focus sharp, especially during the long 110-mile segment on I-24. Because fuel costs are estimated at $24, topping off your tank in Columbia before you merge onto the interstate can help you avoid higher prices at busy highway service centers. Keep a close eye on traffic patterns when navigating the interstate sections to ensure you maintain your estimated arrival time. Taking advantage of the single planned stop will make the drive feel significantly less taxing as you cross the state.
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 79.8 miles from Columbia, TN, or about 1h 30m 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 79.8 miles or 1h 30m 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 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near East Brainerd, 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 159.5 miles and 3h 4m.
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 79.8 mi from Columbia, TN · 1h 30m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
80 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 79.8 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 East Brainerd, TN
The final approach into East Brainerd, 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 East Brainerd, 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
$24.23 one way
$48.45 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
56 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $26.71 | $53.41 |
| premium | $4.80 | $30.11 | $60.22 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $35.44 | $70.87 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 55.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 47.9 | 0 | $16.75 | $7.66 |
| Efficient EV | 39.9 | 0 | $13.96 | $6.38 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 63.8 | 0 | $22.33 | $10.21 |
Gas CO2
56 kg
EV CO2
19 kg (66% 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
East Brainerd, TN
Evening in East Brainerd on Sunday
Local time
7:26 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 4m 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 East Brainerd, TN covers 159.5 miles and takes about 3h 4m 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 79.8 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 $24.23 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 14 significant decision points across 159.5 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 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 East Brainerd, TN, road signs point toward Knoxville, 840: Knoxville and Murfreesboro.
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