Origin
Cross Plains, TN
Night in Cross Plains on Friday
Local time
9:40 PM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Cross Plains, TN to Chattanooga, TN
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 5m
Distance
162.8 mi
262 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$25
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 54m
★
6 AM
3h 5m
8 AM
3h 28m
10 AM
3h 13m
12 PM
3h 11m
3 PM
3h 15m
5 PM
3h 27m
8 PM
2h 58m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Cross Plains, TN
Sam McCool
Chattanooga, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 162.8-mile drive from Cross Plains to Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in about 3 hours and 5 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-65 and I-24, this route is almost entirely highway, making it an efficient option for a single-day trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $25, it's an economical way to travel between these two points within the Southeast region. The highway-focused profile means you'll spend most of your time on faster roads, covering ground quickly. This makes it a practical choice if you're looking for a direct connection between your origin and destination without extensive 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
81.4 miles from Cross Plains, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 33m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 5m. Total distance: 162.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 5m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive for this 162.8-mile trip, with 99% of the route being on major interstates like I-24 and I-65. The character of the drive is defined by its efficiency, allowing you to maintain consistent speeds for most of the journey. You'll encounter one significant stretch of 131.7 miles on I-24, which means extended periods of uninterrupted driving. While the specific scenery isn't detailed, the highway profile suggests a focus on covering distance rather than a winding, scenic exploration. The roads are designed for steady travel, offering a predictable driving experience.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 12 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 131.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 24 and I 65. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 3.7 miles in near I 65.
Driving Effort
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 162.8 miles you will encounter 9 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 3.7 miles (I 65): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 29.6 miles (I 24): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.4 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 9 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
3.7 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
I 65
Merge onto I 65
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
29.6 mi into trip
|
~35m in
|
I 24
Continue onto I 24 toward I 24 East: Chattanooga, Knoxville
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 86
Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga, Knoxville
9
32.4 mi into trip
|
~38m 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...
7
34.4 mi into trip
|
~41m in
|
I 24
Take the exit onto I 24 toward I 24 East: Chattanooga
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 213A
Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga
6
162.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 4m in
|
West Martin Luther King Boulevard
Turn right onto West Martin Luther King Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Cross Plains, TN to Chattanooga, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Knoxville along the way.
Knoxville
29.6 mi in
|
~35m
|
via I 24
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 24 | 131.7 mi | 2h 27m |
| I 65 | 25.9 mi | 28m |
| TN 25 | 3.4 mi | 5m |
| US 27 | 0.7 mi | <1m |
| West Martin Luther King Boulevard | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| East Robertson Road | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 24
— 131.7 mi, about 2h 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cross Plains, TN and Chattanooga, TN.
1
Start on East Robertson Road
107 ft
·
8 sec
·
East Robertson Road
2
Turn left onto TN 25
3.4 mi
·
5 min
·
TN 25
3
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
4
Merge onto I 65
26 mi
·
28 min
·
I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Continue on I 24
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
I 24
Exit 86
Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga, Knoxville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 24
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
I 24
Exit 50A
Toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
Use the slight left lane.
7
Take the exit onto I 24
127 mi
·
2 hr 21 min
·
I 24
Exit 213A
Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Exit 184B
Toward US 27 North: Downtown Chattanooga
9
Continue on US 27
0.7 mi
·
59 sec
·
US 27
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Exit 1B
Toward Downtown
11
Turn right onto West Martin Luther King Boulevard
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
West Martin Luther King Boulevard
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
12
Arrive at destination
TN 8
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour duration and 162.8-mile distance, this trip is perfectly suited for a single-day adventure from Cross Plains to Chattanooga. You can depart anytime, but an early morning start will give you maximum daylight and flexibility for any brief stops. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $25, planning is minimal. The longest stretch on I-24 is over 130 miles, so ensure you're comfortable with sustained driving or plan a quick break before or after this segment. A practical tip: utilize TN-25 for a brief change of pace before merging onto the main interstates, offering a slight variation from continuous highway travel.
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 81.4 miles from Cross Plains, TN, or about 1h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 131.7 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 36 miles or 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 81.4 miles or 1h 33m 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 31m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Chattanooga, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cross Plains, 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 Cross Plains, TN
This is one driving day of about 162.8 miles and 3h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Cross Plains, 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 131.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 81.4 mi from Cross Plains, TN · 1h 33m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
81 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 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 81.4 miles from Cross Plains, 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 131.7 miles.
Arriving in Chattanooga, TN
The final approach into Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga, 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
$25.45 one way
$50.90 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
57 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $27.95 | $55.89 |
| premium | $4.89 | $31.33 | $62.66 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $35.94 | $71.89 |
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: 57 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 48.8 | 0 | $17.09 | $7.81 |
| Efficient EV | 40.7 | 0 | $14.25 | $6.51 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 65.1 | 0 | $22.79 | $10.42 |
Gas CO2
57 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
Chattanooga, TN
Night in Chattanooga on Friday
Local time
10:40 PM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
51°F
Manchester, TN
81 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
21 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
3h 5m 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 Cross Plains, TN to Chattanooga, TN covers 162.8 miles and takes about 3h 5m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 24, I 65, TN 25. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 81.4 miles from Cross Plains, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.45 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 162.8 miles you will encounter 9 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.7 miles (I 65): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 29.6 miles (I 24): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.4 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Cross Plains, TN to Chattanooga, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Knoxville along the way.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Chattanooga, TN
More from Cross Plains, TN
More trips to Chattanooga, TN
Explore more options from Cross Plains, TN or browse trips ending in Chattanooga, TN.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TN road trips.