Origin
Dunlap, TN
Evening in Dunlap on Sunday
Local time
6:29 PM
CDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Dunlap, TN to Franklin, TN
Drive Time
2h 26m
Distance
109.9 mi
177 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$17
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 16m
★
6 AM
2h 26m
8 AM
2h 46m
10 AM
2h 33m
12 PM
2h 31m
3 PM
2h 34m
5 PM
2h 45m
8 PM
2h 20m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Dunlap, TN
Kelly
Franklin, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
Traveling from Dunlap to Franklin covers 109.9 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 26 minutes behind the wheel. This journey transitions you from the Southeast region of Tennessee toward the central part of the state, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day trip. With fuel costs estimated at around $17, it is an accessible drive that doesn't require an overnight stay. You will navigate a mix of thoroughfares, including TN 8, John Bragg Highway, and Murfreesboro Road, to reach your destination. Because the route is straightforward and manageable in a single session, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your day around your arrival time in Franklin rather than worrying about mid-trip lodging.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
54.9 miles from Dunlap, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 14m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip offers a mixed driving profile that keeps you engaged as you transition between different road types. Only about 33% of the journey is spent on major highways, meaning you will spend the majority of your time on local roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 15.6-mile segment on the John Bragg Highway, which provides a brief period of consistent cruising. Expect the road personality to shift as you move away from the initial TN 8 corridor and navigate through the varied infrastructure of Murfreesboro Road. You will find that the drive feels less like a monotonous interstate haul and more like a functional, multi-stage regional transit.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
John Bragg Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 15.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 77.4 miles in near US 231 / South Church Street.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 109.9 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 77.4 miles (US 231 / South Church Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 77.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 78.1 miles (I 24): Merge point - match speed before joining. 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.
5
77.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 43m in
|
US 231 / South Church Street
Turn left onto US 231 / South Church Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
77.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 43m in
Take the exit toward I 24 West: Nashville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 24 West: Nashville
5
78.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 44m in
|
I 24
Merge onto I 24
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
84.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 51m in
Take the exit toward I 840 West: Memphis, Franklin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 74A
Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Franklin
8
95.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 4m in
Take the exit toward US 31A, US 41A: Shelbyville, Lewisburg
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 42
Toward US 31A, US 41A: Shelbyville, Lewisburg
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Dunlap, TN to Franklin, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Lewisburg along the way.
Lewisburg
95.6 mi in
|
~2h 4m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| John Bragg Highway | 15.6 mi | 18m |
| Murfreesboro Road | 12.8 mi | 19m |
| TN 8 | 12.6 mi | 17m |
| Harrison Ferry Road | 12.3 mi | 17m |
| Tennessee National Guard Parkway | 10.3 mi | 10m |
| Nashville Highway | 10.2 mi | 11m |
| McMinnville Highway | 8.1 mi | 10m |
| State Highway 8 | 7.3 mi | 9m |
Longest stretch:
John Bragg Highway
— 15.6 mi, about 18m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dunlap, TN and Franklin, TN.
1
Start on US 127
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Rankin Avenue
2
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
3
Continue on TN 8; TN 111
13 mi
·
17 min
·
TN 8; TN 111
4
Turn left onto TN 8
7.3 mi
·
9 min
·
State Highway 8
5
Continue on TN 8
12 mi
·
17 min
·
Harrison Ferry Road
6
Turn slight right onto SR 56
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Beersheba Highway
7
Continue on SR 56
0.5 mi
·
45 sec
·
East Colville Street
8
Turn right onto SR 56
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
South Chancery Street
9
Turn left onto SR 380
0.3 mi
·
26 sec
·
West Morford Street
10
Continue on SR 380
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
West Main Street
11
Continue on US 70S
10 mi
·
11 min
·
Nashville Highway
12
Continue on US 70S
8.1 mi
·
10 min
·
McMinnville Highway
13
Continue on US 70S; SR 53
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
East Main Street
14
Continue on US 70S
16 mi
·
18 min
·
John Bragg Highway
15
Turn left onto South Rutherford Boulevard
3.8 mi
·
5 min
·
South Rutherford Boulevard
Use the none lane.
16
Turn left onto US 231
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
·
South Church Street
Use the left lane.
17
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Toward I 24 West: Nashville
Use the right lane.
18
Merge onto I 24
6.5 mi
·
6 min
·
I 24
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 74A
Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Franklin
Use the right lane.
20
Merge onto I 840
10 mi
·
10 min
·
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
46 sec
Exit 42
Toward US 31A, US 41A: Shelbyville, Lewisburg
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Turn right onto US 31A; US 41A
0.5 mi
·
57 sec
·
Horton Highway
23
Turn left onto SR 96
13 mi
·
19 min
·
Murfreesboro Road
Use the none lane.
24
Continue on TN 96
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
3rd Avenue South
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Enter roundabout onto US 31 Business; TN 96
397 ft
·
6 sec
·
Public Square
26
Arrive at destination
US 31 Business; TN 96
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short drive, you have the advantage of being able to depart whenever fits your schedule best without needing a complex itinerary. While the 109.9-mile distance is easily completed in one go, keep in mind that the mix of highway and local roads may lead to varying traffic patterns. Aim to top off your tank before heading out to keep your fuel budget near that $17 mark. Because there are no designated stops required by the route, use your flexibility to plan your own breaks along the Murfreesboro Road section if you need to stretch your legs. A helpful tip for this specific route is to monitor your speed closely as you transition between the highway stretches and local road segments where speed limits fluctuate.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 54.9 miles from Dunlap, TN, or about 1h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 15.6 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 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 54.9 miles or 1h 14m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 58m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Franklin, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dunlap, 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 Dunlap, TN
This is one driving day of about 109.9 miles and 2h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Dunlap, TN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on John Bragg Highway for about 15.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 54.9 mi from Dunlap, TN · 1h 14m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
55 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 54.9 miles from Dunlap, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Franklin, TN
The final approach into Franklin, 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 Franklin, TN.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$16.69 one way
$33.39 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
39 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $18.40 | $36.80 |
| premium | $4.80 | $20.75 | $41.49 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $24.42 | $48.83 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$42–$67
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 38.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 33 | 0 | $11.54 | $5.28 |
| Efficient EV | 27.5 | 0 | $9.62 | $4.40 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 44 | 0 | $15.39 | $7.03 |
Gas CO2
38 kg
EV CO2
13 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
Franklin, TN
Evening in Franklin on Sunday
Local time
6:29 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
3 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
2h 26m 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 Dunlap, TN to Franklin, TN covers 109.9 miles and takes about 2h 26m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are John Bragg Highway, Murfreesboro Road, TN 8. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 54.9 miles from Dunlap, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $16.69 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 109.9 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 77.4 miles (US 231 / South Church Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 77.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 78.1 miles (I 24): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Dunlap, TN to Franklin, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Lewisburg along the way.
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