Origin
East Brainerd, TN
Evening in East Brainerd on Wednesday
Local time
6:32 PM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from East Brainerd, TN to Franklin, TN
Last recalculated Apr 15, 2026
Drive Time
2h 51m
Distance
142.5 mi
229 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 40m
★
6 AM
2h 51m
8 AM
3h 13m
10 AM
2h 59m
12 PM
2h 57m
3 PM
3h 0m
5 PM
3h 12m
8 PM
2h 44m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
East Brainerd, TN
Kelly
Franklin, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 142.5-mile drive from East Brainerd, TN to Franklin, TN is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 51 minutes. With 87% of the journey on highways, it's a straightforward drive primarily using I-24. The estimated fuel cost for this trek is around $22, making it an economical option. This route stays within the Southeast region, offering a familiar landscape as you travel. The single stop suggested is well-placed to break up the longest stretch. Overall, it's a practical and efficient way to get between these two Tennessee locations.
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
71.2 miles from East Brainerd, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 24m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 142.5-mile route, with 87% of it spent on major roadways like I-24. The longest uninterrupted stretch spans an impressive 111.9 miles on I-24, meaning you can settle in for a good portion of the trip. While predominantly interstate, you'll also navigate sections of Murfreesboro Road and Tennessee National Guard Parkway, offering slight variations in scenery and speed. The profile suggests a consistent driving experience, largely on well-maintained highways designed for efficient travel.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 15 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 111.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 24 and Murfreesboro Road. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 4.6 miles in.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 142.5 miles you will encounter 12 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 4.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 118 miles (I 840 / Tennessee National Guard Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
4.6 mi into trip
|
~8m 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
8
117.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 16m 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
5
118 mi into trip
|
~2h 18m in
|
I 840 / Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Merge onto I 840 / Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
128.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 29m 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
5
129.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 30m in
|
SR 96 / Murfreesboro Road
Turn left onto SR 96 / Murfreesboro Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
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 East Brainerd, TN to Franklin, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Lewisburg along the way.
Lewisburg
128.3 mi in
|
~2h 29m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 24 | 111.9 mi | 2h 6m |
| Murfreesboro Road | 12.8 mi | 19m |
| Tennessee National Guard Parkway | 10.3 mi | 10m |
| East Brainerd Road | 2.3 mi | 4m |
| I 75 | 1.4 mi | 1m |
| Graysville Road | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Horton Highway | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| 3rd Avenue South | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 24
— 111.9 mi, about 2h 6m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between East Brainerd, TN and Franklin, TN.
1
Start on Iris Drive
479 ft
·
28 sec
·
Iris Drive
2
Turn left onto Graysville Road
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Graysville Road
3
Turn left onto SR 320
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
East Brainerd Road
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
5
Merge onto I 75
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
I 75
6
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
56 sec
Toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, Nashville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 24
112 mi
·
2 hr 6 min
·
I 24
Toward Chattanooga, Nashville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 74A
Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Franklin
Use the right lane.
9
Merge onto I 840
10 mi
·
10 min
·
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
46 sec
Exit 42
Toward US 31A, US 41A: Shelbyville, Lewisburg
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Turn right onto US 31A; US 41A
0.5 mi
·
57 sec
·
Horton Highway
12
Turn left onto SR 96
13 mi
·
19 min
·
Murfreesboro Road
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on TN 96
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
3rd Avenue South
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Enter roundabout onto US 31 Business; TN 96
397 ft
·
6 sec
·
Public Square
15
Arrive at destination
US 31 Business; TN 96
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of under 3 hours, this trip from East Brainerd to Franklin is perfect for a spontaneous day trip. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize your time at your destination, avoiding potential rush hour congestion. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of over 110 miles, you can easily plan your break around the halfway point or when you feel ready. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during that long stretch on I-24, as services can be spaced out. The $22 fuel estimate is a helpful guide for budgeting your travel expenses.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 71.2 miles from East Brainerd, TN, or about 1h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.9 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 31 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 71.2 miles or 1h 24m 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 16m
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 East Brainerd, 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 East Brainerd, TN
This is one driving day of about 142.5 miles and 2h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from East Brainerd, 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 111.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 71.2 mi from East Brainerd, TN · 1h 24m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
71 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 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 71.2 miles from East Brainerd, 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 111.9 miles.
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.
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
$22.28 one way
$44.56 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
50 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $24.46 | $48.92 |
| premium | $4.89 | $27.42 | $54.85 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $31.46 | $62.92 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 49.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 42.8 | 0 | $14.96 | $6.84 |
| Efficient EV | 35.6 | 0 | $12.47 | $5.70 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 57 | 0 | $19.95 | $9.12 |
Gas CO2
50 kg
EV CO2
17 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 Wednesday
Local time
5:32 PM
CDT
Current temp
76°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
2h 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 East Brainerd, TN to Franklin, TN covers 142.5 miles and takes about 2h 51m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 24, Murfreesboro Road, Tennessee National Guard Parkway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 71.2 miles from East Brainerd, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $22.28 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.
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 142.5 miles you will encounter 12 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 4.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 118 miles (I 840 / Tennessee National Guard Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from East Brainerd, TN to Franklin, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Lewisburg along the way.
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