Origin
East Chattanooga, TN
Afternoon in East Chattanooga on Sunday
Local time
4:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from East Chattanooga, TN to Bolivar, TN
Drive Time
5h 13m
Distance
256.6 mi
413 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$39
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 0m
★
6 AM
5h 13m
8 AM
5h 40m
10 AM
5h 23m
12 PM
5h 20m
3 PM
5h 24m
5 PM
5h 39m
8 PM
5h 5m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Bolivar, TN
Fer Izaguirre
Trip Overview
Traveling from East Chattanooga to Bolivar covers 256.6 miles across the state of Tennessee, a journey that typically takes about 5 hours and 13 minutes. Because this is a mixed drive, you can comfortably complete the trip in a single day, making it an efficient choice for those looking to traverse the state without an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $39 for fuel, keeping in mind that your path utilizes a blend of I-24, US 64, and Lawrenceburg Highway. Since you are moving from the Southeast region toward the western portion of Tennessee, you will experience a shift in the landscape as you transition away from the mountainous terrain of the east. Having a clear plan for your one recommended stop will help keep your energy levels steady throughout the five-hour trek.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
128.3 miles from East Chattanooga, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 37m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a varied experience behind the wheel, as this route is a true mixed drive that balances interstate speed with the pace of local highways. With about 37% of your travel occurring on highways, you will encounter sections that allow for steady cruising alongside more localized road segments. The longest stretch you will face is a 47.4-mile run on US 64, which serves as a significant portion of your transit. The road personality shifts as you move between high-traffic arteries and smaller stretches, requiring you to remain alert to changing speed limits and road types. This combination ensures the drive remains engaging rather than feeling like a monotonous, singular grind.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 40 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 64 is the longest continuous segment at about 47.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near SR 17 / Glass Street.
Route Complexity
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 5h 13m drive. You will face about 17 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (SR 17 / Glass Street): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 2.2 miles (SR 17 / East 3rd Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.3 miles (SR 17 / North Willow Street): Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
SR 17 / Glass Street
Turn sharp left onto SR 17 / Glass Street
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
4
2.2 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
SR 17 / East 3rd Street
Turn right onto SR 17 / East 3rd Street
Navigation decision point
4
2.3 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
SR 17 / North Willow Street
Turn left onto SR 17 / North Willow Street
Navigation decision point
5
4.3 mi into trip
|
~8m in
|
I 24
Merge onto I 24
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
51.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 2m in
Take the exit toward 41A: Monteagle, Sewanee
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 134
Toward 41A: Monteagle, Sewanee
Towns Along This Route
Between East Chattanooga, TN and Bolivar, TN, road signs point toward 41A: Monteagle and Sewanee.
41A: Monteagle
51.6 mi in
|
~1h 2m
Sewanee
51.6 mi in
|
~1h 2m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 64 | 47.4 mi | 59m |
| I 24 | 47.4 mi | 54m |
| Lawrenceburg Highway | 44.4 mi | 50m |
| Pulaski Highway | 31 mi | 35m |
| West Cherry Avenue | 22.4 mi | 26m |
| Winchester Highway | 16.8 mi | 19m |
| David Crockett Highway | 13.6 mi | 15m |
| Sewanee Highway | 6.8 mi | 10m |
Longest stretch:
US 64
— 47.4 mi, about 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between East Chattanooga, TN and Bolivar, TN.
1
Start on North Chamberlain Avenue
52 ft
·
10 sec
·
North Chamberlain Avenue
2
Turn sharp left onto SR 17
0.4 mi
·
37 sec
·
Glass Street
3
Turn left onto SR 17
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Dodson Avenue
4
Turn right onto SR 17
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
East 3rd Street
5
Turn left onto SR 17
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
North Willow Street
6
Turn left onto US 41; US 76
356 ft
·
8 sec
·
East Main Street
7
Turn right onto South Kelley Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Kelley Street
8
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
9
Merge onto I 24
47 mi
·
54 min
·
I 24
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 134
Toward 41A: Monteagle, Sewanee
11
Turn slight right
50 ft
·
9 sec
12
Turn left onto US 41A
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
West Main Street
13
Continue on US 41A
0.4 mi
·
36 sec
·
David Crockett Highway
14
Continue on US 41A
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Sewanee Highway
15
Continue on US 41A
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Sollace M Freeman Highway
16
Continue on US 41A
5.0 mi
·
7 min
·
Sewanee Highway
17
Continue on US 41A
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Cumberland Street East
18
Continue on US 41A
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Cowan Highway
19
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
20
Merge onto US 64
3.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Veterans Memorial Drive
21
Continue on US 64
13 mi
·
14 min
·
David Crockett Highway
22
Continue on US 64
17 mi
·
19 min
·
Winchester Highway
Use the none lane.
23
Continue on US 64 Business
0.5 mi
·
48 sec
·
Mulberry Avenue
24
Continue on US 64 Business
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
College Street East
25
Turn slight right onto US 64 Business
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
·
Morgan Avenue North
26
Continue on US 64 Business
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Washington Street West
27
Continue on US 64
31 mi
·
35 min
·
Pulaski Highway
Use the none lane.
28
Turn left onto US 64
0.7 mi
·
50 sec
·
West College Street
29
Continue on US 64
44 mi
·
50 min
·
Lawrenceburg Highway
30
Continue on US 64
0.8 mi
·
56 sec
·
Dexter L Woods Memorial Boulevard
31
Turn right onto US 64
31 mi
·
35 min
·
US 64
32
Turn slight left onto Hanna Boulevard
521 ft
·
17 sec
·
Hanna Boulevard
33
Turn right onto Water Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Water Street
34
At end of road, turn left onto US 64; SR 69
4.0 mi
·
6 min
·
Bridge Avenue
35
Continue on US 64; SR 22; SR 69
16 mi
·
23 min
·
US 64; SR 22; SR 69
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Take the exit
334 ft
·
9 sec
37
Turn right onto US 64 Business
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Mulberry Avenue
38
Continue on US 64 Business
22 mi
·
26 min
·
West Cherry Avenue
Use the straight lane.
39
Continue on US 64
0.6 mi
·
47 sec
·
East Market Street
40
Arrive at destination
3 ft
·
US 64
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 5 hour and 13 minute travel time, plan to depart early in the morning to avoid peak traffic congestion near major interchanges. Since the itinerary suggests one planned stop, use that break strategically to refuel and stretch your legs around the midpoint of your journey. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, especially when transitioning between the interstate and the Lawrenceburg Highway, as service availability can fluctuate. Because this trip is manageable in one day, you have the flexibility to adjust your pace based on traffic conditions or your own comfort. A helpful tip for this specific route is to prioritize your single stop during the longest 47.4-mile stretch on US 64 to ensure you stay refreshed before the final leg of your drive.
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 128.3 miles from East Chattanooga, TN, or about 2h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 47.4 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 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 128.3 miles or 2h 37m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 11m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bolivar, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving East Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga, TN
This is one driving day of about 256.6 miles and 5h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from East Chattanooga, 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 US 64 for about 47.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 128.3 mi from East Chattanooga, TN · 2h 37m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
128 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 128.3 miles from East Chattanooga, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Bolivar, TN
The final approach into Bolivar, 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 Bolivar, 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
$38.97 one way
$77.95 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
90 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $42.97 | $85.93 |
| premium | $4.80 | $48.44 | $96.88 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $57.01 | $114.02 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 77 | 0 | $26.94 | $12.32 |
| Efficient EV | 64.2 | 0 | $22.45 | $10.26 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 102.6 | 1 | $35.92 | $16.42 |
Gas CO2
90 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Bolivar, TN
Afternoon in Bolivar on Sunday
Local time
3:44 PM
CDT
Current temp
65°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
2 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
5h 13m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from East Chattanooga, TN to Bolivar, TN covers 256.6 miles and takes about 5h 13m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 64, I 24, Lawrenceburg Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 128.3 miles from East Chattanooga, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $38.97 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a straightforward 5h 13m drive. You will face about 17 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (SR 17 / Glass Street): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 2.2 miles (SR 17 / East 3rd Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.3 miles (SR 17 / North Willow Street): Navigation decision point.
Between East Chattanooga, TN and Bolivar, TN, road signs point toward 41A: Monteagle and Sewanee.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Bolivar, TN
More trips to Bolivar, TN
Explore more options from East Chattanooga, TN or browse trips ending in Bolivar, TN.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TN road trips.
Explore maps for East Chattanooga, TN or Bolivar, TN on MapSof.net.