Origin
Franklin, TN
Afternoon in Franklin on Sunday
Local time
3:44 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Franklin, TN to Ashland City, TN
Drive Time
56m
Distance
42.3 mi
68 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$6
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 51m
★
6 AM
0h 56m
8 AM
1h 5m
10 AM
0h 59m
12 PM
0h 58m
3 PM
1h 0m
5 PM
1h 5m
8 PM
0h 53m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Franklin, TN
Kelly
Ashland City, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
Traveling from Franklin to Ashland City covers 42.3 miles, making it an easy day trip that typically takes about 56 minutes. You will primarily navigate via I-65, Briley Parkway, and Ashland City Highway. With a fuel cost estimate of just $6, this is an incredibly affordable excursion within the Southeast region. Because of the manageable duration, you won't need to worry about overnight accommodations or breaking the journey into segments. It is a straightforward, mixed-drive route that serves as a practical connection between these two Tennessee locales.
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
21.2 miles from Franklin, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 25m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a varied experience behind the wheel, as this 42.3-mile trip is classified as a mixed drive. About 56% of your time will be spent on highways, transitioning from the high-speed flow of I-65 to the more localized feel of the Ashland City Highway. Your longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on I-65, where you will cover 14.1 miles before needing to shift gears. The road’s personality shifts from interstate commuting to a more standard regional drive as you move toward your destination. You should be prepared for these transitions in traffic patterns and road types throughout the hour-long journey.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 65 is the longest continuous segment at about 14.1 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 2.9 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 42.3 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 2.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 22.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
2.9 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
17.5 mi into trip
|
~21m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 440 West: Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 440 West: Memphis
7
22.2 mi into trip
|
~27m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 40 West: Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 40 West: Memphis
8
24.1 mi into trip
|
~29m in
Take the exit toward SR 155 South: White Bridge Road, Robertson Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 204B
Toward SR 155 South: White Bridge Road, Roberts...
7
28.6 mi into trip
|
~35m in
Take the exit toward SR 12: Ashland City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 24
Toward SR 12: Ashland City
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Franklin, TN to Ashland City, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Knoxville along the way.
Knoxville
17.2 mi in
|
~20m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 65 | 14.1 mi | 15m |
| Ashland City Highway | 12.1 mi | 18m |
| Briley Parkway | 4.2 mi | 4m |
| Debra K Johnson Memorial Parkway | 4.1 mi | 5m |
| Murfreesboro Road | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| South Main Street | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| I 40 | 1.3 mi | 1m |
| 3rd Avenue South | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 14.1 mi, about 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Franklin, TN and Ashland City, TN.
1
Start on US 31 Business; TN 96
418 ft
·
7 sec
·
Public Square
2
Continue on 3rd Avenue South
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
3rd Avenue South
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Continue on SR 96
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Murfreesboro Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Use the left lane.
5
Merge onto I 65
14 mi
·
15 min
·
I 65
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 80
Toward I 440: Memphis, Knoxville
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 440 West: Memphis
Use the slight left lane.
8
Merge onto I 440
4.1 mi
·
5 min
·
Debra K Johnson Memorial Parkway
Use the none lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
57 sec
Toward I 40 West: Memphis
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 40
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
I 40
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Exit 204B
Toward SR 155 South: White Bridge Road, Robertson Road
Use the slight right lane.
12
Turn right onto SR 155
408 ft
·
9 sec
·
Robertson Avenue
13
Continue on SR 155
4.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Briley Parkway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 24
Toward SR 12: Ashland City
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Turn left onto TN 12
12 mi
·
18 min
·
Ashland City Highway
16
Continue on TN 12
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
South Main Street
17
Arrive at destination
TN 12; TN 49; TN 249
Trip Plan
Since the trip is short and flexible, you have the freedom to depart whenever fits your schedule best, though avoiding typical rush hour traffic is always a smart move. You don't need to plan for any formal stops, as the 56-minute duration is easily manageable in one go. Keep your $6 fuel budget in mind, but otherwise, focus on the ease of navigation provided by the main thoroughfares. A helpful tip for this specific route is to stay alert when transitioning from the heavier traffic of I-65 onto Briley Parkway, as the change in road pace can be abrupt. Being prepared for these highway shifts will ensure a smooth and stress-free drive.
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 21.2 miles from Franklin, TN, or about 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 14.1 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 42.3 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 21.2 miles or 25m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 46m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ashland City, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Franklin, 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 Franklin, TN
This is one driving day of about 42.3 miles and 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Franklin, 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 I 65 for about 14.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 21.2 mi from Franklin, TN · 25m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
21 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 42.3 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 21.2 miles from Franklin, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Ashland City, TN
The final approach into Ashland City, 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 Ashland City, 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
$6.42 one way
$12.85 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
15 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $7.08 | $14.17 |
| premium | $4.80 | $7.99 | $15.97 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $9.40 | $18.80 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$31–$56
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 14.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 12.7 | 0 | $4.44 | $2.03 |
| Efficient EV | 10.6 | 0 | $3.70 | $1.69 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 16.9 | 0 | $5.92 | $2.71 |
Gas CO2
15 kg
EV CO2
5 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
Ashland City, TN
Afternoon in Ashland City on Sunday
Local time
3:44 PM
CDT
Current temp
85°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
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
56m 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 Franklin, TN to Ashland City, TN covers 42.3 miles and takes about 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 65, Ashland City Highway, Briley Parkway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 21.2 miles from Franklin, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $6.42 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 11 significant decision points across 42.3 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 2.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 22.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Franklin, TN to Ashland City, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Knoxville along the way.
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