The drive from Franklin, TN to Bells, TN covers 139.3 miles and takes about 2h 36m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 40, US 412, State Highway 96 for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is highway-focused drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 102.2 miles on I 40.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $21.78 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
69.7 miles from Franklin, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 18m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 36m. Total distance: 139.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 2h 36m highway drive covering 139.3 miles, with most of the trip on I 40 and US 412. The longest continuous stretch is about 102.2 miles on I 40.
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 40 is the longest continuous segment at about 102.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and US 412. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near US 431 Business; TN 96 / 5th Avenue North.
Driving Effort6/10
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 139.3 miles you will encounter 11 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 0.2 miles (US 431 Business; TN 96 / 5th Avenue North): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.4 miles (TN 96 / State Highway 96): Lane positioning matters here; at 124.9 miles (US 412): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0.2 mi into trip|~0m in|US 431 Business; TN 96 / 5th Avenue North
Turn right onto US 431 Business; TN 96 / 5th Avenue North
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
0.4 mi into trip|~0m in|TN 96 / State Highway 96
Turn left onto TN 96 / State Highway 96
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
124.9 mi into trip|~2h 18m in|US 412
Take the exit onto US 412 toward US 412 West: Alamo, Dyersburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 79
Toward US 412 West: Alamo, Dyersburg
7
125.2 mi into trip|~2h 18m in|US 412
Keep slight left at fork onto US 412 toward US 412 West: Alamo, Dyersburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 412 West: Alamo, Dyersburg
6
125.2 mi into trip|~2h 18m in|US 412
Keep slight right at fork onto US 412 toward US 412 West: Alamo, Dyersburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 412 West: Alamo, Dyersburg
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 Franklin, TN to Bells, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Dyersburg along the way.
Dyersburg
124.9 mi in|~2h 18m|via US 412
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
102.2 mi
1h 49m
US 412
12.5 mi
15m
State Highway 96
11.8 mi
15m
SR 96
5.4 mi
6m
Highway 96
2.5 mi
2m
TN 96
2.4 mi
3m
US 70A
1.8 mi
2m
Main Street
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 102.2 mi, about 1h 49m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Franklin, TN and Bells, TN.
1
Start on US 31 Business; TN 96
324 ft·5 sec·Public Square
2
Continue on US 31 Business; TN 96
0.2 mi·21 sec·Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Turn right onto US 431 Business; TN 96
0.1 mi·20 sec·5th Avenue North
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Turn left onto TN 96
12 mi·15 min·State Highway 96
Use the left lane.
5
At end of road, turn left onto SR 96; SR 100
5.4 mi·6 min·SR 96; SR 100
6
Take the exit onto TN 96
2.4 mi·3 min·TN 96
7
Continue on Highway 96
2.5 mi·2 min·Highway 96
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
9
Merge onto I 40
102 mi·1 hr 49 min·I 40
10
Take the exit onto US 412
0.2 mi·31 sec·US 412
Exit 79Toward US 412 West: Alamo, Dyersburg
11
Keep slight left at fork onto US 412
268 ft·6 sec·US 412
Toward US 412 West: Alamo, Dyersburg
12
Keep slight right at fork onto US 412
12 mi·14 min·US 412
Toward US 412 West: Alamo, Dyersburg
13
Take the exit
0.1 mi·33 sec
Toward US 70A West, US 79 South: Bells, Brownsville
14
Turn straight onto US 70A; US 79
1.8 mi·2 min·US 70A; US 79
15
Arrive at destination
US 70A; US 79; SR 88
Trip Plan
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 69.7 miles from Franklin, TN, or about 1h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 102.2 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 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 69.7 miles or 1h 18m 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 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bells, 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 139.3 miles and 2h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Franklin, 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 40 for about 102.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 69.7 mi from Franklin, TN
· 1h 18m into the drive
4.5 mi from route
~11 min detour
$10 to $20
mile 119.4
Jackson, Tennessee
Hours: 10 am–10 pm
+19012203010
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Stones River National Battlefield
National Battlefield
The Battle of Stones River began on the last day of 1862 and became one of the bloodiest conflicts of the Civil War. The battle produced important military and political gains for the Union, and it ch...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.78 one way
$43.56 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg49 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$23.91
$47.82
premium
$4.89
$26.81
$53.61
diesel
$5.61
$30.76
$61.51
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: 48.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
41.8
0
$14.63
$6.69
Efficient EV
34.8
0
$12.19
$5.57
EV Truck/SUV
55.7
0
$19.50
$8.92
Gas CO2
49 kg
EV CO2
16 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.
Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Franklin, TN
Late night
in Franklin on Friday
Local time
2:11 AM
CDT
Current temp
59°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Patchy Fog
WSW 0 to 5 mph68% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 6:24PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 16 at 6:00PM CDT until April 16 at 6:45PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Destination
Bells, TN
Late night
in Bells on Friday
Local time
2:11 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°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
18 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 36m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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 Bells, TN covers 139.3 miles and takes about 2h 36m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, US 412, State Highway 96. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 69.7 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 $21.78 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 139.3 miles you will encounter 11 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 0.2 miles (US 431 Business; TN 96 / 5th Avenue North): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.4 miles (TN 96 / State Highway 96): Lane positioning matters here; at 124.9 miles (US 412): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Franklin, TN to Bells, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Dyersburg along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Stones River National Battlefield.
Data sources
The figures on this page are computed from open government and mapping datasets, not crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap.
Fuel cost uses
EIA
weekly regional averages.
National park proximity is from the
NPS API.
Full methodology, refresh cadence, and limitations are documented on the
methodology page.
