Origin
Franklin, TN
Evening in Franklin on Sunday
Local time
7:28 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Franklin, TN to Dickson, TN
Drive Time
46m
Distance
36.8 mi
59 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$6
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 42m
★
6 AM
0h 46m
8 AM
0h 54m
10 AM
0h 49m
12 PM
0h 48m
3 PM
0h 49m
5 PM
0h 54m
8 PM
0h 44m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Franklin, TN
Kelly
Dickson, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
If you are looking for a quick excursion through Tennessee, the 36.8-mile journey from Franklin to Dickson makes for a perfect day trip. You can expect to spend about 46 minutes behind the wheel, making it an ideal choice for a stress-free outing that doesn't require an overnight stay. With a modest fuel budget of approximately $5, this route is as economical as it is efficient. Navigating through the Southeast, you will find this path avoids the monotony of major interstates, relying instead on local roads like Main Street, 5th Avenue North, and Highway 96. Because the drive is short, you have plenty of flexibility to explore your destination without feeling rushed by a long travel schedule.
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
18.4 miles from Franklin, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 23m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention rather than a mindless highway cruise. With a 0% highway share, you will be navigating surface streets and regional roads for the entirety of the 36.8-mile trip. The drive lacks long, straight stretches, meaning you won't encounter any extended high-speed monotony. Since the longest stretch on Main Street is 0 miles, the route constantly shifts as you transition between local corridors. This profile offers a more hands-on driving experience, keeping you engaged with the local geography as you navigate the turns between these two Tennessee communities.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 13 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
State Highway 96 is the longest continuous segment at about 11.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on State Highway 96 and I 40. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near US 31 Business; TN 96 / Main Street.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 36.8 miles you will encounter 10 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 0.1 miles (US 31 Business; TN 96 / Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; 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.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 31 Business; TN 96 / Main Street
Slight right onto US 31 Business; TN 96 / Main Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
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.
8
31.6 mi into trip
|
~37m in
Take the exit toward SR 46: Centerville, Dickson
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 172
Toward SR 46: Centerville, Dickson
5
31.8 mi into trip
|
~38m in
|
SR 46
Turn right onto SR 46
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| State Highway 96 | 11.8 mi | 15m |
| I 40 | 8.9 mi | 9m |
| SR 96 | 5.4 mi | 6m |
| SR 46 | 4.4 mi | 6m |
| Highway 96 | 2.5 mi | 2m |
| TN 96 | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| East College Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Main Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
State Highway 96
— 11.8 mi, about 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Franklin, TN and Dickson, 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
8.9 mi
·
9 min
·
I 40
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 172
Toward SR 46: Centerville, Dickson
Use the right lane.
11
Turn right onto SR 46
4.4 mi
·
6 min
·
SR 46
Use the right lane.
12
Turn left onto US 70 Business
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East College Street
13
Arrive at destination
US 70 Business
Trip Plan
Because this is a short, 46-minute drive, you have the advantage of total scheduling flexibility. You don't need to worry about planning for intermediate stops, as you can easily complete the entire distance in one go. Keep in mind that since this route relies entirely on local roads like Highway 96, you should account for potential traffic signals and lower speed limits that aren't present on interstates. Fueling up before you head out is wise, though your total cost is estimated at just $5. Simply enjoy the freedom of a quick trip that lets you spend more time in Dickson and less time stuck in the driver's seat.
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 18.4 miles from Franklin, TN, or about 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 11.8 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 36.8 miles or 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 18.4 miles or 23m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Dickson, 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 36.8 miles and 46m.
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 State Highway 96 for about 11.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 18.4 mi from Franklin, TN · 23m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
18 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 36.8 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 18.4 miles from Franklin, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Dickson, TN
The final approach into Dickson, 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 Dickson, 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
$5.59 one way
$11.18 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
13 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $6.16 | $12.32 |
| premium | $4.80 | $6.95 | $13.89 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $8.18 | $16.35 |
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: 12.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 69% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 11 | 0 | $3.86 | $1.77 |
| Efficient EV | 9.2 | 0 | $3.22 | $1.47 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 14.7 | 0 | $5.15 | $2.36 |
Gas CO2
13 kg
EV CO2
4 kg (69% 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
Dickson, TN
Evening in Dickson on Sunday
Local time
7:28 PM
CDT
Current temp
84°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
20 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
46m 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 Dickson, TN covers 36.8 miles and takes about 46m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are State Highway 96, I 40, SR 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 18.4 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 $5.59 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 36.8 miles you will encounter 10 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 0.1 miles (US 31 Business; TN 96 / Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; 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.
The route from Franklin, TN to Dickson, TN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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