Origin
Hendersonville, TN
Afternoon in Hendersonville on Sunday
Local time
3:44 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Hendersonville, TN to Athens, TN
Drive Time
3h 38m
Distance
169.7 mi
273 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 26m
★
6 AM
3h 39m
8 AM
4h 4m
10 AM
3h 47m
12 PM
3h 45m
3 PM
3h 49m
5 PM
4h 2m
8 PM
3h 31m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Athens, TN
Andy Staver
Trip Overview
Traveling from Hendersonville to Athens covers 169.7 miles across the Tennessee landscape. You can expect a total drive time of approximately 3 hours and 38 minutes, making this a very manageable one-day trip. Since the route is entirely within the Southeast, you will experience a consistent regional feel as you transition between these two Tennessee towns. With a fuel budget of about $26, it is an affordable excursion for a weekend or a quick getaway. Because the trip is relatively short, you do not need to worry about booking overnight accommodations unless you prefer a leisurely pace. Overall, this is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that offers a practical way to connect these two points.
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
84.9 miles from Hendersonville, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 39m into the drive .
Drive Character
This 169.7-mile trek is primarily highway-focused, with 77% of your travel spent on major roads. You will rely on a combination of I-40, SR 68, and SR 109 to navigate your way toward Athens. The most significant portion of your time behind the wheel involves an 85.2-mile stretch on I-40, which serves as the backbone of your journey. As you transition off the interstate and onto state routes like SR 68, the character of the drive shifts from high-speed transit to more localized road conditions. Expect a steady, predictable pace that allows you to cover the distance efficiently without frequent navigation changes.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 30 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 85.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and SR 68. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 31E / West Main Street.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 169.7 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: near the start (US 31E / West Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.1 miles (TN 386 / Vietnam Veterans Boulevard): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 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
|
US 31E / West Main Street
Turn right onto US 31E / West Main Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
5
4.1 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
TN 386 / Vietnam Veterans Boulevard
Merge onto TN 386 / Vietnam Veterans Boulevard
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
5
10.6 mi into trip
|
~14m in
Take the exit toward SR 109 South: Gallatin, Lebanon
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward SR 109 South: Gallatin, Lebanon
5
10.8 mi into trip
|
~14m in
|
SR 109
Merge onto SR 109
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
111.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 8m in
Take the exit toward US 127, TN 28: Crossville, Jamestown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 317
Toward US 127, TN 28: Crossville, Jamestown
Towns Along This Route
Between Hendersonville, TN and Athens, TN, road signs point toward Lebanon and Jamestown.
Lebanon
10.6 mi in
|
~14m
Jamestown
111.9 mi in
|
~2h 8m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 85.2 mi | 1h 31m |
| SR 68 | 22.1 mi | 32m |
| SR 109 | 13.3 mi | 18m |
| Watts Bar Highway | 10 mi | 13m |
| North Main Street | 7.6 mi | 11m |
| St Hwy 305 | 6.9 mi | 12m |
| Vietnam Veterans Boulevard | 5.5 mi | 6m |
| Highway 305 | 4 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 85.2 mi, about 1h 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hendersonville, TN and Athens, TN.
1
Start on Walton Ferry Road
53 ft
·
4 sec
·
Walton Ferry Road
2
Turn right onto US 31E
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
West Main Street
Use the none lane.
3
Continue on US 31E
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Gallatin Road
Use the none lane.
4
Continue on US 31E
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
East Main Street
5
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Toward SR 386 North
6
Merge onto TN 386
5.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Vietnam Veterans Boulevard
Use the none lane.
7
Continue on SR 665
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Long Hollow Pike
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
Toward SR 109 South: Gallatin, Lebanon
9
Merge onto SR 109
2.6 mi
·
2 min
·
SR 109
Use the none lane.
10
Take the exit
291 ft
·
8 sec
11
Merge onto SR 109
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
South Water Avenue
Use the none lane.
12
Continue on SR 109
7.1 mi
·
11 min
·
SR 109
Use the none lane.
13
Continue on SR 109
3.6 mi
·
4 min
·
SR 109
Use the none lane.
14
Turn left
0.4 mi
·
58 sec
Toward I 40 East: Knoxville
15
Merge onto I 40
85 mi
·
1 hr 31 min
·
I 40
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 317
Toward US 127, TN 28: Crossville, Jamestown
17
Turn straight onto US 127
7.6 mi
·
11 min
·
North Main Street
Use the none lane.
18
Continue on SR 68
20 mi
·
30 min
·
SR 68
Use the left lane.
19
Continue on Herb M Wassom Mem Highway
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
·
Herb M Wassom Mem Highway
Use the left lane.
20
Continue on Piccadilly Avenue
0.5 mi
·
55 sec
·
Piccadilly Avenue
21
Continue on SR 302
3.4 mi
·
6 min
·
New Lake Road
22
At end of road, turn left onto SR 68; SR 302
10 mi
·
13 min
·
Watts Bar Highway
23
Enter roundabout
128 ft
·
2 sec
24
Continue
38 ft
·
1 sec
25
Turn slight right onto SR 68
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
SR 68
26
Turn right onto SR 305
6.9 mi
·
12 min
·
St Hwy 305
27
Continue on SR 305
4.0 mi
·
6 min
·
Highway 305
28
Continue on SR 305
2.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Ingleside Avenue
29
Turn right onto SR 39
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
Washington Avenue
30
Arrive at destination
SR 39
Trip Plan
For the smoothest experience, plan for at least one dedicated stop during your 3-hour and 38-minute drive to stretch your legs and refresh. Since the route relies heavily on I-40, keep an eye on traffic reports before you depart Hendersonville to avoid potential delays on the interstate. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, as the manageable duration gives you plenty of time to reach your destination without feeling rushed. Keep your $26 fuel budget in mind when planning your refueling stops, ensuring you fill up before heading onto the more rural segments of SR 68. Using this one-stop approach will keep you alert and comfortable until you pull into Athens.
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 84.9 miles from Hendersonville, TN, or about 1h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 85.2 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 80 miles or 1h 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84.9 miles or 1h 39m 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 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Athens, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hendersonville, 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 Hendersonville, TN
This is one driving day of about 169.7 miles and 3h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Hendersonville, 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 85.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 84.9 mi from Hendersonville, TN · 1h 39m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
85 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 84.9 miles from Hendersonville, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 85.2 miles.
Arriving in Athens, TN
The final approach into Athens, 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 Athens, 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
$25.78 one way
$51.55 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
59 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $28.41 | $56.83 |
| premium | $4.80 | $32.04 | $64.07 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $37.70 | $75.40 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 50.9 | 0 | $17.82 | $8.15 |
| Efficient EV | 42.4 | 0 | $14.85 | $6.79 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 67.9 | 0 | $23.76 | $10.86 |
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 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
Athens, TN
Afternoon in Athens on Sunday
Local time
4:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
61°F
Johnson, TN
85 mi in
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 later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
2 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 38m 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 Hendersonville, TN to Athens, TN covers 169.7 miles and takes about 3h 38m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, SR 68, SR 109. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 84.9 miles from Hendersonville, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.78 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 169.7 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: near the start (US 31E / West Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.1 miles (TN 386 / Vietnam Veterans Boulevard): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Hendersonville, TN and Athens, TN, road signs point toward Lebanon and Jamestown.
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