If you are looking to travel from Lebanon to Franklin, TN, expect a 163.1-mile journey that takes approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes to complete. This route is best suited for a single-day trip, as it covers a significant distance through the Southeast region while remaining manageable for a dedicated driver. You should budget about $25 for fuel to cover the distance. Because the path relies on local roads rather than major interstates, the drive offers a more grounded, hands-on experience. It is a straightforward trip for those who prefer avoiding heavy highway traffic in favor of a more direct, localized connection between these two cities.
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
78.5 miles from Lebanon, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 45m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 20m. Total distance: 157 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Forget the monotony of the interstate; this route is a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention. With 0% of the trip spent on highways, you will navigate via Candies Creek Road Southwest, Rakestraw Road, and Old Alabama Road Southwest for the duration of your travel. The road’s personality is defined by its winding local nature, moving away from the typical fast-paced highway experience. You will find yourself constantly adjusting to the rhythm of these secondary roads, which keep the experience engaging and technical from start to finish. Expect a steady, active drive rather than a passive cruise.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 24 is the longest continuous segment at about 111.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 24 and Murfreesboro Road. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 19.1 miles in.
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 157 miles you will encounter 14 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 19.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 131.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 132.5 miles (I 840 / Tennessee National Guard Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
19.1 mi into trip|~38m in
Take the exit toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, Nashville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, Nashville
8
131.7 mi into trip|~2h 45m in
Take the exit toward I 840 West: Memphis, Franklin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 74A
Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Franklin
5
132.5 mi into trip|~2h 47m in|I 840 / Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Merge onto I 840 / Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
142.8 mi into trip|~2h 58m in
Take the exit toward US 31A, US 41A: Shelbyville, Lewisburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 42
Toward US 31A, US 41A: Shelbyville, Lewisburg
5
143.8 mi into trip|~3h in|SR 96 / Murfreesboro Road
Turn left onto SR 96 / Murfreesboro Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Lebanon, TN and Franklin, TN, road signs point toward Nashville, Chattanooga and Lewisburg.
Nashville
19.1 mi in|~38m
Chattanooga
19.8 mi in|~39m|via I 24
Lewisburg
142.8 mi in|~2h 58m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 24
111.9 mi
2h 6m
Murfreesboro Road
12.8 mi
19m
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
10.3 mi
10m
US 11
10.1 mi
13m
South Lee Highway
3.6 mi
6m
Pine Hill Road
2.7 mi
8m
Rakestraw Road
1.2 mi
4m
Tunnel Hill Road
0.8 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 24
— 111.9 mi, about 2h 6m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lebanon, TN and Franklin, TN.
1
Start on Tunnel Hill Road
0.8 mi·3 min·Tunnel Hill Road
2
Keep slight left at fork onto Candies Creek Road Southwest
0.3 mi·58 sec·Candies Creek Road Southwest
3
Continue on Candies Creek Road Southwest
0.4 mi·1 min·Candies Creek Road Southwest
4
Turn right onto Rakestraw Road
1.2 mi·4 min·Rakestraw Road
5
Turn right onto Old Alabama Road Southwest
0.1 mi·23 sec·Old Alabama Road Southwest
6
Turn left onto Pine Hill Road
2.7 mi·8 min·Pine Hill Road
7
At end of road, turn left onto US 11; US 64
3.6 mi·6 min·South Lee Highway
8
Take the ramp onto US 11; US 64
10 mi·13 min·US 11; US 64
Use the slight right lane.
9
Take the exit
0.7 mi·56 sec
Toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, NashvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 24
112 mi·2 hr 6 min·I 24
Toward Chattanooga, NashvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 74AToward I 840 West: Memphis, FranklinUse the right lane.
12
Merge onto I 840
10 mi·10 min·Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.5 mi·46 sec
Exit 42Toward US 31A, US 41A: Shelbyville, LewisburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Turn right onto US 31A; US 41A
0.5 mi·57 sec·Horton Highway
15
Turn left onto SR 96
13 mi·19 min·Murfreesboro Road
Use the straight lane.
16
Continue on TN 96
0.3 mi·34 sec·3rd Avenue South
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Enter roundabout onto US 31 Business; TN 96
397 ft·6 sec·Public Square
18
Arrive at destination
US 31 Business; TN 96
Trip Plan
Planning for this 163.1-mile trek requires acknowledging the technical nature of local roads, so be prepared for a drive that requires more focus than a standard freeway cruise. Since the route involves just one planned stop, use that break strategically to stretch and refuel before finishing the remaining miles. Departing early in the day is your best bet to ensure you navigate the turn-heavy sections during daylight hours when visibility is highest. Given the reliance on Candies Creek Road Southwest and similar local paths, keep a close eye on your GPS to stay on track through the winding segments. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, allowing you to manage your pace comfortably within the 2-hour and 48-minute timeframe.
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 78.5 miles from Lebanon, TN, or about 1h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.9 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 35 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 78.5 miles or 1h 45m 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 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Franklin, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, TN
This is one driving day of about 157 miles and 3h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Lebanon, 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 24 for about 111.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 78.5 mi from Lebanon, TN
· 1h 45m into the drive
The midpoint is around 78.5 miles from Lebanon, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before I 24 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 111.9 miles.
Arriving in Franklin, TN
The final approach into Franklin, 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 Franklin, TN.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 129.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.55 one way
$49.09 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg55 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$26.95
$53.90
premium
$4.89
$30.21
$60.43
diesel
$5.61
$34.66
$69.33
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
47.1
0
$16.49
$7.54
Efficient EV
39.3
0
$13.74
$6.28
EV Truck/SUV
62.8
0
$21.98
$10.05
Gas CO2
55 kg
EV CO2
18 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 15, 2026
Origin
Lebanon, TN
Late night
in Lebanon on Friday
Local time
4:14 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Franklin, TN
Late night
in Franklin on Friday
Local time
3:14 AM
CDT
Current temp
76°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
27 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
3h 20m 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 Lebanon, TN to Franklin, TN covers 157 miles and takes about 3h 20m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 24, Murfreesboro Road, Tennessee National Guard Parkway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 78.5 miles from Lebanon, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.55 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 157 miles you will encounter 14 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 19.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 131.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 132.5 miles (I 840 / Tennessee National Guard Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Lebanon, TN and Franklin, TN, road signs point toward Nashville, Chattanooga and Lewisburg.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Stones River National Battlefield.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than 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.
Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our
methodology page
documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
