If you are planning a trip from Lebanon to Nashville, prepare for a 159.6-mile journey that typically takes about 2 hours and 44 minutes. Because this route is entirely within the Southeast region of Tennessee, it works perfectly as a straightforward day trip. You should budget approximately $24 for fuel to cover the distance. Since the drive only requires one stop, you will find it manageable for a single-day excursion without needing an overnight stay. Expect a turn-heavy local drive that prioritizes backroads over major interstates, providing a very different experience than a typical highway commute.
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
79.4 miles from Lebanon, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 46m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 20m. Total distance: 158.8 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 (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Forget the monotony of the interstate; this route features a 0% highway share, meaning you will be navigating local roads throughout the entire trip. You will spend your time on Candies Creek Road Southwest, Rakestraw Road, and Old Alabama Road Southwest. The character of the drive is distinctly turn-heavy, requiring your full attention as you navigate the local network. With the longest uninterrupted stretch being 0 miles on Candies Creek Road Southwest, the path is constantly shifting. Expect a hands-on driving experience that demands focus rather than a relaxed cruise.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 25 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 133.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 24 and US 11. You will hit about 17 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 158.8 miles you will encounter 17 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 153 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 154.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 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
7
153 mi into trip|~3h 9m in
Take the exit toward I 440 West: Memphis
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 53
Toward I 440 West: Memphis
8
154.7 mi into trip|~3h 11m in
Take the exit toward US 31 A, US 41 A: Nolensville Pike
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 6
Toward US 31 A, US 41 A: Nolensville Pike
7
154.9 mi into trip|~3h 12m in|US 31A; US 41A / Nolensville Pike
Turn right onto US 31A; US 41A / Nolensville Pike
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / right lanes.
7
158.5 mi into trip|~3h 18m in|Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
Turn right onto Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
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 Lebanon, TN to Nashville, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Chattanooga along the way.
Chattanooga
19.8 mi in|~39m|via I 24
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 24
133.2 mi
2h 29m
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
Debra K Johnson Memorial Parkway
0.9 mi
<1m
4th Avenue South
0.9 mi
1m
2nd Avenue South
0.9 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 24
— 133.2 mi, about 2h 29m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lebanon, TN and Nashville, 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
133 mi·2 hr 29 min·I 24
Toward Chattanooga, NashvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 53Toward I 440 West: MemphisUse the slight right lane.
12
Continue on I 440
0.9 mi·59 sec·Debra K Johnson Memorial Parkway
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Exit 6Toward US 31 A, US 41 A: Nolensville PikeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Turn right onto US 31A; US 41A
363 ft·6 sec·Nolensville Pike
Use the left / right lanes.
15
Continue on US 31A; US 41A
0.9 mi·1 min·4th Avenue South
16
Continue on US 31A; US 41A
0.2 mi·20 sec·Ensley Boulevard
17
Turn left onto US 31A; US 41A
0.9 mi·1 min·2nd Avenue South
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
18
Turn slight left onto US 31A; US 41; US 41A; US 70S
0.7 mi·1 min·Lafayette Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
19
Enter roundabout onto US 31; US 41; US 41A; US 70S
169 ft·2 sec·8th Avenue South
20
Continue on US 31; US 41; US 41A; US 70S
0.3 mi·40 sec·8th Avenue South
21
Continue on US 31; US 41; US 41A; US 431
0.2 mi·34 sec·Rosa L Parks Boulevard
22
Turn right onto Rosa L Parks Avenue
0.2 mi·34 sec·Rosa L Parks Avenue
Use the straight lane.
23
Turn right onto Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
411 ft·15 sec·Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Turn left onto 7th Avenue North
0.2 mi·1 min·7th Avenue North
25
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a turn-heavy local drive, aim to depart during daylight hours to ensure you can clearly see the road transitions. With a 2-hour and 44-minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your single stop whenever you need a quick break. Keep in mind that your fuel costs will hover around $24, so verify your tank levels before leaving Lebanon to avoid searching for stations on unfamiliar local roads. Given the technical nature of Candies Creek Road Southwest, prioritize a steady pace rather than rushing through the turns. Taking your time will make the navigation much easier as you transition between the secondary roads.
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 79.4 miles from Lebanon, TN, or about 1h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 133.2 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 35 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 79.4 miles or 1h 46m 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 43m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Nashville, 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 158.8 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 133.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 79.4 mi from Lebanon, TN
· 1h 46m into the drive
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...
3 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 131.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.83 one way
$49.65 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg56 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$27.26
$54.52
premium
$4.89
$30.56
$61.12
diesel
$5.61
$35.06
$70.12
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: 55.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
47.6
0
$16.67
$7.62
Efficient EV
39.7
0
$13.90
$6.35
EV Truck/SUV
63.5
0
$22.23
$10.16
Gas CO2
56 kg
EV CO2
19 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Lebanon, TN
Night
in Lebanon on Friday
Local time
9:15 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Nashville, TN
Evening
in Nashville on Friday
Local time
8:15 PM
CDT
Current temp
54°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
5 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 Nashville, TN covers 158.8 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, US 11, South Lee Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 79.4 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 $24.83 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 158.8 miles you will encounter 17 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 153 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 154.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Lebanon, TN to Nashville, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Chattanooga along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Stones River National Battlefield.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
