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Trip from Midtown, TN to Nashville, TN

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

2h 40m

Distance

143.7 mi

231 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 30m ★
6 AM
2h 40m
8 AM
3h 1m
10 AM
2h 48m
12 PM
2h 45m
3 PM
2h 49m
5 PM
3h 0m
8 PM
2h 34m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Midtown, TN, TN

Midtown, TN

Kelly

capital and largest city of Tennessee, United States

Nashville, TN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Spanning 144 miles across the Southeast, this journey from Midtown to Nashville typically takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete. Because of the manageable distance and duration, you can easily handle this as a straightforward day trip without needing an overnight stay. Your route primarily utilizes Pine Ridge Road, SR 29, and I-24 West to connect these two Tennessee locations. With an estimated fuel cost of $21, it remains a budget-friendly option for your travel plans. Since there are no formal stops scheduled, you should be prepared to complete the drive in one consistent push.

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

71.8 miles from Midtown, 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 40m. Total distance: 143.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy local driving experience as you navigate away from Midtown. Unlike a typical interstate slog, this route features zero highway miles, meaning you will spend the entire 2-hour and 15-minute duration on local roads rather than high-speed thoroughfares. The longest stretch you will encounter is 0 miles on Pine Ridge Road, highlighting the technical and winding nature of the path. You should stay alert behind the wheel, as the road requires constant attention compared to a standard highway cruise. This drive is best suited for those who prefer an active, engaging steering experience over the monotony of long, straight stretches.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 14 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 138.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Roane State Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.6 miles in.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 143.7 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: at 1.6 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 138.6 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 140.8 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 12 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

6
1.6 mi into trip | ~2m in

Turn left toward Secondary SR 29: Harriman, Midtown

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward Secondary SR 29: Harriman, Midtown
9
138.6 mi into trip | ~2h 30m in | I 40

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 213B Toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville
9
140.8 mi into trip | ~2h 33m in | I 24

Keep slight right at fork onto I 24 toward I 24 West: Clarksville, Louisville

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 211 Toward I 24 West: Clarksville, Louisville
8
142.2 mi into trip | ~2h 35m in

Take the exit toward James Robertson Parkway, State Capitol

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Exit 48 Toward James Robertson Parkway, State Capitol
6
143.1 mi into trip | ~2h 38m in | 3rd Avenue North

Turn left onto 3rd Avenue North

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 138.7 mi 2h 30m
Roane State Highway 1.4 mi 2m
Downtown Loop 1.1 mi 1m
James Robertson Parkway 0.7 mi 1m
I 24 0.3 mi <1m
Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard 0.3 mi <1m
7th Avenue North 0.2 mi 1m
Pine Ridge Road 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 138.7 mi, about 2h 30m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Midtown, TN and Nashville, TN.

1

Start on US 70

1.4 mi · 2 min · Roane State Highway
2

Turn left

54 ft · 4 sec
3

Turn right onto SR 29

0.2 mi · 29 sec · Pine Ridge Road
4

Turn left

0.5 mi · 57 sec
Toward Secondary SR 29: Harriman, Midtown
5

Merge onto I 40

137 mi · 2 hr 26 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

2.1 mi · 3 min · I 40
Exit 213B Toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight right at fork onto I 24

0.3 mi · 28 sec · I 24
Exit 211 Toward I 24 West: Clarksville, Louisville Use the slight right lane.
8

Merge onto I 24

1.1 mi · 1 min · Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 35 sec
Exit 48 Toward James Robertson Parkway, State Capitol Use the right lane.
10

Turn straight onto US 31; US 41; US 431

0.7 mi · 1 min · James Robertson Parkway
Use the straight lane.
11

Turn left onto 3rd Avenue North

129 ft · 6 sec · 3rd Avenue North
Use the left lane.
12

Turn right onto Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard

0.3 mi · 43 sec · Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
13

Turn right onto 7th Avenue North

0.2 mi · 1 min · 7th Avenue North
14

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule best. Because the route is entirely comprised of local roads rather than highways, plan for a slower, more deliberate pace rather than trying to make up time. Keep your fuel budget of $21 in mind before you head out, as the winding nature of these roads might lead to different fuel consumption patterns than you are used to on the interstate. Given the lack of scheduled stops, double-check your vehicle's fluid levels and tire pressure before leaving Midtown. Prioritize staying focused on the turns throughout the 144-mile journey to ensure a smooth arrival in Nashville.

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 71.8 miles from Midtown, TN, or about 1h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 138.7 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 32 miles or 35m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 71.8 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 8m

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 Midtown, 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 Midtown, TN

This is one driving day of about 143.7 miles and 2h 40m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Midtown, 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 138.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 71.8 mi from Midtown, TN · 1h 18m into the drive

city in Tennessee, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cookeville, TN

72 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.

Popular next leg

Cookeville, TN to Nashville, TN

80.2 mi · 1h 21m

Pacing Suggestions

Rockwood, TN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Algood, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 71.8 miles from Midtown, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 138.7 miles.

Arriving in Nashville, TN

The final approach into Nashville, 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 Nashville, 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.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.47 one way

$44.93 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 50 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $24.67 $49.33
premium $4.89 $27.65 $55.31
diesel $5.61 $31.73 $63.45

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: 50.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 43.1 0 $15.09 $6.90
Efficient EV 35.9 0 $12.57 $5.75
EV Truck/SUV 57.5 0 $20.12 $9.20

Gas CO2

50 kg

EV CO2

17 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

Midtown, TN

Afternoon in Midtown on Thursday

Local time

2:02 PM

EDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Nashville, TN

Afternoon in Nashville on Thursday

Local time

1:02 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

7 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 40m 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 Midtown, TN to Nashville, TN covers 143.7 miles and takes about 2h 40m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, Roane State Highway, Downtown Loop. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 71.8 miles from Midtown, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $22.47 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 is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 143.7 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: at 1.6 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 138.6 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 140.8 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Midtown, TN to Nashville, TN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Nashville, TN to Midtown, TN

Plan the drive back the other way.

143.7 mi 2h 41m

Explore more options from Midtown, TN or browse trips ending in Nashville, TN.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TN road trips.

Explore maps for Midtown, TN or Nashville, TN on MapSof.net.