Trip from Unicoi, TN to Clarksville, TN

Data updated 0 seconds ago

Drive Time

6h 18m

Distance

339.3 mi

546 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$53

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

6h 6m ★

6 AM

6h 19m

8 AM

6h 44m

10 AM

6h 28m

12 PM

6h 25m

3 PM

6h 29m

5 PM

6h 43m

8 PM

6h 11m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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human settlement in Unicoi County, Tennessee, United States of America

Unicoi, TN

Wikimedia Commons

Clarksville, TN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 339.3-mile journey from Unicoi, TN to Clarksville, TN is designed for efficiency, taking approximately 6 hours and 18 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-40 and I-24, this highway-focused drive is achievable in a single day, making it a practical option for a quick trip. With a fuel cost estimated around $53, it's an economical way to travel across Tennessee. The route maintains a high percentage of highway driving, offering a straightforward transit experience. Given its length and duration, planning for a single-day transit is recommended, though you can certainly adjust your pace as needed.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

169.6 miles from Unicoi, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 8m into the drive .

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Drive Character

Expect a predominantly highway experience on this route, with 97% of the drive on major interstates like I-40 and I-81. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a significant 209.8 miles on I-40, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent speed. This profile suggests a drive focused on covering ground efficiently rather than a winding, scenic exploration. The character of the road remains largely consistent, emphasizing smooth, high-speed travel for the majority of the trip.

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

There are about 22 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 209.8 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 134.4 miles in near I 40.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 339.3 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 134.4 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 289.3 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 291.4 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 18 key points

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

134.4 mi into trip | ~2h 31m in | I 40

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward Nashville

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Nashville

289.3 mi into trip | ~5h 17m 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

291.4 mi into trip | ~5h 20m 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

296.2 mi into trip | ~5h 27m in | I 24

Take the exit onto I 24 toward I 24 West: Clarksville

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Exit 88 Toward I 24 West: Clarksville

333.9 mi into trip | ~6h 8m in | US 41A / Madison Street

Turn right onto US 41A / Madison Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / left / right lanes.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Unicoi, TN and Clarksville, TN, road signs point toward Nashville and Louisville.

Nashville

134.4 mi in | ~2h 31m | via I 40

Louisville

291.4 mi in | ~5h 20m | via I 24

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 40	209.8 mi	3h 49m
I 81	57.1 mi	1h 1m
I 24	36.4 mi	40m
James H. Quillen Parkway	23 mi	27m
Madison Street	4.7 mi	8m
TN 76	3.4 mi	3m
Downtown Loop	2.3 mi	3m
Unicoi Drive	0.7 mi	1m

Longest stretch: I 40 — 209.8 mi, about 3h 49m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Unicoi, TN and Clarksville, TN.

Start on SR 173

0.7 mi · 1 min · Unicoi Drive

Turn left onto SR 173

0.3 mi · 30 sec · SR 173

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 45 sec

Merge onto I 26; US 19W; US 23

23 mi · 27 min · James H. Quillen Parkway

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 37 sec

Exit 8A Toward I 81 South: Knoxville

Merge onto I 81

56 mi · 1 hr · I 81

Continue on I 81

0.7 mi · 45 sec · I 81

Exit 1B Toward I 40 West: Knoxville

Merge onto I 40

53 mi · 59 min · I 40

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

155 mi · 2 hr 46 min · I 40

Toward Nashville Use the straight / slight right lanes.

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.

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.

Merge onto I 24

2.3 mi · 3 min · Downtown Loop

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 24

2.1 mi · 2 min · I 24

Exit 46A Toward I 24 West, I 65 North: Clarksville, Louisville Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Take the exit onto I 24

34 mi · 36 min · I 24

Exit 88 Toward I 24 West: Clarksville Use the slight left / straight lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec

Toward TN 76

Keep slight left at fork

283 ft · 9 sec

Continue on TN 76

3.4 mi · 3 min · TN 76

Turn right onto US 41A

4.7 mi · 8 min · Madison Street

Use the straight / left / right lanes.

Turn right onto US 41A

0.4 mi · 44 sec · University Avenue

At end of road, turn left onto US 41A; SR 48

0.3 mi · 45 sec · College Street

Turn left onto North 2nd Street

134 ft · 2 sec · North 2nd Street

Use the straight / left lanes.

Arrive at destination

North 2nd Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 6-hour, 18-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Unicoi to avoid any potential traffic. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing, but be mindful of the longest stretch of 209.8 miles on I-40, where you'll want to ensure you're fueled up beforehand. The estimated fuel cost of $53 is a good baseline for budgeting. Since this is a manageable one-day trip, you can adjust your rest stops as you feel comfortable, but keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before entering longer interstate segments.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 169.6 miles from Unicoi, TN, or about 3h 8m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 209.8 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 80 miles or 1h 29m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 169.6 miles or 3h 8m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 6m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Clarksville, TN than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Unicoi, 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 Unicoi, TN

This is one driving day of about 339.3 miles and 6h 18m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Unicoi, 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 209.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 169.6 mi from Unicoi, TN · 3h 8m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Johnson, TN

170 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

Knoxville, TN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Johnson, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 169.6 miles from Unicoi, 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 209.8 miles.

Arriving in Clarksville, TN

The final approach into Clarksville, 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 Clarksville, 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

$53.05 one way

$106.09 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 119 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$58.24	$116.48
premium	$4.89	$65.30	$130.59
diesel	$5.61	$74.91	$149.83

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$53

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$78–$103

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 118.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $36 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	101.8	1	$35.63	$16.29
Efficient EV	84.8	0	$29.69	$13.57
EV Truck/SUV	135.7	1	$47.50	$21.72

Gas CO2

119 kg

EV CO2

40 kg (66% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 data refreshed 47 minutes ago

Origin

Unicoi, TN

Morning in Unicoi on Wednesday

Local time

8:21 AM

EDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Clarksville, TN

Morning in Clarksville on Wednesday

Local time

7:21 AM

CDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

76°F

Johnson, TN

170 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 earlier

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

6h 18m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Unicoi, TN to Clarksville, TN covers 339.3 miles and takes about 6h 18m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 40, I 81, I 24. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 169.6 miles from Unicoi, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $53.05 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Between Unicoi, TN and Clarksville, TN, road signs point toward Nashville and Louisville.

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Trip from Unicoi, TN to Clarksville, TN

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Clarksville, TN

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Unicoi, TN

Clarksville, TN

1 hour earlier

2 degrees cooler at arrival

6h 18m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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