Origin
Union, TN
Morning in Union on Friday
Local time
11:37 AM
EDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Union, TN to Franklin, TN
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 30m
Distance
171.9 mi
277 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 18m
★
6 AM
3h 30m
8 AM
3h 55m
10 AM
3h 39m
12 PM
3h 36m
3 PM
3h 40m
5 PM
3h 53m
8 PM
3h 23m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Union, TN
Soundarapandian MS
Franklin, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Union, TN to Franklin, TN is 171.9 miles and takes about 3h 30m via I 24, I 75, and Murfreesboro Road, with a fuel budget near $27 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region, specifically within Tennessee, making it a straightforward journey. You'll spend most of your time on major highways, so expect a relatively efficient drive. With a recommended one-day duration and a manageable fuel cost, this route is a practical option for a quick trip between 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
85.9 miles from Union, 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 30m. Total distance: 171.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a highway-focused drive, with 82% of the journey utilizing major interstates like I 24 and I 75. You'll experience a significant stretch of 111.9 miles on I 24 without needing to exit, allowing for consistent speed and progress. While primarily interstate, the route also incorporates segments of Murfreesboro Road, which might offer a slight change of pace as you approach your destination. Overall, anticipate a driving experience characterized by efficient travel on well-maintained highways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 16 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 I 75. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 15.3 miles in.
Driving Effort
6/10
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 171.9 miles you will encounter 11 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 15.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 15.6 miles (I 75): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 34 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
15.3 mi into trip
|
~25m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
15.6 mi into trip
|
~25m in
|
I 75
Merge onto I 75
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
7
34 mi into trip
|
~47m 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
146.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 55m 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
8
157.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 8m 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
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Union, TN and Franklin, TN, road signs point toward Nashville, Chattanooga and Lewisburg.
Nashville
34 mi in
|
~47m
Chattanooga
34.7 mi in
|
~48m
|
via I 24
Lewisburg
157.7 mi in
|
~3h 8m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 24 | 111.9 mi | 2h 6m |
| I 75 | 18.4 mi | 22m |
| Murfreesboro Road | 12.8 mi | 19m |
| Tennessee National Guard Parkway | 10.3 mi | 10m |
| Spring Place Road Southeast | 8.4 mi | 14m |
| Appalachian Highway | 5.4 mi | 6m |
| Hughes Lake Road Southeast | 1.3 mi | 3m |
| Horton Highway | 0.5 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 24
— 111.9 mi, about 2h 6m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Union, TN and Franklin, TN.
1
Start on Hughes Lake Road Southeast
1.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Hughes Lake Road Southeast
2
Turn slight left onto SR 74
8.4 mi
·
14 min
·
Spring Place Road Southeast
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
4
Merge onto US 74; US 64 Bypass; TN 60
5.4 mi
·
6 min
·
Appalachian Highway
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Use the left / straight lanes.
6
Merge onto I 75
18 mi
·
22 min
·
I 75
Use the straight lane.
7
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
56 sec
Toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, Nashville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 24
112 mi
·
2 hr 6 min
·
I 24
Toward Chattanooga, Nashville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 74A
Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Franklin
Use the right lane.
10
Merge onto I 840
10 mi
·
10 min
·
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
46 sec
Exit 42
Toward US 31A, US 41A: Shelbyville, Lewisburg
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Turn right onto US 31A; US 41A
0.5 mi
·
57 sec
·
Horton Highway
13
Turn left onto SR 96
13 mi
·
19 min
·
Murfreesboro Road
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on TN 96
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
3rd Avenue South
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Enter roundabout onto US 31 Business; TN 96
397 ft
·
6 sec
·
Public Square
16
Arrive at destination
US 31 Business; TN 96
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour 30-minute duration, this trip is easily achievable in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for any unexpected delays. The longest stretch on I 24 is over 111 miles, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly before embarking on that segment. While there's only one suggested stop, you'll find ample opportunities for breaks along the interstate system as needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before getting onto the longer stretches of highway.
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 85.9 miles from Union, TN, or about 1h 46m 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 38 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 85.9 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 49m
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 Union, 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 Union, TN
This is one driving day of about 171.9 miles and 3h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Union, 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 85.9 mi from Union, TN · 1h 46m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
86 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 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 85.9 miles from Union, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop 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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.87 one way
$53.75 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
60 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $29.51 | $59.01 |
| premium | $4.89 | $33.08 | $66.16 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $37.95 | $75.91 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 60.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 51.6 | 0 | $18.05 | $8.25 |
| Efficient EV | 43 | 0 | $15.04 | $6.88 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 68.8 | 0 | $24.07 | $11.00 |
Gas CO2
60 kg
EV CO2
20 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.
Destination
Franklin, TN
Morning in Franklin on Friday
Local time
10:37 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
23 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 30m 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 Union, TN to Franklin, TN covers 171.9 miles and takes about 3h 30m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 24, I 75, Murfreesboro Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 85.9 miles from Union, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $26.87 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 171.9 miles you will encounter 11 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 15.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 15.6 miles (I 75): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 34 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Union, TN and Franklin, TN, road signs point toward Nashville, Chattanooga and Lewisburg.
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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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