How far is Athens, TN from Chattanooga, TN?
The driving distance from Athens, TN to Chattanooga, TN is about 58.6 miles (94.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 48.9 miles (78.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 01m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 00m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
A city in Bradley County, Tennessee.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Athens and Chattanooga.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Athens and Chattanooga.
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1
Start on Washington Avenue
57 m · 9 sec · Washington Avenue
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2
Turn left onto North White Street
75 m · 12 sec · North White Street
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3
Turn left onto East Madison Avenue
943 ft · 26 sec · East Madison Avenue
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4
Turn left onto Green Street
3174 ft · 58 sec · Green Street
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5
Continue on Decatur Pike
3.4 mi · 5 min · Decatur Pike
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6
Take the ramp slight left
1619 ft · 40 sec
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7
Merge slight left
46.7 mi · 52 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, Nashville
1.1 km · 56 sec
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9
Continue on Chattanooga, Nashville
5.8 mi · 8 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 27 North: Downtown, Lookout Mountain
999 ft · 15 sec
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11
Keep slight left to continue on US 27 North: Downtown, Lookout Mountain
1018 ft · 16 sec
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12
Keep slight left
1.4 mi · 2 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
1123 ft · 26 sec
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14
Turn right onto West Martin Luther King Boulevard
897 ft · 30 sec · West Martin Luther King Boulevard
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Martin Luther King Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Athens and Chattanooga.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Decatur Pike
Merge slight left
46.7 mi · 00h 52m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Athens and Sunny near Chattanooga.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Athens to Chattanooga?
The road trip is about 58.6 miles (94.3 km) and usually takes 01h 00m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Cleveland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 29.9 miles from Athens and 28.6 miles from Chattanooga.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 48.9 miles (78.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.7 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:28 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.81 one way or $15.61 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Athens and Sunny near Chattanooga.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Athens and Chattanooga. Straight-line distance: 48.88 mi (78.66 km).
#1 Athens
Town in Tennessee, United States
| Population | 14,120 |
| Coordinates | 35.4428500, -84.5929900 |
| Altitude | 262 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Chattanooga
The fourth most populous city in Tennessee.
| Population | 184,742 |
| Coordinates | 35.0456300, -85.3096800 |
| Altitude | 206 |
| Country | United States |
End: West Martin Luther King Boulevard (-85.309688, 35.045753)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 94 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 10m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.81 | $15.61 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.80 | $17.61 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.63 | $19.27 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.98 | $21.96 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Tennessee · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.