How far is Chattanooga, TN from Athens, AL?
The driving distance from Chattanooga, TN to Athens, AL is about 125.1 miles (201.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 95.7 miles (154 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 07m 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 02h 33m.
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.
City in Alabama
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Chattanooga and Athens.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chattanooga and Athens.
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1
Start on West Martin Luther King Boulevard
1761 ft · 56 sec · West Martin Luther King Boulevard
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2
Turn left
1246 ft · 31 sec
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3
Merge slight left
1.2 km · 59 sec
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4
Keep slight right to continue on 24: Nashville, Birmingham
2222 ft · 42 sec
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5
Merge slight left
26.4 mi · 29 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 72 West: South Pittsburg
977 ft · 33 sec
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7
Continue on North Cedar Avenue
17.8 mi · 20 min · North Cedar Avenue
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8
Continue on Lee Highway
1.3 km · 56 sec · Lee Highway
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9
Continue on John T Reid Parkway
2 mi · 2 min · John T Reid Parkway
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10
Continue on Lee Highway
2 mi · 2 min · Lee Highway
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11
Continue on John T Reid Parkway
50 mi · 59 min · John T Reid Parkway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward Memorial Parkway, Pratt Avenue West, Washington Street North
1171 ft · 25 sec
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13
Keep slight right to continue on Pratt Avenue West, Washington Street North
1107 ft · 25 sec
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14
Turn straight onto Pratt Avenue Northeast
2115 ft · 46 sec · Pratt Avenue Northeast
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15
Continue on University Drive Northwest
7.6 mi · 12 min · University Drive Northwest
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16
Continue straight
15 mi · 21 min
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17
Turn right onto Jefferson Street South
1.4 km · 2 min · Jefferson Street South
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Jefferson Street South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Chattanooga and Athens.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
John T Reid Parkway
Continue on John T Reid Parkway
50 mi · 00h 59m
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 Chattanooga and Sunny near Athens.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Chattanooga to Athens?
The road trip is about 125.1 miles (201.4 km) and usually takes 02h 33m 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?
Scottsboro is a useful midpoint, sitting about 62.5 miles from Chattanooga and 62.6 miles from Athens.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 95.7 miles (154 km), while the road route adds roughly 29.4 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 1:22 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.26 one way or $34.51 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 39.3 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Chattanooga and Athens, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Chattanooga and Sunny near Athens.
Stop Ideas Near Scottsboro
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Scottsboro.
Anniston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Chattanooga and Athens. Straight-line distance: 95.67 mi (153.96 km).
#1 Chattanooga
The fourth most populous city in Tennessee.
| Population | 184,742 |
| Coordinates | 35.0456300, -85.3096800 |
| Altitude | 206 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Athens
County seat of Limestone County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 28,643 |
| Coordinates | 34.8024300, -86.9721900 |
| Altitude | 220 |
| Country | United States |
End: Athens (-86.97219, 34.80243)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 201 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 10m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.90 | $17.26 | $34.51 |
| Mid-grade | $4.37 | $19.29 | $38.59 |
| Premium | $4.77 | $21.10 | $42.20 |
| Diesel | $6.00 | $26.53 | $53.06 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026