How far is Chattanooga, TN from Athens, TN?
The driving distance from Chattanooga, TN to Athens, TN is about 59 miles (94.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 11m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 48.9 miles (78.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 23m 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 11m.
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.
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
24 m · 6 sec · West Martin Luther King Boulevard
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2
Turn right onto Market Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · Market Street
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3
Turn left
1378 ft · 23 sec
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4
Merge slight left
5.8 mi · 8 min
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5
Keep slight left to continue on I 75 North: Knoxville
1.4 km · 1 min
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6
Merge slight left
46.6 mi · 52 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward SR 30: Athens, Decatur
1574 ft · 29 sec
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8
Turn right onto Decatur Pike
3.2 mi · 5 min · Decatur Pike
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9
Continue on Green Street
2926 ft · 53 sec · Green Street
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10
Turn right onto Washington Avenue
766 ft · 15 sec · Washington Avenue
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Chattanooga and Athens.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 75 North
Merge slight left
46.6 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 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 59 miles (94.9 km) and usually takes 01h 11m 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 29.5 miles from Chattanooga and 29.5 miles from Athens.
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 10.1 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 4:06 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.84 one way or $15.69 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Chattanooga and Sunny near Athens.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Chattanooga and Athens. Straight-line distance: 48.88 mi (78.66 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
Town in Tennessee, United States
| Population | 14,120 |
| Coordinates | 35.4428500, -84.5929900 |
| Altitude | 262 |
| Country | United States |
End: Athens (-84.59299, 35.44285)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 95 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 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 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.84 | $15.69 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.85 | $17.69 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.68 | $19.36 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $11.03 | $22.06 |
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 · Apr 10, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.