How far is Chattanooga, TN from Bessemer, AL?
The driving distance from Chattanooga, TN to Bessemer, AL is about 162 miles (260.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 147.4 miles (237.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 00m 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 03h 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.
Town in Etowah County, Alabama, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Chattanooga and Bessemer.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chattanooga and Bessemer.
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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
9.8 mi · 12 min
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6
Take the exit slight left toward I 59 South: Birmingham
1.2 km · 49 sec
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7
Continue straight
148.2 mi · 2 hr 41 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward 18th Street, 19th Street
728 ft · 18 sec
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9
Keep slight left
687 ft · 19 sec
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10
Keep slight left
63 m · 5 sec
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11
Turn straight onto 18th Street North
1.2 mi · 3 min · 18th Street North
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12
Turn left onto 3rd Avenue North
29 m · 4 sec · 3rd Avenue North
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 3rd Avenue North
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Chattanooga and Bessemer.
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 59 South
Continue straight
148 mi · 02h 41m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Chattanooga and Mostly Cloudy near Bessemer.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Chattanooga to Bessemer?
The road trip is about 162 miles (260.7 km) and usually takes 03h 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?
Reece City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 81 miles from Chattanooga and 81 miles from Bessemer.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 147.4 miles (237.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.6 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 12:30 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.57 one way or $43.14 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.8 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Chattanooga and Bessemer, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Chattanooga and Mostly Cloudy near Bessemer.
Stop Ideas Near Reece City
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 Reece City.
Anniston
Birmingham
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Chattanooga and Bessemer. Straight-line distance: 147.4 mi (237.22 km).
#1 Chattanooga
The fourth most populous city in Tennessee.
| Population | 184,742 |
| Coordinates | 35.0456300, -85.3096800 |
| Altitude | 206 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Bessemer
City in Jefferson County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 26,043 |
| Coordinates | 33.4017800, -86.9544400 |
| Altitude | 155 |
| Country | United States |
End: Bessemer (-86.95444, 33.40178)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 261 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.57 | $43.14 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.33 | $48.65 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.62 | $53.24 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.34 | $60.68 |
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 · Jul 28, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.