How far is Chattanooga, TN from Bristol, TN?

The estimated driving distance from Chattanooga, TN to Bristol, TN is about 256.3 miles (412.4 km), with a travel time of about 04h 29m by car.

  • This page is using an estimated road distance while the full route geometry is refreshed.
  • The straight-line flight distance is about 205 miles (329.9 km).
  • For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 59m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
  • A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT.
Road route is being refreshed. This page currently uses an estimated driving distance until a routing provider returns the full road geometry.
Trip Tools

Reverse, save, or send this route

This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.

Reverse Route
Quick Snapshot
Road
256.25 mi
04h 29m · estimated
Flight
205 mi
329.92 km direct

This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.

Learn Distance

Choose another destination from Chattanooga.

Flight Distance

Direct air line
205 mi
Kilometers
329.92 km
Flight Time
00h 24m

Driving Distance

Estimated road route
256.25 mi
Estimated
Kilometers
412.4 km
Drive Time
04h 29m

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 04h 29m.

Arrival Snapshot
Arrive in Bristol
Fri, Apr 10, 11:48 PM EDT
Return by in Chattanooga
Sat, Apr 11, 4:18 AM EDT
Useful when you're deciding between a quick errand, a day trip, or a longer stop.
Leave Chattanooga
2026-04-10T19:19
Arrive Bristol
Fri, Apr 10, 11:48 PM EDT
Route Timing
04h 29m
One way by road
Best Departure Window
6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT
Leave early for more breathing room
Arrive between
10:30 AM to 12:30 PM EDT

An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.

Leave by
8:00 AM EDT
Keeps a same-day return open with about 04h 00m at the destination.
Back in Chattanooga
9:00 PM EDT
Early departure recommended

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.

Mid-route stop
Watertown
TN

City in Wilson County, Tennessee, United States

From Chattanooga
102.5 mi
02h 14m
To Bristol
153.7 mi
02h 14m

Route Weather Snapshot

Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.

Origin
78°F
Friday

Sunny

Starts
Fri, Apr 10 2:00 AM EDT
Wind
0 to 5 mph SW
Destination
71°F
Friday

Sunny

Starts
Fri, Apr 10 2:00 AM EDT
Wind
5 mph SW

Driving Route Map

Road route is being refreshed. This page currently uses an estimated driving distance.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Chattanooga and Bristol.

Turn-by-turn directions will appear after the road route is refreshed. The current distance is an estimate.

Route Summary

A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.

Trip Read

A longer out-and-back drive

This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.

Drive Time
04h 29m
Long day trip
Same-Day Return
09h 00m
Round-trip wheel time
Road vs Air
+51.3 mi
205 mi direct line
Halfway Stop
Watertown
02h 14m from Chattanooga
Leave By
8:00 AM EDT
Early departure recommended
Weather Watch

Sunny leaving Chattanooga and Sunny near Bristol.

Trip Questions

Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.

How long does it take to drive from Chattanooga to Bristol?

The road trip is about 256.3 miles (412.4 km) and usually takes 04h 29m in normal driving conditions.

Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?

This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.

What is the halfway point on this route?

Watertown is a useful midpoint, sitting about 102.5 miles from Chattanooga and 153.7 miles from Bristol.

How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?

The direct path is about 205 miles (329.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 51.3 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:00 AM EDT.

How much will gas cost for this route?

Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $34.09 one way or $68.18 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 80.3 kg one way.

What should you check before leaving?

Before you leave, expect Sunny around Chattanooga and Sunny near Bristol.

Flight Path Map

This map shows the direct air route between Chattanooga and Bristol. Straight-line distance: 205 mi (329.92 km).

Chattanooga

#1 Chattanooga

The fourth most populous city in Tennessee.

Population184,742
Coordinates35.0456300, -85.3096800
Altitude206
CountryUnited States
Bristol

#2 Bristol

City in Tennessee

Population27,142
Coordinates36.5951100, -82.1887400
Altitude511
CountryUnited States
Start: Chattanooga (-85.30968, 35.04563)
End: Bristol (-82.18874, 36.59511)

Estimated Travel Time

Distance: 412 km by road

SpeedTime
30 mph (48.3 km/h)08h 32m
40 mph (64.37 km/h)06h 24m
50 mph (80.47 km/h)05h 07m
60 mph (96.56 km/h)04h 16m
70 mph (112.65 km/h)03h 39m
80 mph (129 km/h)03h 11m

Fuel, Round Trip and CO2

Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.

One-way fuel
9.04 gal
34.23 L · about $34.09
Round trip
$68.18
18.08 gal · 68.46 L
Estimated CO2
80.3 kg one way
Round trip: 160.7 kg / 354 lb CO2, using regular gasoline.
Fuel$/galOne wayRound trip
Regular gas $3.77 $34.09 $68.18
Mid-grade $4.25 $38.45 $76.89
Premium $4.65 $42.07 $84.14
Diesel $5.30 $47.95 $95.90

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

There is no time difference between Chattanooga and Bristol. The current time is 19:19:26.

Distance to Other Cities

How did we calculate? Place names are translated into coordinates. The Haversine formula calculates straight-line distance; driving distance uses road network data.