How far is Chattanooga, TN from Central, TN?
The driving distance from Chattanooga, TN to Central, TN is about 219 miles (352.5 km), with a travel time of about 04h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 191.2 miles (307.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 20m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT.
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.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 04h 10m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
The most populous city in Tennessee.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Chattanooga and Central.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chattanooga and Central.
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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
99.2 mi · 1 hr 50 min
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7
Keep slight left
36.7 mi · 41 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 81 North: Bristol
56.6 mi · 1 hr 1 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 26 East, US 23 South: Johnson City, Asheville
2112 ft · 40 sec
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10
Merge slight left onto James H. Quillen Parkway
14 mi · 17 min · James H. Quillen Parkway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward TN 91
959 ft · 27 sec
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12
Turn slight left onto East Main Street
1133 ft · 39 sec · East Main Street
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13
Turn straight onto Legion Street
1.2 km · 1 min · Legion Street
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14
Turn left onto King Springs Road
1.7 mi · 4 min · King Springs Road
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15
Turn slight right onto Elizabethton Highway
1.1 mi · 2 min · Elizabethton Highway
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Elizabethton Highway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Chattanooga and Central.
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
99.2 mi · 01h 50m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
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.
Mostly Cloudy leaving Chattanooga and Partly Sunny near Central.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Chattanooga to Central?
The road trip is about 219 miles (352.5 km) and usually takes 04h 10m 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?
Knoxville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 109.5 miles from Chattanooga and 109.6 miles from Central.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 191.2 miles (307.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.8 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 8:40 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $29.15 one way or $58.30 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 68.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Chattanooga and Partly Sunny near Central.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Chattanooga and Central. Straight-line distance: 191.18 mi (307.67 km).
#1 Chattanooga
The fourth most populous city in Tennessee.
| Population | 184,742 |
| Coordinates | 35.0456300, -85.3096800 |
| Altitude | 206 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Central
Central is a place in Tennessee, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 36.3262200, -82.2895800 |
| Altitude | 505 |
| Country | United States |
End: Central (-82.28958, 36.32622)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 353 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $29.15 | $58.30 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $32.88 | $65.75 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $35.98 | $71.95 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $41.00 | $82.00 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.