How far is Chattanooga, TN from Dayton, TN?
The driving distance from Chattanooga, TN to Dayton, TN is about 38 miles (61.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 35.2 miles (56.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 33m 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 00h 46m.
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 Hamilton County, Tennessee, United States of America
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 Dayton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chattanooga and Dayton.
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1
Start on West Martin Luther King Boulevard
990 ft · 32 sec · West Martin Luther King Boulevard
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2
Take the ramp straight
1.2 km · 2 min
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3
Merge slight left
20.6 mi · 24 min
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4
Keep slight right
16.2 mi · 20 min
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5
Turn left onto 3rd Avenue
946 ft · 23 sec · 3rd Avenue
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6
Turn left onto Church Street
107 m · 18 sec · Church Street
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7
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue
92 m · 13 sec · 2nd Avenue
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 2nd Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Chattanooga and Dayton.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
West Martin Luther King Boulevard
Merge slight left
20.6 mi · 00h 24m
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 Dayton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Chattanooga to Dayton?
The road trip is about 38 miles (61.2 km) and usually takes 00h 46m 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?
Soddy-Daisy is a useful midpoint, sitting about 19 miles from Chattanooga and 19 miles from Dayton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 35.2 miles (56.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 2.8 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:56 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.05 one way or $10.11 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 11.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Chattanooga and Sunny near Dayton.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Chattanooga and Dayton. Straight-line distance: 35.23 mi (56.69 km).
#1 Chattanooga
The fourth most populous city in Tennessee.
| Population | 184,742 |
| Coordinates | 35.0456300, -85.3096800 |
| Altitude | 206 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Dayton
City and county seat in Rhea County, Tennessee, United States
| Population | 7,332 |
| Coordinates | 35.4939600, -85.0124500 |
| Altitude | 212 |
| Country | United States |
End: Dayton (-85.01245, 35.49396)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 61 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.05 | $10.11 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $5.70 | $11.40 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.24 | $12.47 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $7.11 | $14.21 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.