How far is Chattanooga, TN from Decatur, TN?

The estimated driving distance from Chattanooga, TN to Decatur, TN is about 59 miles (94.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 30m by car.

  • This page is using an estimated road distance while the full route geometry is refreshed.
  • The straight-line flight distance is about 43.7 miles (70.3 km).
  • For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 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.
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 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.

Reverse Route
Quick Snapshot
Road
58.99 mi
01h 30m · estimated
Flight
43.69 mi
70.32 km direct

This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.

Learn Distance

Choose another destination from Chattanooga.

Flight Distance

Direct air line
43.69 mi
Kilometers
70.32 km
Flight Time
00h 05m

Driving Distance

Estimated road route
58.99 mi
Estimated
Kilometers
94.93 km
Drive Time
01h 30m

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 30m.

Arrival Snapshot
Arrive in Decatur
Fri, Apr 10, 7:23 PM EDT
Return by in Chattanooga
Fri, Apr 10, 8:54 PM EDT
Useful when you're deciding between a quick errand, a day trip, or a longer stop.
Leave Chattanooga
2026-04-10T17:53
Arrive Decatur
Fri, Apr 10, 7:23 PM EDT
Route Timing
01h 30m
One way by road
Best Departure Window
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT
Aim for a morning departure
Arrive between
9:30 AM to 11:30 AM EDT

A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.

Leave by
3:30 PM EDT
Keeps a same-day return open with about 03h 00m at the destination.
Back in Chattanooga
9:30 PM EDT
Morning start is best

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
Lakesite
TN

City in Hamilton County, Tennessee, United States of America

From Chattanooga
21.9 mi
00h 45m
To Decatur
37.2 mi
00h 45m

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
76°F
Friday

Sunny

Starts
Fri, Apr 10 1:00 AM EDT
Wind
0 to 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 Decatur.

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 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.

Drive Time
01h 30m
Day trip friendly
Same-Day Return
03h 00m
Round-trip wheel time
Road vs Air
+15.3 mi
43.7 mi direct line
Halfway Stop
Lakesite
00h 45m from Chattanooga
Leave By
3:30 PM EDT
Morning start is best
Weather Watch

Sunny leaving Chattanooga and Sunny near Decatur.

Trip Questions

Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.

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

The road trip is about 59 miles (94.9 km) and usually takes 01h 30m 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?

Lakesite is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21.9 miles from Chattanooga and 37.2 miles from Decatur.

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

The direct path is about 43.7 miles (70.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.3 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:30 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 Decatur.

Flight Path Map

This map shows the direct air route between Chattanooga and Decatur. Straight-line distance: 43.69 mi (70.32 km).

Chattanooga

#1 Chattanooga

The fourth most populous city in Tennessee.

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

#2 Decatur

Human settlement in Meigs County, Tennessee, United States of America

Population1,663
Coordinates35.5147900, -84.7902200
Altitude237
CountryUnited States
Start: Chattanooga (-85.30968, 35.04563)
End: Decatur (-84.79022, 35.51479)

Estimated Travel Time

Distance: 95 km by road

SpeedTime
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.

One-way fuel
2.08 gal
7.88 L · about $7.84
Round trip
$15.69
4.16 gal · 15.76 L
Estimated CO2
18.5 kg one way
Round trip: 37 kg / 82 lb CO2, using regular gasoline.
Fuel$/galOne wayRound 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

There is no time difference between Chattanooga and Decatur. The current time is 17:53:11.

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.