Road trip cost

How Much Does It Cost to Drive From Chicago to Nashville?

At 470 miles and roughly 7 hr of driving, the route from Chicago, IL to Nashville, TN is a long-haul trip. Budget for multiple fuel stops, food, and possibly an overnight stay — gas alone can run well over a hundred dollars depending on your vehicle.

Distance

470 mi

Driving time

7 hr

Avg. fuel (28 MPG)

16.8 gal

Estimate your trip cost

Pre-filled with the Chicago → Nashville distance.

Distance

miles

Vehicle MPG

mpg

Gas price

$/gal

Passengers

Round trip

Estimated Trip Cost

$0.00

Per Person

$0.00

Gallons

0.00gal

Total miles: 470 (one way).

Fuel cost by vehicle type

Estimated one-way fuel cost at $3.45/gal (US average). Adjust for your local price.

Vehicle	MPG	Gallons	Est. cost
Compact car	35	13.4	$46.33
Sedan	28	16.8	$57.91
SUV	22	21.4	$73.70
Pickup truck	18	26.1	$90.08

Cost at different gas prices

Assuming a 28 MPG sedan over the 470-mile route.

Gas at $3.15/gal

$52.87

one way · ~16.8 gal

Gas at $3.45/gal

$57.91

one way · ~16.8 gal

Gas at $3.85/gal

$64.63

one way · ~16.8 gal

About the drive from Chicago to Nashville

This 470-mile route between Chicago, IL and Nashville, TN is one of the more popular drives in the region. Expect roughly 7 hr behind the wheel under normal traffic conditions.

Road trip tips

I-65 north
Cross Indiana farmland
Check current gas prices on AAA or GasBuddy before you leave.
Fuel up before entering remote stretches — prices can jump 50¢/gal.
Use cruise control on the highway to improve real-world MPG.

Fuel costs are estimates based on average gas prices and vehicle efficiency. Actual costs may vary based on traffic, weather, terrain, and driving style.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to drive from Chicago to Nashville?

The drive is about 470 miles and takes roughly 7 hr under normal traffic. Add buffer for stops, construction, and rush hour around either city.

How much gas does the trip use?

In a 28 MPG sedan, expect about 16.8 gallons one way. A 22 MPG SUV would use roughly 21.4 gallons.

What's the typical fuel cost?

At the US average of $3.45/gal, a 28 MPG vehicle costs about $57.91 one way. Round trip roughly doubles that. Use the calculator above for your exact MPG and local gas price.

Is it cheaper to drive or fly?

For one or two people on shorter routes (under ~500 miles), driving is usually cheaper once you factor in airport parking, baggage fees, and rental cars. Flying often wins for solo long-distance trips.