Distance Between Nashville and Bristol, Tennessee

The driving distance between Nashville, Tennessee and Bristol, Tennessee (twin city with Bristol, Virginia) is approximately:

• 146 miles (235 kilometers) via I-40 East
• Driving time: ~2 hours 20 minutes under normal conditions

Route Overview

The primary route follows I-40 East from Nashville to Knoxville (~180 miles), then I-81 North from Knoxville to Bristol (~100 miles). Alternative scenic routes via US-70 or US-11W exist but add time.

Key Points Along the Way

• Cookeville (midpoint rest stop)
• Crossville (Cumberland Plateau)
• Knoxville (major city, services, McGhee Tyson Airport)
• Jefferson City, Morristown (I-81 corridor)

Bristol straddles the Tennessee–Virginia state line; State Street marks the border. The city is known as the "Birthplace of Country Music" (1927 Bristol Sessions) and hosts Bristol Motor Speedway.