Nashville, TN to Providence, RI

State capital to state capital route

21h 32m
Drive Time
1185
Miles
$138
Gas Cost
9
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Nashville, TN to Providence, RI?

The drive from Nashville, TN to Providence, RI takes approximately 21h 32m, covering 1185 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $138 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 29–30+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
18h 18m
🔵 Typical
21h 32m
🔴 Heavy traffic
31h 13m

Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.

Route Details

Distance1185 miles
Drive Time21h 32min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$138
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$153-$188

Route Tips: I-95

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.

You'll likely need 2 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Nashville, TN to Providence, RI

For a long drive like Nashville, TN to Providence, RI, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.

🟢 Best: Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid: Rush hour (4-7 PM)

Approximate route shown. Use Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions.

Open in Google Maps ⚡ View EV Route

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
21h 32m
~$138 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 52m
~$178–$415 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 22m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
21h 32m
~$138
🚌 Bus
26h 20m
~$95–$213
🚂 Train
21h 33m
~$142–$356

Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Nashville, TN to Providence, RI?
The drive takes approximately 21 hours and 32 minutes covering 1185 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 39 gallons of gas, costing approximately $138 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic in both cities.

Driving Tips: Nashville TN to Providence RI

The long road trip from Nashville TN to Providence RI follows the highway for 1185 miles, with an estimated travel time of 21h 32m under normal conditions. Fuel costs run approximately $138 at current prices, assuming average fuel efficiency of 30 MPG. Early morning is generally the best window to depart for the smoothest ride.

This is a serious 1185-mile road trip that spans multiple states and regions. Plan for at least one overnight stop, pack emergency supplies, and make sure your vehicle is road-trip ready with fresh oil and properly inflated tires.

Related Routes

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