The drive from Nashville to Dallas takes approximately 13h 20min, covering 801 miles via I-40. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $93 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 18–19+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
11h 20m
🔵 Typical
13h 20min
🔴 Heavy traffic
19h 20m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance801 miles (1289 km)
Drive Time13h 20min
RouteI-40
Best TimeWeekday mid-day
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~26.7 gallons
Est. Cost$93
Route Tips: I-40
Follows the old Route 66 corridor. Long desert stretches require fuel planning.
You'll likely need 1 fuel stop along the way.
Best Time to Drive from Nashville to Dallas
For a long drive like Nashville to Dallas, 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:Weekday mid-day
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
13h 20min
~$93 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 6m
~$120–$280 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 36m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
13h 20min
~$93
🚌 Bus
17h 48m
~$64–$144
🚂 Train
14h 34m
~$96–$240
Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.
Suggested Stops
Popular cities along the route for rest, food, or fuel:
📍 Little Rock
📍 Hot Springs
📍 Memphis
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Nashville to Dallas?
The drive from Nashville to Dallas takes approximately 13h 20min covering 801 miles via I-40. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Nashville to Dallas?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $93 on gas for this 801-mile trip. You'll need about 26.7 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Nashville to Dallas?
Weekday mid-day to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Nashville to Dallas route?
Yes, expect approximately $24 in tolls along this route. Consider getting a TxTag transponder for faster toll payment.
