Phoenix, AZ to Nashville, TN

State capital to state capital route

34h 5m
Drive Time
1875
Miles
$218
Gas Cost
16
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Phoenix Az to Nashville Tn?

The drive from Phoenix Az to Nashville Tn takes approximately 34h 5m, covering 1875 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $218 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 48–49+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
28h 58m
🔵 Typical
34h 5m
🔴 Heavy traffic
49h 25m

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

Route Details

Distance1875 miles
Drive Time34h 5min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$218
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$233-$268

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 5 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Phoenix Az to Nashville Tn

For a long drive like Phoenix Az to Nashville Tn, 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
34h 5m
~$218 gas
✈️ Flying
6h 15m
~$281–$656 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~3h 45m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
34h 5m
~$218
🚌 Bus
41h 40m
~$150–$338
🚂 Train
34h 5m
~$225–$562

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 Phoenix, AZ to Nashville, TN?
The drive takes approximately 34 hours and 5 minutes covering 1875 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 62 gallons of gas, costing approximately $218 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.