Road Trip to the Big Easy: How Long Will It Take From Athens, Tennessee?

Are you planning a road trip to New Orleans? Great choice! There's no place quite like the vibrant city that's full of culture, music, and mouth-watering food. But before you hit the open road, you need to know how long it will take you to get there from Athens, Tennessee. Let's take a look at the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and how long it takes based on traffic patterns.

Fastest Routes

The fastest route from Athens, Tennessee to New Orleans is via I-24 West and I-59 South. This route is approximately 645 miles long, and it'll take you around 10 hours to get there under normal traffic conditions. However, during peak traffic times, especially in cities like Nashville and Birmingham, be prepared to add a few extra hours to your travel time.

Another fast route is via I-75 South, which eventually leads to I-10 West. This route is about 760 miles long and takes roughly 12 hours to complete. However, it is important to note that construction work along this route, especially in Atlanta may cause delays.

Slowest Routes

If you have plenty of time on your hands and want to see some scenic sights along the way, there are slower routes you may consider. One route takes you via TN-68 S, eventually joining I-59 South. While this route is approximately 84 miles shorter than the fastest route mentioned earlier, it'll take you 13 hours to get to New Orleans.

Alternatively, you could take US-72 W and then join I-55 S after passing through Memphis. This route covers 670 miles and takes you through picturesque towns, but it is also a slow route and takes 13-14 hours to complete.

In Summary

In summary, the time it takes to drive from Athens, Tennessee to New Orleans, Louisiana depends on the route you take, the time of day and the traffic conditions. The fastest route is via I-24 W and I-59 S, and it'll take approximately 10 hours if you don't encounter any traffic snarls. The slowest route takes 13-14 hours, and it's up to you which route you choose based on what you want to experience during the journey.

So pack your bags, grab some snacks and hit the open road. A road trip to New Orleans from Athens, Tennessee will be an unforgettable experience that you'll cherish for years to come!