Where to stop

Best places to stop between Nashville and Charleston

The I-40 and I-26 drive runs about 535 miles and 8.5 hours. These are the towns worth pulling off for, in the order you reach them, with how far into the drive each one sits.

1. Mile 176 of 535

   1. Knoxville, TN

   A good first break, about 2.8 hours out of Nashville. Stretch, refuel and grab real food.

   Hotels in KnoxvilleWhere to stay in Knoxville

2. Mile 265 of 535

   2. Asheville, NC

   This is the halfway mark and the best overnight on the route, with 270 miles left to Charleston.

   Hotels in AshevilleWhere to stay in Asheville

3. Mile 419 of 535

   3. Columbia, SC

   The last big stop before Charleston, 116 miles to go. Top off the tank here.

   Hotels in ColumbiaWhere to stay in Columbia

Sights worth the detour

• Pigeon River Gorge on I-40
• Asheville's River Arts District
• Charleston's Rainbow Row

Gas, food and rest areas by mile

Open the route in XCRSN to see every gas station, EV charger, rest area and restaurant listed by mile, with live fuel prices.

More on this drive

• Full drive guide
• Can you drive it in one day?
• Halfway point
• Gas cost