Driving Time between Bristol, Tennessee and Danville, Ohio

A picture depicting driving

Road Trippin’: Bristol, TN to Danville, OH

Looking for a road trip that spans several states and takes you from the heart of the Smokies across the Ohio River valley? Consider making the drive from Bristol, Tennessee to Danville, Ohio! This drive has several route options, each with a unique flavor and amazing scenery.

Route Options

Option 1: The Direct Route

For the speedy road trippers out there, the direct route clocks in at just under 5.5 hours and covers approximately 390 miles. But don’t let the directness of this route fool you--you’ll be treated to beautiful views of the Appalachian Mountains and the rolling hills of Kentucky along the way.

Option 2: The Blue Ridge Parkway Route

For those in it for the scenic route, the Blue Ridge Parkway might be the way to go. Beginning in Roanoke, Virginia, this route will take you through the iconic mountain ranges of North Carolina, ending in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This path is approximately 530 miles and takes around 12 hours to complete, so be prepared for a longer journey.

Option 3: The Historic Route

If you’re interested in exploring some of the rich history of the area while on your road trip, consider the historic route. This path takes you from Bristol to Cincinnati, Ohio, passing through Lexington, Kentucky and the legendary site of the Battle of Perryville along the way. Depending on your stops, this route can take anywhere from 7 to 10 hours.

Drive Time

The drive time from Bristol to Danville varies greatly based on which route you take, how fast you drive, and how many stops you make along the way. Based on average drive times, the direct route takes approximately 5.5 hours, while the Blue Ridge Parkway route can take 12 hours and the historic route 7 to 10 hours depending on stops.

Places to Stop

No matter which route you choose, there are plenty of places to stop along the way to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, or explore some of the local attractions. Some possible stops include:

  • Roanoke, Virginia: Known as the “Star City,” Roanoke is home to the Blue Ridge mountain range and the iconic Mill Mountain Star.
  • Asheville, North Carolina: The largest city on the Blue Ridge Parkway route, Asheville is known for its vibrant arts scene, stunning natural beauty, and delicious food.
  • Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky: Approximately midway along the direct route, this park boasts the world’s longest known cave system.
  • Lexington, Kentucky: A must-see for horse lovers, Lexington is the Horse Capital of the World, and is home to numerous horse farms, the Kentucky Horse Park, and the iconic Keeneland Race Track.

The Bottom Line

No matter which route you take or which stops you make, the road trip from Bristol, Tennessee to Danville, Ohio is sure to be an adventure. So pack your bags, grab some good tunes, and hit the road!