The route's southern terminus is at an interchange with U.S. Route 33 (US 33) nearly 5.25 miles (8.45 km) northeast of North Lewisburg at an interchange that doubles as the eastern terminus of SR 287.

SR 739 starts near the Honda Marysville Auto Plant, then passes through the western and northern portions of Union County, including the communities of Raymond, York Center, Byhalia, Arbela, West Jackson, and Essex.

It continues through Green Camp and into Marion in the southwestern part of Marion County.

No part of this state route is included within National Highway System (NHS), a network of highways deemed to be most important for the economy, mobility and defense of the nation.

Since its inception, it has utilized the same routing through portions of Union and Marion Counties.