How far is Athens, TN from Johnson City, TN?
The driving distance from Athens, TN to Johnson City, TN is about 162.6 miles (261.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 28m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 139.1 miles (223.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 57m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 28m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Town in Jefferson County, Tennessee, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Athens and Johnson City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Athens and Johnson City.
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1
Start on Washington Avenue
57 m · 9 sec · Washington Avenue
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2
Turn left onto North White Street
75 m · 12 sec · North White Street
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3
Turn left onto East Madison Avenue
943 ft · 26 sec · East Madison Avenue
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4
Turn left onto Green Street
76 m · 6 sec · Green Street
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5
Turn slight right onto Ingleside Avenue
2.8 mi · 5 min · Ingleside Avenue
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6
Continue on John J Duncan Parkway
1.9 mi · 3 min · John J Duncan Parkway
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7
Take the ramp slight right
1657 ft · 40 sec
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8
Merge slight left
48.7 mi · 54 min
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9
Keep slight left
36.7 mi · 41 min
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10
Keep slight left to continue on I 81 North: Bristol
56.6 mi · 1 hr 1 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward I 26 East, US 23 South: Johnson City, Asheville
2112 ft · 40 sec
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12
Merge slight left onto James H. Quillen Parkway
14 mi · 17 min · James H. Quillen Parkway
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13
Take the exit slight right toward TN 91
614 ft · 15 sec
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14
Turn right onto East Market Street
1705 ft · 38 sec · East Market Street
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15
Turn left onto Buffalo Street
977 ft · 32 sec · Buffalo Street
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16
Turn right
132 m · 32 sec
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Athens and Johnson City.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 81 North
Keep slight left to continue on I 81 North: Bristol
56.6 mi · 01h 01m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Athens and Showers And Thunderstorms near Johnson City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Athens to Johnson City?
The road trip is about 162.6 miles (261.6 km) and usually takes 02h 28m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
New Market is a useful midpoint, sitting about 81.2 miles from Athens and 81.4 miles from Johnson City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 139.1 miles (223.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 23.5 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:32 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.65 one way or $43.29 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Athens and Showers And Thunderstorms near Johnson City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Athens and Johnson City. Straight-line distance: 139.06 mi (223.79 km).
#1 Athens
Town in Tennessee, United States
| Population | 14,120 |
| Coordinates | 35.4428500, -84.5929900 |
| Altitude | 262 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Johnson City
The most populous city in Washington County, Tennessee.
| Population | 66,906 |
| Coordinates | 36.3134400, -82.3534700 |
| Altitude | 498 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cherry Street (-82.353659, 36.313645)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 262 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.65 | $43.29 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.41 | $48.82 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.71 | $53.43 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.44 | $60.89 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Tennessee · May 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.