How far is Athens, TN from Kingsport, TN?
The driving distance from Athens, TN to Kingsport, TN is about 158.4 miles (254.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 136.8 miles (220.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 50m 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 25m.
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 Seiver County, Tennessee, USA
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 Kingsport.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Athens and Kingsport.
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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
50.5 mi · 54 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward SR 93: Jonesborough, Fall Branch
1136 ft · 32 sec
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12
Keep slight right to continue on SR 93: Jonesborough, Fall Branch
155 m · 15 sec
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13
Merge slight left
2954 ft · 38 sec
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14
Continue straight
2.4 mi · 3 min
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15
Continue on Sullivan Gardens Drive
3.1 mi · 4 min · Sullivan Gardens Drive
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16
Continue on South Wilcox Drive
1.5 mi · 2 min · South Wilcox Drive
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17
Continue on Sullivan Gardens Parkway
1.4 mi · 2 min · Sullivan Gardens Parkway
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18
Turn left onto South Wilcox Drive
2.6 mi · 5 min · South Wilcox Drive
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19
Turn left onto East Sullivan Street
1108 ft · 24 sec · East Sullivan Street
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20
Turn slight left onto East Main Street
1.2 km · 1 min · East Main Street
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21
Turn right onto Broad Street
577 ft · 16 sec · Broad Street
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22
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Broad Street
14 m · 1 sec · Broad Street
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23
Exit the roundabout onto Broad Street
132 m · 19 sec · Broad Street
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24
Turn left onto West Center Street
698 ft · 24 sec · West Center Street
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25
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Center Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Athens and Kingsport.
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
50.5 mi · 00h 54m
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 Kingsport.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Athens to Kingsport?
The road trip is about 158.4 miles (254.9 km) and usually takes 02h 25m 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?
Sevierville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 77.1 miles from Athens and 81.2 miles from Kingsport.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 136.8 miles (220.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 21.6 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 1:40 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.08 one way or $42.16 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Athens and Showers And Thunderstorms near Kingsport.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Athens and Kingsport. Straight-line distance: 136.84 mi (220.23 km).
#1 Athens
Town in Tennessee, United States
| Population | 14,120 |
| Coordinates | 35.4428500, -84.5929900 |
| Altitude | 262 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Kingsport
The most populous city in Sullivan County, Tennessee.
| Population | 54,112 |
| Coordinates | 36.5484300, -82.5618200 |
| Altitude | 369 |
| Country | United States |
End: West Center Street (-82.561722, 36.548537)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 255 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 10m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.08 | $42.16 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.77 | $47.55 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.02 | $52.03 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.65 | $59.30 |
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.