How far is Athens, TN from Knoxville, TN?
The driving distance from Athens, TN to Knoxville, TN is about 58.1 miles (93.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 52 miles (83.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 54m 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 00h 57m.
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.
Human settlement in Loudon County, Tennessee, United States of America
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 Knoxville.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Athens and Knoxville.
-
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
2.9 mi · 4 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
2116 ft · 28 sec
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11
Keep slight left to continue on Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
2403 ft · 56 sec
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12
Continue on Henley Street
1238 ft · 27 sec · Henley Street
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13
Continue on Henley Street
78 m · 12 sec · Henley Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Henley Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Athens and Knoxville.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
John J Duncan Parkway
Merge slight left
48.7 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 Knoxville.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Athens to Knoxville?
The road trip is about 58.1 miles (93.5 km) and usually takes 00h 57m 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?
Loudon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 29 miles from Athens and 29.1 miles from Knoxville.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 52 miles (83.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.1 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 4:36 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.73 one way or $15.46 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Athens and Showers And Thunderstorms near Knoxville.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Athens and Knoxville. Straight-line distance: 51.98 mi (83.66 km).
#1 Athens
Town in Tennessee, United States
| Population | 14,120 |
| Coordinates | 35.4428500, -84.5929900 |
| Altitude | 262 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Knoxville
The most populous city in Tennessee.
| Population | 190,223 |
| Coordinates | 35.9606400, -83.9207400 |
| Altitude | 276 |
| Country | United States |
End: US 11 (-83.920795, 35.960617)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 94 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.73 | $15.46 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.72 | $17.44 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.54 | $19.08 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.87 | $21.75 |
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.