How far is Dayton, TN from Johnson City, TN?
The driving distance from Dayton, TN to Johnson City, TN is about 185.5 miles (298.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 159.2 miles (256.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 44m 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 52m.
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.
Census-designated place in Knox County, Tennessee
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Dayton and Johnson City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dayton and Johnson City.
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1
Start on 2nd Avenue
48 m · 11 sec · 2nd Avenue
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2
Turn right onto Market Street
105 m · 14 sec · Market Street
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3
Turn right onto 3rd Avenue
1348 ft · 25 sec · 3rd Avenue
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4
Turn left
26.2 mi · 34 min
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5
Merge slight left onto Spring City Highway
4.1 mi · 5 min · Spring City Highway
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6
Continue on South Gateway Avenue
2.7 mi · 3 min · South Gateway Avenue
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7
Continue on Roane State Highway
5.4 mi · 6 min · Roane State Highway
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8
Take the exit slight right
2170 ft · 53 sec
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9
Merge slight left
36.6 mi · 41 min
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10
Keep slight left
36.7 mi · 41 min
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11
Keep slight left to continue on I 81 North: Bristol
56.6 mi · 1 hr 1 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward I 26 East, US 23 South: Johnson City, Asheville
2112 ft · 40 sec
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13
Merge slight left onto James H. Quillen Parkway
14 mi · 17 min · James H. Quillen Parkway
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14
Take the exit slight right toward TN 91
614 ft · 15 sec
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15
Turn right onto East Market Street
1705 ft · 38 sec · East Market Street
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16
Turn left onto Buffalo Street
977 ft · 32 sec · Buffalo Street
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17
Turn right
132 m · 32 sec
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Dayton 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.
Partly Sunny leaving Dayton 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 Dayton to Johnson City?
The road trip is about 185.5 miles (298.5 km) and usually takes 02h 52m 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?
Mascot is a useful midpoint, sitting about 92 miles from Dayton and 93.5 miles from Johnson City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 159.2 miles (256.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.3 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 12:46 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.70 one way or $49.40 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 58.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Dayton and Showers And Thunderstorms near Johnson City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Dayton and Johnson City. Straight-line distance: 159.21 mi (256.23 km).
#1 Dayton
City and county seat in Rhea County, Tennessee, United States
| Population | 7,332 |
| Coordinates | 35.4939600, -85.0124500 |
| Altitude | 212 |
| 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: 299 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 10m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 38m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.70 | $49.40 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.86 | $55.71 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $30.48 | $60.97 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $34.74 | $69.48 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.