How far is Gatlinburg, TN from Johnson City, TN?
The driving distance from Gatlinburg, TN to Johnson City, TN is about 108.1 miles (173.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 76.9 miles (123.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 58m 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 01h 59m.
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 Hawkins County, Tennessee, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Gatlinburg and Johnson City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gatlinburg and Johnson City.
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1
Start on the route
16 m · 4 sec
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2
Turn slight right
108 m · 32 sec
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3
At the end of the road, turn left onto Parkway
1.2 mi · 4 min · Parkway
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4
Continue on Gatlinburg Spur Road
4.2 mi · 8 min · Gatlinburg Spur Road
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5
Continue on Parkway
7.1 mi · 12 min · Parkway
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6
Take the exit left toward US 411 North
38 m · 6 sec
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7
Turn left onto Forks of the River Parkway
3212 ft · 46 sec · Forks of the River Parkway
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8
Continue on Winfield Dunn Parkway
8.4 mi · 11 min · Winfield Dunn Parkway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 40 East: Asheville
1850 ft · 45 sec
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10
Merge slight left
13.4 mi · 14 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 Gatlinburg 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.
Sunny leaving Gatlinburg and Sunny near Johnson City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gatlinburg to Johnson City?
The road trip is about 108.1 miles (173.9 km) and usually takes 01h 59m 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?
Bulls Gap is a useful midpoint, sitting about 53.5 miles from Gatlinburg and 54.6 miles from Johnson City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 76.9 miles (123.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 31.2 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 2:32 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.37 one way or $28.74 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 33.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Gatlinburg and Sunny near Johnson City.
Stop Ideas Near Bulls Gap
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Parrottsville, Tennessee Official Website
Parrottsville City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Bulls Gap.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gatlinburg and Johnson City. Straight-line distance: 76.83 mi (123.65 km).
#1 Gatlinburg
Resort city in Sevier County, Tennessee
| Population | 3,779 |
| Coordinates | 35.7145300, -83.5118900 |
| Altitude | 394 |
| 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: 174 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.37 | $28.74 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.20 | $32.41 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.73 | $35.46 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.21 | $40.42 |
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 · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.