How far is Johnson City, TN from Athens, TN?
The driving distance from Johnson City, TN to Athens, TN is about 162.9 miles (262.2 km), with a travel time of about 03h 05m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 139.1 miles (223.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 10m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 05m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Johnson City and Athens.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Johnson City and Athens.
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1
Start on the route
132 m · 35 sec
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2
Turn left onto Buffalo Street
1620 ft · 56 sec · Buffalo Street
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3
Turn left onto North Roan Street
1633 ft · 37 sec · North Roan Street
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4
Turn right onto East Watauga Avenue
1812 ft · 45 sec · East Watauga Avenue
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5
Turn left onto Oak Street
135 m · 11 sec · Oak Street
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6
Take the ramp straight
962 ft · 24 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto James H. Quillen Parkway
13.7 mi · 16 min · James H. Quillen Parkway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 81 South: Knoxville
1100 ft · 38 sec
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9
Merge slight left
56.4 mi · 1 hr
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10
Continue on I 40 West: Knoxville
1.1 km · 45 sec
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11
Merge slight left
52.8 mi · 59 min
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12
Keep slight left to continue on I 75 South: Chattanooga
32.5 mi · 35 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward TN 305: Athens
1361 ft · 33 sec
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14
Keep slight left
45 m · 6 sec
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15
Turn straight onto Highway 305
2.1 mi · 4 min · Highway 305
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16
Continue on Ingleside Avenue
2.9 mi · 5 min · Ingleside Avenue
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17
Turn right onto Washington Avenue
766 ft · 15 sec · Washington Avenue
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Johnson City and Athens.
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 South
Merge slight left
56.4 mi · 01h 00m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Sunny leaving Johnson City and Mostly Sunny near Athens.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Johnson City to Athens?
The road trip is about 162.9 miles (262.2 km) and usually takes 03h 05m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Dandridge is a useful midpoint, sitting about 81.4 miles from Johnson City and 81.5 miles from Athens.
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 23.8 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:50 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.68 one way or $43.37 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Johnson City and Mostly Sunny near Athens.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Johnson City and Athens. Straight-line distance: 139.06 mi (223.79 km).
#1 Johnson City
The most populous city in Washington County, Tennessee.
| Population | 66,906 |
| Coordinates | 36.3134400, -82.3534700 |
| Altitude | 498 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Athens
Town in Tennessee, United States
| Population | 14,120 |
| Coordinates | 35.4428500, -84.5929900 |
| Altitude | 262 |
| Country | United States |
End: Athens (-84.59299, 35.44285)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 262 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 04m |
| 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 | $21.68 | $43.37 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.45 | $48.91 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.76 | $53.52 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.50 | $61.00 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.