How far is Johnson City, TN from Columbia, TN?
The driving distance from Johnson City, TN to Columbia, TN is about 326.2 miles (524.9 km), with a travel time of about 05h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 266.2 miles (428.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 59m 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 05h 59m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in Cumberland County, Tennessee, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Areas Of Fog
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Johnson City and Columbia.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Johnson City and Columbia.
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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 right to continue on Nashville
132.7 mi · 2 hr 23 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward I 840 West: Memphis, Murfreesboro
1.1 mi · 1 min
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14
Continue on Tennessee National Guard Parkway
44.6 mi · 48 min · Tennessee National Guard Parkway
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15
Take the exit slight right toward I 65: Nashville, Huntsville
1805 ft · 22 sec
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16
Keep slight left to continue on I 65 South: Huntsville
1.6 mi · 3 min
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17
Merge slight left
11.5 mi · 12 min
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18
Take the exit slight right toward 412, 99: Columbia, Chapel Hill
1053 ft · 23 sec
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19
Keep slight right to continue on 412: Columbia
49 m · 5 sec
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20
Turn right onto Bear Creek Pike
7.1 mi · 8 min · Bear Creek Pike
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21
Turn left onto Nashville Highway
1.4 mi · 2 min · Nashville Highway
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22
Continue on North Garden Street
2506 ft · 58 sec · North Garden Street
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23
Turn left onto West 7th Street
24 m · 2 sec · West 7th Street
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24
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 7th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Johnson City and Columbia.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
Nashville
Keep slight right to continue on Nashville
133 mi · 02h 23m
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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Johnson City and Areas Of Fog near Columbia.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Johnson City to Columbia?
The road trip is about 326.2 miles (524.9 km) and usually takes 05h 59m 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?
Crab Orchard is a useful midpoint, sitting about 162.9 miles from Johnson City and 163.2 miles from Columbia.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 266.2 miles (428.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 60 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 5:00 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $43.40 one way or $86.81 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 102.3 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Johnson City and Columbia, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Johnson City and Areas Of Fog near Columbia.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Johnson City and Columbia. Straight-line distance: 266.2 mi (428.41 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 Columbia
The county seat of Maury County, Tennessee.
| Population | 41,826 |
| Coordinates | 35.6150700, -87.0352800 |
| Altitude | 196 |
| Country | United States |
End: Columbia (-87.03528, 35.61507)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 525 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 10h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 08h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $43.40 | $86.81 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $48.95 | $97.90 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $53.57 | $107.14 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $61.05 | $122.10 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.