How far is Johnson City, TN from Knoxville, TN?
The driving distance from Johnson City, TN to Knoxville, TN is about 106.5 miles (171.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 37m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 90.8 miles (146.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 15m 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 37m.
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.
Partly Sunny
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Johnson City and Knoxville.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Johnson City and Knoxville.
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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
31.5 mi · 34 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward SR 158 West: Downtown, University of Tennessee
1323 ft · 27 sec
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13
Keep slight left to continue on TN 158 West, South US 441: James White Parkway, Downtown, University of Tennessee
1.5 km · 2 min
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14
Continue on James White Parkway
1932 ft · 24 sec · James White Parkway
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15
Keep slight right to continue on Neyland Drive
769 ft · 15 sec · Neyland Drive
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16
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown, Cumerland Avenue
1204 ft · 31 sec
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17
Continue on Cumberland Avenue
1739 ft · 37 sec · Cumberland Avenue
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18
Turn left onto Henley Street
120 m · 17 sec · Henley Street
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19
Continue on Henley Street
78 m · 12 sec · Henley Street
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Henley Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Johnson City 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.
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 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 Johnson City and Partly Sunny then Chance 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 Johnson City to Knoxville?
The road trip is about 106.5 miles (171.4 km) and usually takes 01h 37m 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 miles from Johnson City and 53.5 miles from Knoxville.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 90.8 miles (146.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.7 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 3:14 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.18 one way or $28.36 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 33.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Johnson City and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Knoxville.
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 Johnson City and Knoxville. Straight-line distance: 90.79 mi (146.11 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 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: 171 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 19m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.18 | $28.36 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.99 | $31.98 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.50 | $35.00 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $19.94 | $39.89 |
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 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.