How far is Johnson City, TN from Watertown, TN?
The driving distance from Johnson City, TN to Watertown, TN is about 114.4 miles (184.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 28m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 89.5 miles (144 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 56m 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 28m.
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.
City in Hamilton County, Tennessee, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers
Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Johnson City and Watertown.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Johnson City and Watertown.
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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
13.3 mi · 14 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward SR 66: Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg
1151 ft · 28 sec
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13
Keep slight left to continue on SR 66: Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg
591 ft · 16 sec
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14
Continue on Winfield Dunn Parkway
8.7 mi · 11 min · Winfield Dunn Parkway
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15
Continue on Forks of the River Parkway
3212 ft · 46 sec · Forks of the River Parkway
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16
Turn right onto Parkway
4 mi · 5 min · Parkway
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17
Turn right onto Wears Valley Road
2.8 mi · 5 min · Wears Valley Road
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18
Turn right onto Waldens Creek Road
7.9 mi · 19 min · Waldens Creek Road
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19
Continue on East Millers Cove Road
4.6 mi · 11 min · East Millers Cove Road
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20
Turn left
10 m · 2 sec
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Johnson City and Watertown.
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.
Rain Showers leaving Johnson City and Rain Showers near Watertown.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Johnson City to Watertown?
The road trip is about 114.4 miles (184.1 km) and usually takes 02h 28m 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?
East Ridge is a useful midpoint, sitting about 57.2 miles from Johnson City and 57.2 miles from Watertown.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 89.5 miles (144 km), while the road route adds roughly 24.9 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 1:34 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.23 one way or $30.47 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 35.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers around Johnson City and Rain Showers near Watertown.
Stop Ideas Near East Ridge
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 East Ridge.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Johnson City and Watertown. Straight-line distance: 89.47 mi (143.99 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 Watertown
City in Wilson County, Tennessee, United States
| Population | 1,536 |
| Coordinates | 35.7381400, -83.7879500 |
| Altitude | 303 |
| Country | United States |
End: Watertown (-83.78795, 35.73814)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 184 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.23 | $30.47 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.18 | $34.36 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.80 | $37.60 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.43 | $42.86 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.