How far is Kingsport, TN from Athens, TN?
The driving distance from Kingsport, TN to Athens, TN is about 153.6 miles (247.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 136.8 miles (220.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 51m 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 55m.
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 Seiver County, Tennessee, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kingsport and Athens.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kingsport and Athens.
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1
Start on West Center Street
636 ft · 24 sec · West Center Street
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2
Turn right onto Broad Street
133 m · 12 sec · Broad Street
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3
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Broad Street
15 m · 2 sec · Broad Street
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4
Exit the roundabout onto Broad Street
573 ft · 21 sec · Broad Street
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5
Turn left onto East Main Street
1.2 km · 1 min · East Main Street
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6
Continue on East Sullivan Street
1054 ft · 24 sec · East Sullivan Street
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7
Turn right onto South Wilcox Drive
2.6 mi · 5 min · South Wilcox Drive
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8
Turn right onto Sullivan Gardens Parkway
1.5 mi · 2 min · Sullivan Gardens Parkway
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9
Continue on South Wilcox Drive
1.5 mi · 2 min · South Wilcox Drive
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10
Continue on Sullivan Gardens Drive
3.1 mi · 4 min · Sullivan Gardens Drive
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11
Continue straight
2.3 mi · 3 min
-
12
Continue straight
1627 ft · 21 sec
-
13
Take the exit slight right
1754 ft · 42 sec
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14
Merge slight left
49.4 mi · 53 min
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15
Continue on I 40 West: Knoxville
1.1 km · 45 sec
-
16
Merge slight left
52.8 mi · 59 min
-
17
Keep slight left to continue on I 75 South: Chattanooga
32.5 mi · 35 min
-
18
Take the exit slight right toward TN 305: Athens
1361 ft · 33 sec
-
19
Keep slight left
45 m · 6 sec
-
20
Turn straight onto Highway 305
2.1 mi · 4 min · Highway 305
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21
Continue on Ingleside Avenue
2.9 mi · 5 min · Ingleside Avenue
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22
Turn right onto Washington Avenue
766 ft · 15 sec · Washington Avenue
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kingsport 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 40 West
Merge slight left
52.8 mi · 00h 59m
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny leaving Kingsport 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 Kingsport to Athens?
The road trip is about 153.6 miles (247.2 km) and usually takes 02h 55m 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?
Sevierville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 76.7 miles from Kingsport and 76.9 miles from Athens.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 136.8 miles (220.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.8 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:38 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.44 one way or $40.88 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 48.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny around Kingsport and Mostly Sunny near Athens.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kingsport and Athens. Straight-line distance: 136.84 mi (220.23 km).
#1 Kingsport
The most populous city in Sullivan County, Tennessee.
| Population | 54,112 |
| Coordinates | 36.5484300, -82.5618200 |
| Altitude | 369 |
| 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: 247 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 07m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 04m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 54m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.44 | $40.88 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.05 | $46.10 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.22 | $50.45 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.75 | $57.50 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.