How far is Knoxville, TN from Athens, TN?
The driving distance from Knoxville, TN to Athens, TN is about 58 miles (93.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 08m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 52 miles (83.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 17m 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 08m.
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.
Human settlement in Loudon County, Tennessee, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Knoxville and Athens.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Knoxville and Athens.
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1
Start on Henley Street
1056 ft · 20 sec · Henley Street
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2
Continue on Henley Street
727 ft · 14 sec · Henley Street
-
3
Turn slight left onto Western Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · Western Avenue
-
4
Turn left onto Ailor Avenue
2326 ft · 43 sec · Ailor Avenue
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5
Take the ramp straight toward I 40 West, I 75 South
1637 ft · 40 sec
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6
Merge slight left
18.3 mi · 21 min
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 75 South: Chattanooga
32.5 mi · 35 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward TN 305: Athens
1361 ft · 33 sec
-
9
Keep slight left
45 m · 6 sec
-
10
Turn straight onto Highway 305
2.1 mi · 4 min · Highway 305
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11
Continue on Ingleside Avenue
2.9 mi · 5 min · Ingleside Avenue
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12
Turn right onto Washington Avenue
766 ft · 15 sec · Washington Avenue
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Knoxville 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 75 South
Keep slight left to continue on I 75 South: Chattanooga
32.5 mi · 00h 35m
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.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Knoxville and Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Athens.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Knoxville to Athens?
The road trip is about 58 miles (93.3 km) and usually takes 01h 08m 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?
Loudon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 29 miles from Knoxville and 29 miles from Athens.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 52 miles (83.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 6 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 4:12 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.69 one way or $15.39 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers around Knoxville and Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Athens.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Knoxville and Athens. Straight-line distance: 51.98 mi (83.66 km).
#1 Knoxville
The most populous city in Tennessee.
| Population | 190,223 |
| Coordinates | 35.9606400, -83.9207400 |
| Altitude | 276 |
| 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: 93 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.69 | $15.39 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.68 | $17.35 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.49 | $18.99 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.82 | $21.64 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.