How far is Knoxville, TN from Dayton, TN?
The driving distance from Knoxville, TN to Dayton, TN is about 79.5 miles (128 km), with a travel time of about 01h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 69.2 miles (111.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 10m 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 35m.
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.
Neighborhood in Manhattan in New York City
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Knoxville and Dayton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Knoxville and Dayton.
-
1
Start on Henley Street
1056 ft · 20 sec · Henley Street
-
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
-
5
Take the ramp straight toward I 40 West, I 75 South
1637 ft · 40 sec
-
6
Merge slight left
18.3 mi · 21 min
-
7
Keep slight right to continue on Nashville
20.2 mi · 22 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward US 27, TN 61: Harriman, Rockwood
1143 ft · 30 sec
-
9
Turn left onto South Roane Street
2.3 mi · 3 min · South Roane Street
-
10
Continue on North Gateway Avenue
6.2 mi · 7 min · North Gateway Avenue
-
11
Continue on Spring City Highway
4.4 mi · 5 min · Spring City Highway
-
12
Continue on Rhea County Highway
25.9 mi · 33 min · Rhea County Highway
-
13
Take the exit right
61 m · 6 sec
-
14
Turn straight onto 3rd Avenue
734 ft · 18 sec · 3rd Avenue
-
15
Turn left onto Church Street
107 m · 18 sec · Church Street
-
16
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue
92 m · 13 sec · 2nd Avenue
-
17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 2nd Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Knoxville and Dayton.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Rhea County Highway
Continue on Rhea County Highway
25.9 mi · 00h 33m
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 Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Knoxville and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Dayton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Knoxville to Dayton?
The road trip is about 79.5 miles (128 km) and usually takes 01h 35m 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?
Midtown is a useful midpoint, sitting about 39.8 miles from Knoxville and 39.8 miles from Dayton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 69.2 miles (111.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.3 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 3:20 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.60 one way or $21.19 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 25 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Knoxville and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Dayton.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Knoxville and Dayton. Straight-line distance: 69.2 mi (111.37 km).
#1 Knoxville
The most populous city in Tennessee.
| Population | 190,223 |
| Coordinates | 35.9606400, -83.9207400 |
| Altitude | 276 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Dayton
City and county seat in Rhea County, Tennessee, United States
| Population | 7,332 |
| Coordinates | 35.4939600, -85.0124500 |
| Altitude | 212 |
| Country | United States |
End: Dayton (-85.01245, 35.49396)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 128 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $10.60 | $21.19 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.95 | $23.90 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $13.08 | $26.16 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $14.90 | $29.81 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.