How far is Knoxville, TN from Mountain City, TN?
The driving distance from Knoxville, TN to Mountain City, TN is about 145.8 miles (234.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 42m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 123.2 miles (198.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 24m 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 42m.
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 Greene County, Tennessee, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Knoxville and Mountain City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Knoxville and Mountain City.
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1
Start on Henley Street
1056 ft · 20 sec · Henley Street
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2
Take the exit straight toward I 40, I 275 North: Nashville, Asheville, Lexington
1301 ft · 32 sec
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3
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East: Asheville
2104 ft · 51 sec
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4
Merge slight left
33.2 mi · 37 min
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5
Keep slight left to continue on I 81 North: Bristol
69.1 mi · 1 hr 14 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward SR 394: Blountville, Bristol
1452 ft · 35 sec
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7
Turn slight right onto I 81 Alt North
33 m · 5 sec
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8
Turn right onto Tennessee Ernie Ford Parkway
12.8 mi · 16 min · Tennessee Ernie Ford Parkway
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9
Turn right onto Carl Moore Parkway
9.1 mi · 10 min · Carl Moore Parkway
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10
Turn slight left
20.1 mi · 23 min
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11
Turn left onto West Main Street
1344 ft · 29 sec · West Main Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Knoxville and Mountain City.
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 North
Keep slight left to continue on I 81 North: Bristol
69.1 mi · 01h 14m
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 Knoxville and Chance Rain Showers near Mountain City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Knoxville to Mountain City?
The road trip is about 145.8 miles (234.6 km) and usually takes 02h 42m 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?
Baileyton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 72.8 miles from Knoxville and 72.9 miles from Mountain City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 123.2 miles (198.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.6 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 1:06 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.38 one way or $38.77 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 45.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny around Knoxville and Chance Rain Showers near Mountain City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Knoxville and Mountain City. Straight-line distance: 123.17 mi (198.23 km).
#1 Knoxville
The most populous city in Tennessee.
| Population | 190,223 |
| Coordinates | 35.9606400, -83.9207400 |
| Altitude | 276 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Mountain City
City in Johnson County, Tennessee, United States of America
| Population | 2,444 |
| Coordinates | 36.4745600, -81.8048400 |
| Altitude | 737 |
| Country | United States |
End: Mountain City (-81.80484, 36.47456)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 235 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 51m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 49m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.38 | $38.77 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.86 | $43.72 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $23.92 | $47.84 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $27.26 | $54.53 |
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.