How far is Knoxville, TN from Unicoi, TN?
The driving distance from Knoxville, TN to Unicoi, TN is about 115.2 miles (185.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 89.2 miles (143.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 18m 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 09m.
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 Hawkins County, Tennessee, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Knoxville and Unicoi.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Knoxville and Unicoi.
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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
56.6 mi · 1 hr 1 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 26 East, US 23 South: Johnson City, Asheville
2112 ft · 40 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto James H. Quillen Parkway
22.7 mi · 27 min · James H. Quillen Parkway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward TN 173
1599 ft · 45 sec
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9
Turn left
2073 ft · 44 sec
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10
At the end of the road, turn right onto Unicoi Drive
1.1 km · 1 min · Unicoi Drive
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Unicoi Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Knoxville and Unicoi.
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
56.6 mi · 01h 01m
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.
Sunny leaving Knoxville and Sunny near Unicoi.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Knoxville to Unicoi?
The road trip is about 115.2 miles (185.4 km) and usually takes 02h 09m 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?
Bulls Gap is a useful midpoint, sitting about 57.5 miles from Knoxville and 57.7 miles from Unicoi.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 89.2 miles (143.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 26 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 2:12 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.35 one way or $30.70 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Knoxville and Sunny near Unicoi.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Knoxville and Unicoi. Straight-line distance: 89.22 mi (143.59 km).
#1 Knoxville
The most populous city in Tennessee.
| Population | 190,223 |
| Coordinates | 35.9606400, -83.9207400 |
| Altitude | 276 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Unicoi
City in Unicoi County, Tennessee, United States of America
| Population | 3,579 |
| Coordinates | 36.1953900, -82.3495800 |
| Altitude | 586 |
| Country | United States |
End: Unicoi (-82.34958, 36.19539)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 185 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.35 | $30.70 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.31 | $34.62 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.94 | $37.88 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.59 | $43.17 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.