Origin
Alcoa, TN
Night in Alcoa on Sunday
Local time
9:46 PM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Alcoa, TN to Kingsport, TN
Drive Time
2h 17m
Distance
113.2 mi
182 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$17
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 8m
★
6 AM
2h 17m
8 AM
2h 36m
10 AM
2h 24m
12 PM
2h 22m
3 PM
2h 25m
5 PM
2h 35m
8 PM
2h 11m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Alcoa, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
Traveling from Alcoa to Kingsport covers 113.2 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 17 minutes. Because this journey is relatively short, it is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $17 on fuel for the trek through Southeast Tennessee. The route relies heavily on major thoroughfares like I-40 and I-81, making it a straightforward navigation experience. Whether you are commuting or heading out for a quick visit, this drive offers a reliable and efficient connection between these two cities.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
56.6 miles from Alcoa, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 11m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 79% of your time spent on high-speed roads. You will transition from Alcoa Highway onto the interstates, where you can settle into a steady pace. A significant portion of your travel includes a 50.5-mile stretch on I-81, which serves as the longest uninterrupted segment of the drive. Expect a utilitarian, interstate-heavy personality rather than winding backroads or technical turns. Being behind the wheel here is largely about maintaining consistent speeds while navigating the primary transport corridors of the region.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 34 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 81 is the longest continuous segment at about 50.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and I 40. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 15 miles in.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 113.2 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 15 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 15.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 49.6 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 22 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
15 mi into trip
|
~25m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 40 East, I 275 North: Asheville, Lexington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 40 East, I 275 North: Asheville, Lexin...
6
15.1 mi into trip
|
~25m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 40 East, I 275 North: Asheville, Lexington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 40 East, I 275 North: Asheville, Lexin...
6
49.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 4m in
|
I 81
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 North: Bristol
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 421
Toward I 81 North: Bristol
8
100.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 58m in
Keep slight right at fork toward SR 93: Jonesborough, Fall Branch
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 50
Toward SR 93: Jonesborough, Fall Branch
7
113 mi into trip
|
~2h 16m in
|
TN 36 / West Center Street
Turn left onto TN 36 / West Center Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Towns Along This Route
Between Alcoa, TN and Kingsport, TN, road signs point toward Lexington and Fall Branch.
Lexington
15 mi in
|
~25m
Fall Branch
100.1 mi in
|
~1h 58m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 81 | 50.5 mi | 54m |
| I 40 | 34.2 mi | 37m |
| Alcoa Highway | 5.3 mi | 6m |
| South Wilcox Drive | 4.1 mi | 6m |
| Old Knoxville Highway | 3.2 mi | 5m |
| Sullivan Gardens Drive | 3.1 mi | 3m |
| TN 93 | 2.4 mi | 2m |
| Russell Road | 1.7 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 50.5 mi, about 54m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alcoa, TN and Kingsport, TN.
1
Start on Springbrook Road
23 ft
·
1 sec
·
Springbrook Road
2
Continue on Springbrook Road
79 ft
·
3 sec
·
Springbrook Road
3
At end of road, turn left onto Springbrook Road
94 ft
·
3 sec
·
Springbrook Road
4
Turn left onto Springbrook Road
115 ft
·
3 sec
·
Springbrook Road
5
Continue on East Edison Street
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
East Edison Street
6
Turn left onto North Wright Road
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
North Wright Road
7
Turn right onto SR 335
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
East Hunt Road
8
Turn left onto Russell Road
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Russell Road
9
Turn left onto Williams Mill Road
0.3 mi
·
53 sec
·
Williams Mill Road
10
At end of road, turn left onto SR 33
3.2 mi
·
5 min
·
Old Knoxville Highway
11
Continue on SR 33
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Maryville Pike
12
Turn left onto Old Maryville Pike
0.1 mi
·
30 sec
·
Old Maryville Pike
13
Turn left onto SR 168
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
West Governor John Sevier Highway
14
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
15
Merge onto US 129
5.3 mi
·
6 min
·
Alcoa Highway
16
Keep slight right at fork
494 ft
·
9 sec
Toward I 40 East, I 275 North: Asheville, Lexington
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
Toward I 40 East, I 275 North: Asheville, Lexington
18
Merge onto I 40
34 mi
·
37 min
·
I 40
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
51 mi
·
54 min
·
I 81
Exit 421
Toward I 81 North: Bristol
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 50
Toward SR 93: Jonesborough, Fall Branch
21
Keep slight right at fork
509 ft
·
14 sec
Exit 50
Toward SR 93: Jonesborough, Fall Branch
22
Merge onto SR 93
0.6 mi
·
38 sec
·
SR 93
23
Continue on TN 93
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
TN 93
24
Continue on SR 93
3.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Sullivan Gardens Drive
25
Continue on SR 93
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Wilcox Drive
26
Continue on SR 93
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Sullivan Gardens Parkway
27
Turn left onto SR 126
2.6 mi
·
4 min
·
South Wilcox Drive
Use the straight lane.
28
Turn left onto East Sullivan Street
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
East Sullivan Street
29
Turn slight left onto East Main Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
East Main Street
30
Turn right onto Broad Street
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
Broad Street
31
Enter roundabout onto Broad Street
46 ft
·
1 sec
·
Broad Street
32
Continue on Broad Street
433 ft
·
19 sec
·
Broad Street
33
Turn left onto TN 36
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
·
West Center Street
Use the none lane.
34
Arrive at destination
TN 36
Trip Plan
Since your total drive time is just over two hours, you have plenty of flexibility in your schedule to leave whenever it suits your plans. You won't need to worry about planning formal stops to break up the journey, as the duration is manageable without a designated rest period. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before merging onto the interstates, as your estimated $17 budget will be most efficiently spent if you fill up before hitting the heavy highway segments. Because the route is dominated by I-81 and I-40, be prepared for typical interstate traffic volume throughout your transit. Utilizing the 113.2-mile distance as a single stretch allows you to reach Kingsport efficiently, giving you more time to enjoy your destination once you arrive.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 56.6 miles from Alcoa, TN, or about 1h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 50.5 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 80 miles or 1h 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 56.6 miles or 1h 11m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kingsport, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Alcoa, TN so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Alcoa, TN
This is one driving day of about 113.2 miles and 2h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Alcoa, TN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on I 81 for about 50.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 56.6 mi from Alcoa, TN · 1h 11m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
57 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 56.6 miles from Alcoa, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Kingsport, TN
The final approach into Kingsport, TN usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Kingsport, TN.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$17.19 one way
$34.39 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
40 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $18.95 | $37.91 |
| premium | $4.80 | $21.37 | $42.74 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $25.15 | $50.30 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$42–$67
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 39.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 34 | 0 | $11.89 | $5.43 |
| Efficient EV | 28.3 | 0 | $9.91 | $4.53 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 45.3 | 0 | $15.85 | $7.24 |
Gas CO2
40 kg
EV CO2
13 kg (68% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Kingsport, TN
Night in Kingsport on Sunday
Local time
9:46 PM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
3 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 17m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Alcoa, TN to Kingsport, TN covers 113.2 miles and takes about 2h 17m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 81, I 40, Alcoa Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 56.6 miles from Alcoa, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $17.19 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 113.2 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 15 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 15.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 49.6 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Between Alcoa, TN and Kingsport, TN, road signs point toward Lexington and Fall Branch.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Kingsport, TN
More trips to Kingsport, TN
Explore more options from Alcoa, TN or browse trips ending in Kingsport, TN.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TN road trips.
Explore maps for Alcoa, TN or Kingsport, TN on MapSof.net.