Origin
Altamont, TN
Evening in Altamont on Sunday
Local time
7:33 PM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Altamont, TN to Johnson City, TN
Drive Time
4h 59m
Distance
248.2 mi
399 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$38
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 46m
★
6 AM
4h 59m
8 AM
5h 26m
10 AM
5h 9m
12 PM
5h 6m
3 PM
5h 10m
5 PM
5h 25m
8 PM
4h 51m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Altamont, TN
Kelly
Johnson City, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
Spanning 248.2 miles across the heart of Tennessee, this drive from Altamont to Johnson City typically takes about 4 hours and 59 minutes. Because the route is highway-focused, you can comfortably complete the journey in a single day, making it an efficient way to cross the state. Expect to spend approximately $38 on fuel for the trip. You will travel entirely within the Southeast region, transitioning from the plateau area near Altamont toward the mountainous terrain of the northeast. This trek is straightforward and practical, serving as a reliable transit route rather than a leisurely backroads tour. Whether you are traveling for business or a quick getaway, the predictable nature of this connection allows for easy scheduling.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
124.1 miles from Altamont, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 41m into the drive .
Drive Character
With 88% of this trip taking place on major highways, you should prepare for a consistent, fast-paced experience behind the wheel. You will navigate a mix of US 27, I-40, and I-81, which keeps the flow of traffic moving steadily throughout the duration. The longest uninterrupted segment you will encounter is a 73.3-mile stretch on I-40, requiring you to stay alert during long periods of interstate driving. As you progress from the southern portion of the state toward Johnson City, the character of the road remains centered on high-speed efficiency. It is a functional drive designed for those who prioritize arriving at their destination quickly while maintaining a steady cruising rhythm.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 40 is the longest continuous segment at about 73.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 48.6 miles in near US 27.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 248.2 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 48.6 miles (US 27): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 103.2 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 139.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
48.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 10m in
|
US 27
Merge onto US 27
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
5
103.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 17m in
|
I 40
Merge onto I 40
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
139.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 58m in
|
I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
176.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 39m 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
6
233.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 40m in
Take the exit toward I 26 East, US 23 South: Johnson City, Asheville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 57A
Toward I 26 East, US 23 South: Johnson City, As...
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Altamont, TN to Johnson City, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Asheville along the way.
Asheville
233.1 mi in
|
~4h 40m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 73.3 mi | 1h 21m |
| I 81 | 56.6 mi | 1h |
| US 27 | 41.9 mi | 52m |
| James H. Quillen Parkway | 14 mi | 16m |
| SR 111 | 11.5 mi | 13m |
| TN 8 | 8.4 mi | 11m |
| SR 108 | 7.2 mi | 10m |
| Roane State Highway | 5.4 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 73.3 mi, about 1h 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Altamont, TN and Johnson City, TN.
1
Start on Cumberland Street
526 ft
·
24 sec
·
Cumberland Street
2
Turn left onto SR 56
4.6 mi
·
6 min
·
Main Street
3
Turn left onto SR 108
7.2 mi
·
10 min
·
SR 108
4
Turn left onto SR 399
5.3 mi
·
9 min
·
Barkertown Road
5
Continue on SR 399
3.8 mi
·
6 min
·
Artillery Road
6
Continue on SR 399
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Rifle Range Road
7
At end of road, turn right onto TN 8; TN 111
8.4 mi
·
11 min
·
TN 8; TN 111
8
Continue on SR 111
11 mi
·
13 min
·
SR 111
9
Continue on TN 111
5.3 mi
·
6 min
·
TN 111
10
Take the exit
0.9 mi
·
1 min
11
Merge onto US 27
42 mi
·
52 min
·
US 27
Use the none lane.
12
Merge onto US 27
4.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Spring City Highway
13
Continue on US 27; US 70
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
South Gateway Avenue
14
Continue on US 27; US 70
5.4 mi
·
6 min
·
Roane State Highway
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
16
Merge onto I 40
37 mi
·
40 min
·
I 40
Use the none lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
37 mi
·
40 min
·
I 40
Use the none lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
57 mi
·
1 hr
·
I 81
Exit 421
Toward I 81 North: Bristol
19
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 57A
Toward I 26 East, US 23 South: Johnson City, Asheville
20
Merge onto I 26; US 23
14 mi
·
16 min
·
James H. Quillen Parkway
21
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Exit 23
Toward TN 91
22
Turn right onto SR 91
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
East Market Street
23
Turn left onto Buffalo Street
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
Buffalo Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
24
Turn right
433 ft
·
31 sec
25
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4-hour and 59-minute transit, aim to leave early in the morning to avoid potential congestion on the busier stretches of I-40. Since the route is manageable in a single day, you only need to plan for one strategic stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Keeping your budget around $38 for gas is a safe bet, though it is wise to monitor your fuel levels before merging onto the longer interstate segments. Given the high highway percentage, prioritize checking for active road construction on I-81 before you depart. Being proactive with your timing ensures that the 248.2-mile journey remains a smooth and stress-free transition between these two Tennessee cities.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 124.1 miles from Altamont, TN, or about 2h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.3 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 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 124.1 miles or 2h 41m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Johnson City, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Altamont, 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 Altamont, TN
This is one driving day of about 248.2 miles and 4h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Altamont, TN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 73.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 124.1 mi from Altamont, TN · 2h 41m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
124 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 124.1 miles from Altamont, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 73.3 miles.
Arriving in Johnson City, TN
The final approach into Johnson City, 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 Johnson City, 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
$37.70 one way
$75.40 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
87 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $41.56 | $83.12 |
| premium | $4.80 | $46.86 | $93.71 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $55.14 | $110.28 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 74.5 | 0 | $26.06 | $11.91 |
| Efficient EV | 62.1 | 0 | $21.72 | $9.93 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 99.3 | 1 | $34.75 | $15.88 |
Gas CO2
87 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Johnson City, TN
Evening in Johnson City on Sunday
Local time
8:33 PM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
61°F
Johnson, TN
124 mi in
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
1 hour later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
6 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
4h 59m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Altamont, TN to Johnson City, TN covers 248.2 miles and takes about 4h 59m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, I 81, US 27. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 124.1 miles from Altamont, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $37.70 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 248.2 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 48.6 miles (US 27): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 103.2 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 139.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Altamont, TN to Johnson City, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Asheville along the way.
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