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Trip from Blaine, TN to Johnson City, TN

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

1h 54m

Distance

95.9 mi

154 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$15

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 25 min
4 AM
1h 46m ★
6 AM
1h 54m
8 AM
2h 11m
10 AM
2h 0m
12 PM
1h 58m
3 PM
2h 1m
5 PM
2h 10m
8 PM
1h 49m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Grainger County, Tennessee, United States

Blaine, TN

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Johnson City, TN, TN

Johnson City, TN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Blaine, TN to Johnson City, TN covers 95.9 miles and takes about 1h 54m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Lee Highway, James H. Quillen Parkway, Rutledge Pike for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 37.7 miles on Lee Highway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $14.99 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

48 miles from Blaine, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 56m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 54m. Total distance: 95.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (23%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Scenic Drive

Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.

Drive Character

Expect a 1h 54m drive with frequent turns across 95.9 miles of local and secondary roads.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Lee Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 37.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 11W; SR 1 / Rutledge Pike.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 95.9 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 11W; SR 1 / Rutledge Pike): Navigation decision point; at 27.4 miles (Old US 11W / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 72.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 10 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

4
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 11W; SR 1 / Rutledge Pike

Turn right onto US 11W; SR 1 / Rutledge Pike

Navigation decision point

4
27.4 mi into trip | ~31m in | Old US 11W / Main Street

Turn left onto Old US 11W / Main Street

Navigation decision point

7
72.4 mi into trip | ~1h 25m in

Take the exit toward I 26 East, US 23 South: Johnson City

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 26 East, US 23 South: Johnson City
5
95.2 mi into trip | ~1h 52m in

Take the exit toward TN 91

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 23 Toward TN 91
5
95.6 mi into trip | ~1h 53m in | Buffalo Street

Turn left onto Buffalo Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight lanes.

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Lee Highway 37.7 mi 44m
James H. Quillen Parkway 22.5 mi 26m
Rutledge Pike 14.2 mi 16m
Rogersville Bypass 14.1 mi 16m
West Stone Drive 3.5 mi 4m
Appalachian Highway 1.7 mi 1m
Main Street 1.2 mi 2m
East Market Street 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Lee Highway — 37.7 mi, about 44m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Blaine, TN and Johnson City, TN.

1

Start on Bates Drive

238 ft · 12 sec · Bates Drive
2

Turn right onto US 11W; SR 1

14 mi · 16 min · Rutledge Pike
3

Continue on US 11W; SR 1

12 mi · 13 min · Lee Highway
4

Merge onto US 11W; US 25E; SR 1; SR 32; ADHS S

1.7 mi · 1 min · Appalachian Highway
5

Turn left onto Old US 11W

1.2 mi · 2 min · Main Street
6

Turn left onto US 11W; SR 1

16 mi · 18 min · Lee Highway
7

Continue on US 11W; SR 1

3.4 mi · 3 min · Rogersville Bypass
8

Keep slight left at fork onto US 11W; SR 1

11 mi · 12 min · Rogersville Bypass
9

Continue on US 11W

10 mi · 11 min · Lee Highway
10

Continue on US 11W

1.1 mi · 1 min · West Stone Drive
11

Continue on US 11W

0.6 mi · 42 sec · Lee Highway
12

Continue on US 11W

2.3 mi · 2 min · West Stone Drive
13

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Toward I 26 East, US 23 South: Johnson City Use the slight right lane.
14

Merge onto I 26; US 23

22 mi · 26 min · James H. Quillen Parkway
15

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 15 sec
Exit 23 Toward TN 91
16

Turn right onto SR 91

0.3 mi · 38 sec · East Market Street
17

Turn left onto Buffalo Street

0.2 mi · 32 sec · Buffalo Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
18

Turn right

433 ft · 31 sec
19

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

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 48 miles from Blaine, TN, or about 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 37.7 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 21 miles or 24m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 48 miles or 56m 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 32m

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 Blaine, TN so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Blaine, TN

This is one driving day of about 95.9 miles and 1h 54m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Blaine, TN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Lee Highway for about 37.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 48 mi from Blaine, TN · 56m into the drive

county seat of Hawkins County, Tennessee, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Rogersville, TN

48 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.

Popular next leg

Rogersville, TN to Johnson City, TN

50.5 mi · 57m

Pacing Suggestions

Bean Station, TN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Rogersville, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 48 miles from Blaine, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Down Home Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Rutledge, Tennessee

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 13.7

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18658283000

Visit website

Two Dads Cafe 'N Catering

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kingsport, Tennessee

2.5 mi

Clinch Mountain Bakery & Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Thorn Hill, Tennessee

2.7 mi

Down Home Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 13.7

Rutledge, Tennessee

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18658283000

Visit website

Two Dads Cafe 'N Catering

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 75.4

Kingsport, Tennessee

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+14233924005

Visit website

Clinch Mountain Bakery & Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 20.6

Thorn Hill, Tennessee

Hours: 8 am–5:30 pm

+14232485009

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Cumberland Gap was the first great gateway to the west. Come follow the path of bison, Native Americans, longhunters, and pioneers. Walk where 300,000 people crossed the Appalachians to settle America...

24 mi from route ~60 min detour Free near mile 16.5
Park Closure: Little Yellow Creek Bridge Closure - Construction Underway
Park Closure: Bartlett Park Restrooms Closed
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.99 one way

$29.99 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 34 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $16.46 $32.92
premium $4.89 $18.46 $36.91
diesel $5.61 $21.17 $42.35

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$15

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$40–$65

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 33.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 28.8 0 $10.07 $4.60
Efficient EV 24 0 $8.39 $3.84
EV Truck/SUV 38.4 0 $13.43 $6.14

Gas CO2

34 kg

EV CO2

11 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Blaine, TN

Late night in Blaine on Friday

Local time

12:37 AM

EDT

Current temp

72°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Johnson City, TN

Late night in Johnson City on Friday

Local time

12:37 AM

EDT

Current temp

44°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

28 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

1h 54m 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 Blaine, TN to Johnson City, TN covers 95.9 miles and takes about 1h 54m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Lee Highway, James H. Quillen Parkway, Rutledge Pike. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 48 miles from Blaine, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $14.99 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 95.9 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 11W; SR 1 / Rutledge Pike): Navigation decision point; at 27.4 miles (Old US 11W / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 72.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Blaine, TN to Johnson City, TN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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