Origin
Brighton, TN
Night in Brighton on Tuesday
Local time
11:30 PM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Brighton, TN to Knoxville, TN
Data updated 1 hour ago
Drive Time
6h 53m
Distance
362.3 mi
583 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$57
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 42m
★
6 AM
6h 53m
8 AM
7h 16m
10 AM
7h 1m
12 PM
6h 59m
3 PM
7h 3m
5 PM
7h 15m
8 PM
6h 46m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Brighton, TN
Kelly
Knoxville, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
The drive from Brighton, TN to Knoxville, TN covers 362.3 miles and takes about 6h 53m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 40, State Route 54, East Main Street for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 318.2 miles on I 40. At current regular gas prices, budget about $56.64 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
181.2 miles from Brighton, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 33m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
This is a 6h 53m highway drive covering 362.3 miles, with most of the trip on I 40 and State Route 54. The longest continuous stretch is about 318.2 miles on I 40.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 23 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 318.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and State Route 54. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near Old Highway 51.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 362.3 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 0.3 miles (Old Highway 51): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 181.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 184.5 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.3 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Old Highway 51
Turn sharp right onto Old Highway 51
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
9
181.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 33m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 40 East, I 65 South: Knoxville, Huntsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 208A
Toward I 40 East, I 65 South: Knoxville, Huntsv...
9
184.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 38m in
|
I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 211A
Toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattan...
6
361.2 mi into trip
|
~6h 51m in
Take the exit toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 388
Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee Histor...
7
361.6 mi into trip
|
~6h 51m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 388
Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee Histor...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Brighton, TN and Knoxville, TN, road signs point toward Huntsville, Louisville and Chattanooga.
Huntsville
181.3 mi in
|
~3h 33m
Louisville
184 mi in
|
~3h 37m
|
via I 40
Chattanooga
184 mi in
|
~3h 37m
|
via I 40
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 318.2 mi | 5h 45m |
| State Route 54 | 21.7 mi | 32m |
| East Main Street | 9.7 mi | 14m |
| US 51 | 6.5 mi | 10m |
| Downtown Loop | 2.9 mi | 4m |
| Old Highway 51 | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| East Liberty Avenue | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| East Kenwood Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 318.2 mi, about 5h 45m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Brighton, TN and Knoxville, TN.
1
Start on East Kenwood Avenue
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
·
East Kenwood Avenue
2
Turn sharp right onto Old Highway 51
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Old Highway 51
3
Continue on Old State Route 51
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
Old State Route 51
4
Merge onto US 51
4.8 mi
·
7 min
·
US 51
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Continue on US 51; TN 59
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
US 51; TN 59
6
Turn right onto TN 54
0.3 mi
·
30 sec
·
West Pleasant Avenue
7
Turn left onto TN 54
302 ft
·
7 sec
·
South Maple Street
8
Turn right onto TN 54
0.4 mi
·
33 sec
·
East Liberty Avenue
9
Continue on TN 54
22 mi
·
32 min
·
State Route 54
10
Enter roundabout onto East Main Street
392 ft
·
7 sec
·
East Main Street
11
Continue on East Main Street
9.7 mi
·
14 min
·
East Main Street
12
Turn left
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Exit 66
Toward US 70: Fort Pillow State Historic Park
13
Merge onto I 40
141 mi
·
2 hr 32 min
·
I 40
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Exit 208A
Toward I 40 East, I 65 South: Knoxville, Huntsville
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 40; I 65
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 40
0.5 mi
·
42 sec
·
Downtown Loop
Exit 211B; 211A
Toward I 24 West, I 40 East, I 24 East: Clarksville, Louisville, Knoxville, Chattanooga
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
174 mi
·
3 hr 9 min
·
I 40
Exit 211A
Toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
I 40
19
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 388
Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
56 sec
Exit 388
Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
21
Continue on US 441
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
Henley Street
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on US 441
255 ft
·
11 sec
·
Henley Street
23
Arrive at destination
US 441
Trip Plan
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 181.2 miles from Brighton, TN, or about 3h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 318.2 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 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 181.2 miles or 3h 33m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 46m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Knoxville, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Brighton, 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 Brighton, TN
This is one driving day of about 362.3 miles and 6h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Brighton, 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 318.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 181.2 mi from Brighton, TN · 3h 33m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
181 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 181.2 miles from Brighton, 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 318.2 miles.
Arriving in Knoxville, TN
The final approach into Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, TN.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$56.64 one way
$113.28 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
127 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $62.19 | $124.38 |
| premium | $4.89 | $69.72 | $139.44 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $79.99 | $159.98 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$57
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$82–$107
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 126.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 108.7 | 1 | $38.04 | $17.39 |
| Efficient EV | 90.6 | 1 | $31.70 | $14.49 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 144.9 | 1 | $50.72 | $23.19 |
Gas CO2
127 kg
EV CO2
42 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Knoxville, TN
Late night in Knoxville on Wednesday
Local time
12:30 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°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
1 hour later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
4 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
6h 53m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Brighton, TN to Knoxville, TN covers 362.3 miles and takes about 6h 53m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, State Route 54, East Main Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 181.2 miles from Brighton, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $56.64 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
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 15 significant decision points across 362.3 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 0.3 miles (Old Highway 51): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 181.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 184.5 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Brighton, TN and Knoxville, TN, road signs point toward Huntsville, Louisville and Chattanooga.
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