Origin
Burns, TN
Evening in Burns on Sunday
Local time
5:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
84°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Burns, TN to Knoxville, TN
Drive Time
4h
Distance
214.8 mi
346 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$33
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 47m
★
6 AM
4h 0m
8 AM
4h 26m
10 AM
4h 9m
12 PM
4h 7m
3 PM
4h 11m
5 PM
4h 25m
8 PM
3h 53m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Burns, TN
ArtHouse Studio
Knoxville, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
Spanning 214.8 miles across Tennessee, this trek from Burns to Knoxville is a straightforward journey typically taking about 4 hours. Because the route is primarily highway-focused, it is easily manageable as a single-day trip without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $33 for fuel to cover the distance between these two Southeast locations. Whether you are heading to the city for business or a change of pace, the drive is efficient and well-connected. Since you will spend nearly the entire time on major thoroughfares, you can expect a predictable and steady pace throughout your travel day.
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
107.4 miles from Burns, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 1m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a high-speed experience, as 98% of this route takes place on highways. Your journey is dominated by a 202-mile stretch on I-40, which serves as the backbone of the trip. While you will navigate Highway 96 and the Downtown Loop to reach your final destination, the vast majority of your time behind the wheel will be spent on the interstate. This creates a consistent, focused driving environment that prioritizes speed over technical maneuvering. Prepare for a standard highway-focused grind that remains steady from the moment you leave Burns until you arrive in Knoxville.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 14 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 202 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Highway 96. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 33.8 miles in.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 10 significant decision points across 214.8 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 33.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 37 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 210.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
9
33.8 mi into trip
|
~40m 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
37 mi into trip
|
~44m 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
210.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 54m 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
213.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 58m 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
214.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 58m 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 Along This Route
Between Burns, TN and Knoxville, TN, road signs point toward Huntsville, Louisville and Chattanooga.
Huntsville
33.8 mi in
|
~40m
Louisville
36.5 mi in
|
~44m
|
via I 40
Chattanooga
36.5 mi in
|
~44m
|
via I 40
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 202 mi | 3h 40m |
| Highway 96 | 8 mi | 11m |
| Downtown Loop | 2.9 mi | 4m |
| Henley Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Church Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 202 mi, about 3h 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Burns, TN and Knoxville, TN.
1
Start on SR 47
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
Church Street
2
At end of road, turn left onto SR 96
8.0 mi
·
11 min
·
Highway 96
3
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward I 40 East: Nashville
4
Merge onto I 40
25 mi
·
27 min
·
I 40
Use the none lane.
5
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.
6
Merge onto I 40; I 65
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Downtown Loop
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7
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.
8
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.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
I 40
Use the none lane.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 388
Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
56 sec
Exit 388
Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
12
Continue on US 441
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
Henley Street
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 441
255 ft
·
11 sec
·
Henley Street
14
Arrive at destination
US 441
Trip Plan
Since this is a 4-hour drive, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience without feeling rushed. Plan for at least one stop to break up the long 202-mile stretch on I-40, ensuring you stay alert throughout the journey. Because fuel costs hover around $33, consider topping off your tank before leaving Burns to avoid stopping in busier corridors. Keep in mind that the final leg through the Downtown Loop may vary in congestion depending on your arrival time, so check local traffic reports as you near Knoxville. By maintaining a steady pace, you can complete this trip comfortably in one day.
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 107.4 miles from Burns, TN, or about 2h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 202 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 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 107.4 miles or 2h 1m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 16m
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 Burns, 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 Burns, TN
This is one driving day of about 214.8 miles and 4h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Burns, 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 202 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 107.4 mi from Burns, TN · 2h 1m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
107 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 107.4 miles from Burns, 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 202 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
$32.63 one way
$65.25 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
75 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $35.97 | $71.93 |
| premium | $4.80 | $40.55 | $81.10 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $47.72 | $95.44 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 75.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 64.4 | 0 | $22.55 | $10.31 |
| Efficient EV | 53.7 | 0 | $18.79 | $8.59 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 85.9 | 1 | $30.07 | $13.75 |
Gas CO2
75 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (67% 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
Knoxville, TN
Evening in Knoxville on Sunday
Local time
6:24 PM
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
23 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 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 Burns, TN to Knoxville, TN covers 214.8 miles and takes about 4h without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, Highway 96, Downtown Loop. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 107.4 miles from Burns, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $32.63 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 10 significant decision points across 214.8 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 33.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 37 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 210.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Burns, TN and Knoxville, TN, road signs point toward Huntsville, Louisville and Chattanooga.
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