Origin
Clifton, TN
Evening in Clifton on Sunday
Local time
5:21 PM
CDT
Current temp
84°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Clifton, TN to Knoxville, TN
Drive Time
5h 33m
Distance
301.3 mi
485 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$46
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 20m
★
6 AM
5h 33m
8 AM
6h 0m
10 AM
5h 43m
12 PM
5h 40m
3 PM
5h 44m
5 PM
5h 59m
8 PM
5h 25m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Clifton, TN
Kelly
Knoxville, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
Spanning 301.3 miles across Tennessee, this trek from Clifton to Knoxville typically takes about 5 hours and 33 minutes of pure driving time. Because the journey is relatively straightforward, you can easily complete it in a single day, though you should budget approximately $46 for fuel to cover the distance. Most of your time will be spent navigating the major corridors of the Southeast, transitioning from the quiet surroundings of Clifton toward the more bustling atmosphere of Knoxville. Since 93% of the trip is highway-based, the drive is highly efficient for those looking to reach their destination without unnecessary detours. It functions best as a direct transit route, providing a reliable connection between these two points in the state.
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
150.7 miles from Clifton, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 47m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience where you will rely heavily on I-40, which accounts for the vast majority of your time behind the wheel. You will spend a significant 258.1 miles on this single interstate, making it the longest uninterrupted stretch of your journey. The route begins with smaller connections via US 641 and Billy Nance Boulevard before merging onto the primary artery that carries you across the region. While the road is consistent and fast-paced, the sheer dominance of interstate travel means you should prepare for a steady, high-speed experience. The character of the drive is defined by its practicality and focus on efficiency rather than winding, technical backroads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 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 258.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and US 641. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 120.3 miles in.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 301.3 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 120.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 123.5 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 297.3 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
9
120.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 13m 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
123.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 17m 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
297.3 mi into trip
|
~5h 27m 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
300.2 mi into trip
|
~5h 31m 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
300.6 mi into trip
|
~5h 31m 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 Clifton, TN and Knoxville, TN, road signs point toward Huntsville, Louisville and Chattanooga.
Huntsville
120.3 mi in
|
~2h 13m
Louisville
123 mi in
|
~2h 17m
|
via I 40
Chattanooga
123 mi in
|
~2h 17m
|
via I 40
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 258.1 mi | 4h 40m |
| US 641 | 22 mi | 25m |
| Billy Nance Boulevard | 15.2 mi | 17m |
| Downtown Loop | 2.9 mi | 4m |
| West Pillow Street | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| West Water Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Henley Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Walnut Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 258.1 mi, about 4h 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clifton, TN and Knoxville, TN.
1
Start on SR 128
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
West Water Street
2
Turn slight left onto SR 128
463 ft
·
10 sec
·
Walnut Street
3
Turn right onto TN 128
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
West Pillow Street
4
At end of road, turn right onto US 641; SR 128
15 mi
·
17 min
·
Billy Nance Boulevard
5
Continue on US 641; SR 202
22 mi
·
25 min
·
US 641; SR 202
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
7
Merge onto I 40
81 mi
·
1 hr 27 min
·
I 40
Use the none lane.
8
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.
9
Merge onto I 40; I 65
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Downtown Loop
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10
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.
11
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.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
I 40
Use the none lane.
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 388
Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
56 sec
Exit 388
Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
15
Continue on US 441
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
Henley Street
Use the straight lane.
16
Continue on US 441
255 ft
·
11 sec
·
Henley Street
17
Arrive at destination
US 441
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour and 33-minute drive, try to time your departure to avoid peak traffic hours near Knoxville, which can add unexpected time to your arrival. Since you only have one planned stop along the way, use that break to refuel and stretch your legs before tackling the final leg of the 301.3-mile journey. Keeping your fuel budget of $46 in mind, you may want to monitor your efficiency during the long 258.1-mile interstate stint. Because the route is so highway-dependent, check for road construction on I-40 before you head out to ensure your travel time remains consistent. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, allowing you to easily adjust your pace to suit your personal comfort level.
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 150.7 miles from Clifton, TN, or about 2h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 258.1 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 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 150.7 miles or 2h 47m 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 32m
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 Clifton, 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 Clifton, TN
This is one driving day of about 301.3 miles and 5h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Clifton, 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 258.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 150.7 mi from Clifton, TN · 2h 47m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
151 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 150.7 miles from Clifton, 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 258.1 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
$45.76 one way
$91.53 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
105 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $50.45 | $100.90 |
| premium | $4.80 | $56.88 | $113.76 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $66.94 | $133.88 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$46
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 105.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 90.4 | 1 | $31.64 | $14.46 |
| Efficient EV | 75.3 | 0 | $26.36 | $12.05 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 120.5 | 1 | $42.18 | $19.28 |
Gas CO2
105 kg
EV CO2
35 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
Evening in Knoxville on Sunday
Local time
6:21 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
5h 33m 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 Clifton, TN to Knoxville, TN covers 301.3 miles and takes about 5h 33m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, US 641, Billy Nance Boulevard. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 150.7 miles from Clifton, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $45.76 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 11 significant decision points across 301.3 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 120.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 123.5 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 297.3 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Clifton, TN and Knoxville, TN, road signs point toward Huntsville, Louisville and Chattanooga.
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