Origin
Dandridge, TN
Late night in Dandridge on Saturday
Local time
4:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Dandridge, TN to Johnson City, TN
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 27m
Distance
77.5 mi
125 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$12
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 21m
★
6 AM
1h 28m
8 AM
1h 41m
10 AM
1h 32m
12 PM
1h 31m
3 PM
1h 33m
5 PM
1h 41m
8 PM
1h 24m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Dandridge, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Johnson City, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Spanning 77.5 miles, this journey from Dandridge to Johnson City is a straightforward trek through Southeast Tennessee. Expect to spend about 1 hour and 16 minutes behind the wheel, making this an ideal day trip that doesn't require an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via Chestnut Hill Road, West Meeting Street, and I-81 North to reach your destination. With a modest estimated fuel cost of $12, it is a budget-friendly way to move between these two cities. Because the entire route is contained within the same region, you can anticipate a consistent transition rather than a drastic change in environment. It is a practical, efficient connection for anyone looking to traverse this corner of the state without complex logistics.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 27m. Total distance: 77.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Prepare for a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention as you navigate away from Dandridge. While the route incorporates I-81 North, the local road segments ensure the drive feels more technical and engaging than a standard interstate cruise. You won't find monotonous, long-distance highway stretches here, as the journey keeps you moving through varied terrain. With a 0% highway share noted for the primary local navigation, you should be ready for frequent adjustments rather than autopilot cruising. The road’s personality is defined by its winding nature, offering a more hands-on experience than a typical high-speed sprint across the state.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 13 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 81 is the longest continuous segment at about 56.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and James H. Quillen Parkway. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near SR 92 / Chestnut Hill Road.
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 77.5 miles you will encounter 9 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 (SR 92 / Chestnut Hill Road): Navigation decision point; at 5.8 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 62.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 9 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
SR 92 / Chestnut Hill Road
Turn right onto SR 92 / Chestnut Hill Road
Navigation decision point
6
5.8 mi into trip
|
~7m 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
62.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 8m 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...
5
76.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 25m in
Take the exit toward TN 91
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 23
Toward TN 91
5
77.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 26m in
|
Buffalo Street
Turn left onto Buffalo Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Dandridge, TN to Johnson City, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Asheville along the way.
Asheville
62.4 mi in
|
~1h 8m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 81 | 56.6 mi | 1h |
| James H. Quillen Parkway | 14 mi | 16m |
| I 40 | 3.2 mi | 3m |
| West Meeting Street | 2.1 mi | 3m |
| East Market Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Buffalo Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Chestnut Hill Road | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| East Main Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 56.6 mi, about 1h
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dandridge, TN and Johnson City, TN.
1
Start on East Main Street
74 ft
·
7 sec
·
East Main Street
2
Turn right onto SR 92
525 ft
·
16 sec
·
Chestnut Hill Road
3
Turn left onto US 25W; US 70; SR 92
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
West Meeting Street
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
5
Merge onto I 40
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
I 40
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
57 mi
·
1 hr
·
I 81
Exit 421
Toward I 81 North: Bristol
7
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 57A
Toward I 26 East, US 23 South: Johnson City, Asheville
8
Merge onto I 26; US 23
14 mi
·
16 min
·
James H. Quillen Parkway
9
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Exit 23
Toward TN 91
10
Turn right onto SR 91
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
East Market Street
11
Turn left onto Buffalo Street
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
Buffalo Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
12
Turn right
433 ft
·
31 sec
13
Arrive at destination
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 38.7 mi from Dandridge, TN · 43m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
39 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 17 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 38.7 miles from Dandridge, 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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.12 one way
$24.23 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
27 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $13.30 | $26.61 |
| premium | $4.89 | $14.91 | $29.83 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $17.11 | $34.22 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$12
Estimated CO2 emission: 27.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 23.3 | 0 | $8.14 | $3.72 |
| Efficient EV | 19.4 | 0 | $6.78 | $3.10 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 31 | 0 | $10.85 | $4.96 |
Gas CO2
27 kg
EV CO2
9 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
Johnson City, TN
Late night in Johnson City on Saturday
Local time
4:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
31 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 27m 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 Dandridge, TN to Johnson City, TN covers 77.5 miles and takes about 1h 27m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 81, James H. Quillen Parkway, I 40. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 38.7 miles from Dandridge, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $12.12 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 77.5 miles you will encounter 9 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 (SR 92 / Chestnut Hill Road): Navigation decision point; at 5.8 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 62.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Dandridge, TN to Johnson City, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Asheville along the way.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Johnson City, TN
More trips to Johnson City, TN
Explore more options from Dandridge, TN or browse trips ending in Johnson City, TN.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TN road trips.