Origin
Franklin, TN
Night in Franklin on Tuesday
Local time
11:34 PM
CDT
Current temp
72°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Franklin, TN to Knoxville, TN
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
3h 38m
Distance
196.5 mi
316 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$31
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 26m
★
6 AM
3h 39m
8 AM
4h 4m
10 AM
3h 47m
12 PM
3h 45m
3 PM
3h 49m
5 PM
4h 2m
8 PM
3h 31m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Franklin, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Knoxville, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 196.5-mile journey from Franklin, TN to Knoxville, TN is a straightforward drive that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend around 3 hours and 38 minutes on the road, making it an ideal day trip. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 97% of the drive on major interstates like I-65 and I-40. With an estimated fuel cost of $31, this trip is also budget-friendly. This drive keeps you within the Southeast region, offering a consistent travel experience across Tennessee.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
98.3 miles from Franklin, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 50m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
This trip is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with a significant 97% of the 196.5 miles spent on major interstates. You'll experience long, uninterrupted stretches, including one segment of 174.1 miles primarily on I-40. While the majority of the route is on high-speed roads, there are brief sections utilizing local roads like Murfreesboro Road. The character of the drive is consistent for most of the journey, emphasizing efficient travel over varied scenery.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 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 174.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 65. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 17.5 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 196.5 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 17.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
17.5 mi into trip
|
~21m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 440 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 440 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
8
19.9 mi into trip
|
~24m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 24 West: Nashville, Knoxville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 24 West: Nashville, Knoxville
8
20.4 mi into trip
|
~25m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 24 West, I 40 East: Nashville, Knoxville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 24 West, I 40 East: Nashville, Knoxvil...
8
21 mi into trip
|
~26m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 40 East: Knoxville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 52B
Toward I 40 East: Knoxville
7
195.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 36m 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.
On the drive from Franklin, TN to Knoxville, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Chattanooga along the way.
Chattanooga
17.5 mi in
|
~21m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 174.1 mi | 3h 9m |
| I 65 | 14.1 mi | 15m |
| Murfreesboro Road | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| Debra K Johnson Memorial Parkway | 2 mi | 2m |
| 3rd Avenue South | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Henley Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| I 24 | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Public Square | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 174.1 mi, about 3h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Franklin, TN and Knoxville, TN.
1
Start on US 31 Business; TN 96
418 ft
·
7 sec
·
Public Square
2
Continue on 3rd Avenue South
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
3rd Avenue South
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Continue on SR 96
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Murfreesboro Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Use the left lane.
5
Merge onto I 65
14 mi
·
15 min
·
I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 80
Toward I 440: Memphis, Knoxville
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
Toward I 440 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
Use the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto I 440
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Debra K Johnson Memorial Parkway
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
48 sec
Toward I 24 West: Nashville, Knoxville
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Toward I 24 West, I 40 East: Nashville, Knoxville
Use the slight left lane.
11
Merge onto I 24
0.3 mi
·
20 sec
·
I 24
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 52B
Toward I 40 East: Knoxville
Use the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto I 40
171 mi
·
3 hr 6 min
·
I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
I 40
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 388
Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
56 sec
Exit 388
Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
17
Continue on US 441
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
Henley Street
Use the straight lane.
18
Continue on US 441
255 ft
·
11 sec
·
Henley Street
19
Arrive at destination
US 441
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour and 38-minute duration, you can comfortably complete this 196.5-mile drive in one day. Consider an early morning departure to maximize your time in Knoxville and avoid potential traffic. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $31, planning is minimal. The longest stretch on I-40 is over 174 miles, so ensure you're fueled up before entering this segment to maintain a smooth journey.
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 98.3 miles from Franklin, TN, or about 1h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 174.1 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 98.3 miles or 1h 50m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 58m
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 Franklin, 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 Franklin, TN
This is one driving day of about 196.5 miles and 3h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Franklin, 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 174.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 98.3 mi from Franklin, TN · 1h 50m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
98 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 98.3 miles from Franklin, 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 174.1 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
$30.72 one way
$61.44 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
69 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $33.73 | $67.46 |
| premium | $4.89 | $37.81 | $75.63 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $43.38 | $86.77 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 68.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 58.9 | 0 | $20.63 | $9.43 |
| Efficient EV | 49.1 | 0 | $17.19 | $7.86 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 78.6 | 0 | $27.51 | $12.58 |
Gas CO2
69 kg
EV CO2
23 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
Late night in Knoxville on Wednesday
Local time
12:34 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
61°F
Johnson, TN
98 mi in
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
11 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
3h 38m 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 Franklin, TN to Knoxville, TN covers 196.5 miles and takes about 3h 38m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, I 65, Murfreesboro Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 98.3 miles from Franklin, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $30.72 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 196.5 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 17.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Franklin, TN to Knoxville, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Chattanooga along the way.
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