Origin
Gatlinburg, TN
Evening in Gatlinburg on Sunday
Local time
6:08 PM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Gatlinburg, TN to Knoxville, TN
Drive Time
58m
Distance
38.4 mi
62 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$6
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 54m
★
6 AM
0h 59m
8 AM
1h 8m
10 AM
1h 2m
12 PM
1h 1m
3 PM
1h 3m
5 PM
1h 8m
8 PM
0h 56m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Knoxville, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
Traveling between Gatlinburg and Knoxville covers a short 38.4-mile stretch that typically takes about 58 minutes to complete. Because of the quick transit time, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to easily move between the mountain atmosphere and the city. You will navigate via the Parkway, the Gatlinburg Spur Road, and US 411 North to reach your destination. With a fuel budget of approximately $6, this is an incredibly economical drive for your Southeast travel plans. Since both locations are situated within Tennessee, you will remain in the same region for the duration of your journey. It is a straightforward, practical connection that avoids the need for any overnight stops.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
19.2 miles from Gatlinburg, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 29m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise, as this route features zero highway miles. You will navigate through changing road conditions as you transition from the Gatlinburg area toward Knoxville. Because the longest stretch on the Parkway is zero miles, you should be prepared for a drive that requires your full attention on local roads. The character of the trip is defined by its technical nature, moving away from high-speed transit and into a more constant, winding pace. You will feel the shift in road dynamics as you progress through the 38.4-mile path.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 11 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Parkway is one of the defining roads on this drive.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive.
Route Complexity
1/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Gatlinburg, TN to Knoxville, TN is easy. At 58m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Gatlinburg, TN to Knoxville, TN is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Parkway | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Gatlinburg Spur Road | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| US 411 North | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Forks of the River Parkway | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| West Main Street | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Chapman Highway | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Henley Street | Unavailable | Refreshing |
Per-road distance and duration are being refreshed from OSRM for this route.
Longest stretch:
Parkway
— detailed segment metrics are refreshing.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gatlinburg, TN and Knoxville, TN.
1
Start on the route
52 ft
·
4 sec
·
the route
2
Turn slight right
354 ft
·
32 sec
3
At the end of the road, turn left onto Parkway
1.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Parkway
4
Continue on Gatlinburg Spur Road
4.2 mi
·
7 min
·
Gatlinburg Spur Road
5
Continue on Parkway
7.1 mi
·
12 min
·
Parkway
6
Take the exit left toward US 411 North
125 ft
·
6 sec
·
US 411 North
7
Turn left onto Forks of the River Parkway
0.6 mi
·
50 sec
·
Forks of the River Parkway
8
Turn left onto West Main Street
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
West Main Street
9
Continue on Chapman Highway
22 mi
·
26 min
·
Chapman Highway
10
Continue on Henley Street
0.5 mi
·
53 sec
·
Henley Street
11
Arrive at your destination
Trip Plan
Given the 58-minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility when planning your departure time. Since there are no designated stops on this route, you should ensure your vehicle is fueled up before you head out, keeping your $6 fuel estimate in mind for your budgeting. Focus on staying alert, as the turn-heavy nature of the drive demands consistent engagement behind the wheel. The absence of long, uninterrupted highway stretches means you should keep a steady pace rather than expecting to cruise for long periods. A helpful tip for this specific drive is to anticipate the transition between local road segments, as the route requires frequent adjustments rather than a single, sustained highway path.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 19.2 miles from Gatlinburg, TN, or about 29m into the drive.
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 38.4 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 19.2 miles or 29m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 50m
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 Gatlinburg, 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 Gatlinburg, TN
This is one driving day of about 38.4 miles and 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Gatlinburg, TN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 19.2 mi from Gatlinburg, TN · 29m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
19 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 38.4 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 19.2 miles from Gatlinburg, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$5.83 one way
$11.67 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
13 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $6.43 | $12.86 |
| premium | $4.80 | $7.25 | $14.50 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $8.53 | $17.06 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$31–$56
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 13.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 69% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 11.5 | 0 | $4.03 | $1.84 |
| Efficient EV | 9.6 | 0 | $3.36 | $1.54 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 15.4 | 0 | $5.38 | $2.46 |
Gas CO2
13 kg
EV CO2
4 kg (69% 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
6:08 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
61°F
Johnson, TN
19 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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
9 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
58m 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 Gatlinburg, TN to Knoxville, TN covers 38.4 miles and takes about 58m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Parkway, Gatlinburg Spur Road, US 411 North. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 19.2 miles from Gatlinburg, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $5.83 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.
The drive from Gatlinburg, TN to Knoxville, TN is easy. At 58m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Gatlinburg, TN to Knoxville, TN is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
The route from Gatlinburg, TN to Knoxville, TN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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