Origin
Johnson City, TN
Evening in Johnson City on Sunday
Local time
5:18 PM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Johnson City, TN to Ardmore, TN
Drive Time
6h 33m
Distance
338.8 mi
545 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$51
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 22m
★
6 AM
6h 34m
8 AM
6h 58m
10 AM
6h 42m
12 PM
6h 40m
3 PM
6h 44m
5 PM
6h 57m
8 PM
6h 26m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Johnson City, TN
Kelly
Ardmore, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
Crossing Tennessee from Johnson City to Ardmore covers 338.8 miles and typically takes about 6 hours and 33 minutes of driving time. Because this is a highway-focused journey, you can comfortably complete the trip in a single day, though it requires a significant commitment behind the wheel. Budget approximately $51 for fuel to cover the distance across these southeastern regions. Utilizing I-81, I-40, and I-75 as your primary corridors keeps the transit efficient. Whether you are traveling for business or a visit, this route is straightforward and best approached with a clear plan for a single, well-timed stop.
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
169.4 miles from Johnson City, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 9m into the drive .
Drive Character
With an 87% highway share, this route is defined by the steady pace of Tennessee’s major interstate system. You will spend the vast majority of your time cruising at highway speeds, encountering a mix of arterial interstates that connect the state's eastern edge to the southern border. Expect a consistent rhythm, punctuated by the longest uninterrupted stretch of 83.1 miles on I-75. While the drive is primarily an interstate grind, the transition between these major arteries keeps the experience moving. It is a practical, utilitarian drive that favors efficiency over technical or winding backroads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 75 is the longest continuous segment at about 83.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Buffalo Street.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 338.8 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 0.1 miles (Buffalo Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.4 miles (North Roan Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 125.1 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Buffalo Street
Turn left onto Buffalo Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
7
0.4 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
North Roan Street
Turn left onto North Roan Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
125.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 20m in
|
I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward I 75 South: Chattanooga
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 75 South: Chattanooga
7
208.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 52m in
Take the exit toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, Nashville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, Nashville
8
313.5 mi into trip
|
~5h 55m in
|
US 72
Keep slight right at fork onto US 72 toward US 72 West: Athens
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 21
Toward US 72 West: Athens
Towns Along This Route
Between Johnson City, TN and Ardmore, TN, road signs point toward Nashville and Chattanooga.
Nashville
208.2 mi in
|
~3h 52m
Chattanooga
208.9 mi in
|
~3h 53m
|
via I 24
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 83.1 mi | 1h 31m |
| I 81 | 57.1 mi | 1h 1m |
| I 40 | 52.8 mi | 59m |
| John T Reid Parkway | 50.2 mi | 59m |
| I 24 | 33.3 mi | 38m |
| Ardmore Highway | 19.5 mi | 28m |
| North Cedar Avenue | 17.8 mi | 20m |
| James H. Quillen Parkway | 13.7 mi | 16m |
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 83.1 mi, about 1h 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Johnson City, TN and Ardmore, TN.
1
Start on this road
433 ft
·
35 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto Buffalo Street
0.3 mi
·
56 sec
·
Buffalo Street
Use the straight lane.
3
Turn left onto North Roan Street
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
·
North Roan Street
Use the left lane.
4
Turn right onto SR 400
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
·
East Watauga Avenue
5
Turn left onto Oak Street
441 ft
·
10 sec
·
Oak Street
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
7
Merge onto I 26; US 19W; US 23
14 mi
·
16 min
·
James H. Quillen Parkway
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
Exit 8A
Toward I 81 South: Knoxville
9
Merge onto I 81
56 mi
·
1 hr
·
I 81
10
Continue on I 81
0.7 mi
·
45 sec
·
I 81
Exit 1B
Toward I 40 West: Knoxville
11
Merge onto I 40
53 mi
·
59 min
·
I 40
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
83 mi
·
1 hr 31 min
·
I 75
Toward I 75 South: Chattanooga
Use the straight lane.
13
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
56 sec
Toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, Nashville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 24
33 mi
·
38 min
·
I 24
Toward Chattanooga, Nashville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 152A
Toward US 72 West: South Pittsburg
16
Continue on US 72
18 mi
·
20 min
·
North Cedar Avenue
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on US 72
0.8 mi
·
56 sec
·
Lee Highway
18
Continue on US 72
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
John T Reid Parkway
19
Continue on US 72
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Lee Highway
20
Continue on US 72
48 mi
·
56 min
·
John T Reid Parkway
21
Take the exit onto US 72
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
·
US 72
Exit 21
Toward US 72 West: Athens
22
Keep slight right at fork onto US 72
4.5 mi
·
7 min
·
US 72
Exit 21
Toward US 72 West: Athens
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Turn right onto AL 53
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Jordan Lane Northwest
24
Continue on AL 53
20 mi
·
28 min
·
Ardmore Highway
Use the none lane.
25
Arrive at destination
TN 7
Trip Plan
To manage the 6-hour and 33-minute duration effectively, aim to head out early in the morning to avoid peak traffic congestion near major metropolitan interchanges. Since the route only requires one planned stop, use that time to refuel and stretch before hitting the remaining miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the longest 83.1-mile stretch on I-75 to ensure you don't run low between service exits. Because the trip is a single-day commitment, having your preferred audiobooks or playlists ready will make the highway hours pass much faster. Flexibility is your best asset, so check local traffic reports before you depart to adjust your timing if necessary.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 169.4 miles from Johnson City, TN, or about 3h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 83.1 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 169.4 miles or 3h 9m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ardmore, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Johnson City, 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 Johnson City, TN
This is one driving day of about 338.8 miles and 6h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Johnson City, 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 75 for about 83.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 169.4 mi from Johnson City, TN · 3h 9m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
169 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 169.4 miles from Johnson City, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 83.1 miles.
Arriving in Ardmore, TN
The final approach into Ardmore, 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 Ardmore, 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
$51.46 one way
$102.92 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
119 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $56.73 | $113.46 |
| premium | $4.80 | $63.96 | $127.92 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $75.27 | $150.54 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$51
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$76–$101
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 118.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 101.6 | 1 | $35.57 | $16.26 |
| Efficient EV | 84.7 | 0 | $29.65 | $13.55 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 135.5 | 1 | $47.43 | $21.68 |
Gas CO2
119 kg
EV CO2
40 kg (66% 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
Ardmore, TN
Afternoon in Ardmore on Sunday
Local time
4:18 PM
CDT
Current temp
83°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 earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
26 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
6h 33m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Johnson City, TN to Ardmore, TN covers 338.8 miles and takes about 6h 33m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 75, I 81, 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 169.4 miles from Johnson City, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $51.46 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
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 16 significant decision points across 338.8 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 0.1 miles (Buffalo Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.4 miles (North Roan Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 125.1 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Johnson City, TN and Ardmore, TN, road signs point toward Nashville and Chattanooga.
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