Origin
Kingsport, TN
Night in Kingsport on Sunday
Local time
9:51 PM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Kingsport, TN to Knoxville, TN
Drive Time
1h 51m
Distance
96.8 mi
156 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$15
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 43m
★
6 AM
1h 51m
8 AM
2h 7m
10 AM
1h 57m
12 PM
1h 55m
3 PM
1h 58m
5 PM
2h 7m
8 PM
1h 46m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Knoxville, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
Stretching 101.7 miles across Southeast Tennessee, the drive from Kingsport to Knoxville is a straightforward journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 33 minutes. Because this is a relatively short trip, you can easily complete it as a one-day excursion without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $15 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. Navigating this route involves staying off the major interstates, as the drive relies entirely on local roads like Broad Street, East Main Street, and East Sullivan Street. It is a practical option if you prefer a direct, regional connection between these two cities rather than a high-speed highway experience.
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
48.4 miles from Kingsport, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 56m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate grind, as this route maintains a 0% highway share. You will navigate through town centers and local corridors, meaning there are no long, uninterrupted stretches of road; in fact, the longest stretch you will encounter is 0 miles on Broad Street. Because you are avoiding major highways, the personality of this drive is defined by frequent turns and changing local landscapes. Behind the wheel, you will need to stay alert to the constant transitions inherent in traveling exclusively on local streets. It is a hands-on driving experience that requires more engagement than a standard cruise down a multilane expressway.
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 81 is the longest continuous segment at about 50.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and I 40. 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 Broad Street.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 96.8 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 (Broad Street): Navigation decision point; at 94.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 94.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Broad Street
Turn right onto Broad Street
Navigation decision point
8
94.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 46m in
Take the exit toward SR 158 West: Downtown, University of Tennessee
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 388A; 389
Toward SR 158 West: Downtown, University of Ten...
6
94.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 46m in
Keep slight left at fork toward TN 158 West, South US 441: James White Parkway, Downtown, University of Tennessee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward TN 158 West, South US 441: James White P...
6
96 mi into trip
|
~1h 49m in
|
TN 158 / Neyland Drive
Keep slight right at fork onto TN 158 / Neyland Drive toward TN 158 West: Neyland Drive, University of Tennessee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward TN 158 West: Neyland Drive, University o...
6
96.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 49m in
Take the exit toward Downtown, Cumerland Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Downtown, Cumerland Avenue
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 81 | 50.1 mi | 53m |
| I 40 | 31.5 mi | 34m |
| South Wilcox Drive | 4 mi | 6m |
| Sullivan Gardens Drive | 3.1 mi | 3m |
| TN 93 | 2.3 mi | 2m |
| Sullivan Gardens Parkway | 1.5 mi | 1m |
| East Main Street | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| James White Parkway | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 50.1 mi, about 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kingsport, TN and Knoxville, TN.
1
Start on TN 36
0.1 mi
·
24 sec
·
West Center Street
2
Turn right onto Broad Street
436 ft
·
12 sec
·
Broad Street
3
Enter roundabout onto Broad Street
49 ft
·
1 sec
·
Broad Street
4
Continue on Broad Street
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
Broad Street
5
Turn left onto East Main Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
East Main Street
6
Continue on East Sullivan Street
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
East Sullivan Street
7
Turn right onto TN 126
2.6 mi
·
4 min
·
South Wilcox Drive
8
Turn right onto TN 93
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Sullivan Gardens Parkway
9
Continue on SR 93
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Wilcox Drive
10
Continue on SR 93
3.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Sullivan Gardens Drive
11
Continue on TN 93
2.3 mi
·
2 min
·
TN 93
12
Continue on SR 93
0.3 mi
·
21 sec
·
SR 93
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
14
Merge onto I 81
49 mi
·
52 min
·
I 81
15
Continue on I 81
0.7 mi
·
45 sec
·
I 81
Exit 1B
Toward I 40 West: Knoxville
16
Merge onto I 40
32 mi
·
34 min
·
I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 388A; 389
Toward SR 158 West: Downtown, University of Tennessee
Use the slight right lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
2 min
Toward TN 158 West, South US 441: James White Parkway, Downtown, University of Tennessee
19
Continue on TN 158
0.4 mi
·
23 sec
·
James White Parkway
20
Keep slight right at fork onto TN 158
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
Neyland Drive
Toward TN 158 West: Neyland Drive, University of Tennessee
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward Downtown, Cumerland Avenue
22
Continue on Cumberland Avenue
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
·
Cumberland Avenue
23
Turn left onto US 441
393 ft
·
16 sec
·
Henley Street
24
Continue on US 441
255 ft
·
11 sec
·
Henley Street
25
Arrive at destination
US 441
Trip Plan
Since this 101.7-mile trip is short and flexible, you have the advantage of planning your departure time around your own schedule rather than worrying about heavy interstate congestion. With no required stops listed, you can easily pace the 1 hour and 33-minute drive to suit your personal comfort. Keep in mind that because you are traveling on local roads like Broad Street and East Main Street, your speed will naturally be lower than on a highway, so account for potential local traffic signals. A smart way to manage your $15 fuel budget is to fill up your tank before leaving Kingsport to avoid searching for stations along the more winding local sections. Take advantage of the route's simplicity by keeping your itinerary loose and enjoying the direct transition between these two Tennessee hubs.
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 48.4 miles from Kingsport, TN, or about 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 50.1 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 48.4 miles or 56m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 29m
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 Kingsport, 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 Kingsport, TN
This is one driving day of about 96.8 miles and 1h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Kingsport, 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.
The longest stretch is on I 81 for about 50.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 48.4 mi from Kingsport, TN · 56m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
48 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 48.4 miles from Kingsport, 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
$14.70 one way
$29.41 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
34 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $16.21 | $32.42 |
| premium | $4.80 | $18.27 | $36.55 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $21.51 | $43.01 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$15
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 33.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 29 | 0 | $10.16 | $4.65 |
| Efficient EV | 24.2 | 0 | $8.47 | $3.87 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 38.7 | 0 | $13.55 | $6.20 |
Gas CO2
34 kg
EV CO2
11 kg (68% 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
Night in Knoxville on Sunday
Local time
9:51 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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
2 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 51m 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 Kingsport, TN to Knoxville, TN covers 96.8 miles and takes about 1h 51m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 81, I 40, South Wilcox Drive. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 48.4 miles from Kingsport, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $14.70 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 is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 96.8 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 (Broad Street): Navigation decision point; at 94.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 94.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Kingsport, TN to Knoxville, TN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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