Origin
Knoxville, TN
Evening in Knoxville on Sunday
Local time
6:25 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Knoxville, TN to Brighton, TN
Drive Time
3h 52m
Distance
196.4 mi
316 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 39m
★
6 AM
3h 52m
8 AM
4h 18m
10 AM
4h 1m
12 PM
3h 59m
3 PM
4h 2m
5 PM
4h 17m
8 PM
3h 44m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Knoxville, TN
Kelly
Brighton, TN
Cintia Siqueira
Trip Overview
Traveling from Knoxville to Brighton covers 196.4 miles across the state of Tennessee. You should plan for a drive time of approximately 3 hours and 52 minutes, making this a manageable single-day trip. Budgeting about $30 for fuel will cover your transit across these two Southeast locations. While you could easily complete this in one go, building in at least one stop is recommended to break up the journey. This route is designed for efficiency, relying heavily on major interstate corridors to move you from the eastern edge of the state toward the western side.
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
98.2 miles from Knoxville, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 50m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 78% of this trip is spent on high-speed roads. Your journey relies on a combination of I-75, I-24, and I-40 to navigate the state efficiently. You will encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 83.1 miles while navigating I-75, which defines the initial pace of your trip. The drive maintains a consistent, fast-moving character throughout, prioritizing direct transit over technical local roads. Be prepared for a steady interstate grind that favors speed and reliability over scenic, 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 24. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.5 miles in.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 196.4 miles you will encounter 13 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: at 1.5 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.8 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 20.1 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
1.5 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Take the ramp toward I 40 West, I 75 South
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 40 West, I 75 South
5
1.8 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
I 40
Merge onto I 40
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
7
20.1 mi into trip
|
~24m 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
103.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 55m 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
6
155.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 57m in
Take the exit toward 41A: Monteagle, Sewanee
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 134
Toward 41A: Monteagle, Sewanee
Towns Along This Route
Between Knoxville, TN and Brighton, TN, road signs point toward Nashville, Chattanooga, 41A: Monteagle and Sewanee.
Nashville
103.2 mi in
|
~1h 55m
Chattanooga
103.9 mi in
|
~1h 56m
|
via I 24
41A: Monteagle
155.6 mi in
|
~2h 57m
Sewanee
155.6 mi in
|
~2h 57m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 83.1 mi | 1h 31m |
| I 24 | 51.7 mi | 1h |
| I 40 | 18.3 mi | 21m |
| David Crockett Highway | 13.6 mi | 15m |
| Sewanee Highway | 6.8 mi | 10m |
| Winchester Highway | 6.4 mi | 7m |
| Veterans Memorial Drive | 3.6 mi | 4m |
| Cumberland Street East | 2.6 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 83.1 mi, about 1h 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Knoxville, TN and Brighton, TN.
1
Start on US 441
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
Henley Street
2
Continue on US 441
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
Henley Street
3
Turn slight left onto SR 62
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Western Avenue
Use the straight lane.
4
Turn left onto Ailor Avenue
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
·
Ailor Avenue
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward I 40 West, I 75 South
6
Merge onto I 40
18 mi
·
21 min
·
I 40
Use the none lane.
7
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.
8
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
56 sec
Toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, Nashville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 24
52 mi
·
1 hr
·
I 24
Toward Chattanooga, Nashville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 134
Toward 41A: Monteagle, Sewanee
11
Turn slight right
50 ft
·
9 sec
12
Turn left onto US 41A
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
West Main Street
13
Continue on US 41A
0.4 mi
·
36 sec
·
David Crockett Highway
14
Continue on US 41A
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Sewanee Highway
15
Continue on US 41A
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Sollace M Freeman Highway
16
Continue on US 41A
5.0 mi
·
7 min
·
Sewanee Highway
17
Continue on US 41A
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Cumberland Street East
18
Continue on US 41A
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Cowan Highway
19
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
20
Merge onto US 64
3.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Veterans Memorial Drive
21
Continue on US 64
13 mi
·
14 min
·
David Crockett Highway
22
Continue on US 64
6.4 mi
·
7 min
·
Winchester Highway
Use the none lane.
23
Turn left onto SR 275
0.5 mi
·
57 sec
·
Flintville Road
24
Turn right onto Howell Hill Road
1.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Howell Hill Road
25
Arrive at destination
Howell Hill Road
Trip Plan
Because this drive is under four hours, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience without needing an overnight stay. Aim to time your departure to avoid peak traffic on the interstate sections, as the reliance on I-75, I-24, and I-40 means you are susceptible to commuter delays. Since you are only planning for one stop, choose a location around the halfway point to maximize your efficiency. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during that 83.1-mile stretch on I-75 to ensure you aren't forced to stop at a less convenient location. Staying mindful of the 196.4-mile total distance will help you maintain a steady, stress-free pace throughout the day.
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 98.2 miles from Knoxville, TN, or about 1h 50m 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 98.2 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 3h 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brighton, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, TN
This is one driving day of about 196.4 miles and 3h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Knoxville, 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 98.2 mi from Knoxville, 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 98.2 miles from Knoxville, 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 Brighton, TN
The final approach into Brighton, 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 Brighton, 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
$29.83 one way
$59.66 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
69 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $32.89 | $65.77 |
| premium | $4.80 | $37.08 | $74.15 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $43.63 | $87.27 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 68.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 58.9 | 0 | $20.62 | $9.43 |
| Efficient EV | 49.1 | 0 | $17.19 | $7.86 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 78.6 | 0 | $27.50 | $12.57 |
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
Brighton, TN
Evening in Brighton on Sunday
Local time
5:25 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°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
3 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
3h 52m 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 Knoxville, TN to Brighton, TN covers 196.4 miles and takes about 3h 52m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 75, I 24, 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 98.2 miles from Knoxville, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $29.83 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 196.4 miles you will encounter 13 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: at 1.5 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.8 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 20.1 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Knoxville, TN and Brighton, TN, road signs point toward Nashville, Chattanooga, 41A: Monteagle and Sewanee.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Brighton, TN
More trips to Brighton, TN
Explore more options from Knoxville, TN or browse trips ending in Brighton, TN.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TN road trips.
Explore maps for Knoxville, TN or Brighton, TN on MapSof.net.