Origin
Knoxville, TN
Evening in Knoxville on Sunday
Local time
6:26 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Knoxville, TN to Clifton, TN
Drive Time
5h 33m
Distance
301.1 mi
485 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$46
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 20m
★
6 AM
5h 33m
8 AM
6h 0m
10 AM
5h 43m
12 PM
5h 40m
3 PM
5h 44m
5 PM
5h 59m
8 PM
5h 25m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Knoxville, TN
Kelly
Clifton, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
Spanning 301.1 miles across Tennessee, this trek from Knoxville to Clifton is a straightforward journey that typically takes 5 hours and 33 minutes. You can easily complete this drive in a single day, as it functions well as a direct highway-focused route. With an estimated fuel budget of $46, it remains an affordable option for those looking to traverse the state efficiently. Since the entire trip stays within the Southeast region, you will experience consistent terrain as you head toward the Tennessee River. While it is certainly feasible to finish in one go, planning for at least one stop will help keep you refreshed for the duration of the trip.
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
150.6 miles from Knoxville, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 44m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a high-speed, interstate-heavy experience, as 98% of this route consists of highway travel. You will spend the vast majority of your time on I-40, which accounts for a significant 257.4-mile stretch of the journey. Once you exit the interstate, the character of the drive shifts as you transition onto US 641 and the Downtown Loop to reach your destination. This is not a technical winding road, but rather a reliable, high-mileage transit route. Preparing for a steady, consistent pace behind the wheel will serve you well as you navigate these major thoroughfares.
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 257.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and US 641. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 20.1 miles in near I 40.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 301.1 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 20.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 174.9 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 177.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
20.1 mi into trip
|
~24m in
|
I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward Nashville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Nashville
9
174.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 10m in
|
I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 213B
Toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville
8
177.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 14m in
|
I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 West: Huntsville, Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 40 West: Huntsville, Memphis
7
180.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 18m in
|
I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 West: Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 40 West: Memphis
8
262.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 47m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 641: Camden, Paris, Parsons
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 126
Toward US 641: Camden, Paris, Parsons
Towns Along This Route
Between Knoxville, TN and Clifton, TN, road signs point toward Nashville, Memphis, Louisville, Paris and Parsons.
Nashville
20.1 mi in
|
~24m
|
via I 40
Memphis
177.1 mi in
|
~3h 14m
|
via I 40
Louisville
178.2 mi in
|
~3h 15m
|
via I 40
Paris
262.1 mi in
|
~4h 47m
Parsons
262.1 mi in
|
~4h 47m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 257.4 mi | 4h 40m |
| US 641 | 37.3 mi | 42m |
| Downtown Loop | 2.9 mi | 3m |
| TN 128 | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| Western Avenue | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Ailor Avenue | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| Henley Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| West Water Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 257.4 mi, about 4h 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Knoxville, TN and Clifton, 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 right at fork onto I 40
155 mi
·
2 hr 46 min
·
I 40
Toward Nashville
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
I 40
Exit 213B
Toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
0.4 mi
·
42 sec
·
I 40
Toward I 40 West: Huntsville, Memphis
Use the slight left lane.
10
Merge onto I 40
0.6 mi
·
52 sec
·
Downtown Loop
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 40
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Downtown Loop
Exit 210A
Toward I 40 West, I 65 North: Memphis, Louisville
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
82 mi
·
1 hr 28 min
·
I 40
Toward I 40 West: Memphis
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 126
Toward US 641: Camden, Paris, Parsons
14
Keep slight left at fork
153 ft
·
7 sec
Exit 126
Toward US 641: Camden, Paris, Parsons
15
Turn left onto US 641
37 mi
·
42 min
·
US 641
16
Turn left onto TN 128
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
TN 128
17
Turn left onto SR 128
463 ft
·
9 sec
·
Walnut Street
18
Turn slight right onto SR 128
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
West Water Street
19
Arrive at destination
SR 128
Trip Plan
Because this route is dominated by a long interstate stretch, try to depart early in the morning to avoid potential congestion on I-40. Plan your single recommended stop strategically to break up the monotonous 257.4-mile segment, allowing you to refuel and stretch your legs before hitting the final leg of the drive. Keep in mind that the transition from the heavy interstate traffic to the local roads of US 641 requires a shift in focus, so stay alert as you approach the final miles. Since the drive is manageable in one day, your main priority should be maintaining a steady pace rather than rushing. Always double-check your fuel levels before leaving the main interstate corridor to ensure you have enough to reach Clifton comfortably.
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 150.6 miles from Knoxville, TN, or about 2h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 257.4 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 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 150.6 miles or 2h 44m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Clifton, 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 301.1 miles and 5h 33m.
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 40 for about 257.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 150.6 mi from Knoxville, TN · 2h 44m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
151 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 150.6 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 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 257.4 miles.
Arriving in Clifton, TN
The final approach into Clifton, 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 Clifton, 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
$45.73 one way
$91.47 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
105 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $50.42 | $100.83 |
| premium | $4.80 | $56.84 | $113.68 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $66.89 | $133.79 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$46
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 105.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 90.3 | 1 | $31.62 | $14.45 |
| Efficient EV | 75.3 | 0 | $26.35 | $12.04 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 120.4 | 1 | $42.15 | $19.27 |
Gas CO2
105 kg
EV CO2
35 kg (67% 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
Clifton, TN
Evening in Clifton on Sunday
Local time
5:26 PM
CDT
Current temp
84°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
23 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
5h 33m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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 Clifton, TN covers 301.1 miles and takes about 5h 33m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, US 641, Downtown Loop. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 150.6 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 $45.73 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 301.1 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 20.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 174.9 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 177.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Knoxville, TN and Clifton, TN, road signs point toward Nashville, Memphis, Louisville, Paris and Parsons.
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