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Trip from Knoxville, TN to Pegram, TN

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 41m

Distance

198.2 mi

319 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$31

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 29m ★
6 AM
3h 41m
8 AM
4h 7m
10 AM
3h 50m
12 PM
3h 48m
3 PM
3h 51m
5 PM
4h 5m
8 PM
3h 34m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

city and county seat of Knox County, State of Tennessee, United States

Knoxville, TN

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Pegram, TN, TN

Pegram, TN

Google DeepMind

Trip Overview

Traveling from Knoxville to Pegram spans 198.2 miles across the heart of Tennessee, making for a straightforward trek that typically takes about 3 hours and 41 minutes. Because this route is easily manageable in a single day, you can comfortably complete the journey without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily utilize I-40 to traverse the state, eventually transitioning through the Downtown Loop and onto Charlotte Pike to reach your destination. Budgeting approximately $30 for fuel should cover your needs for the trip. Since both cities are located within the Southeast region, you will experience a consistent cultural and geographic transition as you move across the state. This drive is ideal if you are looking for a practical, efficient way to cross Tennessee in one go.

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

99.1 miles from Knoxville, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 49m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 41m. Total distance: 198.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 41m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

This trip is a quintessential highway-focused drive, with 94% of your journey spent on high-speed thoroughfares. You will face a significant, uninterrupted stretch of 187 miles on I-40, which demands sustained focus behind the wheel. The personality of the road shifts from the wide-open interstate experience to more localized navigation once you hit the Downtown Loop and transition onto Charlotte Pike. Expect a steady, fast-paced rhythm for the vast majority of your time on the road. While the interstate portion is efficient, the final miles into Pegram offer a change of pace from the heavy highway traffic you encounter during the bulk of your travels.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 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 187 miles.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

1,894 ft 434 ft

Total Climb

1,456 ft

Total Descent

1,811 ft

Highest Point

1,894 ft

~85 mi in

Elevation Range

1,460 ft

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Charlotte Pike. 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.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 198.2 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 13 key points

These 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 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 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
8
191.7 mi into trip | ~3h 31m in

Take the exit toward US 70S: Bellevue, Newsom Station

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. Exit 196 Toward US 70S: Bellevue, Newsom Station
8
191.9 mi into trip | ~3h 32m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Newsom Station

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward Newsom Station

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Knoxville, TN and Pegram, TN, road signs point toward Nashville, Memphis and Louisville.

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

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 187 mi 3h 24m
Charlotte Pike 4.5 mi 6m
Downtown Loop 2.9 mi 3m
Memphis-Bristol Highway 1.8 mi 2m
Western Avenue 0.7 mi 1m
Ailor Avenue 0.4 mi <1m
Henley Street 0.3 mi <1m
US 70

Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.

Longest stretch: I 40 — 187 mi, about 3h 24m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Knoxville, TN and Pegram, 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 straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

155 mi · 2 hr 46 min · I 40
Toward Nashville Use the 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 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 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 straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

11 mi · 12 min · I 40
Toward I 40 West: Memphis Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Exit 196 Toward US 70S: Bellevue, Newsom Station Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight right at fork

197 ft · 4 sec
Toward Newsom Station Use the right lane.
15

Turn straight onto US 70S

1.8 mi · 2 min · Memphis-Bristol Highway
16

At end of road, turn left onto US 70

4.5 mi · 6 min · Charlotte Pike
17

Arrive at destination

US 70

Trip Plan

To make the most of this nearly four-hour drive, try to depart early in the morning to avoid the heaviest congestion near urban centers. Planning for at least one stop is recommended to break up the long 187-mile stretch on I-40 and keep your energy levels consistent. Since the route relies so heavily on major interstates, check local traffic reports for the Downtown Loop area before you head out, as this is where you are most likely to encounter delays. Having your $30 fuel budget ready in advance helps keep your travel day stress-free. Because this is a single-day trip, the flexibility of your departure time is your biggest advantage, so adjust your schedule to steer clear of typical rush-hour peaks.

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 99.1 miles from Knoxville, TN, or about 1h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 187 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 44 miles or 50m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 99.1 miles or 1h 49m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 57m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pegram, 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 198.2 miles and 3h 41m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 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 187 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 99.1 mi from Knoxville, TN · 1h 49m into the drive

city in Tennessee, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cookeville, TN

99 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

Johnson, TN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 44 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Algood, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 99.1 miles from Knoxville, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 187 miles.

Arriving in Pegram, TN

The final approach into Pegram, 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 Pegram, 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

$30.99 one way

$61.97 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 69 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $34.02 $68.04
premium $4.89 $38.14 $76.28
diesel $5.61 $43.76 $87.52

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$31

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$56–$81

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 69.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 59.5 0 $20.81 $9.51
Efficient EV 49.6 0 $17.34 $7.93
EV Truck/SUV 79.3 0 $27.75 $12.68

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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Knoxville, TN

Afternoon in Knoxville on Friday

Local time

4:15 PM

EDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Pegram, TN

Afternoon in Pegram on Friday

Local time

3:15 PM

CDT

Current temp

54°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

20 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 41m 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 Pegram, TN covers 198.2 miles and takes about 3h 41m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 40, Charlotte Pike, 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 99.1 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 $30.99 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 is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 198.2 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 Pegram, TN, road signs point toward Nashville, Memphis and Louisville.

Gently rolling terrain. The route ranges from 434 ft to 1,894 ft elevation with about 1,456 ft of total climbing.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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