Origin
Lafayette, TN
Afternoon in Lafayette on Sunday
Local time
3:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Lafayette, TN to Knoxville, TN
Drive Time
2h 12m
Distance
116.5 mi
187 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$18
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 3m
★
6 AM
2h 12m
8 AM
2h 31m
10 AM
2h 19m
12 PM
2h 17m
3 PM
2h 20m
5 PM
2h 30m
8 PM
2h 7m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lafayette, TN
Kelly
Knoxville, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
Traveling from Lafayette to Knoxville covers 116.5 miles across the Southeast, making for a straightforward journey that typically takes about 2 hours and 12 minutes. Because this is a compact drive, it is easily manageable as a single-day trip without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $18 for fuel to complete the transit. The route relies heavily on major arteries, including Nashville Highway, Gundy Quarels Memorial Highway, and the expansive I-40 corridor. Whether you are heading to the city for business or a quick getaway, the trip offers a predictable pace that gets you to your destination efficiently.
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
58.3 miles from Lafayette, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 7m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive, as 92% of your time behind the wheel will be spent on high-speed roads. The experience is defined by a significant, uninterrupted 107.2-mile stretch on I-40, which dominates the majority of your travel time. While the initial segments involve local highways, the transition onto the interstate shifts the character of the drive toward a steady, consistent pace. You will find that the lack of intermediate stops keeps the momentum high, allowing for a focused and direct path across the region. This is a practical, utilitarian route designed for speed rather than lingering, making it ideal for those who prioritize reaching their destination quickly.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 11 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 107.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Nashville Highway. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 8 miles in.
Route Complexity
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 2h 12m drive. You will face about 5 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 8 miles: Navigation decision point; at 8.2 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 112.5 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 5 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
8 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Take the ramp
Navigation decision point
5
8.2 mi into trip
|
~12m in
|
I 40
Merge onto I 40
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / right lanes.
6
112.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 6m in
|
I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
115.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 10m in
Take the exit toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 388
Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee Histor...
7
115.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 10m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 388
Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee Histor...
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 107.2 mi | 1h 57m |
| Nashville Highway | 5.6 mi | 8m |
| Gundy Quarels Memorial Highway | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| Henley Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Gainesboro Highway | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 107.2 mi, about 1h 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lafayette, TN and Knoxville, TN.
1
Start on US 70N; SR 96
5.6 mi
·
8 min
·
Nashville Highway
2
Turn right onto SR 56
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Gundy Quarels Memorial Highway
3
Continue on SR 56
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
Gainesboro Highway
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
5
Merge onto I 40
104 mi
·
1 hr 54 min
·
I 40
Use the none / straight / right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
I 40
Use the none lane.
7
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 388
Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
56 sec
Exit 388
Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
9
Continue on US 441
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
Henley Street
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on US 441
255 ft
·
11 sec
·
Henley Street
11
Arrive at destination
US 441
Trip Plan
Since this 116.5-mile journey is relatively short, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience without worrying about a strict itinerary. Because the drive is essentially a non-stop sprint on I-40, ensure your vehicle is fueled up before hitting the interstate to avoid unnecessary detours. Without any planned stops, you will want to handle all your hydration and comfort needs before pulling onto the highway. Use the initial segments on Nashville Highway and Gundy Quarels Memorial Highway to get settled before merging into the heavier traffic of the interstate. By keeping your focus on the long stretch of I-40, you can maintain a smooth, efficient pace that aligns perfectly with the 2 hour and 12 minute estimated duration.
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 58.3 miles from Lafayette, TN, or about 1h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 107.2 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 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 58.3 miles or 1h 7m 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 48m
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 Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, TN
This is one driving day of about 116.5 miles and 2h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Lafayette, 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 40 for about 107.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 58.3 mi from Lafayette, TN · 1h 7m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
58 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 58.3 miles from Lafayette, 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 107.2 miles.
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.
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
$17.70 one way
$35.39 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
41 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $19.51 | $39.01 |
| premium | $4.80 | $21.99 | $43.99 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $25.88 | $51.76 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$18
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 40.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 34.9 | 0 | $12.23 | $5.59 |
| Efficient EV | 29.1 | 0 | $10.19 | $4.66 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 46.6 | 0 | $16.31 | $7.46 |
Gas CO2
41 kg
EV CO2
14 kg (66% 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
Afternoon in Knoxville on Sunday
Local time
4:45 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
61°F
Johnson, TN
58 mi in
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 later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
3 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
2h 12m 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 Lafayette, TN to Knoxville, TN covers 116.5 miles and takes about 2h 12m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, Nashville Highway, Gundy Quarels Memorial Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 58.3 miles from Lafayette, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $17.70 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 straightforward 2h 12m drive. You will face about 5 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 8 miles: Navigation decision point; at 8.2 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 112.5 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Lafayette, TN to Knoxville, TN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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