Origin
Paris, TN
Morning in Paris on Friday
Local time
8:43 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Paris, TN to Knoxville, TN
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 28m
Distance
289 mi
465 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$45
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 15m
★
6 AM
5h 28m
8 AM
5h 55m
10 AM
5h 38m
12 PM
5h 35m
3 PM
5h 39m
5 PM
5h 54m
8 PM
5h 20m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Paris, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Knoxville, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
The drive from Paris, TN to Knoxville, TN covers 289 miles and takes about 5h 28m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 24, I 40, Main Street for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 119 miles on I 24. At current regular gas prices, budget about $45.18 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
144.5 miles from Paris, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 49m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 28m. Total distance: 289 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 5h 28m highway drive covering 289 miles, with most of the trip on I 24 and I 40. The longest continuous stretch is about 119 miles on I 24.
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 24 is the longest continuous segment at about 119 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 24 and I 40. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 72.8 miles in near I 24.
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 10 significant decision points across 289 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 72.8 miles (I 24): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 106.1 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 111.2 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
72.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 30m in
|
I 24
Merge onto I 24
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
106.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 6m in
|
I 24
Keep slight right at fork onto I 24 toward I 24 East, I 65 South: Nashville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 44A
Toward I 24 East, I 65 South: Nashville
9
111.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 13m in
|
I 24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 24 toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 50A
Toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattan...
6
287.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 26m 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
288.2 mi into trip
|
~5h 26m 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...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Paris, TN to Knoxville, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Chattanooga along the way.
Chattanooga
111.2 mi in
|
~2h 13m
|
via I 24
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 24 | 119 mi | 2h 9m |
| I 40 | 96 mi | 1h 45m |
| Main Street | 28.1 mi | 34m |
| Austin Peay Memorial Highway | 25.1 mi | 28m |
| Ashland City Road | 5.6 mi | 6m |
| West Wood Street | 3.9 mi | 5m |
| TN 76 | 3.1 mi | 3m |
| North Riverside Drive | 2.4 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 24
— 119 mi, about 2h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Paris, TN and Knoxville, TN.
1
Start on SR 54; SR 69
3.9 mi
·
5 min
·
West Wood Street
2
Continue on US 79
25 mi
·
27 min
·
Austin Peay Memorial Highway
3
Continue on US 79
0.2 mi
·
11 sec
·
Fort Donelson Parkway
4
Continue on US 79
0.6 mi
·
37 sec
·
Austin Peay Memorial Highway
5
Continue on US 79
0.5 mi
·
36 sec
·
Lake Highway
6
Continue on US 79
1.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Donelson Parkway
7
Continue on US 79
28 mi
·
34 min
·
Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Merge onto US 41A; US 79
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
Fort Campbell Boulevard
9
Continue on US 41A; US 79
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Providence Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on US 41A; US 79
340 ft
·
7 sec
·
North 2nd Street
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
11
Turn right onto US 41A Bypass
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
North Riverside Drive
Use the straight / right lanes.
12
Continue on US 41A Bypass
5.6 mi
·
6 min
·
Ashland City Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
13
Continue on TN 76
3.1 mi
·
3 min
·
TN 76
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
15
Merge onto I 24
33 mi
·
35 min
·
I 24
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 24
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
I 24
Exit 44A
Toward I 24 East, I 65 South: Nashville
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
17
Continue on I 24
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
I 24
Exit 86
Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga, Knoxville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 24
81 mi
·
1 hr 27 min
·
I 24
Exit 50A
Toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
Use the slight left lane.
19
Continue on I 40
93 mi
·
1 hr 42 min
·
I 40
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
I 40
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 388
Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
56 sec
Exit 388
Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
23
Continue on US 441
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
Henley Street
Use the straight lane.
24
Continue on US 441
255 ft
·
11 sec
·
Henley Street
25
Arrive at destination
US 441
Trip Plan
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 144.5 miles from Paris, TN, or about 2h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 119 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 64 miles or 1h 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 144.5 miles or 2h 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 4h 30m
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 Paris, 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 Paris, TN
This is one driving day of about 289 miles and 5h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Paris, 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 24 for about 119 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 144.5 mi from Paris, TN · 2h 49m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
145 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 64 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 144.5 miles from Paris, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 24 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 119 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
$45.18 one way
$90.36 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
101 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $49.61 | $99.22 |
| premium | $4.89 | $55.62 | $111.23 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $63.81 | $127.62 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 101.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 86.7 | 1 | $30.35 | $13.87 |
| Efficient EV | 72.3 | 0 | $25.29 | $11.56 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 115.6 | 1 | $40.46 | $18.50 |
Gas CO2
101 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (66% 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
Knoxville, TN
Morning in Knoxville on Friday
Local time
9:43 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°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 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
5h 28m 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 Paris, TN to Knoxville, TN covers 289 miles and takes about 5h 28m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 24, I 40, Main Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 144.5 miles from Paris, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $45.18 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 10 significant decision points across 289 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 72.8 miles (I 24): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 106.1 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 111.2 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Paris, TN to Knoxville, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Chattanooga along the way.
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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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