Trip from Savannah, TN to Johnson City, TN

Drive Time

7h 46m

Distance

410.3 mi

660 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$62

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 28 min

4 AM

7h 37m ★

6 AM

7h 46m

8 AM

8h 5m

10 AM

7h 53m

12 PM

7h 51m

3 PM

7h 54m

5 PM

8h 4m

8 PM

7h 40m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Savannah, TN

Kelly

Johnson City, TN

Kelly

Trip Overview

Crossing Tennessee from Savannah to Johnson City is a significant 410.3-mile journey that spans nearly the entire state. You can expect to spend about 7 hours and 46 minutes behind the wheel, making this a demanding trek that is best suited for a single, focused day of travel. With a fuel budget of approximately $62, it is a straightforward trip that avoids the complexity of backroads in favor of major transit corridors. Since both locations are firmly within the Southeast region, you will experience consistent cultural and environmental transitions across the state. While it is technically possible to complete this in one day, be prepared for a long stint on the road that requires stamina. Planning for an early start will help ensure you reach your destination before fatigue sets in.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

205.2 miles from Savannah, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 4h into the drive .

Drive Character

This trip is defined by its efficiency, as 84% of your journey takes place on high-speed highways. You will rely heavily on I-40 and I-81, with a portion of the Tennessee National Guard Parkway helping you navigate the route. Prepare for a significant interstate grind, highlighted by an uninterrupted 185.8-mile stretch on I-40 that demands steady focus. Because this is a highway-focused drive, the pace remains fast throughout the day. While the road provides a direct path across the state, the sheer volume of highway miles means you should settle in for a consistent, predictable driving experience rather than a winding, technical excursion.

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

There are about 28 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 185.8 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Water Street.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 410.3 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 0.1 miles (Water Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 106.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 106.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 19 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Water Street

At end of road, turn left onto Water Street

Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch

106.3 mi into trip | ~2h 12m in

Take the exit toward I 840: Memphis, Knoxville

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 59A-B Toward I 840: Memphis, Knoxville

106.5 mi into trip | ~2h 12m in

Keep slight right at fork toward 840: Knoxville, Murfreesboro

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 59A Toward 840: Knoxville, Murfreesboro

152.1 mi into trip | ~3h 1m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 40 East: Knoxville, Lebanon

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 76A Toward I 40 East: Knoxville, Lebanon

301.9 mi into trip | ~5h 45m in | I 40

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

Towns Along This Route

Between Savannah, TN and Johnson City, TN, road signs point toward Knoxville, 840: Knoxville, Murfreesboro and Lebanon.

Knoxville

106.3 mi in | ~2h 12m

840: Knoxville

106.5 mi in | ~2h 12m

Murfreesboro

106.5 mi in | ~2h 12m

Lebanon

152.1 mi in | ~3h 1m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 40	185.8 mi	3h 23m
I 81	56.6 mi	1h
Tennessee National Guard Parkway	45 mi	48m
Wayne Road	31.1 mi	35m
Lawrenceburg Highway	30.3 mi	34m
United States Route 64	14.4 mi	16m
James H. Quillen Parkway	14 mi	16m
I 65	12.1 mi	12m

Longest stretch: I 40 — 185.8 mi, about 3h 23m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Savannah, TN and Johnson City, TN.

Start on Guinn Street

312 ft · 19 sec · Guinn Street

At end of road, turn left onto Water Street

0.1 mi · 25 sec · Water Street

Turn left onto TN 128

344 ft · 12 sec · Pickwick Street South

Turn right onto US 64; SR 69; SR 128

0.1 mi · 20 sec · Main Street

Continue on US 64; SR 128

31 mi · 35 min · Wayne Road

Continue on US 64

0.8 mi · 52 sec · Dexter L Woods Memorial Boulevard

Continue on US 64

14 mi · 16 min · United States Route 64

Turn left onto SR 240

4.9 mi · 8 min · SR 240

Turn straight onto TN 240

10 mi · 17 min · TN 240

Continue on SR 20; SR 240

1.3 mi · 1 min · SR 20; SR 240

Turn straight onto TN 20

0.7 mi · 1 min · TN 20

At end of road, turn left onto US 43

30 mi · 34 min · Lawrenceburg Highway

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 45 sec

Merge onto I 65

12 mi · 12 min · I 65

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 17 sec

Exit 59A-B Toward I 840: Memphis, Knoxville Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 41 sec

Exit 59A Toward 840: Knoxville, Murfreesboro

Merge onto I 840

45 mi · 48 min · Tennessee National Guard Parkway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.7 mi · 1 min

Exit 76A Toward I 40 East: Knoxville, Lebanon Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 40

149 mi · 2 hr 42 min · I 40

Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

37 mi · 40 min · I 40

Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

57 mi · 1 hr · I 81

Exit 421 Toward I 81 North: Bristol

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 40 sec

Exit 57A Toward I 26 East, US 23 South: Johnson City, Asheville

Merge onto I 26; US 23

14 mi · 16 min · James H. Quillen Parkway

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 15 sec

Exit 23 Toward TN 91

Turn right onto SR 91

0.3 mi · 38 sec · East Market Street

Turn left onto Buffalo Street

0.2 mi · 32 sec · Buffalo Street

Use the left / straight lanes.

Turn right

433 ft · 31 sec

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

To tackle this 410.3-mile route successfully, aim to depart as early as possible to beat potential traffic congestion on the major interstates. We recommend scheduling at least two substantial stops to break up the nearly eight-hour duration and keep your energy levels high. Since your fuel costs will hover around $62, keep an eye on your gauge during the longest 185.8-mile stretch on I-40, as waiting for a cheaper station might not be worth the risk of running low. Flexibility is your best asset on a drive of this length, so keep your itinerary loose enough to adjust for traffic or fatigue. A smart strategy is to plan your first stop around the halfway mark to stretch your legs before tackling the transition between I-40 and I-81.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 205.2 miles from Savannah, TN, or about 4h into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 185.8 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 90 miles or 1h 54m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 205.2 miles or 4h in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 38m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Johnson City, TN than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Savannah, 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.

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Savannah, TN

This is one driving day of about 410.3 miles and 7h 46m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 90 miles from Savannah, TN.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 185.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 205.2 mi from Savannah, TN · 4h into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Hendersonville, TN

205 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

Franklin, TN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 90 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Johnson, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 205.2 miles from Savannah, 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 185.8 miles.

Arriving in Johnson City, TN

The final approach into Johnson City, 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 Johnson City, 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

$62.32 one way

$124.64 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 144 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$68.70	$137.40
premium	$4.80	$77.46	$154.91
diesel	$5.64	$91.15	$182.31

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$62

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$87–$112

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 143.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $43 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	123.1	1	$43.08	$19.69
Efficient EV	102.6	1	$35.90	$16.41
EV Truck/SUV	164.1	2	$57.44	$26.26

Gas CO2

144 kg

EV CO2

48 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.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Savannah, TN

Evening in Savannah on Sunday

Local time

8:02 PM

CDT

Current temp

64°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Johnson City, TN

Night in Johnson City on Sunday

Local time

9:02 PM

EDT

Current temp

57°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

7 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

7h 46m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Savannah, TN to Johnson City, TN covers 410.3 miles and takes about 7h 46m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 40, I 81, Tennessee National Guard Parkway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 205.2 miles from Savannah, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $62.32 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Between Savannah, TN and Johnson City, TN, road signs point toward Knoxville, 840: Knoxville, Murfreesboro and Lebanon.

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Trip from Savannah, TN to Johnson City, TN

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Johnson City, TN

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Savannah, TN

Johnson City, TN

1 hour later

7 degrees cooler at arrival

7h 46m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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