Trip from Selmer, TN to Knoxville, TN

Drive Time

6h 17m

Distance

328.9 mi

529 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$50

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

6h 5m ★

6 AM

6h 18m

8 AM

6h 43m

10 AM

6h 26m

12 PM

6h 24m

3 PM

6h 28m

5 PM

6h 42m

8 PM

6h 10m

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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Knoxville, TN

Kelly

Trip Overview

Spanning 328.9 miles across Tennessee, this drive from Selmer to Knoxville is a straightforward journey that typically takes about 6 hours and 17 minutes. Because the route is primarily highway-focused, you can comfortably complete the trip in a single day, though you should plan for at least one stop to break up the time behind the wheel. Expect to budget approximately $50 for fuel, depending on your vehicle's efficiency. Since both locations reside in the Southeast, you will remain within the same regional landscape throughout your travels. This is a practical, efficient route that serves as a reliable connection between these two Tennessee points.

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

164.4 miles from Selmer, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 16m into the drive .

Drive Character

Prepare for a drive dominated by high-speed travel, as 97% of your journey takes place on highways. You will spend the vast majority of your time on I-40, which accounts for a massive 258.1-mile uninterrupted stretch of the trip. While you will start your journey utilizing US 641 and TN 22, the transition to the interstate defines the personality of this drive. It is a classic highway-focused experience that prioritizes speed and efficiency over winding backroads. Expect a consistent, steady pace that allows you to cover significant ground without the distraction of frequent turns or technical driving conditions.

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

There are about 18 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 258.1 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 147.9 miles in.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 328.9 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 147.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 324.9 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 13 key points

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

147.9 mi into trip | ~2h 57m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 40 East, I 65 South: Knoxville, Huntsville

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

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Exit 208A Toward I 40 East, I 65 South: Knoxville, Huntsv...

151 mi into trip | ~3h 2m in | I 40

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 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 / slight right lanes. Exit 211A Toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattan...

324.9 mi into trip | ~6h 12m in | I 40

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

327.7 mi into trip | ~6h 15m 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...

328.1 mi into trip | ~6h 15m 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 Along This Route

Between Selmer, TN and Knoxville, TN, road signs point toward Huntsville, Louisville and Chattanooga.

Huntsville

147.9 mi in | ~2h 57m

Louisville

150.5 mi in | ~3h 1m | via I 40

Chattanooga

150.5 mi in | ~3h 1m | via I 40

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 40	258.1 mi	4h 40m
US 641	19.2 mi	22m
TN 22	15.5 mi	21m
State Route 100	15.2 mi	22m
US 64	12.3 mi	16m
Downtown Loop	2.9 mi	4m
North Maple Street	2.9 mi	4m
East Court Avenue	1.1 mi	1m

Longest stretch: I 40 — 258.1 mi, about 4h 40m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Selmer, TN and Knoxville, TN.

Start on US 64 Business

1.1 mi · 1 min · East Court Avenue

Turn left onto US 64

12 mi · 16 min · US 64

Use the left lane.

Turn left onto SR 22

2.9 mi · 4 min · North Maple Street

Continue on TN 22

16 mi · 21 min · TN 22

Turn right onto TN 100

15 mi · 22 min · State Route 100

Turn left onto US 641; SR 202

19 mi · 22 min · US 641; SR 202

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec

Merge onto I 40

81 mi · 1 hr 27 min · I 40

Use the none lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 24 sec

Exit 208A Toward I 40 East, I 65 South: Knoxville, Huntsville Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 40; I 65

2.4 mi · 3 min · Downtown Loop

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 40

0.5 mi · 42 sec · Downtown Loop

Exit 211B; 211A Toward I 24 West, I 40 East, I 24 East: Clarksville, Louisville, Knoxville, Chattanooga Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

174 mi · 3 hr 9 min · I 40

Exit 211A Toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

2.9 mi · 3 min · I 40

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 27 sec

Exit 388 Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 56 sec

Exit 388 Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art

Continue on US 441

0.2 mi · 27 sec · Henley Street

Use the straight lane.

Continue on US 441

255 ft · 11 sec · Henley Street

Arrive at destination

US 441

Trip Plan

Given the 6-hour and 17-minute duration, departing early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid fatigue and ensure you arrive in Knoxville before dark. Since the route relies so heavily on I-40, keep a close watch on real-time traffic updates, as accidents on this major corridor can significantly impact your travel time. With only one recommended stop, choose a location mid-way through your 328.9-mile journey to refuel both your car and your energy levels. Because this is a high-speed route, take advantage of the flexibility of a one-day trip by planning your rest break around the 258.1-mile stretch where highway driving is most intense.

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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 164.4 miles from Selmer, TN, or about 3h 16m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 258.1 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 44m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 164.4 miles or 3h 16m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 11m

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 Selmer, 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 Selmer, TN

This is one driving day of about 328.9 miles and 6h 17m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Selmer, 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 258.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 164.4 mi from Selmer, TN · 3h 16m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Nashville, TN

164 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.

Popular next leg

Nashville, TN to Knoxville, TN

180.3 mi · 3h 21m

Pacing Suggestions

Clarksville, TN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hendersonville, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 164.4 miles from Selmer, 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 258.1 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

$49.96 one way

$99.91 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 115 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$55.07	$110.14
premium	$4.80	$62.09	$124.18
diesel	$5.64	$73.07	$146.14

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$50

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$75–$100

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 115.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $35 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	98.7	1	$34.53	$15.79
Efficient EV	82.2	0	$28.78	$13.16
EV Truck/SUV	131.6	1	$46.05	$21.05

Gas CO2

115 kg

EV CO2

38 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

Selmer, TN

Evening in Selmer on Sunday

Local time

6:42 PM

CDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Knoxville, TN

Evening in Knoxville on Sunday

Local time

7:42 PM

EDT

Current temp

61°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

4 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

6h 17m 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 Selmer, TN to Knoxville, TN covers 328.9 miles and takes about 6h 17m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 40, US 641, TN 22. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 164.4 miles from Selmer, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $49.96 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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Between Selmer, TN and Knoxville, TN, road signs point toward Huntsville, Louisville and Chattanooga.

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Trip from Selmer, TN to Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, TN

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Selmer, TN

Knoxville, TN

1 hour later

4 degrees cooler at arrival

6h 17m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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