Origin
Surgoinsville, TN
Afternoon in Surgoinsville on Sunday
Local time
4:50 PM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Surgoinsville, TN to Johnson City, TN
Drive Time
50m
Distance
40.4 mi
65 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$6
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 46m
★
6 AM
0h 50m
8 AM
0h 59m
10 AM
0h 53m
12 PM
0h 53m
3 PM
0h 54m
5 PM
0h 58m
8 PM
0h 48m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Surgoinsville, TN
Andy Staver
Johnson City, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
If you are traveling from Surgoinsville to Johnson City, you are looking at a straightforward 40.4-mile trek through Southeast Tennessee. This drive typically takes about 50 minutes, making it a perfect candidate for a quick day trip rather than an overnight stay. You will primarily utilize Phipps Bend Road, I-26 East, and James H to complete the journey. With a modest fuel budget of approximately $6, it is an economical route for commuters or casual travelers. Since both towns reside within the Southeast, the journey remains consistent in terms of regional character and climate. It is a practical, efficient connection that gets you between these two points with minimal fuss.
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
20.2 miles from Surgoinsville, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 25m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive as you navigate away from Surgoinsville. Because the highway share is 0%, you won't be spending much time on high-speed interstates, which contributes to the technical feel of the road. There is no significant longest stretch to speak of, as the winding nature of Phipps Bend Road keeps you engaged behind the wheel. The transition from local roads to the final approach into Johnson City requires constant focus on the road's curves. While it lacks the monotony of a long-distance interstate grind, the lack of long, straight stretches ensures you remain alert throughout the entire 50-minute duration.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 10 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Phipps Bend Road is one of the defining roads on this drive.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive.
Route Complexity
1/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Surgoinsville, TN to Johnson City, TN is easy. At 50m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Surgoinsville, TN to Johnson City, TN is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Phipps Bend Road | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| I 26 East | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| James H | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| TN 91 | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| East Market Street | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Buffalo Street | Unavailable | Refreshing |
Per-road distance and duration are being refreshed from OSRM for this route.
Longest stretch:
Phipps Bend Road
— detailed segment metrics are refreshing.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Surgoinsville, TN and Johnson City, TN.
1
Start on West Main Street
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
West Main Street
2
Turn left onto Phipps Bend Road
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
Phipps Bend Road
3
Turn right
14 mi
·
16 min
4
Take the exit slight right toward I 26 East, US 23 South: Johnson City
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
I 26 East, US 23 South: Johnson City
5
Merge slight left onto James H. Quillen Parkway
22 mi
·
26 min
·
James H. Quillen Parkway
6
Take the exit slight right toward TN 91
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
TN 91
7
Turn right onto East Market Street
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
·
East Market Street
8
Turn left onto Buffalo Street
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
Buffalo Street
9
Turn right
433 ft
·
32 sec
10
Arrive at your destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a short, 40.4-mile trip, you have the advantage of total flexibility in your departure time. You won't need to plan for any formal stops, as the duration is brief enough to complete in one comfortable push. Keep in mind that the route is characterized by turns, so pack your vehicle accordingly to prevent items from shifting during transit. Because the fuel cost is estimated at only $6, you can easily top off your tank before leaving Surgoinsville to avoid any mid-trip stops. Prioritize steady speed management on the technical sections of the local roads to ensure a smooth transition toward your destination in Johnson City.
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 20.2 miles from Surgoinsville, TN, or about 25m into the drive.
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 40.4 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 20.2 miles or 25m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 42m
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 Surgoinsville, 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 Surgoinsville, TN
This is one driving day of about 40.4 miles and 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Surgoinsville, 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.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 20.2 mi from Surgoinsville, TN · 25m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
20 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 40.4 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 20.2 miles from Surgoinsville, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$6.14 one way
$12.27 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
14 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $6.76 | $13.53 |
| premium | $4.80 | $7.63 | $15.25 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $8.98 | $17.95 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$31–$56
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 14.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 64% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 12.1 | 0 | $4.24 | $1.94 |
| Efficient EV | 10.1 | 0 | $3.53 | $1.62 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 16.2 | 0 | $5.66 | $2.59 |
Gas CO2
14 kg
EV CO2
5 kg (64% 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
Johnson City, TN
Afternoon in Johnson City on Sunday
Local time
4:50 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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
2 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
50m 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 Surgoinsville, TN to Johnson City, TN covers 40.4 miles and takes about 50m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Phipps Bend Road, I 26 East, James H. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 20.2 miles from Surgoinsville, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $6.14 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.
The drive from Surgoinsville, TN to Johnson City, TN is easy. At 50m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Surgoinsville, TN to Johnson City, TN is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
The route from Surgoinsville, TN to Johnson City, TN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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