Traveling from Burns to Johnson City covers 319.2 miles across Tennessee, a journey that typically takes about 5 hours and 55 minutes. Because this trip is entirely highway-focused, you can comfortably complete it in a single day, though you should budget approximately $48 for fuel. You will spend the vast majority of your time on major interstates, transitioning from the rolling terrain near Burns toward the mountainous landscape of the state's eastern edge. It is a straightforward, functional route that connects the western and eastern portions of the Southeast region efficiently. Since the drive is manageable in one go, you likely won't need an overnight stay unless you prefer a more leisurely pace. This is a practical, no-nonsense transit route perfect for travelers looking to get from point A to point B without complex navigation.
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
159.6 miles from Burns, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 58m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
235.9 mi
4h 18m
I 81
56.6 mi
1h
James H. Quillen Parkway
14 mi
16m
Highway 96
8 mi
11m
Downtown Loop
2.9 mi
4m
East Market Street
0.3 mi
<1m
Church Street
0.2 mi
<1m
Buffalo Street
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 235.9 mi, about 4h 18m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Burns, TN and Johnson City, TN.
1
Start on SR 47
0.2 mi·32 sec·Church Street
2
At end of road, turn left onto SR 96
8.0 mi·11 min·Highway 96
3
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 40 East: Nashville
4
Merge onto I 40
25 mi·27 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·24 sec
Exit 208AToward I 40 East, I 65 South: Knoxville, HuntsvilleUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
6
Merge onto I 40; I 65
2.4 mi·3 min·Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 40
0.5 mi·42 sec·Downtown Loop
Exit 211B; 211AToward I 24 West, I 40 East, I 24 East: Clarksville, Louisville, Knoxville, ChattanoogaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
174 mi·3 hr 9 min·I 40
Exit 211AToward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, ChattanoogaUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
37 mi·40 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
57 mi·1 hr·I 81
Exit 421Toward I 81 North: Bristol
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi·40 sec
Exit 57AToward I 26 East, US 23 South: Johnson City, Asheville
12
Merge onto I 26; US 23
14 mi·16 min·James H. Quillen Parkway
13
Take the exit
0.1 mi·15 sec
Exit 23Toward TN 91
14
Turn right onto SR 91
0.3 mi·38 sec·East Market Street
15
Turn left onto Buffalo Street
0.2 mi·32 sec·Buffalo Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
16
Turn right
433 ft·31 sec
17
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since you are facing nearly six hours of road time, aim to depart early in the morning to avoid congestion near major urban hubs along the I-40 corridor. Plan for at least one dedicated stop during your journey to stretch your legs, especially given the lengthy 235.9-mile stretch that makes up the core of your trip. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during that long interstate segment, as prices and station availability can fluctuate significantly across such a distance. Because this is a one-day trip, your primary goal should be maintaining consistent momentum to avoid fatigue. A great way to manage this drive is to use the transition onto the James H. Quillen Parkway as your signal that you are entering the final, manageable leg of your travel day.
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 159.6 miles from Burns, TN, or about 2h 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 235.9 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 70 miles or 1h 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 159.6 miles or 2h 58m 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 50m
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 Burns, 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 Burns, TN
This is one driving day of about 319.2 miles and 5h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 70 miles from Burns, 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 235.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 33.8 and 304.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
33.8 mi into trip|~40m 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...
9
37 mi into trip|~44m 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...
6
210.8 mi into trip|~3h 54m in|I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
247.5 mi into trip|~4h 35m in|I 81
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 North: Bristol
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 421
Toward I 81 North: Bristol
6
304.2 mi into trip|~5h 36m in
Take the exit toward I 26 East, US 23 South: Johnson City, Asheville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 57A
Toward I 26 East, US 23 South: Johnson City, As...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.14 one way
$94.28 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg112 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$52.04
$104.08
premium
$4.72
$59.27
$118.53
diesel
$4.80
$60.27
$120.54
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$47
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 111.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
95.8
1
$33.52
$15.32
Efficient EV
79.8
0
$27.93
$12.77
EV Truck/SUV
127.7
1
$44.69
$20.43
Gas CO2
112 kg
EV CO2
37 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 as of Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Burns, TN
Morning
in Burns on Monday
Local time
9:19 AM
CDT
Current temp
88°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
WNW 5 mph56% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 12:56PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
Destination
Johnson City, TN
Morning
in Johnson City on Monday
Local time
10:19 AM
EDT
Current temp
94°F
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 0 to 5 mph20% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 12:56PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
87°F
Johnson, TN
160 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
6 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 55m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Stones River National Battlefield
National Battlefield
The Battle of Stones River began on the last day of 1862 and became one of the bloodiest conflicts of the Civil War. The battle produced important military and political gains for the Union, and it ch...
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of it...
28 mi from route
~70 min detour
Free
near mile 231.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a high-speed, interstate-heavy experience, as 99% of this route consists of highway driving. You will spend the bulk of your time on I-40 and I-81, with a final transition onto the James H. Quillen Parkway. The most significant portion of your journey is a single, uninterrupted 235.9-mile stretch along I-40, which demands sustained focus and steady highway speeds. While the drive is efficient, the character of the road is strictly utilitarian, prioritizing speed over local detours. As you move toward Johnson City, the environment shifts from the central Tennessee corridors to the more rugged topography of the eastern region, keeping the drive feeling consistent despite the long distance.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 235.9 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 33.8 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 319.2 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 33.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 37 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 210.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,989 ft456 ft
Total Climb
2,469 ft
Total Descent
1,640 ft
Highest Point
1,989 ft
~136.8 mi in
Elevation Range
1,533 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Burns, TN and Johnson City, TN, road signs point toward Huntsville, Louisville, Knoxville and Chattanooga.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 55m. Total distance: 319.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 235.9 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Johnson City, TN before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 33.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 37 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 210.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Stones River National Battlefield and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Johnson City, TN before the return drive.
