This 226.6-mile drive from Clarksville, TN to Knoxville, TN is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take about 3 hours and 27 minutes. With a fuel cost around $34, it's an economical journey. You'll navigate primarily through local roads, as this route has a 0% highway share, meaning it's a turn-heavy local drive. This trip is perfect for a single day, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. Both your starting point in Clarksville and your destination in Knoxville are within the Southeast region, so you won't be crossing major regional boundaries.
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
112.5 miles from Clarksville, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 8m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 24
119 mi
2h 9m
I 40
96 mi
1h 45m
Madison Street
4.7 mi
8m
TN 76
3.1 mi
3m
Franklin Street
0.3 mi
<1m
Henley Street
0.3 mi
<1m
University Avenue
0.2 mi
<1m
North 2nd Street
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 24
— 119 mi, about 2h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clarksville, TN and Knoxville, TN.
1
Start on North 2nd Street
0.2 mi·27 sec·North 2nd Street
2
Turn left onto Franklin Street
0.3 mi·52 sec·Franklin Street
3
Turn right onto US 41A
0.2 mi·29 sec·University Avenue
4
Turn left onto US 41A; SR 76
4.7 mi·8 min·Madison Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
5
Turn left onto TN 76
3.1 mi·3 min·TN 76
6
Take the exit
0.4 mi·53 sec
7
Merge onto I 24
33 mi·35 min·I 24
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 24
2.3 mi·3 min·I 24
Exit 44AToward I 24 East, I 65 South: NashvilleUse the straight / slight left lanes.
9
Continue on I 24
2.8 mi·3 min·I 24
Exit 86Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga, KnoxvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 24
81 mi·1 hr 27 min·I 24
Exit 50AToward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, ChattanoogaUse the slight left lane.
11
Continue on I 40
93 mi·1 hr 42 min·I 40
Use the straight / right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
2.9 mi·3 min·I 40
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi·27 sec
Exit 388Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·56 sec
Exit 388Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
15
Continue on US 441
0.2 mi·27 sec·Henley Street
Use the straight lane.
16
Continue on US 441
255 ft·11 sec·Henley Street
17
Arrive at destination
US 441
Trip Plan
Given the drive's duration of just under 3.5 hours and its local road nature, you have the flexibility to leave whenever suits you best, perhaps mid-morning to avoid early rush hours. With only one recommended stop, you can easily manage your breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $34, and local roads can sometimes lead to slower travel times than anticipated. A specific tip for this route: since it's a turn-heavy local drive, pay close attention to your GPS or navigation app to ensure you don't miss any of the necessary turns, especially as you transition between roads like Franklin Street, University Avenue, and Madison Street.
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 112.5 miles from Clarksville, TN, or about 2h 8m 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 50 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 112.5 miles or 2h 8m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 26m
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 Clarksville, 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 Clarksville, TN
This is one driving day of about 225.1 miles and 4h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Clarksville, 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 11
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.7 and 224.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.7 mi into trip|~1m in|US 41A; SR 76 / Madison Street
Turn left onto US 41A; SR 76 / Madison Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
9
42.2 mi into trip|~50m 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
47.3 mi into trip|~57m 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
223.9 mi into trip|~4h 10m 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
224.3 mi into trip|~4h 10m 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...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.24 one way
$66.48 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg79 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$36.70
$73.40
premium
$4.72
$41.79
$83.59
diesel
$4.80
$42.50
$85.01
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
67.5
0
$23.64
$10.80
Efficient EV
56.3
0
$19.70
$9.00
EV Truck/SUV
90
1
$31.51
$14.41
Gas CO2
79 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Clarksville, TN
Late night
in Clarksville on Sunday
Local time
5:45 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Patchy Fog
WSW 0 to 5 mph30% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 5:34PM CDT until July 17 at 8:45PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 4:40PM CDT until July 17 at 7:45PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
Destination
Knoxville, TN
Morning
in Knoxville on Sunday
Local time
6:45 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
SW 0 to 5 mph48% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 5:34PM CDT until July 17 at 8:45PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 4:40PM CDT until July 17 at 7:45PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
86°F
Baxter, TN
113 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
1 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
4h 12m 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...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 62.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Prepare for a drive that keeps you engaged with frequent turns; this route is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive.' With a 0% highway share, you won't encounter any interstate stretches, ensuring a constant interaction with local roads. The data doesn't specify a longest uninterrupted stretch, but the nature of the route suggests consistent changes in direction and speed. You'll likely experience a dynamic driving experience, moving through various local communities rather than settling into a long, monotonous highway cruise.
97% 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: 119 mi on I 24.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
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 0.7 miles in near US 41A; SR 76 / Madison Street.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 225.1 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 0.7 miles (US 41A; SR 76 / Madison Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 42.2 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 47.3 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,970 ft435 ft
Total Climb
2,257 ft
Total Descent
1,831 ft
Highest Point
1,970 ft
~144.7 mi in
Elevation Range
1,535 ft
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 Clarksville, TN to Knoxville, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Chattanooga along the way.
Clarksville is the county seat of Montgomery County, in Central Tennessee. Founded in 1784, Clarksville is one of the south's most historic cities. Today, visitors can experience that history through memorable attractions, unique historic architecture and a variety of annual festivals and events.
Steeped in history, Clarksville began as a settlement along the banks of the Cumberland and Red Rivers by Revolutionary War hero John Montgomery in the early 1780s. In 1785, Clarksville became Tennessee's first incorporated city.
Top landmarks
•Customs House Museum and Cultural Center — Clarksville, Tennessee, former customs house and former post office
Knoxville, in Knox County, is the third-largest city in Tennessee. It is the home of the University of Tennessee's primary campus (UTK) and site of the 1982 World's Fair.
Top landmarks
•Sunsphere — observation tower in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
•Andrew Johnson Building — historic high-rise in Knoxville, Tennessee
•Ayres Hall — historic academic building at the University of Tennessee, USA
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 12m. Total distance: 225.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 119 miles on I 24. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 19 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Knoxville, 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. There are 19 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.7 miles (US 41A; SR 76 / Madison Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 42.2 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 47.3 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Stones River National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Knoxville, TN, but most travelers stay overnight.
