Origin
Greenbrier, TN
Morning in Greenbrier on Sunday
Local time
8:42 AM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Greenbrier, TN to Knoxville, TN
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 54m
Distance
203.3 mi
327 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$32
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 41m
★
6 AM
3h 54m
8 AM
4h 20m
10 AM
4h 3m
12 PM
4h 1m
3 PM
4h 4m
5 PM
4h 19m
8 PM
3h 46m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Greenbrier, TN
Kelly
Knoxville, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 203.3-mile journey from Greenbrier, TN, to Knoxville, TN, is a straightforward drive that can easily be completed in a single day, with an estimated duration of 3 hours and 54 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-40 and I-24, the route is highway-focused, making it a practical option for getting between these two Tennessee locations. With a fuel cost estimated at $32, it's an economical choice for a day trip. The drive remains within the Southeast region, offering a consistent travel experience across the state. If you're looking for an efficient way to cover ground with minimal fuss, this route is a solid pick.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
101.7 miles from Greenbrier, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 1m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 96 mi | 1h 45m |
| I 24 | 80.6 mi | 1h 27m |
| Ashland City Highway | 14.2 mi | 21m |
| SR 49 | 3.5 mi | 5m |
| Rosa L Parks Boulevard | 2.8 mi | 4m |
| Downtown Loop | 1.4 mi | 1m |
| South Main Street | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| Clarksville Pike | 1.1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 96 mi, about 1h 45m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Greenbrier, TN and Knoxville, TN.
1
Start on SR 49
3.5 mi
·
5 min
·
SR 49
2
At end of road, turn right onto TN 12; TN 49; TN 249
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
South Main Street
3
Continue on TN 12
14 mi
·
21 min
·
Ashland City Highway
4
Turn right onto US 41A
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Clarksville Pike
5
Continue on Clarksville Pike
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
Clarksville Pike
6
Turn left onto Rosa L Parks Boulevard
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Rosa L Parks Boulevard
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
7
Continue on US 41A
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Rosa L Parks Boulevard
8
Turn left onto Jefferson Street
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Jefferson Street
Use the left lane.
9
Continue on Spring Street
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
Spring Street
10
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 24
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Downtown Loop
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 24
81 mi
·
1 hr 27 min
·
I 24
Exit 50A
Toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
Use the slight left lane.
13
Continue on I 40
93 mi
·
1 hr 42 min
·
I 40
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
I 40
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 388
Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
56 sec
Exit 388
Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
17
Continue on US 441
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
Henley Street
Use the straight lane.
18
Continue on US 441
255 ft
·
11 sec
·
Henley Street
19
Arrive at destination
US 441
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 3-hour and 54-minute duration, this trip is best undertaken as a single-day excursion, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Plan for one stop along the way to stretch your legs or refuel, considering the longest stretch without a major break is 96 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially when on I-40, as services can sometimes be spaced out. With a low fuel cost of approximately $32, you won't need to worry about frequent fill-ups, but it's always wise to start with a full tank from Greenbrier to maximize your uninterrupted driving time.
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 101.7 miles from Greenbrier, TN, or about 2h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 96 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 45 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 101.7 miles or 2h 1m 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 12m
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 Greenbrier, 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 Greenbrier, TN
This is one driving day of about 203.3 miles and 3h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Greenbrier, 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 96 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
102 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 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 101.7 miles from Greenbrier, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 96 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 105 decision points cluster between mile 20.2 and 202.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
20.2 mi into trip
|
~30m in
|
Rosa L Parks Boulevard
Turn left onto Rosa L Parks Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
5
22.9 mi into trip
|
~35m in
|
Jefferson Street
Turn left onto Jefferson Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
9
25.5 mi into trip
|
~39m 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
202.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 52m 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
202.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 52m 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
$31.78 one way
$63.57 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
71 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $34.90 | $69.79 |
| premium | $4.89 | $39.12 | $78.25 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $44.89 | $89.77 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 61 | 0 | $21.35 | $9.76 |
| Efficient EV | 50.8 | 0 | $17.79 | $8.13 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 81.3 | 1 | $28.46 | $13.01 |
Gas CO2
71 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (66% 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
Knoxville, TN
Morning in Knoxville on Sunday
Local time
9:42 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°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
20 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
3h 54m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a largely highway-focused experience on this trip, with 89% of the drive taking place on major interstates like I-40 and I-24. You'll encounter one significant uninterrupted stretch of 96 miles on I-40, offering a chance to maintain a steady pace. While the profile is predominantly highway, you'll also navigate sections of Ashland City Highway, providing a slight variation before merging back onto the faster roads. This blend ensures a dynamic driving experience, transitioning between open highway cruising and more localized road sections.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 96 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 24. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 20.2 miles in near Rosa L Parks Boulevard.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 10 significant decision points across 203.3 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 20.2 miles (Rosa L Parks Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 22.9 miles (Jefferson Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 25.5 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Greenbrier, TN to Knoxville, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Chattanooga along the way.
Chattanooga
25.5 mi in
|
~39m
|
via I 24
About the Cities
Arriving in Knoxville, TN
Full guide →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.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 54m. Total distance: 203.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 96 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 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 20.2 miles (Rosa L Parks Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 22.9 miles (Jefferson Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 25.5 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Knoxville, TN, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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