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Trip from Johnson City, TN to Belle Meade, TN

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 23m

Distance

290.3 mi

467 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$45

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 10m ★
6 AM
5h 24m
8 AM
5h 50m
10 AM
5h 33m
12 PM
5h 30m
3 PM
5h 34m
5 PM
5h 49m
8 PM
5h 15m

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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Downtown Johnson City, TN, TN

Johnson City, TN

Wikimedia Commons

city in Davidson County, Tennessee, United States

Belle Meade, TN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 290.3-mile journey from Johnson City, TN, to Belle Meade, TN, is best tackled in a single day, taking approximately 5 hours and 23 minutes of driving time. The route is overwhelmingly highway-focused, with 97% of the drive on major interstates, making it an efficient option for getting between these two Tennessee locations. With an estimated fuel cost of $45, it's a budget-friendly trip. You'll primarily be navigating I-40 and I-81, with a short section on James H. Quillen Parkway. Given the relatively short duration and highway nature, this trip is well-suited for a straightforward day trip, allowing you to maximize your time at your destination.

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

145.1 miles from Johnson City, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 42m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 207.6 mi 3h 45m
I 81 57.1 mi 1h 1m
James H. Quillen Parkway 13.7 mi 16m
Debra K Johnson Memorial Parkway 4.2 mi 5m
Hillsboro Pike 2.6 mi 4m
Harding Place 1.7 mi 3m
East Watauga Avenue 0.3 mi <1m
North Roan Street 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 207.6 mi, about 3h 45m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Johnson City, TN and Belle Meade, TN.

1

Start on this road

433 ft · 35 sec · this road
2

Turn left onto Buffalo Street

0.3 mi · 56 sec · Buffalo Street
Use the straight lane.
3

Turn left onto North Roan Street

0.3 mi · 36 sec · North Roan Street
Use the left lane.
4

Turn right onto SR 400

0.3 mi · 45 sec · East Watauga Avenue
5

Turn left onto Oak Street

441 ft · 10 sec · Oak Street
6

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 23 sec
7

Merge onto I 26; US 19W; US 23

14 mi · 16 min · James H. Quillen Parkway
8

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 37 sec
Exit 8A Toward I 81 South: Knoxville
9

Merge onto I 81

56 mi · 1 hr · I 81
10

Continue on I 81

0.7 mi · 45 sec · I 81
Exit 1B Toward I 40 West: Knoxville
11

Merge onto I 40

53 mi · 59 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

155 mi · 2 hr 46 min · I 40
Toward Nashville Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 213A Toward I 24 East, I 440 West: Memphis, Chattanooga
14

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 51 sec
Exit 53 Toward I 440 West: Memphis
15

Continue on I 440

4.2 mi · 5 min · Debra K Johnson Memorial Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 24 sec
Exit 3 Toward US 431: 21st Avenue South, Hillsboro Pike Use the slight right lane.
17

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward US 431 South: Hillsboro Pike
18

Turn straight onto US 431

2.6 mi · 4 min · Hillsboro Pike
19

Turn right onto Harding Place

1.7 mi · 3 min · Harding Place
20

Arrive at destination

Harding Place

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour 23-minute estimated drive time and 97% highway profile, you can comfortably complete this trip in one day. Aim for an early morning departure from Johnson City to make the most of your day in Belle Meade and to avoid any potential rush hour traffic as you approach your destination. With only one recommended stop, plan this break strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or when you feel the need to stretch your legs. The longest stretch on I-40 is over 200 miles, so ensure you have sufficient fuel before embarking on that segment to avoid any unnecessary stops. The $45 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always keep an eye on your gauge.

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 145.1 miles from Johnson City, TN, or about 2h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 207.6 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 64 miles or 1h 12m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 145.1 miles or 2h 42m 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 22m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Belle Meade, TN than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Johnson City, 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 Johnson City, TN

This is one driving day of about 290.3 miles and 5h 23m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Johnson City, 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 207.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

human settlement in Rhea County, Tennessee, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Spring City, TN

145 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

Sevierville, TN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 64 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Spring City, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 145.1 miles from Johnson City, 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 207.6 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Coffee Stop

Capybara Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Knoxville, Tennessee

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 103.7

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Park Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately mile 290.3

Nashville, Tennessee

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16153834409

Visit website

The Café at Thistle Farms

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $20 to $30 mile 290.3

Nashville, Tennessee

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+16159536440

Visit website

The Cookery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 290.3

Nashville, Tennessee

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+16152692911

Visit website

Centennial Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 290.3

Nashville, Tennessee

Hours: 5 am–2 pm

+16159287148

Capybara Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 103.7

Knoxville, Tennessee

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Cultivate Coffee + Flowers

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 103.7

Knoxville, Tennessee

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+18652537560

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 82.9

Kodak, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Mercedes-Benz Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 82.9

Kodak, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336224743

Visit website

The Picnic Cafe & Party Catering

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 290.3

Nashville, Tennessee

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+16152975398

Visit website

Market Square

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour Inexpensiv mile 103.7

Knoxville, Tennessee

+18652154248

Visit website

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 0.1 and 285.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Buffalo Street

Turn left onto Buffalo Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
7
0.4 mi into trip | ~1m in | North Roan Street

Turn left onto North Roan Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
7
125.1 mi into trip | ~2h 20m in | I 40

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward Nashville

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Nashville
7
279.9 mi into trip | ~5h 7m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 24 East, I 440 West: Memphis, Chattanooga

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 213A Toward I 24 East, I 440 West: Memphis, Chattano...
8
285.3 mi into trip | ~5h 14m in

Take the exit toward US 431: 21st Avenue South, Hillsboro Pike

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 3 Toward US 431: 21st Avenue South, Hillsboro Pik...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$45.39 one way

$90.77 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 102 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $49.83 $99.66
premium $4.89 $55.87 $111.73
diesel $5.61 $64.09 $128.19

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$45

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$70–$95

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 101.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 87.1 1 $30.48 $13.93
Efficient EV 72.6 0 $25.40 $11.61
EV Truck/SUV 116.1 1 $40.64 $18.58

Gas CO2

102 kg

EV CO2

34 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 Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Johnson City, TN

Morning in Johnson City on Sunday

Local time

6:17 AM

EDT

Current temp

77°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Belle Meade, TN

Late night in Belle Meade on Sunday

Local time

5:17 AM

CDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

75°F

Spring City, TN

145 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 earlier

The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.

Temperature spread

23 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

5h 23m 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

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 ~54 min detour Free near mile 260.2
View on nps.gov
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

National Park

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 ~71 min detour Free near mile 80.1
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-centric experience for the vast majority of this 290.3-mile drive. With 97% of the route on interstates like I-40 and I-81, the pace is generally brisk. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a significant 207.6 miles on I-40, meaning you can cover substantial ground without frequent exits. While the profile is primarily highway, the inclusion of James H. Quillen Parkway offers a brief variation. This drive prioritizes efficient travel over winding scenic byways, allowing you to maintain a consistent speed for much of the journey.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 207.6 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 0.1 miles in near Buffalo Street.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 290.3 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 0.1 miles (Buffalo Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.4 miles (North Roan Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 125.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

1,982 ft 528 ft

Total Climb

1,478 ft

Total Descent

2,545 ft

Highest Point

1,982 ft

~186.6 mi in

Elevation Range

1,454 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 Johnson City, TN to Belle Meade, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Nashville along the way.

Nashville

125.1 mi in | ~2h 20m | via I 40

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 23m. Total distance: 290.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 23m 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 207.6 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 Belle Meade, 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 0.1 miles (Buffalo Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.4 miles (North Roan Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 125.1 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 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Belle Meade, TN before the return drive.

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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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