Connecting Johnson City to Medina, this 411.7-mile journey traverses the heart of Tennessee from the northeast corner to the west. You should budget approximately 7 hours and 40 minutes for the drive, which is almost entirely composed of high-speed interstate travel. With an estimated fuel cost of $63, it is a straightforward trip that can technically be completed in a single day if you are prepared for a long stint behind the wheel. Because you will spend nearly your entire time on the road within the Southeast, you can expect consistent road conditions throughout the journey. Consider whether you prefer a single long day of driving or if you would rather break up the trip to keep your energy levels high.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
205.8 miles from Johnson City, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 47m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
324.4 mi
5h 53m
I 81
57.1 mi
1h 1m
James H. Quillen Parkway
13.7 mi
16m
SR 152
6.7 mi
11m
Spring Creek Law Road
3.8 mi
6m
Downtown Loop
2.9 mi
3m
Law Road
1.2 mi
2m
East Watauga Avenue
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 324.4 mi, about 5h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Johnson City, TN and Medina, 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 8AToward 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 1BToward 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 NashvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
2.1 mi·3 min·I 40
Exit 213BToward I 24 West, I 40 West: NashvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
0.4 mi·42 sec·I 40
Toward I 40 West: Huntsville, MemphisUse the slight left lane.
15
Merge onto I 40
0.6 mi·52 sec·Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 40
2.3 mi·3 min·Downtown Loop
Exit 210AToward I 40 West, I 65 North: Memphis, LouisvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
114 mi·2 hr 3 min·I 40
Toward I 40 West: MemphisUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·25 sec
Exit 93Toward SR 152
19
Turn right onto SR 152
1.2 mi·2 min·Law Road
20
Turn left onto SR 152
3.8 mi·6 min·Spring Creek Law Road
21
At end of road, turn left onto US 70
74 ft·2 sec·US 70
22
Turn right onto SR 152
6.7 mi·11 min·SR 152
23
Turn left onto SR 152
507 ft·17 sec·North Main Street
24
Turn left onto West Avenue
138 ft·6 sec·West Avenue
25
Turn right onto Central Street
42 ft·1 sec·Central Street
26
Arrive at destination
Central Street
Trip Plan
To tackle this 411.7-mile trek, aim for an early morning departure to avoid peak traffic congestion near major metropolitan areas along the I-40 corridor. You should plan for at least two strategic stops to stretch your legs and refuel, helping you maintain focus during the long interstate stretches. Given the $63 fuel estimate, it is wise to monitor your gas levels before committing to the longest 324.4-mile leg of the trip. Since the drive is quite lengthy for a single day, evaluate your fatigue levels periodically and do not hesitate to pull over at designated rest areas if you feel your concentration slipping. Planning your breaks in advance will make this highway-focused transit feel much more manageable.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 205.8 miles from Johnson City, TN, or about 3h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 324.4 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 91 miles or 1h 42m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 205.8 miles or 3h 47m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Medina, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Johnson City, TN
This is one driving day of about 411.7 miles and 7h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 91 miles from Johnson City, TN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 324.4 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 285.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
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
9
279.9 mi into trip|~5h 7m in|I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 213B
Toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville
8
282 mi into trip|~5h 10m in|I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 West: Huntsville, Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 40 West: Huntsville, Memphis
7
285.4 mi into trip|~5h 15m in|I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 West: Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 40 West: Memphis
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$64.36 one way
$128.73 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg144 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$70.67
$141.34
premium
$4.89
$79.23
$158.46
diesel
$5.61
$90.90
$181.80
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$64
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$89–$114
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 144 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $43 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
123.5
1
$43.23
$19.76
Efficient EV
102.9
1
$36.02
$16.47
EV Truck/SUV
164.7
2
$57.64
$26.35
Gas CO2
144 kg
EV CO2
48 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 14, 2026
Origin
Johnson City, TN
Night
in Johnson City on Saturday
Local time
9:13 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Partly Cloudy
0 mph5% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Medina, TN
Evening
in Medina on Saturday
Local time
8:13 PM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
74°F
Lafayette, TN
206 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
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
7h 40m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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
~53 min detour
Free
near mile 269.7
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...
27 mi from route
~67 min detour
Free
near mile 85.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a focused, highway-heavy experience, as 98% of this route consists of major thoroughfares. You will begin your journey on the James H. Quillen Parkway before transitioning onto I-81 and eventually settling into a long stretch on I-40. The interstate grind defines the personality of this drive, particularly during the 324.4-mile segment on I-40, which serves as the primary artery for the trip. While the road is efficient and built for speed, it lacks the technical curves of local backroads, trading scenic variety for consistent, predictable pavement. Be prepared for a steady pace that requires focused attention to navigate the long-distance highway environment effectively.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 324.4 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 0.4 miles in near North Roan Street.
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 23 significant decision points across 411.7 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 0.4 miles (North Roan Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 125.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 279.9 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,042 ft418 ft
Total Climb
1,845 ft
Total Descent
2,978 ft
Highest Point
2,042 ft
~188.7 mi in
Elevation Range
1,623 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Johnson City, TN and Medina, TN, road signs point toward Nashville, Memphis and Louisville.
Nashville
125.1 mi in|~2h 20m|via I 40
Memphis
282 mi in|~5h 10m|via I 40
Louisville
283.1 mi in|~5h 12m|via I 40
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 40m. Total distance: 411.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 40m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 324.4 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 Medina, 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (North Roan Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 125.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 279.9 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 7.7 hours each way, a round trip means 15.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Medina, TN before the return drive.
