Smyrna, TN to Jonesborough, TN is 386.4 miles and takes about 7h 23m via I-40 and I-81, with a fuel budget near $57 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Tennessee, beginning in the Southeast region and ending in the same area. With 86% of the route on highways, expect a fairly direct and efficient drive. It's a good option if you're looking for a single-day trip across the state, covering a significant distance without feeling overly rushed. Plan for a couple of stops to break up the 7-hour drive.
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
193.2 miles from Smyrna, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 46m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
291.9 mi
5h 18m
West Andrew Johnson Highway
35 mi
42m
I 81
22.7 mi
24m
US 641
13.8 mi
15m
Broadway of America
5.4 mi
8m
SR 114
4.1 mi
7m
Downtown Loop
2.9 mi
4m
Buena Vista Road
2.5 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 291.9 mi, about 5h 18m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Smyrna, TN and Jonesborough, TN.
1
Start on Buck Ditch Road
58 ft·4 sec·Buck Ditch Road
2
Turn left onto Smyrna Road
2.0 mi·7 min·Smyrna Road
3
At end of road, turn right onto Buena Vista Road
2.5 mi·6 min·Buena Vista Road
4
At end of road, turn left onto SR 114
4.1 mi·7 min·SR 114
5
At end of road, turn right onto US 70; SR 114
2.4 mi·3 min·Broad Street
6
Continue on US 70
5.4 mi·8 min·Broadway of America
7
Turn right onto US 70
1.6 mi·2 min·US 70
8
Turn right onto US 641
14 mi·15 min·US 641
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
10
Merge onto I 40
81 mi·1 hr 27 min·I 40
Use the straight lane.
11
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.
12
Merge onto I 40; I 65
2.4 mi·3 min·Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
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.
14
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.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
37 mi·40 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
23 mi·24 min·I 81
Exit 421Toward I 81 North: Bristol
17
Take the exit
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward US 11E: Mosheim, Greeneville, Bulls Gap
18
Turn right onto US 11E
35 mi·42 min·West Andrew Johnson Highway
19
Continue on US 11E; US 321
0.7 mi·1 min·West Jackson Boulevard
20
Turn right onto Washington Drive
0.2 mi·47 sec·Washington Drive
21
At end of road, turn left onto West Main Street
0.3 mi·33 sec·West Main Street
22
Turn left onto North Cherokee Street
33 ft·0 sec·North Cherokee Street
23
Arrive at destination
North Cherokee Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7h 23m drive, consider an early morning departure from Smyrna to avoid any potential rush hour traffic. With only 2 recommended stops, you can afford to be flexible, but it's wise to plan your first break around the halfway point. The longest stretch is over 290 miles on I-40, so ensure you're fueled up before setting off on that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you get closer to Jonesborough, as services can become less frequent in some stretches. Budgeting around $57 for fuel is a good estimate for this 386.4-mile trip.
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 193.2 miles from Smyrna, TN, or about 3h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 291.9 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 85 miles or 1h 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 193.2 miles or 3h 46m 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 13m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jonesborough, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Smyrna, 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 Smyrna, TN
This is one driving day of about 386.4 miles and 7h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 85 miles from Smyrna, 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 291.9 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 113.4 and 386.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
113.4 mi into trip|~2h 18m 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
116.6 mi into trip|~2h 23m 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
290.4 mi into trip|~5h 33m 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
327.2 mi into trip|~6h 13m 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
386.1 mi into trip|~7h 23m in|West Main Street
At end of road, turn left onto West Main Street
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$58.64 one way
$117.29 round trip
$3.86/gal25.4 MPG avg135 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.31
$65.52
$131.04
premium
$4.73
$71.91
$143.82
diesel
$5.99
$91.15
$182.31
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$59
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$84–$109
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 135.2 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $41 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
115.9
1
$40.57
$18.55
Efficient EV
96.6
1
$33.81
$15.46
EV Truck/SUV
154.6
1
$54.10
$24.73
Gas CO2
135 kg
EV CO2
45 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 Oct 18, 2026
Origin
Smyrna, TN
Afternoon
in Smyrna on Sunday
Local time
2:36 PM
CDT
Current temp
38°F
Clear
ENE 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Jonesborough, TN
Afternoon
in Jonesborough on Sunday
Local time
3:36 PM
EDT
Current temp
33°F
Areas Of Frost
NE 5 mph0% chanceLive 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
5 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 23m 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
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 133.2
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...
29 mi from route
~72 min detour
Free
near mile 319.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is a predominantly highway drive, with 86% of the 386.4 miles on major interstates. You'll spend most of your time on I-40 and I-81. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 291.9 miles on I-40, so be prepared for extended periods of cruising. The transition to surface roads, like West Andrew Johnson Highway, will occur later in the trip as you approach your destination. Expect a high volume of exits and potential merging traffic as you navigate these main arteries.
86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 291.9 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and West Andrew Johnson Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 113.4 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 386.4 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 113.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 116.6 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 290.4 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,869 ft378 ft
Total Climb
2,569 ft
Total Descent
1,394 ft
Highest Point
1,869 ft
~220.8 mi in
Elevation Range
1,491 ft
Notable High Points
1,869 ft at ~220.8 miles+622 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Smyrna, TN and Jonesborough, TN, road signs point toward Huntsville, Louisville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Greeneville and Bulls Gap.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 23m. Total distance: 386.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 23m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 291.9 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 41 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 Jonesborough, 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. There are 41 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 113.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 116.6 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 290.4 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 7.4 hours each way, a round trip means 14.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Jonesborough, TN before the return drive.
