Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Sparta, 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

2h 1m

Distance

97.7 mi

157 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$15

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 26 min
4 AM
1h 53m ★
6 AM
2h 2m
8 AM
2h 19m
10 AM
2h 8m
12 PM
2h 6m
3 PM
2h 9m
5 PM
2h 18m
8 PM
1h 56m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
city in and county seat of White County, Tennessee, United States

Sparta, TN

Wikimedia Commons

city and county seat of Knox County, State of Tennessee, United States

Knoxville, TN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 97.7-mile journey from Sparta, TN to Knoxville, TN is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that can easily be completed in about 2 hours. With an estimated fuel cost of $15, it's an economical option for a day trip. The primary roads you'll be using include I-40, Crossville Highway, and Sparta Highway. Since it's a relatively short drive and primarily on the interstate, it's perfectly suited for a single-day excursion without needing an overnight stop. Both Sparta and Knoxville are located within the Southeast region, offering a consistent regional feel throughout your trip.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

48.9 miles from Sparta, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 6m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 67.4 mi 1h 14m
Crossville Highway 20.9 mi 31m
Sparta Highway 4.9 mi 7m
Genesis Road 2.1 mi 3m
North Main Street 0.6 mi 1m
Elmore Road 0.3 mi <1m
Henley Street 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 67.4 mi, about 1h 14m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Sparta, TN and Knoxville, TN.

1

Start on SR 84

30 ft · 7 sec · North Main Street
2

Turn left onto US 70

21 mi · 31 min · Crossville Highway
3

Continue on US 70

4.9 mi · 7 min · Sparta Highway
Use the straight / left lanes.
4

Continue on Elmore Road

0.3 mi · 34 sec · Elmore Road
5

Turn right onto US 127

0.6 mi · 1 min · North Main Street
6

Turn left onto SR 298

2.1 mi · 3 min · Genesis Road
7

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 29 sec
8

Merge onto I 40

64 mi · 1 hr 11 min · I 40
Use the straight / right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

2.9 mi · 3 min · I 40
10

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 27 sec
Exit 388 Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 56 sec
Exit 388 Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
12

Continue on US 441

0.2 mi · 27 sec · Henley Street
Use the straight lane.
13

Continue on US 441

255 ft · 11 sec · Henley Street
14

Arrive at destination

US 441

Trip Plan

Given the 2-hour duration and 97.7-mile distance, this trip is ideal for an early morning departure to maximize your time in Knoxville. You won't need extensive stops, but a brief break around the halfway point could be beneficial, especially during the 67.4-mile stretch on I-40. Keep an eye on fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $15, and plan your refueling accordingly before you get too low. The flexibility of a shorter drive like this means you can adjust your departure time based on traffic or personal preference.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 48.9 miles from Sparta, TN, or about 1h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 67.4 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 21 miles or 31m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 48.9 miles or 1h 6m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 41m

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 Sparta, 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 Sparta, TN

This is one driving day of about 97.7 miles and 2h 1m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Sparta, TN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 67.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Roane County, Tennessee, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Rockwood, TN

49 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.

Popular next leg

Rockwood, TN to Knoxville, TN

47.4 mi · 54m

Pacing Suggestions

Crossville, TN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Rockwood, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 48.9 miles from Sparta, 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 67.4 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

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 97.7

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Capybara Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 97.7

Knoxville, Tennessee

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Market Square

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Inexpensiv mile 97.7

Knoxville, Tennessee

+18652154248

Visit website

Marble Springs State Historic Site

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 97.7

Knoxville, Tennessee

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18655735508

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 8

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 97 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 70 / Crossville Highway

Turn left onto US 70 / Crossville Highway

Navigation decision point

4
26.9 mi into trip | ~40m in | SR 298 / Genesis Road

Turn left onto SR 298 / Genesis Road

Navigation decision point

5
29.2 mi into trip | ~44m in | I 40

Merge onto I 40

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
6
96.6 mi into trip | ~1h 59m 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
97 mi into trip | ~1h 59m 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

$15.27 one way

$30.55 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 34 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $16.77 $33.54
premium $4.89 $18.80 $37.60
diesel $5.61 $21.57 $43.14

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$15

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$40–$65

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 34.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 29.3 0 $10.26 $4.69
Efficient EV 24.4 0 $8.55 $3.91
EV Truck/SUV 39.1 0 $13.68 $6.25

Gas CO2

34 kg

EV CO2

11 kg (68% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Sparta, TN

Late night in Sparta on Sunday

Local time

3:06 AM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Knoxville, TN

Late night in Knoxville on Sunday

Local time

4:06 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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

2h 1m 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 predominantly highway-focused experience, with 69% of the drive taking place on interstates like I-40. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 67.4 miles on I-40, suggesting significant periods of consistent speed. While the route utilizes highways like Crossville Highway and Sparta Highway, the overall character leans towards efficient travel rather than winding backroads. This means you'll likely encounter a steady pace for most of the 2-hour duration.

69% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 67.4 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Crossville Highway. You will hit about 8 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 70 / Crossville Highway.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 97.7 miles you will encounter 8 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 70 / Crossville Highway): Navigation decision point; at 26.9 miles (SR 298 / Genesis Road): Navigation decision point; at 29.2 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

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 2h 1m. Total distance: 97.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (69%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 67.4 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 70 / Crossville Highway): Navigation decision point; at 26.9 miles (SR 298 / Genesis Road): Navigation decision point; at 29.2 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Knoxville, TN before heading back.

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.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Knoxville, TN

Troy, TN 367.9 mi · 6h 43m Oakland, TN 363.4 mi · 6h 42m Arlington, TN 362.2 mi · 6h 39m Brighton, TN 362 mi · 6h 53m

More from Sparta, TN

New South Memphis, TN 309.2 mi · 5h 45m Jackson, TN 224.3 mi · 4h 9m Johnson City, TN 202.2 mi · 3h 56m Franklin, TN 112.5 mi · 2h 7m Nashville, TN 96.2 mi · 1h 50m Chattanooga, TN 81.2 mi · 1h 44m

More trips to Knoxville, TN

Memphis, TN 391.2 mi Germantown, TN 379.9 mi Bartlett, TN 376.4 mi Obion, TN 370.5 mi Munford, TN 367.9 mi Hickory Withe, TN 363.3 mi
Escape planner: Sparta, TN Scenic drives in TN

Explore more options from Sparta, TN or browse trips ending in Knoxville, TN.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TN road trips.