This 335.2-mile drive from Union City, TN to Knoxville, TN is a straightforward trip across Tennessee, taking about 6 hours and 32 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-24 and I-40, it's a highway-focused experience that can comfortably be completed in a single day. With an estimated fuel cost of $52, this route offers a budget-friendly journey through the Southeast region. You'll find it to be a practical and efficient way to travel between these two points in the state. The drive is recommended for one day, making it ideal for those looking to maximize their time on the road.
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
167.6 miles from Union City, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 28m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 24
119 mi
2h 9m
I 40
96 mi
1h 45m
Main Street
28.1 mi
34m
Austin Peay Memorial Highway
25.1 mi
28m
Paris Highway
23.3 mi
34m
TN 22
19.9 mi
22m
Ashland City Road
5.6 mi
6m
TN 76
3.1 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 24
— 119 mi, about 2h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Union City, TN and Knoxville, TN.
1
Start on East Church Street
74 ft·7 sec·East Church Street
2
Turn right onto TN 5; TN 21
0.1 mi·20 sec·South 1st Street
3
Continue on SR 21
0.8 mi·1 min·East Main Street
4
Turn straight onto SR 214
1.9 mi·3 min·Nailling Drive
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward TN 22 South
6
Merge onto TN 22
15 mi·16 min·TN 22
7
Keep slight left at fork onto TN 22
4.7 mi·6 min·TN 22
Toward TN 22 South: Dresden
8
Turn left onto SR 239
1.3 mi·2 min·Pikeview Street
9
At end of road, turn left onto TN 54; TN 89
0.4 mi·35 sec·Pikeview Street
10
Turn right onto TN 54; TN 89
2.2 mi·3 min·West Main Street
11
Continue on TN 54; TN 217
23 mi·34 min·Paris Highway
12
Continue on US 79
25 mi·27 min·Austin Peay Memorial Highway
13
Continue on US 79
0.2 mi·11 sec·Fort Donelson Parkway
14
Continue on US 79
0.6 mi·37 sec·Austin Peay Memorial Highway
15
Continue on US 79
0.5 mi·36 sec·Lake Highway
16
Continue on US 79
1.7 mi·1 min·Donelson Parkway
17
Continue on US 79
28 mi·34 min·Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Merge onto US 41A; US 79
0.1 mi·13 sec·Fort Campbell Boulevard
19
Continue on US 41A; US 79
1.6 mi·2 min·Providence Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
20
Continue on US 41A; US 79
340 ft·7 sec·North 2nd Street
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
21
Turn right onto US 41A Bypass
2.4 mi·4 min·North Riverside Drive
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Continue on US 41A Bypass
5.6 mi·6 min·Ashland City Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
23
Continue on TN 76
3.1 mi·3 min·TN 76
24
Take the exit
0.4 mi·53 sec
25
Merge onto I 24
33 mi·35 min·I 24
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight right at fork onto I 24
2.3 mi·3 min·I 24
Exit 44AToward I 24 East, I 65 South: NashvilleUse the straight / slight left lanes.
27
Continue on I 24
2.8 mi·3 min·I 24
Exit 86Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga, KnoxvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork onto I 24
81 mi·1 hr 27 min·I 24
Exit 50AToward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, ChattanoogaUse the slight left lane.
29
Continue on I 40
93 mi·1 hr 42 min·I 40
Use the straight / right lanes.
30
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
2.9 mi·3 min·I 40
31
Take the exit
0.4 mi·27 sec
Exit 388Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
32
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·56 sec
Exit 388Toward Convention Center, East Tennessee History Center, Museum of Art
33
Continue on US 441
0.2 mi·27 sec·Henley Street
Use the straight lane.
34
Continue on US 441
255 ft·11 sec·Henley Street
35
Arrive at destination
US 441
Trip Plan
For this 6-hour and 32-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Union City to make the most of daylight hours and arrive in Knoxville without feeling rushed. With only one recommended stop, plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the halfway mark, to stay refreshed. The longest stretch without a major exit is 119 miles on I-24, so ensure you have adequate fuel before embarking on that segment. The estimated fuel cost of $52 makes budgeting straightforward, but always keep an eye on your gauge, especially during that extended interstate portion.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 167.6 miles from Union City, TN, or about 3h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 119 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 74 miles or 1h 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 167.6 miles or 3h 28m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 25m
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 Union 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 Union City, TN
This is one driving day of about 335.2 miles and 6h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 74 miles from Union 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 24 for about 119 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 334.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|TN 5; TN 21 / South 1st Street
Turn right onto TN 5; TN 21 / South 1st Street
Navigation decision point
9
152.4 mi into trip|~3h 10m in|I 24
Keep slight right at fork onto I 24 toward I 24 East, I 65 South: Nashville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 44A
Toward I 24 East, I 65 South: Nashville
9
157.5 mi into trip|~3h 17m 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
334.1 mi into trip|~6h 30m 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
334.5 mi into trip|~6h 30m 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
$52.40 one way
$104.81 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg117 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$57.54
$115.08
premium
$4.89
$64.51
$129.01
diesel
$5.61
$74.01
$148.02
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$52
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$77–$102
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 117.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
100.6
1
$35.20
$16.09
Efficient EV
83.8
0
$29.33
$13.41
EV Truck/SUV
134.1
1
$46.93
$21.45
Gas CO2
117 kg
EV CO2
39 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 15, 2026
Origin
Union City, TN
Late night
in Union City on Sunday
Local time
5:28 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Knoxville, TN
Morning
in Knoxville on Sunday
Local time
6:28 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
3 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
6h 32m 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.
Fort Donelson National Battlefield
National Battlefield
Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant was becoming quite famous as he wrote these words following the surrender of Confederate Fort Donelson on Sunday, February 16, 1862. The Union victory at Fort Donels...
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 173.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway experience, with 72% of the drive on major interstates like I-24 and I-40. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 119 miles on I-24, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. While the focus is on efficient travel, the route does incorporate Main Street in Union City, offering a brief transition from local roads to the interstate system. Overall, the personality of this drive is that of a functional interstate journey, designed for getting you from point A to point B with minimal fuss.
72% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 119 mi on I 24.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 24 and I 40. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near TN 5; TN 21 / South 1st Street.
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 17 significant decision points across 335.2 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: near the start (TN 5; TN 21 / South 1st Street): Navigation decision point; at 152.4 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 157.5 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.
On the drive from Union City, TN to Knoxville, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Chattanooga along the way.
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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 32m. Total distance: 335.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 32m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 119 miles on I 24. 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: near the start (TN 5; TN 21 / South 1st Street): Navigation decision point; at 152.4 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 157.5 miles (I 24): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Fort Donelson National Battlefield and Stones River National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.5 hours each way, a round trip means 13.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Knoxville, TN before the return drive.
