How Far Is Atlanta from Knoxville, TN? Your Complete Travel Distance & Time Guide

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Knoxville, Tennessee, you’re looking at a manageable regional drive or a quick flight. Here’s exactly how far it is, how long it usually takes, and the best ways to get from Atlanta to Knoxville depending on how you like to travel.

The Distance from Atlanta to Knoxville, TN

The distance between Atlanta, GA and Knoxville, TN depends on your exact starting point and route, but most trips look like this:

• Driving distance (downtown Atlanta to downtown Knoxville): about 200–215 miles
• Driving time: typically 3.5 to 4 hours in normal traffic
• Straight-line (as-the-crow-flies) distance: around 150–160 miles

For most people in Atlanta, this is a comfortable half-day trip, making Knoxville an easy weekend destination or a convenient stop on a longer road trip through the Southeast.

Main Driving Routes from Atlanta to Knoxville

If you’re leaving from central Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, or near the Connector), your main options are:

1. I-75 North and I-40 East (Most Common Route)

This is the most straightforward and usually fastest route.

Typical path:

1. Take I-75 North from Atlanta.
2. Continue through Marietta and Cartersville toward Chattanooga, TN.
3. Near Chattanooga, pick up I-24 East briefly (depending on your GPS routing).
4. Then connect to I-75 North again.
5. Merge onto I-40 East toward Knoxville.

Key details:

• Approx. distance: 200–215 miles
• Approx. time: 3.5–4 hours (without heavy traffic)
• Pros: Mostly interstate, easy navigation, services and rest stops throughout
• Cons: Can be slower during rush hour leaving Atlanta and near Chattanooga

2. Scenic Alternatives (Secondary Highways)

Some drivers prefer smaller highways for lighter traffic or more scenic views through North Georgia and East Tennessee.

Examples of alternatives (your GPS can suggest specifics):

• Cutting through US-411 in parts of Georgia or Tennessee
• Using secondary highways near Dalton or Cleveland, TN

These routes:

• May add 30–45 minutes compared with pure interstate travel
• Can be more pleasant if you want to avoid long stretches of interstate or stop in small towns

For most Atlanta residents or visitors, sticking with I-75 and I-40 is the simplest choice.

Typical Travel Time from Atlanta to Knoxville

Your actual travel time depends heavily on when you leave Atlanta and road conditions.

Expected Drive Times

• Light traffic (midday, non-holiday): around 3.5 hours
• Average conditions: about 3.5–4 hours
• Heavy traffic (rush hour leaving Atlanta or near Chattanooga):4–5 hours possible

When Traffic Is Usually Heavier

If you’re leaving from Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or around the Perimeter, allow extra time during:

• Weekday mornings: 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., especially heading north on I-75 and I-285
• Weekday evenings: 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Holiday weekends: especially around major travel holidays

📝 Tip:
If you can, aim to leave after the morning rush (around 9:30–10:30 a.m.) or in the early afternoon, so you miss both Atlanta and Chattanooga’s peak congestion.

Quick Travel Comparison: Distance & Time at a Glance

Driving from Different Parts of Atlanta

Where you start in the metro area slightly changes your distance and time.

From Downtown/Midtown Atlanta

• Starting near: Georgia State Capitol, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or Midtown high-rises
• Route: Merge onto I-75/85 (Downtown Connector), then stay on I-75 North
• Distance to Knoxville: About 200–210 miles
• Travel time:3.5–4 hours in typical conditions

From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

• Airport to Knoxville distance: roughly 210–220 miles
• Route: Take I-85 North to the Downtown Connector, then continue on I-75 North
• Extra time: Add about 30–45 minutes from the airport to clear local traffic, depending on time of day

From Northern Suburbs (Marietta, Kennesaw, Alpharetta)

• Marietta/Kennesaw: Already near I-75 North, which shortens your time slightly.
• Distance from Marietta: around 190–200 miles
• Travel time: often 3–3.5 hours in light traffic
• Alpharetta/Roswell: You’ll typically take GA-400 or local connectors to reach I-75 or I-285, then head north.

Is There a Direct Flight from Atlanta to Knoxville?

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is a major hub, and Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is a regional airport just south of Knoxville.

For many travelers:

• Flight distance: roughly 150–160 miles
• Flight time (in the air): about 1 hour
• Total door-to-door time: often 3–4+ hours once you factor in:
  • Getting to ATL from your location in Atlanta
  • Parking or MARTA access
  • Check-in and security
  • Boarding and deplaning
  • Travel from TYS into Knoxville

Flying can make sense if:

• You’re connecting to or from other destinations through Atlanta’s airport
• You prefer not to drive in the mountains or on interstates
• You value airport convenience more than overall time

For most people already in Atlanta and only going to Knoxville, driving is usually just as fast overall and more cost-effective.

Bus and Other Ground Transportation Options

If you don’t want to drive yourself from Atlanta to Knoxville, there are usually intercity bus options operating between the two cities or with a transfer in between.

These services typically:

• Use routes similar to I-75 / I-40
• Take around 4–6 hours depending on number of stops and traffic
• Depart from locations in or near Downtown Atlanta

When evaluating bus travel from Atlanta to Knoxville, consider:

• Departure location: how easy it is for you to reach the downtown bus terminal or pickup point from your neighborhood or hotel
• Arrival location in Knoxville: whether it’s central or requires an additional taxi/rideshare
• Schedule: some routes may not run frequently every day
• Total cost vs. fuel and parking if you were to drive

If you’re based in Atlanta without a car, bus travel can be a practical way to reach Knoxville without renting a vehicle.

Road Conditions and Terrain Between Atlanta and Knoxville

The drive from Atlanta to Knoxville is generally smooth and well-maintained, but a few local factors are helpful to know.

Terrain

• The route takes you from Atlanta’s urban area through North Georgia hills, past Chattanooga, and then into East Tennessee.
• You’ll encounter rolling hills and some mountain-adjacent sections, but nothing too extreme for most drivers.
• Interstates are built with gradual grades and multiple lanes, making the drive comfortable for standard vehicles.

Weather Considerations

• Summer: Watch for heat, afternoon storms, and reduced visibility in heavy rain.
• Winter: Rare in Atlanta, but snow or ice can occasionally affect higher elevations in North Georgia and East Tennessee, especially around the Chattanooga–Knoxville stretch.
• Year-round: Fog can appear in the early morning around river valleys and mountain areas.

If you’re leaving from Atlanta during potential winter weather, allow extra time and check travel advisories for North Georgia and East Tennessee before you go.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to Knoxville

Here are some Atlanta-specific pointers to make the trip smoother:

1. Time Your Departure Around Atlanta Traffic

To avoid the worst congestion on I-75 North leaving the city:

• Aim to pass the Downtown Connector and I-285 area outside typical rush hours.
• If you’re starting inside the Perimeter, consider how long it usually takes you to reach I-75 North from neighborhoods like:
  • Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward
  • Buckhead
  • West Midtown

2. Plan Fuel and Rest Stops

You’ll find plenty of gas stations, rest areas, and food options along I-75 and I-40. Common stopping points for Atlanta drivers include:

• Cartersville, GA
• Calhoun or Dalton, GA
• Areas near Chattanooga, TN

⏱️ A practical approach is to plan one rest stop roughly halfway (around the 1.5–2 hour mark) if you’re traveling with family or prefer to stretch.

3. Parking in Atlanta vs. Knoxville

If you’re leaving from a central Atlanta location or the airport:

• Factor in parking time and cost if you leave a car at a garage or at the airport.
• Many Atlanta residents in intown neighborhoods may prefer to leave directly from home if parking is limited or street-based.

In Knoxville, downtown and university-area parking vary by time and event schedule, especially near the University of Tennessee. Check expected parking availability if you’re traveling for a game or large event.

When Driving from Atlanta to Knoxville Makes the Most Sense

For most situations, driving is the most straightforward and flexible way to get from Atlanta to Knoxville.

Driving is especially practical if:

• You’re already in Atlanta and your only destination is Knoxville or nearby areas.
• You want the flexibility to stop in Chattanooga or explore parts of North Georgia and East Tennessee along the way.
• You’re traveling as a family or group, making per-person costs lower than flying.

The distance—about 200–215 miles and typically 3.5 to 4 hours—makes it an easy same-day round trip for quick visits, and a very manageable one-way trip for weekend getaways from Atlanta.