How Far Is Knoxville From Atlanta? A Practical Guide for Atlanta Travelers

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and thinking about a trip to Knoxville, Tennessee, the good news is that it’s close enough for a weekend getaway, a quick visit to the mountains, or even a same-day turnaround if you plan well.

Below is a clear breakdown of how far Knoxville is from Atlanta, plus your main options for getting there and what Atlantans typically need to know before they go.

Distance From Atlanta to Knoxville

In simple terms:

• Driving distance: About 200–215 miles
• Typical drive time: Around 3.5 to 4 hours by car in normal traffic
• Direction: Mostly north / northwest from Atlanta into Tennessee

The exact distance depends on where you start and end:

• From Downtown Atlanta (Five Points) to Downtown Knoxville: around 210 miles by road
• From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Downtown Knoxville: about 215 miles

This makes Knoxville a manageable road trip from Atlanta, similar in length to driving from Atlanta to Savannah or slightly farther than Atlanta to Birmingham.

Main Driving Routes From Atlanta to Knoxville

For most people in Atlanta, driving is the simplest and most flexible way to get to Knoxville.

Primary Route (Fastest for Most Drivers)

Route overview:

1. Start on I-75 North from Atlanta
2. Continue on I-75 N to Chattanooga, TN
3. Near Chattanooga, take I-24 E briefly, then connect to I-75 N again
4. Stay on I-75 N into Knoxville

This route:

• Is about 210–215 miles
• Generally takes 3.5–4 hours
• Uses major interstates almost the entire way

Alternate Routes (Scenic or Situational)

If you’re looking for different scenery or trying to avoid some traffic, drivers sometimes use:

• I-575 N / GA-515 through the North Georgia mountains (e.g., via Blue Ridge, then across to Tennessee and up toward Knoxville)
  • This can be more scenic but usually slower and less direct.
• State highways from Dalton or Calhoun to smaller Tennessee routes
  • Occasionally useful if there are major interstate delays.

For most Atlantans, though, staying on I-75 is the most straightforward and predictable choice.

How Long Does the Drive Really Take?

While the official estimates say 3.5–4 hours, your actual drive time from Atlanta to Knoxville depends on:

• Traffic leaving Atlanta (I-75/I-85 “Downtown Connector” and I-285 can slow you down)
• Peak travel times (Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons tend to be busier)
• Construction or incidents on I-75, especially around Chattanooga

Typical Drive Time Ranges

🕐 Tip: If you want the smoothest ride from Atlanta, many locals try to leave after morning rush (after 9:30 a.m.) or before afternoon rush (before 3:30 p.m.) on weekdays.

Driving Considerations for Atlantans

Tolls and Costs

• No tolls on the main interstate route from Atlanta to Knoxville via I-75.
• Expect typical road trip costs:
  • Gas for a round trip (roughly 400–450 miles total)
  • Optional parking fees in Knoxville, depending on where you stay or visit

Weather and Seasonal Factors

• In winter, especially January–February, the stretch between Chattanooga and Knoxville can sometimes see snow or ice, especially on higher elevations.
• In summer, expect:
  • Heavy traffic near Chattanooga
  • More road construction in some sections

Many Atlanta drivers check traffic conditions using navigation apps before committing to I-75.

Is There a Direct Flight From Atlanta to Knoxville?

Yes. If you prefer to fly, Knoxville has an airport, and the flight from Atlanta is very short.

• Departure airport:
  Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

• Arrival airport:
  McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), serving Knoxville
  Located just south of Knoxville, near Alcoa, TN

Flight Time and Distance

• Flight distance: Roughly 150 miles by air
• Flight time (in the air): Often around 45–60 minutes
• With check-in, security, and boarding, door-to-door time from Atlanta city to Knoxville city can still be 2.5–4 hours, depending on timing and connections.

Flying makes the most sense if:

• You’re already at or near ATL (for example, on a connection)
• You prefer not to drive through the mountains or interstate corridors
• You’re coordinating with business schedules and need predictable timing

Bus or Train Options Between Atlanta and Knoxville

Bus Travel

From Atlanta, most long-distance buses depart from or near:

• Atlanta Bus Station / Greyhound (typical central point for intercity buses, though exact locations can change over time)

Bus service between Atlanta and Knoxville:

• May be indirect (often via Chattanooga or another transfer point)
• Typically takes longer than driving, sometimes 5–7 hours or more, depending on the route and stops
• Can be a budget-friendly alternative if you don’t have a car

If you’re staying in central Atlanta, you’ll want to allow time to travel from:

• Your location (e.g., Midtown, Buckhead, or the Airport) to the bus departure point via MARTA rail, rideshare, or taxi.

Train Travel

There is no direct passenger train service between Atlanta and Knoxville for everyday travelers. While there are some long-distance train routes through Atlanta, they do not continue on to Knoxville in a convenient, direct way.

For most Atlantans, that means driving or flying is more practical than trying to piece together train segments and buses.

How Knoxville Fits into a Broader Atlanta Trip

If you’re visiting or living in Atlanta and curious about regional side trips, Knoxville can be part of a longer route through the Southeast:

• Atlanta → Chattanooga → Knoxville
  • Chattanooga is about 2 hours from Atlanta
  • Then another 1.5 hours from Chattanooga to Knoxville
• Atlanta → Great Smoky Mountains → Knoxville
  • Some travelers head from Atlanta toward the Great Smoky Mountains (via North Georgia / North Carolina) and then loop back through Knoxville.

Because of the 3.5–4 hour drive, Knoxville works well as:

• A weekend road trip from Atlanta
• A side visit if you’re already heading toward Tennessee or the Appalachian region
• A university or sports visit, especially if you’re following teams or colleges that play in Knoxville

Comparing Knoxville Distance to Other Cities From Atlanta

To understand how far Knoxville is from Atlanta in a familiar way:

• Atlanta → Knoxville: ~210 miles, ~3.5–4 hours by car
• Atlanta → Chattanooga: ~120 miles, ~2 hours
• Atlanta → Nashville: ~250 miles, ~4–4.5 hours
• Atlanta → Birmingham: ~150 miles, ~2.5 hours

So Knoxville is:

• Farther than Chattanooga, but
• Slightly closer than Nashville, in both miles and drive time

Quick Planning Checklist for Atlanta to Knoxville

Before you go, it’s helpful to:

1. Choose your route:
   • Most Atlantans take I-75 N via Chattanooga.
2. Check traffic and weather:
   • Look at I-75 traffic, especially near Downtown Atlanta, I-285 interchanges, and Chattanooga.
3. Plan your timing:
   • Allow 3.5–4 hours driving from most Atlanta neighborhoods.
4. Pick your mode of travel:
   • Drive if you want flexibility and a straightforward route.
   • Fly from ATL to TYS if you prefer air travel or are already at the airport.
   • Bus if you’re flexible on time and looking for a more budget-oriented option.
5. Account for your starting point in Atlanta:
   • Inside the Perimeter (ITP) may add time getting onto I-75.
   • Northwest suburbs like Marietta, Smyrna, or Kennesaw are already partway there.

In summary, Knoxville is roughly 210 miles and about 3.5–4 hours by car from Atlanta, making it a very reachable trip for Atlantans by interstate, with short flight options available through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.