Murfreesboro to Knoxville

181 miles • 2 hours 44 minutes • via I-24 & I-40 East

Knoxville sits at the western edge of the Great Smoky Mountains, serving as both a vibrant college city and the primary gateway to the most visited national park in the United States. Home to the University of Tennessee, the 1982 World's Fair site, and a revitalized downtown centered around Market Square, Knoxville blends Appalachian heritage with a growing food, arts, and music scene. The drive from Murfreesboro follows I-24 and I-40 across the Cumberland Plateau, passing through Cookeville, Crossville, and the Oak Ridge corridor before reaching East Tennessee's largest city.

Murfreesboro to Knoxville – Quick Facts

Distance

181 miles

Murfreesboro to downtown Knoxville

Drive Time

~2h 44m

Under normal traffic conditions

Best Route

I-24 E to I-40 E

Interstate all the way

Estimated Gas

$20–28

Round trip, varies by vehicle

Trip Type

Day trip or weekend

Combine with Gatlinburg for a weekend

Getting from Murfreesboro to Knoxville

The drive from Murfreesboro to Knoxville follows I-24 East to I-40 East, covering 181 miles of interstate highway. After merging onto I-40 near Cookeville, the route continues east across the Cumberland Plateau through Crossville before descending into the Ridge-and-Valley region of East Tennessee. The drive is straightforward, with no major highway changes beyond the initial I-24 to I-40 transition.

Primary Route: I-24 E to I-40 E

Fastest

The fastest and most direct path from Murfreesboro to Knoxville. Take I-24 East from Murfreesboro, then merge onto I-40 East near Cookeville. The route continues on I-40 through Crossville and the Cumberland Plateau before descending into the Tennessee Valley and arriving in Knoxville. The entire route is interstate highway, making it a comfortable and predictable drive.

• Distance: ~181 miles
• Drive time: ~2 hours 44 minutes
• Interstate the entire way
• Passes through Cookeville & Crossville

Alternative: US-70N Through Cookeville

Scenic

US-70N offers a slower alternative that passes through small towns on the Cumberland Plateau between Murfreesboro and Knoxville. This route takes considerably longer but provides a closer look at the rural communities, local shops, and small-town character of Middle and East Tennessee. It is best suited for travelers with extra time who want to explore the towns along the way.

• Passes through small towns on the plateau
• Slower with surface streets & traffic lights
• Good for small-town stops & local flavor

Traffic & Driving Tips

I-40 Near Knoxville

I-40 approaching Knoxville can be congested, particularly during morning and evening rush hours. The interchange where I-40 meets I-75 west of the city is a known bottleneck. Allow extra time during peak travel periods, especially on weekday afternoons.

UT Game Days

On University of Tennessee football game days, traffic in and around Knoxville transforms significantly. Neyland Stadium holds over 100,000 fans, and the influx of visitors creates heavy congestion on I-40 and throughout downtown. Game days are exciting but require planning for parking and travel time.

Best Times to Travel

Weekend mornings and mid-morning weekday departures generally offer the smoothest drive. Avoid Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings when weekend travelers are heading to and from East Tennessee and the Smokies. Summer weekends see heavier I-40 traffic from Gatlinburg-bound visitors.

Stops Along the Way

The 181-mile route from Murfreesboro to Knoxville crosses the Cumberland Plateau and passes through several communities with attractions worth a stop, whether for a quick break or a longer detour.

Cookeville

Cookeville sits along I-40 about halfway between Murfreesboro and Knoxville and serves as the home of Tennessee Technological University. The city is a convenient stopping point for fuel and food. Nearby, Cummins Falls State Park features a 75-foot waterfall that is one of the most photographed natural sites in Tennessee. The park requires a moderate hike to reach the base of the falls and has become a popular outdoor destination in the Upper Cumberland region.

Crossville

Crossville is located on the Cumberland Plateau along I-40, east of Cookeville. The city is known as the Golf Capital of Tennessee due to the concentration of golf courses in the area. Crossville also features antique shops, the Cumberland County Playhouse – one of the oldest and largest professional theaters in rural America – and a temperate mountain climate that draws retirees and seasonal visitors. The surrounding plateau landscape offers a scenic backdrop for a road trip break.

Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge is located just west of Knoxville and was built as a secret city during World War II as part of the Manhattan Project. The American Museum of Science and Energy tells the story of Oak Ridge's role in the development of nuclear technology and its ongoing contributions to scientific research. The city's Manhattan Project history is preserved through various sites and exhibits, making it a unique and educational stop for history-minded travelers on the way to or from Knoxville.

Harriman & Rockwood

The Harriman and Rockwood area sits along I-40 between Crossville and Knoxville, near the Emory River. This stretch of the route marks the transition from the Cumberland Plateau down into the Ridge-and-Valley region of East Tennessee. The area offers access to river recreation and a quieter, rural character. For travelers looking for a brief stop between the plateau towns and Knoxville, the Harriman and Rockwood exits provide fuel, food, and a change of scenery.

Things to Do in Knoxville

Knoxville has experienced a downtown renaissance in recent years, with a revitalized Market Square, a thriving food and craft beer scene, and a growing arts community. The city's identity is closely tied to the University of Tennessee, the 1982 World's Fair legacy, and its position as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains.

Market Square

Market Square is the vibrant heart of downtown Knoxville, a public plaza surrounded by restaurants, shops, galleries, and cafes. The square hosts live music, farmers markets, festivals, and community events throughout the year. On warm evenings, the outdoor dining patios fill with visitors and locals alike. Market Square has become the social center of Knoxville's downtown revival and serves as the best starting point for exploring the city on foot.

University of Tennessee Campus

The University of Tennessee's flagship campus sits along the Tennessee River on the western edge of downtown Knoxville. The campus is known nationally for its athletics programs, particularly Volunteers football at Neyland Stadium, which holds over 100,000 spectators and is one of the largest stadiums in the country. The campus features the iconic Ayres Hall, The Hill, and a pedestrian-friendly layout that is worth walking through, especially during the academic year. On game days, the campus and surrounding areas come alive with orange-clad fans.

Sunsphere

The Sunsphere is a 266-foot steel truss structure topped with a gold-colored glass sphere, built as the theme structure for the 1982 World's Fair held in Knoxville. The observation deck on the fourth level offers panoramic views of downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee River, and the surrounding ridges. Admission to the observation level is free. The Sunsphere has become one of Knoxville's most recognizable landmarks and is located within World's Fair Park, making it easy to combine with other downtown attractions.

Old City

The Old City is a historic warehouse district on the eastern edge of downtown Knoxville that has been transformed into one of the city's premier entertainment neighborhoods. The area features a concentration of restaurants, bars, live music venues, and nightlife options housed in renovated industrial buildings. The Old City is particularly lively on weekend evenings and during special events. Its proximity to downtown and Market Square makes it easy to walk between the two areas during an evening out in Knoxville.

Knoxville Museum of Art

The Knoxville Museum of Art is located adjacent to World's Fair Park and offers free general admission. The museum's collection focuses on art and artists of East Tennessee and the greater Appalachian region, along with rotating exhibitions of national and international works. The museum also hosts events, including the popular Alive After Five concert series. Its location near the Sunsphere and downtown makes it a convenient addition to a Knoxville visit.

Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame is located in Knoxville, recognizing the history and achievements of women's basketball at all levels. The facility is identifiable by its large exterior basketball structure and features interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and displays honoring inductees. Knoxville's connection to women's basketball runs deep, as the University of Tennessee's Lady Volunteers program, led for decades by the late Pat Summitt, is one of the most storied programs in the sport's history.

World's Fair Park

World's Fair Park is an urban green space in downtown Knoxville built on the site of the 1982 World's Fair. The park features the Sunsphere, walking paths, open lawns, water features, and the Knoxville Convention Center. It serves as a central gathering point for festivals, outdoor concerts, and community events. The park's location between the UT campus and downtown Knoxville makes it a natural crossroads for visitors exploring the city. The combination of green space, public art, and the iconic Sunsphere gives the park a character distinct from typical urban parks.

Where to Eat on a Knoxville Trip

Knoxville's food scene has grown considerably as the city's downtown has revitalized, with Market Square, the Old City, and surrounding neighborhoods offering a range of dining options from casual Southern fare to chef-driven restaurants.

Market Square Dining

Market Square is the epicenter of Knoxville's dining scene, with restaurants lining the pedestrian plaza on all sides. The square offers a variety of cuisines and price points, from casual lunch spots and pizza to upscale dinner destinations. On warm days, the outdoor patios along the square are a popular choice for a leisurely meal while watching the activity on the plaza. Many Market Square restaurants are locally owned and reflect the city's evolving culinary identity.

Old City Restaurants

The Old City district offers a diverse collection of restaurants in the renovated warehouse buildings east of downtown. The neighborhood's dining options range from casual eateries and taquerias to fine dining and international cuisines. The Old City tends to be busiest in the evenings, when the restaurants, bars, and music venues create a lively atmosphere. The district's walkable layout makes it easy to explore multiple spots in a single visit.

Craft Brewery Scene

Knoxville has developed a notable craft brewery scene, with multiple breweries operating taprooms across downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. The city's breweries range from well-established operations to newer nano-breweries, many of which offer food menus or host food trucks. Several are located within walking distance of Market Square and the Old City, making it possible to visit multiple taprooms as part of a downtown Knoxville exploration.

Road Trip Stops: Cookeville

Cookeville, located roughly halfway along the I-40 corridor between Murfreesboro and Knoxville, offers a variety of dining options for travelers looking to break up the drive. The city has a mix of local restaurants and familiar chains near the interstate exits. As a college town home to Tennessee Tech, Cookeville also has a selection of casual dining spots, coffee shops, and barbecue joints that provide a more local experience than typical interstate food stops.

Practical Tips for Your Knoxville Trip

Day Trip or Weekend

At 181 miles and nearly three hours each way, Knoxville works as a long day trip with an early departure from Murfreesboro, or it can be combined with a visit to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains for a weekend getaway. An early morning start allows for arrival by mid-morning and a full day of exploring before the return drive in the evening.

UT Game Days

University of Tennessee football game days transform Knoxville into an entirely different city. Neyland Stadium draws over 100,000 fans, and the surrounding area fills with tailgating, Vol Navy boats on the Tennessee River, and a sea of orange. Game days are exciting to experience but come with heavy traffic, limited parking, and crowded restaurants. Plan accordingly if visiting during football season.

Downtown Walkability

Downtown Knoxville is very walkable, with Market Square, the Old City, World's Fair Park, and the waterfront all accessible on foot from a central parking location. The city has invested in pedestrian infrastructure, and visitors can comfortably park once and explore the downtown core without needing to drive between attractions.

Gateway to Gatlinburg

Knoxville is located about 40 miles northwest of Gatlinburg, making it a natural stopover for travelers heading to the Great Smoky Mountains. Visitors from Murfreesboro can spend time in Knoxville before continuing to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or the national park. This combination works particularly well as a weekend trip, with one day focused on Knoxville and the next on the mountains.

Best Time to Visit

Fall is a particularly popular time to visit Knoxville, with UT football season, comfortable temperatures, and autumn foliage in the surrounding mountains. Spring offers mild weather and blooming dogwoods across the region. Summer is warm and busy with tourists heading to the Smokies, while winter provides a quieter experience with holiday events downtown.

Parking Downtown

Downtown Knoxville has several public parking garages and surface lots near Market Square and the Old City. On non-event days, parking is generally manageable. On UT game days and during major festivals, parking fills quickly and rates increase. Arriving early on busy days helps secure convenient parking near the downtown attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions: Murfreesboro to Knoxville

How far is Murfreesboro from Knoxville?

Murfreesboro is approximately 181 miles from Knoxville, Tennessee. The drive takes about 2 hours and 44 minutes via I-24 East to I-40 East under normal traffic conditions.

Is Knoxville a good day trip from Murfreesboro?

Yes, though it is on the longer side for a day trip. An early start from Murfreesboro allows for a full day of exploring downtown Knoxville, the University of Tennessee campus, Market Square, and surrounding attractions before returning in the evening.

What is the best route from Murfreesboro to Knoxville?

I-24 East to I-40 East is the fastest and most direct route from Murfreesboro to Knoxville. The route is interstate the entire way, passing through Cookeville and Crossville on the Cumberland Plateau before descending into the Tennessee Valley toward Knoxville.

What is there to do in downtown Knoxville?

Downtown Knoxville offers Market Square with restaurants, shops, and live events; the Sunsphere observation deck from the 1982 World's Fair; the Old City district for nightlife, dining, and entertainment; the Knoxville Museum of Art with free admission; and a vibrant craft beer scene spread across several neighborhoods.

Can I combine Knoxville with a trip to Gatlinburg?

Yes, Gatlinburg is about 40 miles southeast of Knoxville, making it ideal for a weekend trip. Visitors can spend a day in Knoxville and continue to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains the next day, or use Knoxville as a stopover en route to the Smokies.

What are good stops between Murfreesboro and Knoxville?

Cookeville is home to Tennessee Tech University and nearby Cummins Falls State Park. Crossville is known as the Golf Capital of Tennessee and features antique shopping and the Cumberland County Playhouse. Oak Ridge offers the American Museum of Science and Energy and Manhattan Project historical sites.

More Day Trips from Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro sits at the center of a region rich with day trip destinations. Explore more options from the Murfreesboro area.

Murfreesboro to Knoxville