How Long Does it Take to Drive from Aurora, Colorado to Knoxville, Tennessee?

Have you been thinking about taking a road trip from Aurora, Colorado to Knoxville, Tennessee? Maybe you're looking to visit friends or hit up some of the famous BBQ spots that Knoxville has to offer. No matter what your reason is, one of the first questions you're likely to ask is how long it takes to drive there. The good news is that the answer varies depending on the route you take and the time of day. Let's explore the fastest and the slowest routes from Aurora, Colorado to Knoxville, Tennessee.

Route Options

The fastest route from Aurora to Knoxville is via I-70 E and I-64 E. This route takes you through Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and finally into Tennessee. The total distance is 1,321 miles, and this route will take you approximately 19 hours non-stop. Keep in mind that this time can vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.

If you're looking to take a more scenic route, you can opt for the slower but more enjoyable drive via the I-40 E from Colorado to Tennessee. This route takes you through Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Mississippi before reaching Tennessee. The total distance is 1,437 miles, and this route will take you approximately 21 hours non-stop. Once again, traffic and weather will affect the total driving time for this route.

Peak Traffic Times

If you're planning to drive during peak traffic times, it's best to be prepared for delays. Rush hour in larger cities will cause some bottlenecks and traffic congestion. One common bottleneck that you're likely to hit is in St. Louis, Missouri. The best way to avoid this is by traveling on the weekends or during the off-peak hours, which means starting your drive in the early morning or late evening.

Low Traffic Times

If you're looking to avoid traffic altogether, aim to start your trip in the morning or late evening when most people are either at work or asleep. You can expect to encounter minimal traffic on the I-70 E and I-64 E route. As for the I-40 E, you'll encounter heavy volume traffic in the cities of Oklahoma City and Nashville. The rest of the route is relatively low traffic, making for an enjoyable drive.

Conclusion

The duration of a road trip from Aurora, Colorado to Knoxville, Tennessee will mostly depend on the route you choose and the time of day you choose to drive. The fastest route is via I-70 E and I-64 E which should take you around 19 hours non-stop, while the more scenic but slower route is via the I-40 E which will take you about 21 hours non-stop. However, it's important to remember that traffic patterns and weather conditions can significantly affect your travel time. Be sure to take those into account when planning your journey. So buckle up, grab some snacks and enjoy the drive!