Road Trip: The Cost of Driving from Athens, Indiana to Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Are you thinking about taking a road trip from Athens, Indiana to Gatlinburg, Tennessee but wondering about the cost? With gas prices constantly changing, it's important to plan ahead and budget accordingly. In this post, we'll highlight different routes you can take and the cost of each so you can choose the one that's best for you and your wallet.

Route 1: The Fastest Route

If you're looking to get to Gatlinburg as quickly as possible, take this route. Start by heading south on I-65 for about 20 miles until you reach Exit 68 for TN-109 toward Gallatin. Take that exit and continue on TN-109 for 28 miles until you reach I-40 East. Follow I-40 East for about 120 miles until you reach Exit 407 towards Gatlinburg. Take this exit and follow the signs for Gatlinburg.

The total distance of this route is approximately 360 miles and it will take you just over 6 hours to get there. The estimated cost of gas for this route with current gas prices is around $54.72.

Route 2: Avoiding Tolls

If you're looking to save some money on tolls, you can take this route instead. Head south on I-65 for about 20 miles until you reach Exit 68 for TN-109 toward Gallatin. Take that exit and continue on TN-109 for 28 miles until you reach TN-840. Take TN-840 East for 37 miles until you reach I-40 East. Follow I-40 East for about 82 miles until you reach Exit 407 towards Gatlinburg. Take this exit and follow the signs for Gatlinburg.

Although this route is longer, at approximately 360 miles, it will take you just over 7 hours to get there. The estimated cost of gas for this route with current gas prices is around $54.72, which is the same as Route 1. However, you'll save money on tolls which can be helpful when planning a long road trip.

Route 3: Sightseeing

If you're looking to take a scenic route and make a few stops along the way, this route is for you. Head south on I-65 for about 20 miles until you reach Exit 46 for TN-50 towards Centerville. Take that exit and follow TN-50 for about 55 miles until you reach TN-69. Take TN-69 South for 19 miles until you reach US-64. Take US-64 East for about 26 miles until you reach US-127. Take US-127 South for 25 miles until you reach I-40. Follow I-40 East for about 82 miles until you reach Exit 407 towards Gatlinburg. Take this exit and follow the signs for Gatlinburg.

This route is the longest, at approximately 420 miles and will take you over 8 hours to get there. However, you'll get to take in some beautiful scenery along the way. The estimated cost of gas for this route with current gas prices is around $63.84 but it's worth it if you're looking to stretch out the trip and enjoy the journey.

No matter which route you choose, a road trip from Athens, Indiana to Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a great way to enjoy the open road and see some beautiful sights. Make sure to plan ahead and budget accordingly to save money on gas and tolls. Safe travels!