Durham, North Carolina to Great Smoky Mountains: Road Trip Guide & Distance

258.6 miles 416.2 km · straight line
323.3 miles estimated 520.3 km · driving distance
6h 30min estimated drive time
$31 - $38 estimated fuel cost
~1h 1min flight time
265° W bearing direction

How far is Durham, North Carolina from Great Smoky Mountains?

The distance from Durham, North Carolina to Great Smoky Mountains is 258.6 miles (416.2 km) as the crow flies. Great Smoky Mountains is located W of Durham, North Carolina. By car, the driving distance is approximately 323.3 miles, taking about 6h 30min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 1min. Both are located in United States — Durham, North Carolina in North Carolina and Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare.

Coordinates come from public place data for Durham, North Carolina and Great Smoky Mountains. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Durham, North Carolina to Great Smoky Mountains

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 6h 30min $31 - $38 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 1min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~7h 48min $26–$48* Budget
Train ~6h 11min $39–$113* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Durham, North Carolina & Great Smoky Mountains

Quick Facts

Durham, North Carolina
35.99°N, 78.90°W
America/New_York
123m elevation
Great Smoky Mountains
35.61°N, 83.49°W
America/New_York
2025m elevation
Explore more routes from Great Smoky Mountains

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 86 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 22 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 96.3 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients