Gatlinburg to Mammoth Cave: Road Trip Guide & Distance

How far is Gatlinburg from Mammoth Cave?

The distance from Gatlinburg to Mammoth Cave is 176.2 miles (283.6 km) as the crow flies. Mammoth Cave is located NW of Gatlinburg. By car, the driving distance is approximately 220.3 miles, taking about 4h 26min. A direct flight would take roughly 51min. Both are located in United States — Gatlinburg in Tennessee and Mammoth Cave in Kentucky.

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. Given the short distance, driving or taking a train is often faster and more convenient than dealing with airport security and flight boarding times.

Coordinates come from public place data for Gatlinburg and Mammoth Cave. 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.