Each portion of the body drains of nicotine at different rates. So while nicotine may be expelled from the blood in as little as a day after a person quits smoking, it may take as long as 15 or 20 days for it to be expelled from the urine. Once again, these times will vary depending on a variety of factors, most of which have to do with how long a person has been smoking. Those trying to remove nicotine from their system should keep in mind that the effects are long lasting, and cravings and withdrawal symptoms may last as long as three years.