Origin
Altamont, TN
Afternoon in Altamont on Sunday
Local time
3:43 PM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Altamont, TN to Memphis, TN
Drive Time
5h 43m
Distance
303.8 mi
489 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$46
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 30m
★
6 AM
5h 43m
8 AM
6h 10m
10 AM
5h 53m
12 PM
5h 50m
3 PM
5h 54m
5 PM
6h 9m
8 PM
5h 36m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Altamont, TN
Kelly
Memphis, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
Spanning 303.8 miles across Tennessee, this trek from Altamont to Memphis typically takes about 5 hours and 43 minutes of driving time. Because the journey is manageable within a single day, you can easily complete it without an overnight stop, though you will want to account for a fuel budget of approximately $46. You will spend the vast majority of your time on major corridors like I-40, I-24, and the Tennessee National Guard Parkway. Since both the start and end points are located within the Southeast region, the climate and road conditions remain relatively consistent throughout the trip. It is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that serves as a practical connection between these two points in the state. Whether you are traveling for business or a quick getaway, this route offers a reliable path across the heart of Tennessee.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
151.9 miles from Altamont, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 56m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highly efficient trip, as 95 percent of this route consists of highway driving. You will spend much of your time on expansive interstate stretches, including a significant 178.1-mile segment on I-40 that keeps your momentum steady. While the drive starts in the more elevated landscape near Altamont, the character of the road shifts toward the flatter, faster-paced interstates as you head west. The experience is defined by high-speed cruising rather than technical turns or winding backroads. Being behind the wheel here is largely about managing long stretches of pavement, so prepare for a consistent, interstate-focused rhythm for nearly the entire 303.8-mile duration.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 40 is the longest continuous segment at about 178.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Tennessee National Guard Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 70.7 miles in.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 303.8 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 70.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 290 miles (I 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 290.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
70.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 27m in
Take the exit toward I 840 West: Memphis, Franklin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 74A
Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Franklin
6
290 mi into trip
|
~5h 25m in
|
I 40
Take the exit onto I 40 toward I 240 West, I 40 West: Jackson Mississippi, Little Rock
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 10A-B
Toward I 240 West, I 40 West: Jackson Mississip...
8
290.1 mi into trip
|
~5h 26m in
|
I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 West: Little Rock
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 10B
Toward I 40 West: Little Rock
6
301.2 mi into trip
|
~5h 39m in
|
I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
8
303.3 mi into trip
|
~5h 42m in
Take the exit toward Second Street, Third Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 1A
Toward Second Street, Third Street
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Altamont, TN to Memphis, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Franklin along the way.
Franklin
70.7 mi in
|
~1h 27m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 178.1 mi | 3h 14m |
| Tennessee National Guard Parkway | 53.7 mi | 58m |
| I 24 | 53 mi | 56m |
| Pelham Road | 10 mi | 17m |
| Elkhead Road | 4.8 mi | 8m |
| SR 50 | 2.7 mi | 4m |
| North 2nd Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Poplar Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 178.1 mi, about 3h 14m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Altamont, TN and Memphis, TN.
1
Start on Cumberland Street
182 ft
·
10 sec
·
Cumberland Street
2
Turn right onto Pelham Road
195 ft
·
15 sec
·
Pelham Road
3
Turn left onto SR 56; SR 108
26 ft
·
2 sec
·
Main Street
4
Turn right onto SR 50; SR 108
9.9 mi
·
17 min
·
Pelham Road
5
Continue on SR 50
4.8 mi
·
8 min
·
Elkhead Road
6
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 50
2.7 mi
·
4 min
·
SR 50
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
8
Merge onto I 24
53 mi
·
56 min
·
I 24
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 74A
Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Franklin
Use the right lane.
10
Merge onto I 840
54 mi
·
58 min
·
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 40
165 mi
·
2 hr 58 min
·
I 40
Use the none lane.
12
Take the exit onto I 40
0.1 mi
·
8 sec
·
I 40
Exit 10A-B
Toward I 240 West, I 40 West: Jackson Mississippi, Little Rock
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
11 mi
·
13 min
·
I 40
Exit 10B
Toward I 40 West: Little Rock
Use the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
I 40
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 1A
Toward Second Street, Third Street
Use the slight right lane.
16
Continue on North 2nd Street
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
North 2nd Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Turn left onto Poplar Avenue
202 ft
·
4 sec
·
Poplar Avenue
18
Arrive at destination
Poplar Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this is a one-day trip, your best bet is to plan for at least one dedicated stop to break up the 5-hour and 43-minute duration. Departing early in the morning helps you avoid potential congestion on the busiest interstate sections, ensuring a smoother transition between Altamont and Memphis. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $46 estimated cost can fluctuate depending on your vehicle's efficiency and current pump prices along the I-40 corridor. Because the drive is dominated by high-speed highway travel, ensure your tires and fluids are checked before you leave to handle the long, uninterrupted stretches. With the majority of the route being highway-based, the flexibility to adjust your pace is a major advantage, so do not feel pressured to rush the journey in one sitting.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 151.9 miles from Altamont, TN, or about 2h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 178.1 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 80 miles or 1h 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 151.9 miles or 2h 56m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Memphis, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Altamont, TN so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Altamont, TN
This is one driving day of about 303.8 miles and 5h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Altamont, TN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 178.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 151.9 mi from Altamont, TN · 2h 56m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
152 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 151.9 miles from Altamont, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 178.1 miles.
Arriving in Memphis, TN
The final approach into Memphis, TN usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Memphis, TN.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.14 one way
$92.29 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
106 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $50.87 | $101.74 |
| premium | $4.80 | $57.35 | $114.70 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $67.49 | $134.99 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$46
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 106.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 91.1 | 1 | $31.90 | $14.58 |
| Efficient EV | 76 | 0 | $26.58 | $12.15 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 121.5 | 1 | $42.53 | $19.44 |
Gas CO2
106 kg
EV CO2
36 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Memphis, TN
Afternoon in Memphis on Sunday
Local time
3:43 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
1 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 43m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Altamont, TN to Memphis, TN covers 303.8 miles and takes about 5h 43m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, Tennessee National Guard Parkway, I 24. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 151.9 miles from Altamont, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $46.14 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 303.8 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 70.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 290 miles (I 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 290.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Altamont, TN to Memphis, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Franklin along the way.
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