Origin
Baxter, TN
Afternoon in Baxter on Sunday
Local time
3:46 PM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Baxter, TN to Memphis, TN
Drive Time
5h 13m
Distance
283.2 mi
456 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$43
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 1m
★
6 AM
5h 14m
8 AM
5h 41m
10 AM
5h 23m
12 PM
5h 21m
3 PM
5h 25m
5 PM
5h 40m
8 PM
5h 6m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Baxter, TN
Kelly
Memphis, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
Spanning 283.2 miles across Tennessee, this trek from Baxter to Memphis is a straightforward journey that takes approximately 5 hours and 13 minutes. Because the route is compact, it is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget about $43 for fuel to complete the transit between these two Southeast locations. Navigating primarily via I-40, the drive is designed for efficiency rather than exploration. Whether you are traveling for business or a quick getaway, this itinerary provides a reliable, no-nonsense path across the state. Expect a consistent pace as you transition from the eastern portion of the region toward the Mississippi River.
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
141.6 miles from Baxter, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 37m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a classic highway-focused experience, as 97% of your travel occurs on high-speed roads. The vast majority of your time behind the wheel will be spent on a single, 275.3-mile stretch of I-40, which dominates the journey. While you will start with brief local navigation on Old Baxter Road and conclude with the Downtown Loop in Memphis, the bulk of the drive is an interstate grind. The road maintains a predictable, steady rhythm throughout the trip. You will find that the character of the route remains largely consistent, prioritizing speed and connectivity over winding backroads or technical turns.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 15 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 275.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Old Baxter Road. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 67 miles in near I 40.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 283.2 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 67 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 69.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 72.5 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
9
67 mi into trip
|
~1h 14m in
|
I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 213B
Toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville
8
69.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 18m in
|
I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 West: Huntsville, Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 40 West: Huntsville, Memphis
7
72.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 22m in
|
I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 West: Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 40 West: Memphis
8
269.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 56m 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
8
282.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 12m 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 Baxter, TN to Memphis, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Louisville along the way.
Louisville
70.2 mi in
|
~1h 19m
|
via I 40
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 275.3 mi | 5h 1m |
| Old Baxter Road | 4.2 mi | 7m |
| Downtown Loop | 2.9 mi | 3m |
| North 2nd Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Poplar Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 275.3 mi, about 5h 1m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Baxter, TN and Memphis, TN.
1
Start on SR 141
4.2 mi
·
7 min
·
Old Baxter Road
2
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
3
Merge onto I 40; SR 56
63 mi
·
1 hr 7 min
·
I 40; SR 56
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
4
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
I 40
Exit 213B
Toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
0.4 mi
·
42 sec
·
I 40
Toward I 40 West: Huntsville, Memphis
Use the slight left lane.
6
Merge onto I 40
0.6 mi
·
52 sec
·
Downtown Loop
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 40
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Downtown Loop
Exit 210A
Toward I 40 West, I 65 North: Memphis, Louisville
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
197 mi
·
3 hr 33 min
·
I 40
Toward I 40 West: Memphis
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
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
10
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.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
I 40
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 1A
Toward Second Street, Third Street
Use the slight right lane.
13
Continue on North 2nd Street
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
North 2nd Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Turn left onto Poplar Avenue
202 ft
·
4 sec
·
Poplar Avenue
15
Arrive at destination
Poplar Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this is a manageable drive, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience, though leaving early helps avoid potential congestion near the Memphis Downtown Loop. You should plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh, as the long, uninterrupted interstate segment can feel monotonous. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the middle portion of the trip to ensure you aren't caught off guard by fluctuating gas prices along the highway. A smart strategy is to utilize that single planned stop near the midway point to break up the 275.3-mile stretch of I-40. By keeping your pace steady and utilizing the interstate's efficiency, you can arrive in Memphis feeling energized rather than drained.
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 141.6 miles from Baxter, TN, or about 2h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 275.3 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 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 141.6 miles or 2h 37m 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 16m
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 Baxter, 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 Baxter, TN
This is one driving day of about 283.2 miles and 5h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Baxter, 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 275.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 141.6 mi from Baxter, TN · 2h 37m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
142 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 141.6 miles from Baxter, 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 275.3 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
$43.02 one way
$86.03 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
99 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $47.42 | $94.84 |
| premium | $4.80 | $53.46 | $106.92 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $62.92 | $125.83 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$43
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 99.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 85 | 1 | $29.74 | $13.59 |
| Efficient EV | 70.8 | 0 | $24.78 | $11.33 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 113.3 | 1 | $39.65 | $18.12 |
Gas CO2
99 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (67% 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
3:46 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 13m 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 Baxter, TN to Memphis, TN covers 283.2 miles and takes about 5h 13m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, Old Baxter Road, Downtown Loop. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 141.6 miles from Baxter, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $43.02 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 13 significant decision points across 283.2 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 67 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 69.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 72.5 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Baxter, TN to Memphis, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Louisville along the way.
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