Origin
Baxter, TN
Night in Baxter on Sunday
Local time
9:49 PM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Baxter, TN to Murfreesboro, TN
Drive Time
1h 25m
Distance
72.8 mi
117 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$11
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 19m
★
6 AM
1h 26m
8 AM
1h 39m
10 AM
1h 30m
12 PM
1h 29m
3 PM
1h 31m
5 PM
1h 38m
8 PM
1h 22m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Baxter, TN
Kelly
Murfreesboro, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
If you are planning a trip from Baxter to Murfreesboro, you can expect a straightforward 72.8-mile journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes. This trek is perfectly suited for a single-day outing, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. Budgeting approximately $11 for fuel should cover your travel costs, making this an affordable transit between these two Tennessee towns. Both locations sit firmly within the Southeast region, so you will remain in a familiar environment throughout your drive. Whether you are commuting or heading out for a day of errands, this route offers a reliable and efficient connection.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
36.4 miles from Baxter, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 42m into the drive .
Drive Character
This highway-focused drive relies heavily on I-40, which accounts for the vast majority of your journey. You will spend roughly 84% of your time on highways, with your longest uninterrupted stretch covering 40.4 miles along the interstate. The transition from the more rural feel of Baxter to the busier roads near Murfreesboro is bridged by the Tennessee National Guard Parkway and Old Baxter Road. Expect a consistent, fast-paced experience that prioritizes efficiency over technical winding roads. It is a functional drive designed to get you from point A to point B with minimal complexity.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 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 40.4 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 4.4 miles in near I 40; SR 56.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 9 significant decision points across 72.8 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 4.4 miles (I 40; SR 56): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 44.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 67 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 9 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
4.4 mi into trip
|
~7m in
|
I 40; SR 56
Merge onto I 40; SR 56
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
44.9 mi into trip
|
~51m in
Take the exit toward I 840 West: Memphis, Murfreesboro
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 235
Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Murfreesboro
8
67 mi into trip
|
~1h 14m in
Take the exit toward US 41, US 70S: Murfreesboro, Smyrna
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 55A-B
Toward US 41, US 70S: Murfreesboro, Smyrna
9
67.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 15m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 41 South, US 70S East: Murfreesbord
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 55A
Toward US 41 South, US 70S East: Murfreesbord
5
72.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 25m in
|
South Spring Street
Turn right onto South Spring Street
Navigation decision point
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Baxter, TN to Murfreesboro, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Smyrna along the way.
Smyrna
67 mi in
|
~1h 14m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 40.4 mi | 43m |
| Tennessee National Guard Parkway | 21 mi | 22m |
| Old Baxter Road | 4.2 mi | 7m |
| Northwest Broad Street | 3.7 mi | 5m |
| New Nashville Highway | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| West Main Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| South Public Square | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| East Main Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 40.4 mi, about 43m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Baxter, TN and Murfreesboro, 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
40 mi
·
43 min
·
I 40; SR 56
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
4
Take the exit
1.1 mi
·
1 min
Exit 235
Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Murfreesboro
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Continue on I 840
21 mi
·
22 min
·
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 55A-B
Toward US 41, US 70S: Murfreesboro, Smyrna
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
Exit 55A
Toward US 41 South, US 70S East: Murfreesbord
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
1 min
9
Turn straight onto US 41; US 70S
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
New Nashville Highway
10
Continue on US 41; US 70S
3.7 mi
·
5 min
·
Northwest Broad Street
Use the none lane.
11
Turn left onto West Main Street
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
West Main Street
12
Turn right onto South Maple Street
138 ft
·
4 sec
·
South Maple Street
13
Turn slight left onto South Public Square
467 ft
·
12 sec
·
South Public Square
14
Turn slight right onto East Main Street
47 ft
·
1 sec
·
East Main Street
15
Continue on East Main Street
347 ft
·
13 sec
·
East Main Street
16
Turn right onto South Spring Street
84 ft
·
3 sec
·
South Spring Street
17
Arrive at destination
South Spring Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though avoiding peak traffic hours near major corridors is always a smart move. Because the entire drive is under 90 minutes, you likely won't need to plan for formal rest stops, allowing you to complete the journey in one go. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before leaving Baxter to ensure you stay within your estimated $11 budget for the 72.8-mile transit. Given that the route is heavily reliant on I-40, be prepared for typical interstate traffic patterns as you approach the Murfreesboro area. Staying alert during that 40.4-mile stretch on the interstate will help you maintain a steady pace throughout the drive.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 36.4 miles from Baxter, TN, or about 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 40.4 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 72.8 miles or 1h 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 36.4 miles or 42m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 9m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Murfreesboro, 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 72.8 miles and 1h 25m.
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.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 40.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 36.4 mi from Baxter, TN · 42m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
36 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 72.8 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 36.4 miles from Baxter, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Murfreesboro, TN
The final approach into Murfreesboro, 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 Murfreesboro, TN.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$11.06 one way
$22.12 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
26 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $12.19 | $24.38 |
| premium | $4.80 | $13.74 | $27.49 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $16.17 | $32.35 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$11
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$36–$61
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 25.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 64% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 21.8 | 0 | $7.64 | $3.49 |
| Efficient EV | 18.2 | 0 | $6.37 | $2.91 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 29.1 | 0 | $10.19 | $4.66 |
Gas CO2
25 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (64% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Murfreesboro, TN
Night in Murfreesboro on Sunday
Local time
9:49 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
1h 25m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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 Murfreesboro, TN covers 72.8 miles and takes about 1h 25m 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, Old Baxter Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 36.4 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 $11.06 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 9 significant decision points across 72.8 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 4.4 miles (I 40; SR 56): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 44.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 67 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Baxter, TN to Murfreesboro, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Smyrna along the way.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Murfreesboro, TN
More trips to Murfreesboro, TN
Explore more options from Baxter, TN or browse trips ending in Murfreesboro, TN.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TN road trips.
Explore maps for Baxter, TN or Murfreesboro, TN on MapSof.net.