Origin
Carthage, TN
Evening in Carthage on Sunday
Local time
7:52 PM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Carthage, TN to Murfreesboro, TN
Drive Time
1h 8m
Distance
56.7 mi
91 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$9
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 3m
★
6 AM
1h 9m
8 AM
1h 20m
10 AM
1h 13m
12 PM
1h 12m
3 PM
1h 13m
5 PM
1h 19m
8 PM
1h 6m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Carthage, TN
Kelly
Murfreesboro, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
If you are looking for a straightforward connection between Carthage and Murfreesboro, this 56.7-mile journey is a highly efficient option. Expect to spend approximately 1 hour and 8 minutes on the road, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day trip. With a fuel budget of about $9, the route is as economical as it is quick. You will be traveling entirely within the Southeast region of Tennessee, keeping the transition between these two towns seamless. Since the drive is relatively short, there is no need to worry about overnight lodging, allowing you to focus on your arrival at your destination. This highway-focused path provides a reliable, no-nonsense way to navigate between these two points without any required stops.
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
28.3 miles from Carthage, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 34m into the drive .
Drive Character
This route is defined by its reliance on major thoroughfares, with 86% of the journey taking place on highways. You will navigate a combination of I-40, the Tennessee National Guard Parkway, and TN 25 to complete your trek. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on I-40, where you can settle in for 22.7 miles of steady driving. Because the road is heavily highway-focused, the experience behind the wheel is consistent and predictable. Transitioning from the local roads onto the interstate stretches allows you to cover the distance quickly, making for a functional rather than technical driving experience.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 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 22.7 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 0.9 miles in near TN 25.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 56.7 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 0.9 miles (TN 25): Lane positioning matters here; at 6 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 28.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.9 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
TN 25
Turn right onto TN 25
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
6 mi into trip
|
~10m in
|
I 40
Merge onto I 40
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
28.7 mi into trip
|
~34m 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
50.8 mi into trip
|
~58m 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
51 mi into trip
|
~58m 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
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Carthage, TN to Murfreesboro, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Smyrna along the way.
Smyrna
50.8 mi in
|
~58m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 22.7 mi | 24m |
| Tennessee National Guard Parkway | 21 mi | 22m |
| TN 25 | 4.8 mi | 7m |
| Northwest Broad Street | 3.7 mi | 5m |
| New Nashville Highway | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Upper Ferry Road | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| West Main Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Main Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 22.7 mi, about 24m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Carthage, TN and Murfreesboro, TN.
1
Start on Futtrell Alley
88 ft
·
6 sec
·
Futtrell Alley
2
Turn right onto East 3rd Avenue
138 ft
·
13 sec
·
East 3rd Avenue
3
Turn left onto Main Street
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
Main Street
4
Continue on Upper Ferry Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Upper Ferry Road
5
Turn right onto TN 25
4.8 mi
·
7 min
·
TN 25
Use the right lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
7
Merge onto I 40
23 mi
·
24 min
·
I 40
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
1.1 mi
·
1 min
Exit 235
Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Murfreesboro
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 840
21 mi
·
22 min
·
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 55A-B
Toward US 41, US 70S: Murfreesboro, Smyrna
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
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.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
1 min
13
Turn straight onto US 41; US 70S
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
New Nashville Highway
14
Continue on US 41; US 70S
3.7 mi
·
5 min
·
Northwest Broad Street
Use the none lane.
15
Turn left onto West Main Street
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
West Main Street
16
Turn right onto South Maple Street
138 ft
·
4 sec
·
South Maple Street
17
Turn slight left onto South Public Square
467 ft
·
12 sec
·
South Public Square
18
Turn slight right onto East Main Street
47 ft
·
1 sec
·
East Main Street
19
Continue on East Main Street
347 ft
·
13 sec
·
East Main Street
20
Turn right onto South Spring Street
84 ft
·
3 sec
·
South Spring Street
21
Arrive at destination
South Spring Street
Trip Plan
Given the 1-hour and 8-minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, as you are unlikely to encounter major fatigue on this short haul. Since the trip is direct with zero planned stops, you should ensure your tank has enough fuel to cover the $9 estimated cost before you head out. Keep a close eye on your navigation as you transition between the interstate and the Tennessee National Guard Parkway to maintain your pace. Because this drive is so brief, use the time to plan your arrival logistics in Murfreesboro rather than worrying about mid-trip rest breaks. Always check local traffic reports for I-40 before leaving to ensure your timing remains as efficient as possible.
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 28.3 miles from Carthage, TN, or about 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 22.7 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 56.7 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 28.3 miles or 34m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 55m
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 Carthage, 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 Carthage, TN
This is one driving day of about 56.7 miles and 1h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Carthage, 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 22.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 28.3 mi from Carthage, TN · 34m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
28 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 56.7 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 28.3 miles from Carthage, 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
$8.61 one way
$17.22 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
20 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $9.49 | $18.99 |
| premium | $4.80 | $10.70 | $21.41 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $12.60 | $25.19 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$9
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$34–$59
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 19.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 17 | 0 | $5.95 | $2.72 |
| Efficient EV | 14.2 | 0 | $4.96 | $2.27 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 22.7 | 0 | $7.94 | $3.63 |
Gas CO2
20 kg
EV CO2
7 kg (65% 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
Evening in Murfreesboro on Sunday
Local time
7:52 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 8m 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 Carthage, TN to Murfreesboro, TN covers 56.7 miles and takes about 1h 8m 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, TN 25. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 28.3 miles from Carthage, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $8.61 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 12 significant decision points across 56.7 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 0.9 miles (TN 25): Lane positioning matters here; at 6 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 28.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Carthage, TN to Murfreesboro, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Smyrna along the way.
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