Trip from Clifton, TN to Murfreesboro, TN

Drive Time

2h 32m

Distance

116.7 mi

188 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min

4 AM

2h 23m ★

6 AM

2h 33m

8 AM

2h 53m

10 AM

2h 40m

12 PM

2h 38m

3 PM

2h 41m

5 PM

2h 52m

8 PM

2h 27m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Clifton, TN

Kelly

Murfreesboro, TN

Kelly

Trip Overview

Traveling from Clifton to Murfreesboro covers 116.7 miles, typically taking about 2 hours and 32 minutes of drive time. This journey is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, as it doesn't require an overnight stay to manage the distance comfortably. You should plan on setting aside approximately $18 for fuel to complete the trek. The route transitions across the Southeast region of Tennessee, shifting from the more remote areas near Clifton toward the growing hub of Murfreesboro. Since this is a straightforward drive with only one suggested stop, it serves as an efficient connection between these two points. It is a practical option if you are looking to reach your destination without a complex itinerary.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

58.3 miles from Clifton, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 23m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a mixed driving experience that balances local roads with primary thoroughfares. You will navigate a combination of the Tennessee National Guard Parkway, Waynesboro Highway, and US 412 throughout the 116.7-mile trip. Roughly 48% of your time will be spent on highways, providing a blend of steady cruising and slower, more localized stretches. The longest uninterrupted segment occurs on the Tennessee National Guard Parkway, spanning 21.2 miles of the route. As you progress, the road conditions shift, requiring you to remain attentive to changing speed limits and traffic patterns as you move between these distinct Tennessee corridors.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.

There are about 34 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Tennessee National Guard Parkway is the longest continuous segment at about 21.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 88 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 116.7 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 88 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 88.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 21 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

88 mi into trip | ~1h 57m in

Take the exit toward I 840: Memphis, Knoxville

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 59A-B Toward I 840: Memphis, Knoxville

88.2 mi into trip | ~1h 57m in

Keep slight right at fork toward 840: Knoxville, Murfreesboro

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 59A Toward 840: Knoxville, Murfreesboro

109.9 mi into trip | ~2h 21m in

Take the exit toward I 24 East: Chattanooga

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 53A Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga

113.6 mi into trip | ~2h 26m in

Take the exit toward SR 96 East: Murfreesboro

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Exit 78B Toward SR 96 East: Murfreesboro

116 mi into trip | ~2h 31m in | US 41; US 70S; US 231 / Northwest Broad Street

Turn right onto US 41; US 70S; US 231 / Northwest Broad Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Towns Along This Route

Between Clifton, TN and Murfreesboro, TN, road signs point toward Knoxville and 840: Knoxville.

Knoxville

88 mi in | ~1h 57m

840: Knoxville

88.2 mi in | ~1h 57m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Tennessee National Guard Parkway	21.2 mi	22m
Waynesboro Highway	15.7 mi	23m
US 412	14.1 mi	16m
Hampshire Pike	13.3 mi	15m
Columbia Highway	13 mi	16m
I 65	12.1 mi	12m
Morrison Creek Road	5 mi	8m
Beech Creek Road	4.6 mi	8m

Longest stretch: Tennessee National Guard Parkway — 21.2 mi, about 22m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Clifton, TN and Murfreesboro, TN.

Start on SR 128

1.0 mi · 1 min · West Water Street

Continue on TN 128

1.0 mi · 1 min · Linden Highway

Turn right onto TN 228

5.0 mi · 8 min · Morrison Creek Road

At end of road, turn right onto TN 228

4.6 mi · 8 min · Beech Creek Road

Continue on TN 228

1.5 mi · 2 min · Smith Branch Road

At end of road, turn left onto TN 13

0.1 mi · 11 sec · State Highway 13

Continue on TN 13

2.0 mi · 2 min · Waynesboro Highway

Continue on TN 13

3.5 mi · 5 min · State Highway 13

Turn right onto SR 48

14 mi · 20 min · Waynesboro Highway

Continue on SR 48

0.8 mi · 1 min · South Park Street

Turn right onto US 412

2.0 mi · 2 min · East Main Street

Continue on US 412

13 mi · 16 min · Columbia Highway

Continue on US 412

13 mi · 15 min · Hampshire Pike

Take the exit onto US 412

0.2 mi · 31 sec · US 412

Keep slight right at fork onto US 412

14 mi · 16 min · US 412

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 45 sec

Merge onto I 65

12 mi · 12 min · I 65

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 17 sec

Exit 59A-B Toward I 840: Memphis, Knoxville Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 41 sec

Exit 59A Toward 840: Knoxville, Murfreesboro

Merge onto I 840

21 mi · 22 min · Tennessee National Guard Parkway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 2 min

Exit 53A Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 24

2.9 mi · 3 min · I 24

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec

Exit 78B Toward SR 96 East: Murfreesboro Use the right lane.

Turn straight onto SR 96

2.0 mi · 3 min · Old Fort Parkway

Use the straight lane.

Turn slight right

0.2 mi · 29 sec

Keep slight right at fork

181 ft · 6 sec

Turn right onto US 41; US 70S; US 231

0.2 mi · 26 sec · Northwest Broad Street

Use the right lane.

Turn left onto West Main Street

0.2 mi · 30 sec · West Main Street

Turn right onto South Maple Street

138 ft · 4 sec · South Maple Street

Turn slight left onto South Public Square

467 ft · 12 sec · South Public Square

Turn slight right onto East Main Street

47 ft · 1 sec · East Main Street

Continue on East Main Street

347 ft · 13 sec · East Main Street

Turn right onto South Spring Street

84 ft · 3 sec · South Spring Street

Arrive at destination

South Spring Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 2-hour and 32-minute trip, aim to depart during off-peak hours to ensure a smoother transition onto US 412. Because the route is relatively short, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your single recommended stop whenever you feel you need a break. Keep an eye on your fuel levels before leaving Clifton, as the $18 estimated cost can fluctuate based on your vehicle's efficiency and local station pricing. Since the drive includes a mix of highway and local roads, be prepared for shifting traffic density as you approach Murfreesboro. Utilizing the 21.2-mile stretch on the Tennessee National Guard Parkway is a great opportunity to settle into a comfortable cruising pace before reaching the busier sections of your journey.

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.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 58.3 miles from Clifton, TN, or about 1h 23m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 21.2 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 48m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 58.3 miles or 1h 23m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 5m

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 Clifton, 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 Clifton, TN

This is one driving day of about 116.7 miles and 2h 32m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Clifton, 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 Tennessee National Guard Parkway for about 21.2 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 58.3 mi from Clifton, TN · 1h 23m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Franklin, TN

58 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.

Popular next leg

Franklin, TN to Murfreesboro, TN

41.1 mi · 45m

Pacing Suggestions

Franklin, TN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Franklin, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 58.3 miles from Clifton, 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

$17.73 one way

$35.45 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 41 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$19.54	$39.08
premium	$4.80	$22.03	$44.06
diesel	$5.64	$25.93	$51.85

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 40.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	35	$12.25	$5.60
Efficient EV	29.2	$10.21	$4.67
EV Truck/SUV	46.7	$16.34	$7.47

Gas CO2

41 kg

EV CO2

14 kg (66% 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.

Forecast data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

Clifton, TN

Night in Clifton on Sunday

Local time

9:06 PM

CDT

Current temp

84°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Murfreesboro, TN

Night in Murfreesboro on Sunday

Local time

9:06 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

20 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 32m 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 Clifton, TN to Murfreesboro, TN covers 116.7 miles and takes about 2h 32m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Tennessee National Guard Parkway, Waynesboro Highway, US 412. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 58.3 miles from Clifton, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $17.73 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.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Between Clifton, TN and Murfreesboro, TN, road signs point toward Knoxville and 840: Knoxville.

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Return Trip

Murfreesboro, TN to Clifton, TN

Plan the drive back the other way.

117.3 mi 2h 33m

Explore more options from Clifton, TN or browse trips ending in Murfreesboro, TN.

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Trip from Clifton, TN to Murfreesboro, TN

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Murfreesboro, TN

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Clifton, TN

Murfreesboro, TN

Same local time

20 degrees cooler at arrival

2h 32m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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