Trip from Clinton, TN to Murfreesboro, TN

Drive Time

3h 21m

Distance

173.8 mi

280 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min

4 AM

3h 9m ★

6 AM

3h 21m

8 AM

3h 45m

10 AM

3h 30m

12 PM

3h 27m

3 PM

3h 31m

5 PM

3h 44m

8 PM

3h 14m

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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Clinton, TN

Kelly

Murfreesboro, TN

Kelly

Trip Overview

Spanning 173.8 miles across Tennessee, this drive from Clinton to Murfreesboro typically takes about 3 hours and 21 minutes. Because the trip is manageable in a single day, you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay, making it an ideal choice for a straightforward road trip. You should budget approximately $26 for fuel to cover the distance between these two Southeast locations. Navigating primarily via I-40, the Tennessee National Guard Parkway, and Harriman Highway, you will find a consistent, efficient path through the state. This route works perfectly for travelers seeking a practical, no-nonsense connection between these two points without the need for complex planning or multiple travel days.

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

86.9 miles from Clinton, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 43m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused experience, as 77% of your travel time will be spent on major roads. The journey features a significant 112.3-mile stretch on I-40, which serves as the backbone of your trip and provides a steady, high-speed pace for the majority of the drive. While the interstates keep the transit moving quickly, the transition onto the Tennessee National Guard Parkway and Harriman Highway offers a change in rhythm as you maneuver toward your destination. You will notice the drive feels very functional, prioritizing directness over winding scenic detours. Being behind the wheel here is all about steady cruising, requiring you to maintain focus during the long interstate segments.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 29 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 112.3 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 33.5 miles in near I 40.

Route Complexity 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 173.8 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 33.5 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 145.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 167.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 14 key points

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

33.5 mi into trip | ~45m in | I 40

Merge onto I 40

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

145.8 mi into trip | ~2h 46m 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

167.9 mi into trip | ~3h 10m 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

168.1 mi into trip | ~3h 10m 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

173.8 mi into trip | ~3h 21m in | South Spring Street

Turn right onto South Spring Street

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 40	112.3 mi	2h
Tennessee National Guard Parkway	21 mi	22m
Harriman Highway	9.8 mi	11m
Oliver Springs Highway	7.1 mi	12m
East Tri County Boulevard	4.6 mi	5m
North Roane Street	4.1 mi	4m
Northwest Broad Street	3.7 mi	5m
South Charles G Seivers Boulevard	2.1 mi	3m

Longest stretch: I 40 — 112.3 mi, about 2h

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on Market Street

135 ft · 10 sec · Market Street

Turn left onto US 25W

0.5 mi · 51 sec · North Main Street

Turn right onto TN 61

2.1 mi · 3 min · South Charles G Seivers Boulevard

Continue on TN 61

0.5 mi · 49 sec · South Charles G. Seivers Boulevard

Continue on TN 61

1.1 mi · 1 min · Oak Ridge Highway

Continue on TN 61

1.1 mi · 1 min · Oak Ridge Turnpike

Turn right onto TN 61

7.1 mi · 12 min · Oliver Springs Highway

Turn right onto SR 61; SR 62

4.6 mi · 5 min · East Tri County Boulevard

Continue on SR 61

9.6 mi · 10 min · Harriman Highway

Merge onto US 27

0.2 mi · 10 sec · Bitter Creek Highway

Continue on US 27

0.2 mi · 15 sec · Harriman Highway

Continue on US 27

2.1 mi · 2 min · Hannah Highway

Continue on US 27

4.1 mi · 4 min · North Roane Street

Turn left

0.2 mi · 25 sec

Merge onto I 40

112 mi · 2 hr · I 40

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

1.1 mi · 1 min

Exit 235 Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Murfreesboro Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 840

21 mi · 22 min · Tennessee National Guard Parkway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec

Exit 55A-B Toward US 41, US 70S: Murfreesboro, Smyrna Use the straight / slight right lanes.

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.

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 1 min

Turn straight onto US 41; US 70S

0.8 mi · 1 min · New Nashville Highway

Continue on US 41; US 70S

3.7 mi · 5 min · Northwest Broad Street

Use the none 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

Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the advantage of flexibility, though planning for at least one stop is recommended to break up the three-hour duration. Aim to depart outside of peak traffic hours to ensure you maintain your estimated time, especially when transitioning between the major highway systems. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during that long 112.3-mile stretch on I-40, as it is the most critical portion of your journey. Because the route relies heavily on major thoroughfares, checking for construction updates on I-40 before you head out is a smart way to avoid unexpected delays. Use your single allotted stop to stretch your legs and refuel, which will help you arrive in Murfreesboro feeling refreshed rather than fatigued.

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 86.9 miles from Clinton, TN, or about 1h 43m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 112.3 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 36m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 86.9 miles or 1h 43m 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 43m

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 Clinton, 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 Clinton, TN

This is one driving day of about 173.8 miles and 3h 21m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Clinton, 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 112.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 86.9 mi from Clinton, TN · 1h 43m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Johnson, TN

87 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

Johnson, TN

Fuel and coffee

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

Johnson, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 86.9 miles from Clinton, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 112.3 miles.

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.

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

$26.40 one way

$52.80 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 61 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$29.10	$58.20
premium	$4.80	$32.81	$65.62
diesel	$5.64	$38.61	$77.22

Estimated Tolls: $0.08

Oak Ridge Turnpike (1.1 mi) $0.08

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 60.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	52.1	$18.25	$8.34
Efficient EV	43.5	$15.21	$6.95
EV Truck/SUV	69.5	$24.33	$11.12

Gas CO2

61 kg

EV CO2

20 kg (67% 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 3 days ago

Origin

Clinton, TN

Evening in Clinton on Sunday

Local time

6:05 PM

EDT

Current temp

62°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Murfreesboro, TN

Evening in Murfreesboro on Sunday

Local time

5:05 PM

CDT

Current temp

64°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

61°F

Johnson, TN

87 mi in

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

1 hour earlier

The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.

Temperature spread

2 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

3h 21m 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 Clinton, TN to Murfreesboro, TN covers 173.8 miles and takes about 3h 21m 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, Harriman Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 86.9 miles from Clinton, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $26.40 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

The route from Clinton, TN to Murfreesboro, TN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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Return Trip

Murfreesboro, TN to Clinton, TN

Plan the drive back the other way.

173.3 mi 3h 21m

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Trip from Clinton, TN to Murfreesboro, TN

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

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

Clinton, TN

Murfreesboro, TN

1 hour earlier

2 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 21m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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