Traveling from Hartsville to Memphis covers 256.5 miles across Tennessee, a journey that typically takes about 4 hours and 51 minutes. Since the majority of this drive relies on I-40, it functions well as a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. You can expect to spend approximately $39 on fuel for the one-way trek. While the entire route stays within the Southeast region, moving from the northeastern part of Middle Tennessee toward the western edge of the state provides a clear shift in landscape. Whether you are traveling for business or a weekend getaway, this route offers a straightforward connection across the state that is best managed in one efficient push.
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
128.3 miles from Hartsville, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 30m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
209.8 mi
3h 49m
Vietnam Veterans Boulevard
15.1 mi
17m
Highway 25 West
13.8 mi
20m
I 65
9 mi
10m
West McMurry Boulevard
2.2 mi
3m
Long Hollow Pike
2 mi
2m
Downtown Loop
1.6 mi
2m
East Main Street
1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 209.8 mi, about 3h 49m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hartsville, TN and Memphis, TN.
1
Start on SR 141
48 ft·4 sec·East Main Street
2
Turn right onto SR 141
0.6 mi·1 min·Broadway
3
Turn left onto TN 25; SR 141
2.2 mi·3 min·West McMurry Boulevard
4
Continue on TN 25
14 mi·20 min·Highway 25 West
5
Continue on TN 25
0.9 mi·1 min·East Main Street
6
Continue on TN 25
0.4 mi·36 sec·Red River Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
7
Turn straight onto SR 174
2.0 mi·2 min·Long Hollow Pike
8
Continue on TN 386
15 mi·17 min·Vietnam Veterans Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 65
8.7 mi·10 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit onto I 65
0.3 mi·32 sec·I 65
Toward I 65 South: Huntisville, MemphisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 65
1.6 mi·2 min·Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.6 mi·48 sec
Exit 84BToward I 40 West: Memphis
13
Merge onto I 40
196 mi·3 hr 32 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit onto I 40
0.1 mi·8 sec·I 40
Exit 10A-BToward I 240 West, I 40 West: Jackson Mississippi, Little Rock
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
11 mi·13 min·I 40
Exit 10BToward I 40 West: Little RockUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
2.1 mi·2 min·I 40
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 1AToward Second Street, Third StreetUse the slight right lane.
18
Continue on North 2nd Street
0.2 mi·30 sec·North 2nd Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Turn left onto Poplar Avenue
202 ft·4 sec·Poplar Avenue
20
Arrive at destination
Poplar Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4-hour and 51-minute transit, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh during the long interstate haul. Leaving early in the day is your best strategy to avoid fatigue, especially since the longest stretch spans nearly 210 miles without a significant change in road type. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge before merging onto I-40, as the $39 estimated cost can fluctuate based on your vehicle's efficiency and current pump prices. Since this is a manageable day trip, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience, but try to time your arrival in Memphis to avoid peak traffic hours. A helpful tip for this specific route is to prepare your music or podcasts in advance, as the long, uninterrupted interstate segments provide plenty of time for uninterrupted listening.
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 128.3 miles from Hartsville, TN, or about 2h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 209.8 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 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 128.3 miles or 2h 30m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 59m
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 Hartsville, 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 Hartsville, TN
This is one driving day of about 256.5 miles and 4h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Hartsville, 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 209.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 43.7 and 256.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
43.7 mi into trip|~57m in|I 65
Take the exit onto I 65 toward I 65 South: Huntisville, Memphis
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.
Toward I 65 South: Huntisville, Memphis
6
242.7 mi into trip|~4h 34m in|I 40
Take the exit onto I 40 toward I 240 West, I 40 West: Jackson Mississippi, Little Rock
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 10A-B
Toward I 240 West, I 40 West: Jackson Mississip...
8
242.8 mi into trip|~4h 34m 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
6
254 mi into trip|~4h 47m in|I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
8
256.1 mi into trip|~4h 50m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.10 one way
$80.20 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg90 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$44.03
$88.06
premium
$4.89
$49.36
$98.72
diesel
$5.61
$56.63
$113.26
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
77
0
$26.93
$12.31
Efficient EV
64.1
0
$22.44
$10.26
EV Truck/SUV
102.6
1
$35.91
$16.42
Gas CO2
90 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Hartsville, TN
Afternoon
in Hartsville on Saturday
Local time
12:27 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Memphis, TN
Afternoon
in Memphis on Saturday
Local time
12:27 PM
CDT
Current temp
57°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
4h 51m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Stones River National Battlefield
National Battlefield
The Battle of Stones River began on the last day of 1862 and became one of the bloodiest conflicts of the Civil War. The battle produced important military and political gains for the Union, and it ch...
29 mi from route
~74 min detour
Free
near mile 44.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 91% of your travel time will be spent on high-speed roads. Your journey begins on Highway 25 West and Vietnam Veterans Boulevard before transitioning into the primary artery of the trip, I-40. This interstate serves as the backbone of your route, featuring a dominant 209.8-mile stretch that requires sustained focus behind the wheel. Because such a significant portion of the drive is interstate-based, the pace is brisk and consistent compared to local backroads. You will find that the character of the road remains fairly uniform, prioritizing efficiency and speed as you navigate toward the Mississippi River.
91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 209.8 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Vietnam Veterans Boulevard. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 43.7 miles in near I 65.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 256.5 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 43.7 miles (I 65): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 242.7 miles (I 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 242.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Hartsville, TN to Memphis, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Little Rock along the way.
Memphis is the second largest city in the state of Tennessee, after Nashville. The state rests in the southeastern portion of the United States. Memphis, with a population of more than 651,000 (2019), is also the county seat for Shelby County. The city's claims to fame include Graceland, the mansion Elvis Presley lived in during his later years. Perhaps more importantly, Memphis is considered by many to be the home of blues music.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 51m. Total distance: 256.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 51m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 209.8 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Memphis, TN before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 43.7 miles (I 65): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 242.7 miles (I 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 242.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Stones River National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Memphis, TN, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
