Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
1h 31m
Distance
68.8 mi
111 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$11
one way
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Jackson, TN
Wikimedia Commons
South Fulton, TN
Wikimedia Commons
This straightforward 68.8-mile drive from Jackson, TN to South Fulton, TN is easily manageable as a day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 31 minutes. Primarily utilizing US 45E and US 45 Bypass, this journey is almost entirely on highway, making it a quick transit through the Southeast region. With an estimated fuel cost of $11, it's an economical option for a short excursion. The route is focused on efficient travel rather than scenic detours, making it ideal if you're looking to get from point A to point B with minimal fuss.
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
34.4 miles from Jackson, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 49m into the drive .
Expect a highway-focused experience on this 68.8-mile route, with 96% of your journey on major roads like US 45E. The majority of your time will be spent on US 45E, including a substantial uninterrupted stretch of 49.2 miles. This means you'll encounter consistent speeds and fewer intersections for a significant portion of the drive. The profile suggests a consistent, direct path, allowing for a steady pace as you travel between Jackson and South Fulton.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 45E and US 45 Bypass. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 1.6 miles in near US 45 Bypass.
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Jackson, TN to South Fulton, TN is easy. At 1h 31m with 96% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.6 miles (US 45 Bypass): Lane positioning matters here; at 11.6 miles (US 45E): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 36.8 miles (US 45E): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Turn right onto US 45 Bypass
Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit onto US 45E
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45E
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Merge onto US 45E
Merge point - match speed before joining
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 45E | 49.2 mi | 1h 4m |
| US 45 Bypass | 9.9 mi | 13m |
| Skyhawk Parkway | 6.8 mi | 7m |
| Airways Boulevard | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| Broadway Street | 1 mi | 1m |
| East Main Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Jackson, TN and South Fulton, TN.
Start on East Main Street
Continue on Airways Boulevard
Turn right onto US 45 Bypass
Take the exit onto US 45E
Keep slight right at fork onto US 45E
Take the exit
Merge onto US 45E
Continue on TN 43
At end of road, turn left onto US 45E
Continue on SR 43
Arrive at destination
Given the short 1 hour and 31-minute duration, this drive offers plenty of flexibility for departure times. You won't need to split this trip, so consider leaving in the morning to maximize your day at your destination. With no designated stops, plan your own breaks as needed, especially during the longest stretch of 49.2 miles on US 45E. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is around $11, and ensure you have enough to reach South Fulton comfortably.
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.
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 15 miles or 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 34.4 miles or 49m 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 17m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near South Fulton, TN than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Jackson, TN so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Jackson, TN
This is one driving day of about 68.8 miles and 1h 31m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 34.4 mi from Jackson, TN · 49m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
34 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.
A short stop after about 15 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 34.4 miles from Jackson, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
The final approach into South Fulton, TN usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$10.76 one way
$21.51 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $11.81 | $23.62 |
| premium | $4.89 | $13.24 | $26.48 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $15.19 | $30.38 |
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: 24.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 20.6 | 0 | $7.22 | $3.30 |
| Efficient EV | 17.2 | 0 | $6.02 | $2.75 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 27.5 | 0 | $9.63 | $4.40 |
Gas CO2
24 kg
EV CO2
8 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Late night in Jackson on Thursday
Local time
1:10 AM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Partly Cloudy
Destination
Late night in South Fulton on Thursday
Local time
1:10 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
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