Spanning 408.2 miles across the state of Tennessee, this journey from Jellico to New South Memphis takes approximately 6 hours and 36 minutes of driving time. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a straight interstate shot, you should plan for a full day on the road. Budgeting about $62 for fuel is a smart move to keep your finances in check for the trip. While it can be accomplished as a single-day haul, the technical nature of the roads means you will need to stay sharp behind the wheel. Both your origin and destination sit firmly within the Southeast, offering a consistent regional feel as you traverse the state. This route is best suited for drivers who prefer navigating local roads over the monotony of major highways.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
201.5 miles from Jellico, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 15m into the drive
.
Drive Character
Expect a departure from the typical interstate grind, as this 408.2-mile path relies on 5th Street, Knoxville, and Stinking Creek Road to reach your destination. With a 0% highway share, you will be navigating technical, turn-heavy local roads for the entire duration. This profile demands your full attention, as the lack of high-speed lanes means you will be constantly adjusting your pace through varying terrain. Because the route avoids major expressways, you won't encounter long, uninterrupted stretches of cruise-control driving. Instead, you will experience a more hands-on drive that keeps you engaged with the local landscape from start to finish.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 40 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 286.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Deer Lodge Highway East. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 184.9 miles in near I 40.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 403 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 184.9 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 187.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 190.4 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
9
184.9 mi into trip|~3h 55m in|I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 213B
Toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville
8
187.1 mi into trip|~3h 58m in|I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 West: Huntsville, Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 40 West: Huntsville, Memphis
7
190.4 mi into trip|~4h 3m in|I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 West: Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 40 West: Memphis
8
402.3 mi into trip|~7h 58m in
Take the exit toward US 61: Vicksburg, 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 7
Toward US 61: Vicksburg, Third Street
8
402.4 mi into trip|~7h 58m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 61 North: Third Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward US 61 North: Third Street
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Jellico, TN and New South Memphis, TN, road signs point toward Memphis and Louisville.
Memphis
187.1 mi in|~3h 58m|via I 40
Louisville
188.2 mi in|~4h|via I 40
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
286.7 mi
5h 11m
Deer Lodge Highway East
21.8 mi
32m
Howard H Baker Highway
15.8 mi
24m
I 75
15.8 mi
16m
Scott Highway
10.1 mi
13m
Nashville Highway
9.7 mi
13m
Deer Lodge Highway
9.5 mi
16m
Morgan County Highway
5.3 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 286.7 mi, about 5h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jellico, TN and New South Memphis, TN.
1
Start on US 25W
68 ft·8 sec·North Main Street
2
Turn left onto US 25W
1.0 mi·1 min·5th Street
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·32 sec
Toward Knoxville
4
Merge onto I 75
16 mi·16 min·I 75
5
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward Stinking Creek Road
6
Turn left onto Stinking Creek Road
2.1 mi·5 min·Stinking Creek Road
7
Turn right onto SR 63
2.0 mi·2 min·Howard H. Baker Highway
8
Continue on SR 63
16 mi·24 min·Howard H Baker Highway
9
At end of road, turn left onto US 27
3.5 mi·4 min·Scott Highway
10
Continue on US 27
2.6 mi·4 min·Scott Highway
11
Continue on US 27
1.4 mi·1 min·Lon Foust Highway
12
Continue on US 27
4.0 mi·4 min·Scott Highway
13
Continue on US 27
5.3 mi·6 min·Morgan County Highway
14
Turn right onto SR 329
6.9 mi·12 min·Deer Lodge Highway
15
Continue on SR 329
0.2 mi·25 sec·Irving Street
16
Turn left onto SR 329
2.6 mi·4 min·Deer Lodge Highway
17
Continue on SR 62
9.7 mi·13 min·Nashville Highway
18
Continue on SR 62
22 mi·32 min·Deer Lodge Highway East
19
Turn straight onto SR 62
1.3 mi·2 min·East Commercial Avenue
20
Turn left onto SR 84
0.7 mi·58 sec·South Holly Street
21
Turn straight onto US 70N; SR 84
366 ft·7 sec·Monterey Highway
22
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
23
Merge onto I 40
87 mi·1 hr 34 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
2.1 mi·3 min·I 40
Exit 213BToward I 24 West, I 40 West: NashvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
0.4 mi·42 sec·I 40
Toward I 40 West: Huntsville, MemphisUse the slight left lane.
26
Merge onto I 40
0.6 mi·52 sec·Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on I 40
2.3 mi·3 min·Downtown Loop
Exit 210AToward I 40 West, I 65 North: Memphis, LouisvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
197 mi·3 hr 33 min·I 40
Toward I 40 West: MemphisUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on Sam Cooper Boulevard
1.6 mi·2 min·Sam Cooper Boulevard
30
Take the exit
0.2 mi·34 sec
Exit 9Toward Perkins RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Turn left onto North Perkins Road
1.1 mi·1 min·North Perkins Road
32
Continue on Perkins Extended
1.3 mi·2 min·Perkins Extended
33
Continue on South Perkins Road
2.3 mi·3 min·South Perkins Road
Use the straight lane.
34
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward I 240 West
35
Merge onto I 240
4.5 mi·6 min·Avron B Fogelman Expressway
Use the straight lane.
36
Continue on I 240
3.7 mi·5 min·W B Fowler Senior Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Take the exit
0.1 mi·13 sec
Exit 7Toward US 61: Vicksburg, Third StreetUse the slight right lane.
38
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward US 61 North: Third StreetUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
39
Turn straight onto US 61
0.4 mi·36 sec·South Third Street
40
Arrive at destination
US 61
Trip Plan
Since the trip takes over 6.5 hours on local roads, leave as early as possible to avoid navigating technical turns after dark. You should plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel, which is a manageable pace given the total distance. Keep your $62 fuel budget in mind, as local roads often yield lower fuel efficiency compared to highway driving. Because this route focuses on local roads rather than interstates, be prepared for slower speeds and increased intersection traffic. A helpful tip for this specific drive is to map your turns carefully in advance, as the reliance on local thoroughfares like Stinking Creek Road requires more frequent navigation checks than a simple highway route.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 201.5 miles from Jellico, TN, or about 4h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 286.7 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 89 miles or 2h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 201.5 miles or 4h 15m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 201.5 miles or 4h 15m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New South Memphis, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Jellico, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Jellico, TN
Aim for roughly 202 miles and 4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into New South Memphis, TN
Aim for roughly 202 miles and 4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 89 miles from Jellico, TN.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 286.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 201.5 mi from Jellico, TN
· 4h 15m into the drive
The midpoint is around 201.5 miles from Jellico, 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 286.7 miles.
Overnight split
Hotel stop
For a steadier pace, wrap day one after about 202 miles or 4 hours on the road.
Arriving in New South Memphis, TN
The final approach into New South Memphis, 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 New South Memphis, TN.
On a multi-day trip, keep the last day a little lighter so you reach New South Memphis, TN with some flexibility left in the schedule.
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.
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...
21 mi from route
~53 min detour
Free
near mile 166.8
Cumberland Gap was the first great gateway to the west. Come follow the path of bison, Native Americans, longhunters, and pioneers. Walk where 300,000 people crossed the Appalachians to settle America...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$63.00 one way
$126.01 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg141 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$69.18
$138.35
premium
$4.89
$77.55
$155.11
diesel
$5.61
$88.98
$177.95
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$63
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$193–$303
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 141 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $42 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
120.9
1
$42.32
$19.34
Efficient EV
100.8
1
$35.26
$16.12
EV Truck/SUV
161.2
2
$56.42
$25.79
Gas CO2
141 kg
EV CO2
47 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Jellico, TN
Night
in Jellico on Thursday
Local time
11:38 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
New South Memphis, TN
Night
in New South Memphis on Thursday
Local time
10:38 PM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
74°F
Sparta, TN
202 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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
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
19 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
8h on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Jellico, TN to New South Memphis, TN covers 403 miles and takes about 8h without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, Deer Lodge Highway East, Howard H Baker Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Yes. This route is usually more comfortable as a 2-day drive. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 202 miles on day one.
The midpoint is about 201.5 miles from Jellico, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $63.00 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 403 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 184.9 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 187.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 190.4 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Jellico, TN and New South Memphis, TN, road signs point toward Memphis and Louisville.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Stones River National Battlefield and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.
