Origin
Memphis, TN
Afternoon in Memphis on Sunday
Local time
3:43 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Memphis, TN to Benton, TN
Drive Time
7h 10m
Distance
382.1 mi
615 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$58
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 0m
★
6 AM
7h 11m
8 AM
7h 33m
10 AM
7h 18m
12 PM
7h 16m
3 PM
7h 20m
5 PM
7h 32m
8 PM
7h 4m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Memphis, TN
Kelly
Benton, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
Spanning 382.1 miles across Tennessee, this trek from Memphis to Benton is a substantial journey that takes approximately 7 hours and 10 minutes to complete. Because the route is almost entirely highway-focused, you can comfortably finish it in one long day, though you should budget about $58 for fuel. You will primarily utilize I-40 and I-24 before transitioning onto the Tennessee National Guard Parkway to reach your destination. Since you are traveling across the state from the west to the southeast, expect a significant shift in the landscape as you leave the Mississippi River region. It is a straightforward, functional drive that prioritizes efficiency over backroad exploration, making it ideal if your main goal is reaching Benton as quickly as possible.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
191.1 miles from Memphis, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 29m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a high-speed, interstate-heavy experience with 97% of your time spent on major highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 178.5 miles on I-40, which demands consistent focus and steady pacing behind the wheel. As you transition between the interstate arteries and the Tennessee National Guard Parkway, the road personality shifts from dense, high-traffic corridors to more controlled highway segments. You will spend the vast majority of your day watching the odometer climb on wide, multi-lane roads. It is a classic, utilitarian drive that favors speed and reliability, ensuring you cover the 382.1-mile distance without the unpredictability of local surface streets.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 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 178.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 24. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near North B. B. King Boulevard.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 382.1 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: near the start (North B. B. King Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 12.3 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
North B. B. King Boulevard
Turn left onto North B. B. King Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
0.3 mi into trip
|
~0m in
Take the ramp toward I 40 East
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 40 East
8
12.3 mi into trip
|
~15m in
|
I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 East: Nashville, Knoxville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward I 40 East: Nashville, Knoxville
7
231.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 13m 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
8
342.6 mi into trip
|
~6h 19m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 75 North: Knoxville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 185 B
Toward I 75 North: Knoxville
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Memphis, TN to Benton, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Franklin along the way.
Franklin
178.9 mi in
|
~3h 16m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 178.5 mi | 3h 15m |
| I 24 | 110 mi | 2h 3m |
| Tennessee National Guard Parkway | 52.2 mi | 55m |
| I 75 | 18.4 mi | 22m |
| Waterlevel Highway | 7.3 mi | 10m |
| US 74 | 6.8 mi | 8m |
| US 411 | 5.7 mi | 8m |
| North B. B. King Boulevard | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 178.5 mi, about 3h 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Memphis, TN and Benton, TN.
1
Start on Poplar Avenue
190 ft
·
11 sec
·
Poplar Avenue
2
Turn left onto North B. B. King Boulevard
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
North B. B. King Boulevard
Use the left lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
Toward I 40 East
Use the right lane.
4
Merge onto I 40
12 mi
·
14 min
·
I 40
Use the straight lane.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
167 mi
·
3 hr
·
I 40
Toward I 40 East: Nashville, Knoxville
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 840 East: Knoxville, Franklin
7
Merge onto I 840
52 mi
·
55 min
·
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
2 min
Exit 53A
Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 24
110 mi
·
2 hr 3 min
·
I 24
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 185 B
Toward I 75 North: Knoxville
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 75
18 mi
·
22 min
·
I 75
Use the straight lane.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
Exit 20
Toward US 64 Bypass East: Cleveland
13
Keep slight left at fork
281 ft
·
9 sec
Exit 20
Toward US 64 Bypass East: Cleveland
14
Turn right onto US 74
6.4 mi
·
7 min
·
US 74
Use the none lane.
15
Take the exit onto US 74; US 64 Bypass
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
·
US 74; US 64 Bypass
16
Merge onto US 64; US 74
7.3 mi
·
10 min
·
Waterlevel Highway
Use the none lane.
17
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
22 sec
18
Turn left onto US 411
5.7 mi
·
8 min
·
US 411
Use the left lane.
19
Turn left onto Benton Station Road
433 ft
·
14 sec
·
Benton Station Road
20
Turn right onto Clemmer Ferry Road
314 ft
·
8 sec
·
Clemmer Ferry Road
21
Arrive at destination
Town Creek Road
Trip Plan
To keep your 7-hour and 10-minute journey manageable, plan for at least two intentional stops to stretch your legs and refresh. Since the route relies heavily on major corridors, try to depart early in the morning to avoid the heaviest peak-hour traffic near major urban centers. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the long 178.5-mile stretch on I-40, as finding the best price for that $58 estimated fuel budget is easier when you aren't rushing. Because the drive is essentially a single-day commitment, having your snacks and audio entertainment queued up before you leave Memphis will help maintain your momentum. Flexibility is your best asset here, so be prepared to adjust your rest stops based on how you feel during the final leg toward Benton.
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.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 191.1 miles from Memphis, TN, or about 3h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 178.5 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 84 miles or 1h 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 191.1 miles or 3h 29m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Benton, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Memphis, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Memphis, TN
This is one driving day of about 382.1 miles and 7h 10m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 84 miles from Memphis, TN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 178.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 191.1 mi from Memphis, TN · 3h 29m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
191 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 84 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 191.1 miles from Memphis, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 178.5 miles.
Arriving in Benton, TN
The final approach into Benton, 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 Benton, 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
$58.04 one way
$116.07 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
134 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $63.98 | $127.96 |
| premium | $4.80 | $72.13 | $144.27 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $84.89 | $169.78 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$58
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$83–$108
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 133.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $40 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 114.6 | 1 | $40.12 | $18.34 |
| Efficient EV | 95.5 | 1 | $33.43 | $15.28 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 152.8 | 1 | $53.49 | $24.45 |
Gas CO2
134 kg
EV CO2
45 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Benton, TN
Afternoon in Benton on Sunday
Local time
4:43 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°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
1 hour later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
3 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
7h 10m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Memphis, TN to Benton, TN covers 382.1 miles and takes about 7h 10m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, I 24, Tennessee National Guard Parkway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 191.1 miles from Memphis, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $58.04 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 19 significant decision points across 382.1 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: near the start (North B. B. King Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 12.3 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Memphis, TN to Benton, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Franklin along the way.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Benton, TN
More trips to Benton, TN
Explore more options from Memphis, TN or browse trips ending in Benton, TN.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TN road trips.
Explore maps for Memphis, TN or Benton, TN on MapSof.net.