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Trip from Memphis, TN to Chapel Hill, TN

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 17m

Distance

117.1 mi

188 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
2h 8m ★
6 AM
2h 18m
8 AM
2h 37m
10 AM
2h 24m
12 PM
2h 22m
3 PM
2h 25m
5 PM
2h 36m
8 PM
2h 12m

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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city in and county seat of Shelby County, Tennessee, United States

Memphis, TN

Wikimedia Commons

town in Marshall County, Tennessee, United States of America

Chapel Hill, TN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Memphis, TN to Chapel Hill, TN covers 117.1 miles and takes about 2h 17m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 40, US 412, SR 200 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly highway. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 95.6 miles on I 40. At current regular gas prices, budget about $18.31 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

58.5 miles from Memphis, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 6m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 95.6 mi 1h 46m
US 412 10.4 mi 11m
SR 200 5.8 mi 10m
Lexington Bypass 3.7 mi 5m
Law Road 0.7 mi <1m
North B. B. King Boulevard 0.2 mi <1m
Joe Horton Road 0.2 mi <1m
Poplar Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 95.6 mi, about 1h 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Memphis, TN and Chapel Hill, 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

84 mi · 1 hr 31 min · I 40
Toward I 40 East: Nashville, Knoxville Use the slight left / straight lanes.
6

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Exit 93 Toward 152: Lexington
7

Turn right onto SR 152

0.7 mi · 49 sec · Law Road
8

Turn left onto US 412

10 mi · 11 min · US 412
9

Continue on SR 459

3.7 mi · 5 min · Lexington Bypass
10

Turn right onto SR 200

5.8 mi · 10 min · SR 200
11

Turn left onto Joe Horton Road

0.2 mi · 42 sec · Joe Horton Road
12

Turn left

0.2 mi · 43 sec
13

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

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.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 58.5 miles from Memphis, TN, or about 1h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 95.6 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 26 miles or 30m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 58.5 miles or 1h 6m 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 47m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Chapel Hill, 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.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Memphis, TN

This is one driving day of about 117.1 miles and 2h 17m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Memphis, TN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 95.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Haywood County, Tennessee, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Brownsville, TN

59 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

Bartlett, TN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Brownsville, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 58.5 miles from Memphis, 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 95.6 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Jackson, Tennessee

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 83.6

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+17317362362

Visit website

Taqueria “ EL PRIMO EXPRESS”

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Jackson, Tennessee

0.8 mi

Los Portales Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Jackson, Tennessee

1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Crazy Gander Coffee Company

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Memphis, Tennessee

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+19015523852

Visit website

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 83.6

Jackson, Tennessee

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+17317362362

Visit website

Taqueria “ EL PRIMO EXPRESS”

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 83.6

Jackson, Tennessee

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+19012203010

Los Portales Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 83.6

Jackson, Tennessee

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+17316646217

Visit website

Taco Bell

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 83.6

Jackson, Tennessee

Hours: 9 am–1 pm

+17316683353

Visit website

Red Lobster

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 83.6

Jackson, Tennessee

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+17316648655

Visit website

SHEGER ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT& GROCERY

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 16.7

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+19015523136

Visit website

Marco's Pizza

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 16.7

Bartlett, Tennessee

Hours: 10 am–11 pm

+19012664676

Visit website

IHOP

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour Inexpensiv mile 16.7

Cordova, Tennessee

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+19017566488

Visit website

Crazy Gander Coffee Company

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+19015523852

Visit website

J Brooks Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 16.7

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+19016265848

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 58.5

Brownsville, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 16.7

Cordova, Tennessee

IKEA Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 16.7

Cordova, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 16.7

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 16.7

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 9

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 96 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

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
5
0.4 mi into trip | ~0m in | I 40

Merge onto I 40

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

Use the straight lane.
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
5
96 mi into trip | ~1h 47m in

Take the exit toward 152: Lexington

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 93 Toward 152: Lexington

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.31 one way

$36.61 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 41 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $20.10 $40.20
premium $4.89 $22.53 $45.07
diesel $5.61 $25.85 $51.71

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 41 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 35.1 0 $12.30 $5.62
Efficient EV 29.3 0 $10.25 $4.68
EV Truck/SUV 46.8 0 $16.39 $7.49

Gas CO2

41 kg

EV CO2

14 kg (66% 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 as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Memphis, TN

Afternoon in Memphis on Saturday

Local time

3:27 PM

CDT

Current temp

57°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Chapel Hill, TN

Afternoon in Chapel Hill on Saturday

Local time

3:27 PM

CDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

77°F

Brownsville, TN

59 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

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

4 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

2h 17m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

117.1 mi in 2h 17m, mostly highway — 95.6 mi of that is on I 40.

95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
13 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 95.6 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and US 412. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near North B. B. King Boulevard.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 17m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow 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 0.4 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. 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.

Between Memphis, TN and Chapel Hill, TN, road signs point toward Knoxville and 152: Lexington.

Knoxville

12.3 mi in | ~15m | via I 40

152: Lexington

96 mi in | ~1h 47m

About the Cities

Starting in Memphis, TN

Full guide →

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.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 17m. Total distance: 117.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 95.6 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

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 0.4 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Chapel Hill, TN before heading back.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Return Trip

Chapel Hill, TN to Memphis, TN

Plan the drive back the other way.

117.4 mi 2h 17m

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