Memphis to Shelbyville is 236.3 miles and takes about 4h 44m via US 412 and I-40, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This journey stays within the Southeast region, traveling from Tennessee to Tennessee. Expect a driving profile that is primarily highway-focused, making it a straightforward trip. Given the relatively short duration, this route is ideal for a single-day drive, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.
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
118.1 miles from Memphis, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 12m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 412
112.9 mi
2h 13m
I 40
95.6 mi
1h 46m
SR 99
7.5 mi
11m
US 41A
7.2 mi
10m
Old Columbia Road East
5.5 mi
9m
Old Columbia Road
2.4 mi
4m
Old Columbia Highway
1.5 mi
2m
Lane Parkway
0.9 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
US 412
— 112.9 mi, about 2h 13m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Memphis, TN and Shelbyville, 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 EastUse 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, KnoxvilleUse the slight left / straight lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Exit 93Toward 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
Turn left onto US 412
7.5 mi·8 min·US 412
10
Continue on US 412;SR 114
3.5 mi·3 min·US 412;SR 114
11
Merge onto US 412; SR 114
16 mi·17 min·US 412; SR 114
12
Continue on US 412; SR 100
14 mi·16 min·US 412; SR 100
13
Keep slight right at fork onto US 412
44 mi·51 min·US 412
14
Take the exit onto US 412
0.2 mi·31 sec·US 412
15
Keep slight right at fork onto US 412
18 mi·21 min·US 412
16
At end of road, turn right onto US 431; SR 99
0.8 mi·1 min·Lewisburg and Franklin Pike
17
Turn left onto SR 99
7.5 mi·11 min·SR 99
18
At end of road, turn left onto US 31A; SR 99
0.2 mi·24 sec·Nashville Highway
19
Turn right onto SR 270
5.5 mi·9 min·Old Columbia Road East
20
Continue on SR 270
1.5 mi·2 min·Old Columbia Highway
21
Continue on SR 270
2.4 mi·4 min·Old Columbia Road
22
Turn right onto US 41A
7.2 mi·10 min·US 41A
23
Turn right onto US 231
0.9 mi·1 min·Lane Parkway
24
Continue on SR 64; SR 82; SR 130
478 ft·8 sec·East Lane Street
25
Continue on SR 64; SR 82; SR 130
0.2 mi·17 sec·North Jefferson Street
26
Turn right onto East Depot Street
0.1 mi·24 sec·East Depot Street
27
At end of road, turn right onto Public Square East
344 ft·20 sec·Public Square East
28
Continue on Public Square North
103 ft·4 sec·Public Square North
29
Arrive at destination
Public Square North
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4-hour, 44-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Memphis to maximize daylight. With a fuel cost estimated around $37, it's wise to fill up before leaving Memphis. The longest stretch without a major break is over 112 miles, so plan for a stop around the halfway point if needed, though the overall duration allows for flexibility. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you transition from I-40 to SR 99, as services can sometimes be more spaced out on state routes.
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 118.1 miles from Memphis, TN, or about 2h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 112.9 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 52 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 118.1 miles or 2h 12m 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 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Shelbyville, 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 236.3 miles and 4h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Memphis, 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 US 412 for about 112.9 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 19
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
$36.94 one way
$73.89 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg83 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$40.56
$81.12
premium
$4.89
$45.47
$90.95
diesel
$5.61
$52.17
$104.34
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
70.9
0
$24.81
$11.34
Efficient EV
59.1
0
$20.68
$9.45
EV Truck/SUV
94.5
1
$33.08
$15.12
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% 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 18, 2026
Origin
Memphis, TN
Afternoon
in Memphis on Saturday
Local time
3:10 PM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Shelbyville, TN
Afternoon
in Shelbyville on Saturday
Local time
3:10 PM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Partly Cloudy
S 5 mph0% chanceLive 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
6 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
4h 44m 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...
22 mi from route
~56 min detour
Free
near mile 228.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway-focused, with 95% of the drive utilizing major roads like US 412 and I-40. You'll experience long stretches of consistent speed, including one uninterrupted segment of 112.9 miles on US 412. The character of the drive is largely about covering ground efficiently, transitioning onto SR 99 as you approach Shelbyville. While not overly technical, the highway share means you'll be in a driving environment that prioritizes steady progress.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 112.9 mi on US 412.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 412 and I 40. 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.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 236.3 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 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 Shelbyville, TN, road signs point toward Knoxville and 152: Lexington.
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 44m. Total distance: 236.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 112.9 miles on US 412. 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 Shelbyville, 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: 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 — Stones River National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Shelbyville, 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.
