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Trip from Memphis, TN to South Pittsburg, TN

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

Drive Time

5h 44m

Distance

311.7 mi

502 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$49

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 31m ★
6 AM
5h 44m
8 AM
6h 11m
10 AM
5h 54m
12 PM
5h 51m
3 PM
5h 55m
5 PM
6h 10m
8 PM
5h 37m

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

Downtown South Pittsburg, TN, TN

South Pittsburg, TN

Kelly

Trip Overview

The drive from Memphis, TN to South Pittsburg, TN covers 311.7 miles and takes about 5h 44m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 40, I 24, Tennessee National Guard Parkway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 178.5 miles on I 40. At current regular gas prices, budget about $48.73 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

155.9 miles from Memphis, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 51m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 178.5 mi 3h 15m
I 24 76.5 mi 1h 25m
Tennessee National Guard Parkway 52.2 mi 55m
North Cedar Avenue 2.1 mi 2m
3rd Street 0.2 mi <1m
North B. B. King Boulevard 0.2 mi <1m
US 64 0.2 mi <1m
Poplar Avenue <0.1 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 South Pittsburg, 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 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

76 mi · 1 hr 25 min · I 24
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit onto US 64

0.2 mi · 25 sec · US 64
Toward US 72, US 64 East: Kimballl, South Pittsburg
11

Turn right onto US 72

2.1 mi · 2 min · North Cedar Avenue
12

Turn right onto 3rd Street

0.2 mi · 35 sec · 3rd Street
13

Turn right

97 ft · 7 sec
14

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

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 155.9 miles from Memphis, TN, or about 2h 51m 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 69 miles or 1h 17m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 155.9 miles or 2h 51m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 41m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near South Pittsburg, 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 311.7 miles and 5h 44m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 69 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 I 40 for about 178.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Tennessee, USA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Dickson, TN

156 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

Jackson, TN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 69 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Dickson, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 155.9 miles from Memphis, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Blues City Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Memphis, Tennessee

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+19015263637

Visit website

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

Blues City Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+19015263637

Visit website

Subway

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 22.3

Cordova, Tennessee

Hours: 9 am–10 pm

+19016245555

Visit website

Taco Bell

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 89.1

Jackson, Tennessee

Hours: 9 am–1 pm

+17316683353

Visit website

IHOP

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour Inexpensiv mile 22.3

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

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

Tesla Supercharger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 22.3

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 22.3

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 22.3

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

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

IKEA Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 22.3

Cordova, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 22.3

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18668167584

Visit website

Fiery Gizzard State Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 289.4

Monteagle, Tennessee

Hours: 8 am–4:30 pm

+18888672757

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 231.8 — 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
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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$48.73 one way

$97.46 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 109 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $53.50 $107.01
premium $4.89 $59.98 $119.97
diesel $5.61 $68.82 $137.64

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$49

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$74–$99

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 109.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $33 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 93.5 1 $32.73 $14.96
Efficient EV 77.9 0 $27.27 $12.47
EV Truck/SUV 124.7 1 $43.64 $19.95

Gas CO2

109 kg

EV CO2

36 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

Memphis, TN

Afternoon in Memphis on Saturday

Local time

1:11 PM

CDT

Current temp

57°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

South Pittsburg, TN

Afternoon in South Pittsburg on Saturday

Local time

1:11 PM

CDT

Current temp

83°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

Same local time

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

Temperature spread

26 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

5h 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

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...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free near mile 236.5
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This is a 5h 44m highway drive covering 311.7 miles, with most of the trip on I 40 and I 24. The longest continuous stretch is about 178.5 miles on I 40.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 14 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?

7/10

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.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 311.7 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.

On the drive from Memphis, TN to South Pittsburg, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Franklin along the way.

Franklin

178.9 mi in | ~3h 16m

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 5h 44m. Total distance: 311.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Memphis, TN to South Pittsburg, TN covers 311.7 miles and takes about 5h 44m 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 155.9 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 $48.73 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break 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 11 significant decision points across 311.7 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 0.4 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

On the drive from Memphis, TN to South Pittsburg, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Franklin along the way.

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.

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Return Trip

South Pittsburg, TN to Memphis, TN

Plan the drive back the other way.

282.8 mi 5h 44m

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