This 537.7-mile journey from Mountain City, TN to New South Memphis, TN will take approximately 9 hours and 55 minutes of driving time. Given the distance and duration, it's best planned as a two-day trip, especially since the longest uninterrupted stretch is a significant 407.1 miles on I-40. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $82. You'll primarily be navigating on I-40 and I-81, with a portion of the Daniel Boone Trail included. This route traverses the Southeast region, staying within Tennessee for the entire trip. It's a long-distance drive that requires some planning to break up comfortably.
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
268.9 miles from Mountain City, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 55m into the drive
.
Drive Character
This route is predominantly highway driving, with a 93% highway share, so expect long stretches of consistent speed. The majority of your time will be spent on interstates like I-40 and I-81, making for a straightforward, albeit long, travel experience. The longest uninterrupted segment covers 407.1 miles on I-40, highlighting the need to be prepared for extended periods on this major artery. While the core of the drive is interstate, the inclusion of the Daniel Boone Trail may offer a slight variation in scenery and road feel for a portion of your journey.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 26 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 407.1 miles.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,421 ft260 ft
Total Climb
1,197 ft
Total Descent
3,357 ft
Highest Point
2,421 ft
Elevation Range
2,160 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 164.8 miles in near I 40.
Driving Effort9/10
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 17 significant decision points across 537.7 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: at 164.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 319.6 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 321.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
164.8 mi into trip|~3h 3m in|I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward Nashville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Nashville
9
319.6 mi into trip|~5h 50m 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
321.8 mi into trip|~5h 53m 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
8
537 mi into trip|~9h 53m 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
537.1 mi into trip|~9h 54m 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 Mountain City, TN and New South Memphis, TN, road signs point toward Nashville, Memphis and Louisville.
Nashville
164.8 mi in|~3h 3m|via I 40
Memphis
321.8 mi in|~5h 53m|via I 40
Louisville
322.8 mi in|~5h 55m|via I 40
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
407.1 mi
7h 23m
I 81
69.2 mi
1h 14m
Daniel Boone Trail
18.2 mi
20m
Tennessee Ernie Ford Parkway
13 mi
15m
North Shady Street
11 mi
12m
Avron B Fogelman Expressway
4.5 mi
6m
W B Fowler Senior Expressway
3.7 mi
5m
Downtown Loop
2.9 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 407.1 mi, about 7h 23m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mountain City, TN and New South Memphis, TN.
1
Start on SR 418
0.3 mi·32 sec·West Main Street
2
Turn right onto US 421
11 mi·12 min·North Shady Street
3
Continue on US 421
18 mi·20 min·Daniel Boone Trail
4
Turn left onto TN 394
13 mi·15 min·Tennessee Ernie Ford Parkway
Use the straight lane.
5
Turn left
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward I 81 SouthUse the left lane.
6
Merge onto I 81
68 mi·1 hr 13 min·I 81
7
Continue on I 81
0.7 mi·45 sec·I 81
Exit 1BToward I 40 West: Knoxville
8
Merge onto I 40
53 mi·59 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
155 mi·2 hr 46 min·I 40
Toward NashvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
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.
11
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.
12
Merge onto I 40
0.6 mi·52 sec·Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
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.
14
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.
15
Continue on Sam Cooper Boulevard
1.6 mi·2 min·Sam Cooper Boulevard
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·34 sec
Exit 9Toward Perkins RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Turn left onto North Perkins Road
1.1 mi·1 min·North Perkins Road
18
Continue on Perkins Extended
1.3 mi·2 min·Perkins Extended
19
Continue on South Perkins Road
2.3 mi·3 min·South Perkins Road
Use the straight lane.
20
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward I 240 West
21
Merge onto I 240
4.5 mi·6 min·Avron B Fogelman Expressway
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on I 240
3.7 mi·5 min·W B Fowler Senior Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.1 mi·13 sec
Exit 7Toward US 61: Vicksburg, Third StreetUse the slight right lane.
24
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward US 61 North: Third StreetUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
25
Turn straight onto US 61
0.4 mi·36 sec·South Third Street
26
Arrive at destination
US 61
Trip Plan
For this 9-hour and 55-minute drive, consider splitting the trip into two days to avoid fatigue. Aim to depart early in the morning to maximize daylight hours and allow for ample stops. With 537.7 miles to cover, plan for at least two stops for fuel and rest; the longest stretch without a break is over 400 miles. The estimated fuel cost is $82, so factor that into your budget. A practical tip for this route is to be aware of potential traffic congestion around larger cities, particularly as you approach Memphis.
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 268.9 miles from Mountain City, TN, or about 4h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 407.1 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 118 miles or 2h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 268.9 miles or 4h 55m 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 268.9 miles or 4h 55m
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 8h 44m
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 Mountain City, 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 Mountain City, TN
Aim for roughly 269 miles and 5 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into New South Memphis, TN
Aim for roughly 269 miles and 5 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 118 miles from Mountain City, 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 407.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 268.9 mi from Mountain City, TN
· 4h 55m into the drive
The midpoint is around 268.9 miles from Mountain City, 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 407.1 miles.
Overnight split
Hotel stop
For a steadier pace, wrap day one after about 269 miles or 5 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...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 296.7
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of it...
29 mi from route
~72 min detour
Free
near mile 129.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$84.06 one way
$168.13 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg188 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$92.30
$184.60
premium
$4.89
$103.48
$206.95
diesel
$5.61
$118.72
$237.43
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$84
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$214–$324
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 188.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $56 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
161.3
1
$56.46
$25.81
Efficient EV
134.4
1
$47.05
$21.51
EV Truck/SUV
215.1
2
$75.28
$34.41
Gas CO2
188 kg
EV CO2
63 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.
Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026
Origin
Mountain City, TN
Night
in Mountain City on Friday
Local time
11:05 PM
EDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
Destination
New South Memphis, TN
Night
in New South Memphis on Friday
Local time
10:05 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°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.
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.
Road read
9h 55m 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 Mountain City, TN to New South Memphis, TN covers 537.7 miles and takes about 9h 55m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, I 81, Daniel Boone Trail. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
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 269 miles on day one.
The midpoint is about 268.9 miles from Mountain City, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $84.06 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 17 significant decision points across 537.7 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: at 164.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 319.6 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 321.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Mountain City, TN and New South Memphis, TN, road signs point toward Nashville, Memphis and Louisville.
Gently rolling terrain. The route ranges from 260 ft to 2,421 ft elevation with about 1,197 ft of total climbing.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Stones River National Battlefield and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
