Trip from New South Memphis, TN to Clarksville, TN

Drive Time

4h 13m

Distance

204 mi

328 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$31

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
4h 1m ★
6 AM
4h 14m
8 AM
4h 40m
10 AM
4h 23m
12 PM
4h 20m
3 PM
4h 24m
5 PM
4h 39m
8 PM
4h 6m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown New South Memphis, TN, TN

New South Memphis, TN

Dee Hunna

Downtown Clarksville, TN, TN

Clarksville, TN

Kelly

Trip Overview

Traveling from New South Memphis to Clarksville covers 204 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 13 minutes. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive, you can easily complete the journey in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to spend approximately $30 on fuel to get from the Southeast region of Memphis to your destination in Clarksville. Navigating this route involves a mix of local roads and highways, specifically the Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway, Austin Peay Memorial Highway, and Main Street. It is a straightforward trip for those comfortable with navigating local infrastructure rather than relying solely on major interstates.

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

102 miles from New South Memphis, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 5m into the drive .

Drive Character

This 204-mile trek is defined by its turn-heavy, local nature rather than a simple interstate cruise. You will find that only 14% of the total distance is spent on highways, meaning you should prepare for a more hands-on driving experience. Your longest uninterrupted stretch occurs during the 69.4 miles spent on the Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway, which provides a brief reprieve from the more frequent turns found elsewhere. As you progress from the Memphis area toward Clarksville, the road character shifts, requiring you to stay alert through various transitions between local streets and highway segments. Expect a drive that demands your full attention as you move through these Tennessee landscapes.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 69.4 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.4 miles in near South Parkway East.

Route Complexity 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 204 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 1.4 miles (South Parkway East): Navigation decision point; at 8.2 miles (Sam Cooper Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 83.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 13 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

4
1.4 mi into trip | ~2m in | South Parkway East

Turn right onto South Parkway East

Navigation decision point

4
8.2 mi into trip | ~13m in | Sam Cooper Boulevard

Turn right onto Sam Cooper Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.
6
83.7 mi into trip | ~1h 38m in

Take the exit toward Trenton

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward Trenton
5
83.8 mi into trip | ~1h 39m in | US 45 Bypass

Merge onto US 45 Bypass

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

Use the straight / right lanes.
6
103.9 mi into trip | ~2h 8m in | US 70A; US 79 / East Van Hook Street

Turn right onto US 70A; US 79 / East Van Hook Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from New South Memphis, TN to Clarksville, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Trenton along the way.

Trenton

83.7 mi in | ~1h 38m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway 69.4 mi 1h 15m
Austin Peay Memorial Highway 36.5 mi 41m
Main Street 29.8 mi 36m
East Main Street 16.4 mi 24m
US 45E 13.5 mi 19m
Paris Bypass 7.6 mi 8m
US 45 Bypass 6.6 mi 9m
Sam Cooper Boulevard 6.1 mi 9m
Longest stretch: Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway — 69.4 mi, about 1h 15m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between New South Memphis, TN and Clarksville, TN.

1

Start on US 61

1.4 mi · 2 min · South Third Street
Use the none lane.
2

Turn right onto South Parkway East

1.4 mi · 2 min · South Parkway East
3

Continue on South Parkway East

2.7 mi · 4 min · South Parkway East
4

Continue on South Parkway East

0.4 mi · 40 sec · South Parkway East
Use the right lane.
5

Continue on SR 277

2.3 mi · 3 min · East Parkway South
Use the straight / right lanes.
6

Turn right onto Sam Cooper Boulevard

6.1 mi · 9 min · Sam Cooper Boulevard
Use the none lane.
7

Continue on I 40

69 mi · 1 hr 15 min · Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway
Use the none lane.
8

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Toward Trenton Use the right lane.
9

Merge onto US 45 Bypass

6.6 mi · 9 min · US 45 Bypass
Use the straight / right lanes.
10

Take the exit onto US 45E

13 mi · 19 min · US 45E
11

Turn right onto US 70A; US 79

2.0 mi · 2 min · East Van Hook Street
Use the right lane.
12

Continue on US 70A; US 79

2.1 mi · 3 min · Atwood Highway
13

Turn left onto US 70A; US 79

0.7 mi · 1 min · Atwood Highway
14

Continue on US 70A; US 79

1.7 mi · 2 min · Main Street
15

Keep slight left at fork onto US 79

16 mi · 24 min · East Main Street
16

Continue on US 79

12 mi · 13 min · Austin Peay Memorial Highway
17

Turn right onto SR 218

7.6 mi · 8 min · Paris Bypass
18

Turn right onto US 79; SR 218

24 mi · 27 min · Austin Peay Memorial Highway
19

Continue on US 79

0.2 mi · 11 sec · Fort Donelson Parkway
20

Continue on US 79

0.6 mi · 37 sec · Austin Peay Memorial Highway
21

Continue on US 79

0.5 mi · 36 sec · Lake Highway
22

Continue on US 79

1.7 mi · 1 min · Donelson Parkway
23

Continue on US 79

28 mi · 34 min · Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
24

Merge onto US 41A; US 79

0.1 mi · 13 sec · Fort Campbell Boulevard
25

Continue on US 41A; US 79

1.6 mi · 2 min · Providence Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
26

Continue on US 41A; US 79

0.9 mi · 1 min · North 2nd Street
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
27

Arrive at destination

North 2nd Street

Trip Plan

Since this is a manageable day trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule best. With a total duration of just over 4 hours, planning for at least one stop is a smart way to keep your energy levels up and break up the turn-heavy sections. Keep in mind that your fuel budget is roughly $30, so filling up before you leave New South Memphis can help you avoid unnecessary stops along the way. Because the route relies heavily on local roads like Main Street and Austin Peay Memorial Highway, keep a close eye on your GPS to navigate the frequent turns accurately. Prioritizing a steady pace will make the 204-mile journey much more comfortable.

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 102 miles from New South Memphis, TN, or about 2h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 69.4 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 80 miles or 1h 34m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 102 miles or 2h 5m 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 27m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Clarksville, TN than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving New South 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 New South Memphis, TN

This is one driving day of about 204 miles and 4h 13m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from New South 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 Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway for about 69.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 102 mi from New South Memphis, TN · 2h 5m into the drive

Downtown Hopkinsville, KY, KY

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Hopkinsville, KY

102 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

Collierville, TN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Collierville, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 102 miles from New South Memphis, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 69.4 miles.

Arriving in Clarksville, TN

The final approach into Clarksville, 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 Clarksville, TN.

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$30.99 one way

$61.97 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 71 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.25 $34.16 $68.32
premium $4.80 $38.51 $77.02
diesel $5.64 $45.32 $90.64

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$31

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$56–$81

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 71.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 61.2 0 $21.42 $9.79
Efficient EV 51 0 $17.85 $8.16
EV Truck/SUV 81.6 1 $28.56 $13.06

Gas CO2

71 kg

EV CO2

24 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

New South Memphis, TN

Afternoon in New South Memphis on Sunday

Local time

3:45 PM

CDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Clarksville, TN

Afternoon in Clarksville on Sunday

Local time

3:45 PM

CDT

Current temp

63°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

2 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

4h 13m 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from New South Memphis, TN to Clarksville, TN covers 204 miles and takes about 4h 13m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway, Austin Peay Memorial Highway, Main Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 102 miles from New South Memphis, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $30.99 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 204 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.4 miles (South Parkway East): Navigation decision point; at 8.2 miles (Sam Cooper Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 83.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from New South Memphis, TN to Clarksville, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Trenton along the way.

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