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
Trip from New South Memphis, TN to Lafayette, TN
Drive Time
5h 16m
Distance
279.8 mi
450 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$43
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 3m
★
6 AM
5h 16m
8 AM
5h 43m
10 AM
5h 26m
12 PM
5h 23m
3 PM
5h 27m
5 PM
5h 42m
8 PM
5h 8m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
New South Memphis, TN
Dee Hunna
Lafayette, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
Traveling from New South Memphis to Lafayette covers a distance of 279.8 miles across the Southeast. You should plan for a total drive time of approximately 5 hours and 16 minutes, making this a manageable journey for a single day of travel. Budget around $43 for fuel to complete the trip comfortably. While the route is straightforward, the combination of local roads and major interstates means you should prepare for varied traffic conditions. Since the drive is under six hours, you can easily complete it in one day without needing an overnight stay. It is a practical route that connects two distinct parts of Tennessee, offering a balanced pace for a solo driver or a small group.
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
139.9 miles from New South Memphis, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 38m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a trip defined by a mix of high-speed transit and technical navigation. With only 23% of the journey spent on highways, you will spend most of your time on local roads that require your full attention. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 196.5 miles on the Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway, which provides a significant portion of your travel time. As you transition between the Sam Cooper Boulevard, I-40, and local turn-heavy sections, the road's personality shifts from quick interstate cruising to more involved, maneuver-intensive driving. Stay alert during the local segments, as the route demands constant engagement compared to a standard interstate grind.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 16 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 196.5 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 11 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 279.8 miles you will encounter 11 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 210.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 211 miles (I 40; I 65 / Downtown Loop): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese 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
9
210.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 55m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 40 East, I 65 South: Knoxville, Huntsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 208A
Toward I 40 East, I 65 South: Knoxville, Huntsv...
5
211 mi into trip
|
~3h 56m in
|
I 40; I 65 / Downtown Loop
Merge onto I 40; I 65 / Downtown Loop
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
5
213.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 59m in
|
I 40 / Downtown Loop
Continue onto I 40 / Downtown Loop toward I 24 West, I 40 East, I 24 East: Clarksville, Louisville, Knoxville, Chattanooga
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 211B; 211A
Toward I 24 West, I 40 East, I 24 East: Clarksv...
9
214 mi into trip
|
~4h in
|
I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 211A
Toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattan...
Towns Along This Route
Between New South Memphis, TN and Lafayette, TN, road signs point toward Huntsville, Louisville, Knoxville and Chattanooga.
Huntsville
210.8 mi in
|
~3h 55m
Louisville
213.4 mi in
|
~3h 59m
|
via I 40
Knoxville
213.4 mi in
|
~3h 59m
|
via I 40
Chattanooga
213.4 mi in
|
~3h 59m
|
via I 40
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway | 196.5 mi | 3h 32m |
| I 40 | 57.3 mi | 1h 2m |
| Sam Cooper Boulevard | 6.1 mi | 9m |
| Nashville Highway | 4.8 mi | 7m |
| South Parkway East | 4.4 mi | 7m |
| Buffalo Valley Highway | 3 mi | 5m |
| Downtown Loop | 2.9 mi | 4m |
| East Parkway South | 2.3 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway
— 196.5 mi, about 3h 32m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New South Memphis, TN and Lafayette, 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
197 mi
·
3 hr 32 min
·
Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway
Use the none lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Exit 208A
Toward I 40 East, I 65 South: Knoxville, Huntsville
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 40; I 65
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Downtown Loop
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 40
0.5 mi
·
42 sec
·
Downtown Loop
Exit 211B; 211A
Toward I 24 West, I 40 East, I 24 East: Clarksville, Louisville, Knoxville, Chattanooga
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
57 mi
·
1 hr 2 min
·
I 40
Exit 211A
Toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
Toward TN 96: Center Hill Dam
13
Turn left onto SR 96
3.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Buffalo Valley Highway
14
Continue on SR 96
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Chestnut Mound Road
15
Turn right onto US 70N; SR 96
4.8 mi
·
7 min
·
Nashville Highway
16
Arrive at destination
US 70N; SR 96
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 5-hour and 16-minute drive, try to depart early in the morning to navigate local traffic with ease. Although you only have one planned stop, staying flexible with your itinerary will help you manage the turn-heavy sections of the route without fatigue. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as the $43 estimate can fluctuate depending on your vehicle's efficiency during the local portions of the trip. Prioritize a single, well-timed break along the 196.5-mile stretch of the Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway to recharge before tackling the more technical roads toward Lafayette. Planning your refuel stop before hitting the local, winding segments is the best way to ensure a smooth arrival at your destination.
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 139.9 miles from New South Memphis, TN, or about 2h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 196.5 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 80 miles or 1h 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 139.9 miles or 2h 38m 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 16m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lafayette, 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 279.8 miles and 5h 16m.
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 196.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 139.9 mi from New South Memphis, TN · 2h 38m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
140 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 139.9 miles from New South Memphis, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 196.5 miles.
Arriving in Lafayette, TN
The final approach into Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, TN.
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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.50 one way
$85.00 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
98 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $46.85 | $93.70 |
| premium | $4.80 | $52.82 | $105.64 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $62.16 | $124.32 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$43
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 97.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 83.9 | 1 | $29.38 | $13.43 |
| Efficient EV | 70 | 0 | $24.48 | $11.19 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 111.9 | 1 | $39.17 | $17.91 |
Gas CO2
98 kg
EV CO2
33 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.
Destination
Lafayette, TN
Afternoon in Lafayette on Sunday
Local time
3:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°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
1 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
5h 16m 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 Lafayette, TN covers 279.8 miles and takes about 5h 16m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway, I 40, Sam Cooper Boulevard. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 139.9 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 $42.50 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 279.8 miles you will encounter 11 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 210.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 211 miles (I 40; I 65 / Downtown Loop): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Between New South Memphis, TN and Lafayette, TN, road signs point toward Huntsville, Louisville, Knoxville and Chattanooga.
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Return Trip
Lafayette, TN to New South Memphis, TNPlan the drive back the other way.
281.3 mi
5h 17m
Continue From Lafayette, TN
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