Origin
Paris, TN
Evening in Paris on Sunday
Local time
7:36 PM
CDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Paris, TN to Memphis, TN
Drive Time
2h 55m
Distance
141.3 mi
227 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 44m
★
6 AM
2h 55m
8 AM
3h 18m
10 AM
3h 3m
12 PM
3h 1m
3 PM
3h 4m
5 PM
3h 17m
8 PM
2h 49m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Paris, TN
Alexandra Lavizzari
Memphis, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
Connecting Paris to Memphis, this 141.3-mile journey takes you across Tennessee in approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes. Because the drive is relatively short, it is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via Highland Drive, Austin Peay Memorial Highway, and I-40 to complete the trek. Budgeting around $21 for fuel should comfortably cover your transit between these two Southeast cities. Whether you are heading to Memphis for business or leisure, this route offers a straightforward, efficient path across the state.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
70.6 miles from Paris, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 35m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 64% of your time behind the wheel will be spent on major thoroughfares. The journey features a significant 82.5-mile stretch on I-40, which serves as the backbone of your travel and allows for steady, uninterrupted progress. While the initial segments involve local roads like Highland Drive and Austin Peay Memorial Highway, the character of the drive shifts once you merge onto the interstate. You can anticipate a consistent, fast-paced rhythm that defines most of the trip, making it a functional rather than technical drive.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 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 82.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Highland Drive. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 641 / South Market Street.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 141.3 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 (US 641 / South Market Street): Navigation decision point; at 127.5 miles (I 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 127.6 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 641 / South Market Street
Turn right onto US 641 / South Market Street
Navigation decision point
6
127.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 37m in
|
I 40
Take the exit onto I 40 toward I 240 West, I 40 West: Jackson Mississippi, Little Rock
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 10A-B
Toward I 240 West, I 40 West: Jackson Mississip...
8
127.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 37m in
|
I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 West: Little Rock
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 10B
Toward I 40 West: Little Rock
6
138.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 51m in
|
I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
8
140.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 54m in
Take the exit toward Second Street, 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 1A
Toward Second Street, Third Street
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Paris, TN to Memphis, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Little Rock along the way.
Little Rock
127.5 mi in
|
~2h 37m
|
via I 40
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 82.5 mi | 1h 32m |
| Highland Drive | 18.1 mi | 26m |
| Austin Peay Memorial Highway | 13.2 mi | 15m |
| Medina Highway | 11 mi | 14m |
| US 45E | 7.6 mi | 11m |
| Atwood Highway | 2.8 mi | 4m |
| South 1st Street | 2 mi | 4m |
| East Van Hook Street | 2 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 82.5 mi, about 1h 32m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Paris, TN and Memphis, TN.
1
Start on SR 54; SR 69
96 ft
·
5 sec
·
West Wood Street
2
Turn right onto US 641
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
South Market Street
3
Continue on SR 77
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Veterans Drive
4
Turn right onto US 79
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
·
Tyson Avenue
5
Continue on US 79
13 mi
·
15 min
·
Austin Peay Memorial Highway
6
Continue on US 79
18 mi
·
26 min
·
Highland Drive
7
Continue on US 70A; US 79
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Atwood Highway
8
Continue on US 70A; US 79
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Atwood Highway
9
Continue on US 70A; US 79
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
East Van Hook Street
10
Turn left onto US 45E
2.0 mi
·
4 min
·
South 1st Street
11
Continue on US 45E
11 mi
·
14 min
·
Medina Highway
12
Keep slight left at fork onto US 45E
7.6 mi
·
11 min
·
US 45E
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
14
Merge onto I 40; US 412
69 mi
·
1 hr 15 min
·
I 40; US 412
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit onto I 40
0.1 mi
·
8 sec
·
I 40
Exit 10A-B
Toward I 240 West, I 40 West: Jackson Mississippi, Little Rock
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
11 mi
·
13 min
·
I 40
Exit 10B
Toward I 40 West: Little Rock
Use the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
I 40
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 1A
Toward Second Street, Third Street
Use the slight right lane.
19
Continue on North 2nd Street
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
North 2nd Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Turn left onto Poplar Avenue
202 ft
·
4 sec
·
Poplar Avenue
21
Arrive at destination
Poplar Avenue
Trip Plan
Planning for this trip is simple, as you only need to account for one planned stop over the course of the three-hour drive. Leaving early in the day is always a smart move to avoid congestion as you approach the Memphis metropolitan area. Since the fuel cost is a modest $21, you won't need to worry about complex refueling logistics along the way. Use the flexibility of this short duration to time your departure around your personal schedule rather than worrying about mid-trip lodging. As a specific tip, keep a close watch on your navigation when transitioning from the Austin Peay Memorial Highway to the I-40 interchange to ensure a smooth transition onto the interstate.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 70.6 miles from Paris, TN, or about 1h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.5 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 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 70.6 miles or 1h 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Memphis, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Paris, 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 Paris, TN
This is one driving day of about 141.3 miles and 2h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Paris, 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 82.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 70.6 mi from Paris, TN · 1h 35m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
71 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 70.6 miles from Paris, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 82.5 miles.
Arriving in Memphis, TN
The final approach into 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 Memphis, 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
$21.46 one way
$42.92 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
49 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $23.66 | $47.32 |
| premium | $4.80 | $26.67 | $53.35 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $31.39 | $62.78 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 49.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 42.4 | 0 | $14.84 | $6.78 |
| Efficient EV | 35.3 | 0 | $12.36 | $5.65 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 56.5 | 0 | $19.78 | $9.04 |
Gas CO2
49 kg
EV CO2
17 kg (65% 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.
Destination
Memphis, TN
Evening in Memphis on Sunday
Local time
7:36 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
3 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
2h 55m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Paris, TN to Memphis, TN covers 141.3 miles and takes about 2h 55m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, Highland Drive, Austin Peay Memorial Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 70.6 miles from Paris, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.46 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 141.3 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.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 641 / South Market Street): Navigation decision point; at 127.5 miles (I 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 127.6 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Paris, TN to Memphis, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Little Rock along the way.
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