This 176.5-mile journey from Rocky Top, TN to Murfreesboro, TN is a straightforward drive, taking approximately 3 hours and 33 minutes. With 76% of the route on highways, it’s a practical option for a single day trip. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $28, making it an economical choice for exploring within the Southeast region. This route is primarily focused on efficient travel, offering a direct path between these two Tennessee cities. Given its manageable length and duration, it's well-suited for a day excursion, though you could easily extend it if desired.
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
88.2 miles from Rocky Top, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 52m into the drive
.
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 176.5-mile trip, with 76% of the route utilizing major roadways like I-40 and Tennessee National Guard Parkway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 112.3 miles on I-40, indicating a significant period of consistent highway travel. This suggests a drive characterized by steady speeds and efficient progress. While the profile indicates a highway-focused experience, the inclusion of Harriman Highway might offer brief variations before you rejoin the main interstate corridors.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 32 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 112.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Tennessee National Guard Parkway. 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 25W / South Main Street.
Route Complexity8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 176.5 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 25W / South Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 16.4 miles (SR 330 / Dutch Valley Road): Navigation decision point; at 148.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|US 25W / South Main Street
Turn left onto US 25W / South Main Street
Navigation decision point
5
16.4 mi into trip|~32m in|SR 330 / Dutch Valley Road
At end of road, turn right onto SR 330 / Dutch Valley Road
Navigation decision point
8
148.3 mi into trip|~2h 57m in
Take the exit toward I 840 West: Memphis, Murfreesboro
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 235
Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Murfreesboro
8
170.4 mi into trip|~3h 21m in
Take the exit toward US 41, US 70S: Murfreesboro, Smyrna
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 55A-B
Toward US 41, US 70S: Murfreesboro, Smyrna
9
170.6 mi into trip|~3h 21m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 41 South, US 70S East: Murfreesbord
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 55A
Toward US 41 South, US 70S East: Murfreesbord
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 Rocky Top, TN to City of Murfreesboro, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Murfreesboro along the way.
Murfreesboro
148.3 mi in|~2h 57m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
112.3 mi
2h
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
21 mi
22m
Harriman Highway
9.8 mi
11m
Frost Bottom Road
7.1 mi
12m
Briceville Highway
5.3 mi
9m
North Roane Street
4.1 mi
4m
Creek Street
3.8 mi
9m
Northwest Broad Street
3.4 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 112.3 mi, about 2h
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rocky Top, TN and City of Murfreesboro, TN.
1
Start on 4th Street
14 ft·8 sec·4th Street
2
Turn left onto US 25W
0.3 mi·45 sec·South Main Street
3
Turn left onto SR 116
3.8 mi·9 min·Creek Street
4
At end of road, turn left onto SR 116
234 ft·7 sec·Briceville Highway
5
Continue on SR 116
5.2 mi·9 min·Briceville Highway
6
Continue on SR 330
166 ft·3 sec·Briceville Highway
7
Continue on SR 330
7.1 mi·12 min·Frost Bottom Road
8
At end of road, turn right onto SR 330
0.4 mi·43 sec·Dutch Valley Road
9
Continue on SR 330
0.5 mi·1 min·Walden Avenue
10
Keep slight left at fork onto SR 330
0.6 mi·1 min·East Spring Street
11
At end of road, turn right onto SR 330
0.1 mi·14 sec·Main Street
12
Continue on SR 330
0.2 mi·24 sec·Railroad Avenue
13
Turn right onto SR 330
447 ft·11 sec·Winter Gap Road
14
Turn left onto SR 61
1.2 mi·1 min·East Tri County Boulevard
15
Continue on SR 61
9.6 mi·10 min·Harriman Highway
16
Merge onto US 27
0.2 mi·10 sec·Bitter Creek Highway
17
Continue on US 27
0.2 mi·15 sec·Harriman Highway
18
Continue on US 27
2.1 mi·2 min·Hannah Highway
19
Continue on US 27
4.1 mi·4 min·North Roane Street
20
Turn left
0.2 mi·25 sec
21
Merge onto I 40
112 mi·2 hr·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
1.1 mi·1 min
Exit 235Toward I 840 West: Memphis, MurfreesboroUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on I 840
21 mi·22 min·Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 55A-BToward US 41, US 70S: Murfreesboro, SmyrnaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·54 sec
Exit 55AToward US 41 South, US 70S East: MurfreesbordUse the straight / slight left lanes.
26
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·1 min
27
Turn straight onto US 41; US 70S
0.8 mi·1 min·New Nashville Highway
28
Continue on US 41; US 70S
3.4 mi·5 min·Northwest Broad Street
29
Turn right
0.2 mi·37 sec
30
Turn straight onto SR 96
0.4 mi·42 sec·Old Fort Parkway
31
Turn right onto Golf Lane
0.4 mi·1 min·Golf Lane
32
Arrive at destination
Golf Lane
Trip Plan
Given this drive is just under 3.5 hours, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience. Leaving in the morning will allow ample time to reach Murfreesboro and still have your afternoon free. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 112.3 miles on I-40, plan your breaks accordingly, perhaps around the halfway point or when you feel the need to stretch. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer highway segments, as services can be spaced out. The estimated fuel cost of $28 is a good baseline for your budget.
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 88.2 miles from Rocky Top, TN, or about 1h 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 112.3 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 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 88.2 miles or 1h 52m 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 53m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near City of Murfreesboro, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Rocky Top, 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 Rocky Top, TN
This is one driving day of about 176.5 miles and 3h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Rocky Top, 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 112.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 88.2 mi from Rocky Top, TN
· 1h 52m into the drive
The midpoint is around 88.2 miles from Rocky Top, 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 112.3 miles.
Arriving in City of Murfreesboro, TN
The final approach into City of Murfreesboro, 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 City of Murfreesboro, 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.
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 176.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.59 one way
$55.19 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg62 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$30.30
$60.59
premium
$4.89
$33.97
$67.93
diesel
$5.61
$38.97
$77.94
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 61.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
52.9
0
$18.53
$8.47
Efficient EV
44.1
0
$15.44
$7.06
EV Truck/SUV
70.6
0
$24.71
$11.30
Gas CO2
62 kg
EV CO2
21 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 2 hours ago
Origin
Rocky Top, TN
Evening
in Rocky Top on Tuesday
Local time
8:10 PM
EDT
Current temp
84°F
Sunny
SW 10 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Destination
City of Murfreesboro, TN
Evening
in City of Murfreesboro on Tuesday
Local time
7:10 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
61°F
Johnson, TN
88 mi in
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
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
20 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
3h 33m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Rocky Top, TN to City of Murfreesboro, TN covers 176.5 miles and takes about 3h 33m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, Tennessee National Guard Parkway, Harriman 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 88.2 miles from Rocky Top, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $27.59 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 176.5 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 25W / South Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 16.4 miles (SR 330 / Dutch Valley Road): Navigation decision point; at 148.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Rocky Top, TN to City of Murfreesboro, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Murfreesboro along the way.
