Origin
Watertown, TN
Night in Watertown on Tuesday
Local time
10:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Watertown, TN to New South Memphis, TN
Data updated 1 hour ago
Drive Time
7h 42m
Distance
406.9 mi
655 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$64
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 33m
★
6 AM
7h 42m
8 AM
8h 1m
10 AM
7h 49m
12 PM
7h 47m
3 PM
7h 50m
5 PM
8h 0m
8 PM
7h 37m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Watertown, TN
Wikimedia Commons
New South Memphis, TN
Dee Hunna
Trip Overview
This 406.9-mile journey from Watertown, TN, to New South Memphis, TN, is designed for a single, dedicated driving day, taking approximately 7 hours and 42 minutes. You'll primarily be on I-40, with brief segments on East Lamar Alexander Parkway and Avron B Fogelman Expressway, making it a highly highway-focused trip. With a projected fuel cost of around $64 and two planned stops, this drive offers a straightforward path through the Southeast region. Consider an early start to comfortably cover the distance within daylight hours, especially if you plan to make the most of your two stops.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
203.4 miles from Watertown, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 55m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 97% of the route utilizing major roadways like I-40. This means you'll experience long stretches of consistent speed, including one significant segment of 349.8 miles on I-40. While the majority of the drive is on high-speed roads, you'll encounter brief transitions onto local parkways and expressways. The character of the road is largely predictable, offering efficiency for covering ground quickly across Tennessee.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 24 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 349.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and East Lamar Alexander Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 38.2 miles in.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 406.9 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 38.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 188.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 190.9 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 pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
38.2 mi into trip
|
~55m in
Take the exit toward I 40 West: Nashville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I 40 West: Nashville
9
188.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 37m 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
190.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 40m 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
406.2 mi into trip
|
~7h 40m 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
406.3 mi into trip
|
~7h 41m 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 Watertown, TN and New South Memphis, TN, road signs point toward Memphis and Louisville.
Memphis
190.9 mi in
|
~3h 40m
|
via I 40
Louisville
192 mi in
|
~3h 42m
|
via I 40
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 349.8 mi | 6h 19m |
| East Lamar Alexander Parkway | 36 mi | 49m |
| Avron B Fogelman Expressway | 4.5 mi | 6m |
| W B Fowler Senior Expressway | 3.7 mi | 5m |
| Downtown Loop | 2.9 mi | 3m |
| South Perkins Road | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| East Millers Cove Road | 1.9 mi | 4m |
| Sam Cooper Boulevard | 1.6 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 349.8 mi, about 6h 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watertown, TN and New South Memphis, TN.
1
Start on this road
33 ft
·
9 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto East Millers Cove Road
1.9 mi
·
4 min
·
East Millers Cove Road
3
At end of road, turn right onto Old Walland Highway
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
Old Walland Highway
4
Turn right onto US 321
9.0 mi
·
13 min
·
East Lamar Alexander Parkway
5
Continue on US 321
27 mi
·
36 min
·
East Lamar Alexander Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Toward I 40 West: Nashville
Use the left lane.
7
Merge onto I 40
150 mi
·
2 hr 41 min
·
I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
I 40
Exit 213B
Toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
0.4 mi
·
42 sec
·
I 40
Toward I 40 West: Huntsville, Memphis
Use the slight left lane.
10
Merge onto I 40
0.6 mi
·
52 sec
·
Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 40
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Downtown Loop
Exit 210A
Toward I 40 West, I 65 North: Memphis, Louisville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
197 mi
·
3 hr 33 min
·
I 40
Toward I 40 West: Memphis
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on Sam Cooper Boulevard
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Sam Cooper Boulevard
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
Exit 9
Toward Perkins Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Turn left onto North Perkins Road
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
North Perkins Road
16
Continue on Perkins Extended
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Perkins Extended
17
Continue on South Perkins Road
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
South Perkins Road
Use the straight lane.
18
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward I 240 West
19
Merge onto I 240
4.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Avron B Fogelman Expressway
Use the straight lane.
20
Continue on I 240
3.7 mi
·
5 min
·
W B Fowler Senior Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
Exit 7
Toward US 61: Vicksburg, Third Street
Use the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Toward US 61 North: Third Street
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
23
Turn straight onto US 61
0.4 mi
·
36 sec
·
South Third Street
24
Arrive at destination
US 61
Trip Plan
For this 7-hour, 42-minute drive, departing Watertown, TN, early in the morning is your best bet to avoid extended daylight driving. With 406.9 miles to cover, plan for your two stops strategically, perhaps one mid-morning and another for lunch, to break up the longest stretch of 349.8 miles on I-40. The estimated fuel cost of $64 suggests keeping an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before entering longer, less populated sections of I-40. This route is well-suited for a single day, but staying flexible with your stops can enhance comfort.
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.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 203.4 miles from Watertown, TN, or about 3h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 349.8 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 90 miles or 1h 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 203.4 miles or 3h 55m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 31m
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 Watertown, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Watertown, TN
This is one driving day of about 406.9 miles and 7h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 90 miles from Watertown, TN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 349.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 203.4 mi from Watertown, TN · 3h 55m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
203 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 90 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 203.4 miles from Watertown, 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 349.8 miles.
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.
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
$63.61 one way
$127.23 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
142 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $69.85 | $139.69 |
| premium | $4.89 | $78.30 | $156.61 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $89.84 | $179.68 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$64
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$89–$114
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 142.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $43 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 122.1 | 1 | $42.72 | $19.53 |
| Efficient EV | 101.7 | 1 | $35.60 | $16.28 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 162.8 | 2 | $56.97 | $26.04 |
Gas CO2
142 kg
EV CO2
48 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
New South Memphis, TN
Night in New South Memphis on Tuesday
Local time
9:47 PM
CDT
Current temp
68°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
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
9 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
7h 42m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Watertown, TN to New South Memphis, TN covers 406.9 miles and takes about 7h 42m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 40, East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Avron B Fogelman Expressway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 203.4 miles from Watertown, TN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $63.61 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 406.9 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 38.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 188.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 190.9 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Watertown, TN and New South Memphis, TN, road signs point toward Memphis and Louisville.
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Return Trip
New South Memphis, TN to Watertown, TNPlan the drive back the other way.
405.4 mi
7h 41m
Continue From New South Memphis, TN
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