Spanning 288.8 miles across Tennessee, this trek from Altamont to Bartlett is a straightforward journey typically taking 5 hours and 28 minutes. Because the route stays within the Southeast, you will experience a consistent regional feel as you transition from the eastern highlands toward the western edge of the state. You can comfortably complete this trip in a single day, making it an efficient option if you need to reach your destination without an overnight stay. Budgeting around $44 for fuel should cover your transit costs, though keeping a little extra on hand is always wise. Since the drive is heavily focused on major thoroughfares, it is a practical choice for those who prioritize speed and reliability over wandering off the beaten path.
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
144.4 miles from Altamont, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 48m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
157.6 mi
2h 49m
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
53.7 mi
58m
I 24
53 mi
56m
Pelham Road
10 mi
17m
Stage Road
5.6 mi
10m
Elkhead Road
4.8 mi
8m
SR 50
2.7 mi
4m
Cumberland Street
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 157.6 mi, about 2h 49m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Altamont, TN and Bartlett, TN.
1
Start on Cumberland Street
182 ft·10 sec·Cumberland Street
2
Turn right onto Pelham Road
195 ft·15 sec·Pelham Road
3
Turn left onto SR 56; SR 108
26 ft·2 sec·Main Street
4
Turn right onto SR 50; SR 108
9.9 mi·17 min·Pelham Road
5
Continue on SR 50
4.8 mi·8 min·Elkhead Road
6
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 50
2.7 mi·4 min·SR 50
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·27 sec
8
Merge onto I 24
53 mi·56 min·I 24
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 74AToward I 840 West: Memphis, FranklinUse the right lane.
10
Merge onto I 840
54 mi·58 min·Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 40
158 mi·2 hr 49 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 18Toward US 64: BartlettUse the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·20 sec
Toward US 64: Bartlett, SomervilleUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
14
Turn straight onto US 64
5.6 mi·10 min·Stage Road
Use the left lane.
15
Arrive at destination
TN 15
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 5-hour and 28-minute journey, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Since you are spending nearly the entire drive on major highways, monitor your fuel levels before hitting the 157.6-mile stretch on I-40 to avoid any unnecessary anxiety. Departing early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid mid-day congestion and ensure you arrive in Bartlett with plenty of daylight to spare. Flexibility is a major advantage on this route; because it is a single-day commitment, you have the freedom to adjust your departure time based on real-time traffic reports. Keep your navigation apps handy, as the reliance on I-40 means you should stay alert for any potential slowdowns on that primary corridor.
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 144.4 miles from Altamont, TN, or about 2h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 157.6 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 64 miles or 1h 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 144.4 miles or 2h 48m 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 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bartlett, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Altamont, 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 Altamont, TN
This is one driving day of about 288.8 miles and 5h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Altamont, 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 157.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 11
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 283 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|SR 56; SR 108 / Main Street
Turn left onto SR 56; SR 108 / Main Street
Navigation decision point
5
17.7 mi into trip|~31m in|I 24
Merge onto I 24
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
70.7 mi into trip|~1h 27m in
Take the exit toward I 840 West: Memphis, Franklin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 74A
Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Franklin
7
282.8 mi into trip|~5h 17m in
Take the exit toward US 64: Bartlett
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 18
Toward US 64: Bartlett
9
283 mi into trip|~5h 18m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 64: Bartlett, Somerville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward US 64: Bartlett, Somerville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.15 one way
$90.30 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg101 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$49.57
$99.15
premium
$4.89
$55.58
$111.15
diesel
$5.61
$63.76
$127.53
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 101 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
86.6
1
$30.32
$13.86
Efficient EV
72.2
0
$25.27
$11.55
EV Truck/SUV
115.5
1
$40.43
$18.48
Gas CO2
101 kg
EV CO2
34 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Altamont, TN
Late night
in Altamont on Sunday
Local time
12:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Bartlett, TN
Late night
in Bartlett on Sunday
Local time
12:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
57°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
7 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
5h 28m 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.
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 92% of your time spent cruising on high-speed roads like I-24, the Tennessee National Guard Parkway, and I-40. Expect a steady, efficient pace as you navigate the transition between these major arteries. You will spend the bulk of your time on I-40, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 157.6 miles. While the experience is primarily an interstate grind, the high highway percentage ensures you avoid the stop-and-go frustration of local traffic for most of the trip. The road personality here is consistent and predictable, allowing you to settle into a rhythm once you merge onto the main corridors.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 157.6 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
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 around 0.1 miles in near SR 56; SR 108 / Main Street.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 288.8 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 0.1 miles (SR 56; SR 108 / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 17.7 miles (I 24): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 70.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,856 ft278 ft
Total Climb
439 ft
Total Descent
2,017 ft
Highest Point
1,856 ft
Elevation Range
1,578 ft
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 Altamont, TN to Bartlett, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Franklin along the way.
Franklin
70.7 mi in|~1h 27m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 28m. Total distance: 288.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 157.6 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Bartlett, TN before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (SR 56; SR 108 / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 17.7 miles (I 24): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 70.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Stones River National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Bartlett, TN before the return drive.
