Origin
Burns, TN
Night in Burns on Saturday
Local time
11:21 PM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Burns, TN to Memphis, TN
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 24m
Distance
182 mi
293 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 12m
★
6 AM
3h 25m
8 AM
3h 49m
10 AM
3h 33m
12 PM
3h 31m
3 PM
3h 34m
5 PM
3h 48m
8 PM
3h 17m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Burns, TN
Ivan Mudruk
Memphis, TN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Burns to Memphis is 182 miles and takes about 3 hours 24 minutes via I-40, with a fuel budget near $28 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive primarily stays within Tennessee, moving from the Southeast region into the heart of the state. Expect a straightforward, highway-focused journey that makes for a convenient one-day trip. With a high percentage of highway driving, this route is ideal if you're looking for efficiency and minimal detours to reach your destination. Consider this your go-to for a quick and direct connection between these two Tennessee locations.
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
91 miles from Burns, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 43m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 40 | 174.9 mi | 3h 11m |
| SR 46 | 2.7 mi | 4m |
| Stuart Street | 2.5 mi | 4m |
| Jackson Brothers Boulevard | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Tennsco Road | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| North 2nd Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Poplar Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| Church Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 174.9 mi, about 3h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Burns, TN and Memphis, TN.
1
Start on SR 47
28 ft
·
4 sec
·
Church Street
2
Turn right onto SR 47
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Stuart Street
3
Turn left onto Tennsco Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Tennsco Road
4
Continue on Jackson Brothers Boulevard
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Jackson Brothers Boulevard
5
Turn left onto SR 46
2.7 mi
·
4 min
·
SR 46
Use the left lane.
6
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
Use the left lane.
7
Merge onto I 40
162 mi
·
2 hr 54 min
·
I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
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
9
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.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
I 40
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 1A
Toward Second Street, Third Street
Use the slight right lane.
12
Continue on North 2nd Street
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
North 2nd Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Turn left onto Poplar Avenue
202 ft
·
4 sec
·
Poplar Avenue
14
Arrive at destination
Poplar Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 3 hours and 24 minutes, this is a perfect same-day trip, offering flexibility in your departure time. Plan to leave Burns in the morning to maximize daylight and arrive in Memphis with ample time. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is 174.9 miles on I-40, so be sure to fuel up before you begin this extended highway segment. With only one recommended stop, you can easily manage your breaks, perhaps choosing one conveniently located along I-40. Keep your fuel budget around $28 for this 182-mile drive.
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 91 miles from Burns, TN, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 174.9 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 40 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 91 miles or 1h 43m 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 46m
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 Burns, 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 Burns, TN
This is one driving day of about 182 miles and 3h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 miles from Burns, 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 174.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
91 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 40 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 91 miles from Burns, 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 174.9 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 115 decision points cluster between mile 6.5 and 181.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
6.5 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
168.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 7m 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
168.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 7m 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
179.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 20m 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
181.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 23m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.45 one way
$56.91 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
64 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $31.24 | $62.48 |
| premium | $4.89 | $35.02 | $70.05 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $40.18 | $80.37 |
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: 63.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 54.6 | 0 | $19.11 | $8.74 |
| Efficient EV | 45.5 | 0 | $15.92 | $7.28 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 72.8 | 0 | $25.48 | $11.65 |
Gas CO2
64 kg
EV CO2
21 kg (67% 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
Night in Memphis on Saturday
Local time
11:21 PM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
78°F
Huntingdon, TN
91 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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
19 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 24m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is overwhelmingly a highway-focused drive, with 98% of the journey on main roads like I-40, SR 46, and Stuart Street. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 174.9 miles on I-40, meaning the bulk of your travel will be on this major interstate. The character is predominantly that of efficient highway travel, designed for covering distance quickly. While the majority is interstate, the initial and final segments might offer a slight variation before merging onto the main thoroughfare. Overall, anticipate a consistent driving experience dominated by high-speed travel.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 174.9 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and SR 46. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.5 miles in.
Driving Effort
7/10
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 182 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 6.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 168.2 miles (I 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 168.3 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Burns, TN to Memphis, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Little Rock along the way.
Little Rock
168.2 mi in
|
~3h 7m
|
via I 40
About the Cities
Arriving in Memphis, TN
Full guide →Memphis is the second largest city in the state of Tennessee, after Nashville. The state rests in the southeastern portion of the United States. Memphis, with a population of more than 651,000 (2019), is also the county seat for Shelby County. The city's claims to fame include Graceland, the mansion Elvis Presley lived in during his later years. Perhaps more importantly, Memphis is considered by many to be the home of blues music.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 24m. Total distance: 182 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 174.9 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 Memphis, 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 6.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 168.2 miles (I 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 168.3 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Memphis, TN, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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