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Trip from Caryville, TN to Memphis, TN

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

7h 29m

Distance

393.4 mi

633 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$58

one way

EV Charging

Good

6 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
7h 19m ★
6 AM
7h 29m
8 AM
7h 50m
10 AM
7h 36m
12 PM
7h 34m
3 PM
7h 37m
5 PM
7h 49m
8 PM
7h 23m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time
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town in Campbell County, Tennessee, United States

Caryville, TN

Wikimedia Commons

city in and county seat of Shelby County, Tennessee, United States

Memphis, TN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Embarking from Caryville, Tennessee, this 393.4-mile journey to Memphis, Tennessee, is a substantial drive best suited for a single day, estimated to take around 7 hours and 29 minutes. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 88% of the drive on major interstates, making it a direct path across the state. With an estimated fuel cost of $62, this drive offers a straightforward way to travel between the Southeast regions of Tennessee. You'll encounter two planned stops along the way, allowing for necessary breaks on this lengthy, but manageable, single-day excursion.

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

196.7 miles from Caryville, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 53m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 347.2 mi 6h 18m
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
Downtown Loop 2.9 mi 3m
Hannah Highway 2.1 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 347.2 mi, about 6h 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Caryville, TN and Memphis, TN.

1

Start on Mountain Road

173 ft · 11 sec · Mountain Road
2

Turn right onto Main Street

0.2 mi · 55 sec · Main Street
3

Take the ramp onto SR 63

57 ft · 1 sec · SR 63
4

Turn right

5.7 mi · 6 min
Toward Knoxville
5

Take the exit onto I 75; US 25W

0.2 mi · 25 sec · I 75; US 25W
Toward US 25W South: Rocky Top, Lake City
6

Keep slight right at fork onto I 75; US 25W

241 ft · 5 sec · I 75; US 25W
7

Turn slight right onto US 25W; SR 116

0.8 mi · 1 min · North Main Street
8

Turn right onto SR 116

3.8 mi · 9 min · Creek Street
9

At end of road, turn left onto SR 116

234 ft · 7 sec · Briceville Highway
10

Continue on SR 116

5.2 mi · 9 min · Briceville Highway
11

Continue on SR 330

166 ft · 3 sec · Briceville Highway
12

Continue on SR 330

7.1 mi · 12 min · Frost Bottom Road
13

At end of road, turn right onto SR 330

0.4 mi · 43 sec · Dutch Valley Road
14

Continue on SR 330

0.5 mi · 1 min · Walden Avenue
15

Keep slight left at fork onto SR 330

0.6 mi · 1 min · East Spring Street
16

At end of road, turn right onto SR 330

0.1 mi · 14 sec · Main Street
17

Continue on SR 330

0.2 mi · 24 sec · Railroad Avenue
18

Turn right onto SR 330

447 ft · 11 sec · Winter Gap Road
19

Turn left onto SR 61

1.2 mi · 1 min · East Tri County Boulevard
20

Continue on SR 61

9.6 mi · 10 min · Harriman Highway
21

Merge onto US 27

0.2 mi · 10 sec · Bitter Creek Highway
22

Continue on US 27

0.2 mi · 15 sec · Harriman Highway
23

Continue on US 27

2.1 mi · 2 min · Hannah Highway
24

Continue on US 27

4.1 mi · 4 min · North Roane Street
25

Turn left

0.2 mi · 25 sec
26

Merge onto I 40

134 mi · 2 hr 24 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27

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.
28

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.
29

Merge onto I 40

0.6 mi · 52 sec · Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30

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.
31

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.
32

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
33

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.
34

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

2.1 mi · 2 min · I 40
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
35

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Exit 1A Toward Second Street, Third Street Use the slight right lane.
36

Continue on North 2nd Street

0.2 mi · 30 sec · North 2nd Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
37

Turn left onto Poplar Avenue

202 ft · 4 sec · Poplar Avenue
38

Arrive at destination

Poplar Avenue

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 7-hour, 29-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Caryville to allow ample time for your two stops and arrive in Memphis before evening. Given the 393.4-mile distance, breaking it into two stops spaced roughly three to four hours apart will help maintain energy levels. The longest stretch on I-40 is over 347 miles, so plan your fuel needs accordingly before entering longer sections of highway where services might be less frequent. The estimated $62 fuel cost is a good benchmark for budgeting, so ensure your tank is full before hitting the road.

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 196.7 miles from Caryville, TN, or about 3h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 347.2 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 87 miles or 1h 53m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 196.7 miles or 3h 53m 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 21m

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 Caryville, 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 Caryville, TN

This is one driving day of about 393.4 miles and 7h 29m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 87 miles from Caryville, 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 347.2 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

town in Trousdale County, Tennessee, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Hartsville, TN

197 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.

Popular next leg

Hartsville, TN to Memphis, TN

256.5 mi · 4h 51m

Pacing Suggestions

Algood, TN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 87 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Nashville, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 196.7 miles from Caryville, 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 347.2 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · home stretch

Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Memphis, Tennessee

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $50 to $10

Hours: 4:30–9 PM

+19015218005

Visit website

Esco Memphis Restaurant & Tapas

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Memphis, Tennessee

0.8 mi

Sunrise Memphis (Downtown)

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Memphis, Tennessee

0.7 mi

Best coffee break · home stretch

Crazy Gander Coffee Company

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Memphis, Tennessee

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 AM–4 PM

+19015523852

Visit website

Memphis Chess Club

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Memphis, Tennessee

0.4 mi

Blues City Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Memphis, Tennessee

0.7 mi

Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $50 to $10

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 4:30–9 PM

+19015218005

Visit website

Esco Memphis Restaurant & Tapas

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 11 AM–12 AM

+19012498955

Visit website

Sunrise Memphis (Downtown)

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 7 AM–2 PM

+19015523168

Visit website

Silly Goose Lounge

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 5 PM–2 AM

+19014356915

Visit website

Tin Roof

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 4 PM–2 AM

+19015279911

Visit website

Good Fortune Co.

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 4–10 PM

+19015903510

Visit website

Taco Bell

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Jackson, Tennessee

Hours: 9 am–1 pm

+17316683353

Visit website

Los Portales Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Jackson, Tennessee

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+17316646217

Visit website

Crazy Gander Coffee Company

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 7 AM–4 PM

+19015523852

Visit website

Memphis Chess Club

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 7 AM–9 PM

+19015013257

Visit website

Blues City Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 11 AM–1 AM

+19015263637

Visit website

Rum Boogie Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 11 AM–11 PM

+19015280150

Visit website

Taziki's Mediteranean Cafe - Arlington, TN

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Arlington, Tennessee

Hours: 11 AM–9 PM

+19018833525

Visit website

Hustle & Dough

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 7 AM–4 PM

+19017017577

Visit website

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Arlington, Tennessee

Hours: 7 AM–9 PM

+19013176557

Visit website

Global Café

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 11:30 AM–9 PM

+19015126890

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour

Brownsville, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Petro Stopping Centers

0.1 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.1 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.1 mi from route

TA

0.1 mi from route

Rest Area

0.1 mi from route

Rest Area

0.1 mi from route

Rest Area

0.1 mi from route

Rest Area

0.1 mi from route

ONE9 Travel Center

0.1 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.1 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.2 mi from route

Flying J Travel Center

0.2 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.2 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.2 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.2 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.2 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.2 mi from route

Tennessee Visitor Center

0.2 mi from route

Cumberland County I-40 West Rest Area

0.2 mi from route

Cumberland County I-40 East Rest Area

0.2 mi from route

Buc-ee's

0.2 mi from route

Rest Area

0.2 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.2 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.2 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.2 mi from route

QuikTrip

0.2 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.2 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.3 mi from route

QuikTrip

0.3 mi from route

Eco Travel Plaza

0.3 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.4 mi from route

Bay 2

1.2 mi from route

Bay 4

1.2 mi from route

Service Plaza

1.4 mi from route

The Green Beetle

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 11 AM–10 PM

+19015277337

Visit website

Louie's Deli and Meat Market

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Arlington, Tennessee

Hours: 11 AM–6 PM

+19014440937

Visit website

Louis Connelly's Bar for Fun Times & Friendship

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 4 PM–3 AM

+19014339282

Visit website

The Cove

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $20 to $30

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 4 PM–2 AM

+19017300719

Visit website

Owners Box Sports Grill

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $20 to $30

Lakeland, Tennessee

Hours: 11 AM–10 PM

+19017422337

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 25

5 decision points cluster between mile 177.2 and 392.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

9
177.2 mi into trip | ~3h 30m 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
179.3 mi into trip | ~3h 33m 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
7
182.7 mi into trip | ~3h 38m in | I 40

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 West: Memphis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 40 West: Memphis
8
379.7 mi into trip | ~7h 11m 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
8
392.9 mi into trip | ~7h 28m 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

$58.10 one way

$116.19 round trip

$3.75/gal 25.4 MPG avg 138 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.14 $64.14 $128.27
premium $4.72 $73.04 $146.08
diesel $4.80 $74.28 $148.56

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$58

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$83–$108

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 137.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.

Driving Electric?

About $41 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 118 1 $41.31 $18.88
Efficient EV 98.4 1 $34.42 $15.74
EV Truck/SUV 157.4 1 $55.08 $25.18

Gas CO2

138 kg

EV CO2

46 kg (67% 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 Jul 17, 2026

Origin

Caryville, TN

Late night in Caryville on Sunday

Local time

5:05 AM

EDT

Current temp

73°F

Partly Cloudy

0 mph 6% chance Live forecast

Destination

Memphis, TN

Late night in Memphis on Sunday

Local time

4:05 AM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Mostly Clear

SW 0 to 5 mph 7% chance Live forecast

90°F

Hartsville, TN

197 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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

7h 29m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Stones River National Battlefield

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...

21 mi from route ~52 min detour Free near mile 162.8
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with a significant 88% of your travel occurring on major roads like I-40. Expect a consistent pace for much of the journey, including a substantial uninterrupted stretch of 347.2 miles on I-40. While Harriman Highway and Frost Bottom Road offer slight variations, the overall character is one of efficient travel. The road's personality leans towards a steady interstate experience, designed for covering distance rather than frequent scenic detours.

88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
38 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 347.2 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Harriman Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 177.2 miles in near I 40.

Driving Effort 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 393.4 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 177.2 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 179.3 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 182.7 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

1,981 ft 258 ft

Total Climb

1,391 ft

Total Descent

2,226 ft

Highest Point

1,981 ft

~84.3 mi in

Elevation Range

1,723 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 Caryville, TN to Memphis, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Louisville along the way.

Louisville

180.4 mi in | ~3h 35m | via I 40

About the Cities

Starting in Caryville, TN

Full guide →

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.

Top landmarks

  • • Graceland — mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, United States; former residence of Elvis Presley
  • • Blues Hall of Fame — award by Blues Foundation, since 2015 also a music museum in Memphis, Tennessee
  • • National Civil Rights Museum — hotel that was site of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., now a museum

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 7h 29m. Total distance: 393.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 29m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 347.2 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 34 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.

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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 34 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

The main spots that need attention: at 177.2 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 179.3 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 182.7 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Stones River National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 7.5 hours each way, a round trip means 15.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Memphis, TN before the return drive.

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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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