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Trip from Chapel Hill, 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

2h 17m

Distance

117.4 mi

189 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
2h 8m ★
6 AM
2h 18m
8 AM
2h 37m
10 AM
2h 25m
12 PM
2h 23m
3 PM
2h 26m
5 PM
2h 36m
8 PM
2h 12m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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town in Marshall County, Tennessee, United States of America

Chapel Hill, TN

Wikimedia Commons

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

Memphis, TN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This straightforward 117.4-mile drive from Chapel Hill, TN, to Memphis, TN, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes. Predominantly on I-40 and US-412, with a brief segment on Life Road, this route is about 90% highway, making it a swift journey. Expect a fuel cost of around $18 for this trip across Tennessee. Given its relatively short distance and highway focus, it's a practical option for a quick transit between these two Southeast region points without needing an overnight stay.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

58.7 miles from Chapel Hill, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 11m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 95.7 mi 1h 46m
US 412 10.4 mi 11m
Life Road 5.8 mi 10m
Lexington Bypass 3.6 mi 5m
Law Road 0.8 mi 1m
North 2nd Street 0.2 mi <1m
Joe Horton Road 0.2 mi <1m
Poplar Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 95.7 mi, about 1h 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on this road

0.2 mi · 44 sec · this road
2

At end of road, turn right onto Joe Horton Road

0.2 mi · 41 sec · Joe Horton Road
3

Turn right onto SR 200

0.8 mi · 1 min · Life Road
4

Continue on SR 200

5.0 mi · 8 min · Life Road
5

At end of road, turn left onto SR 459

3.6 mi · 5 min · Lexington Bypass
6

Continue on US 412

10 mi · 11 min · US 412
7

Turn right onto SR 152

0.8 mi · 1 min · Law Road
8

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 25 sec
9

Merge onto I 40

82 mi · 1 hr 29 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

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
11

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.
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

2.1 mi · 2 min · I 40
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Exit 1A Toward Second Street, Third Street Use the slight right lane.
14

Continue on North 2nd Street

0.2 mi · 30 sec · North 2nd Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
15

Turn left onto Poplar Avenue

202 ft · 4 sec · Poplar Avenue
16

Arrive at destination

Poplar Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 2-hour 17-minute duration, departing Chapel Hill, TN, in the morning allows ample time to reach Memphis, TN, with flexibility for potential brief stops. The estimated fuel cost of $18 makes budgeting straightforward. Since the route is heavily highway-focused, plan for your longest stretch of 95.7 miles on I-40 and ensure you have enough fuel before embarking on this segment. With zero recommended stops, you can choose to pull over as needed for restrooms or a quick break, but the journey is designed for direct transit.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 58.7 miles from Chapel Hill, TN, or about 1h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 95.7 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 26 miles or 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 58.7 miles or 1h 11m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 52m

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 Chapel Hill, 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 Chapel Hill, TN

This is one driving day of about 117.4 miles and 2h 17m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Chapel Hill, TN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 95.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Haywood County, Tennessee, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Brownsville, TN

59 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

Brownsville, TN to Memphis, TN

64 mi · 1h 15m

Pacing Suggestions

Jackson, TN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Brownsville, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 58.7 miles from Chapel Hill, 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 95.7 miles.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Jackson, Tennessee

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 33.5

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+17317362362

Visit website

Taqueria “ EL PRIMO EXPRESS”

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Jackson, Tennessee

0.9 mi

Los Portales Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Jackson, Tennessee

1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Crazy Gander Coffee Company

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Memphis, Tennessee

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 117.4

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+19015523852

Visit website

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 33.5

Jackson, Tennessee

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+17317362362

Visit website

Taqueria “ EL PRIMO EXPRESS”

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 33.5

Jackson, Tennessee

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+19012203010

Los Portales Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 33.5

Jackson, Tennessee

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+17316646217

Visit website

Taco Bell

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 33.5

Jackson, Tennessee

Hours: 9 am–1 pm

+17316683353

Visit website

Red Lobster

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 33.5

Jackson, Tennessee

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+17316648655

Visit website

SHEGER ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT& GROCERY

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 100.6

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+19015523136

Visit website

Marco's Pizza

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 100.6

Bartlett, Tennessee

Hours: 10 am–11 pm

+19012664676

Visit website

IHOP

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour Inexpensiv mile 100.6

Cordova, Tennessee

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+19017566488

Visit website

Crazy Gander Coffee Company

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 117.4

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+19015523852

Visit website

J Brooks Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 100.6

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+19016265848

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 58.7

Brownsville, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 117.4

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 117.4

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 100.6

Cordova, Tennessee

IKEA Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 100.6

Cordova, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 100.6

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 100.6

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 117.4

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 116.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | Joe Horton Road

At end of road, turn right onto Joe Horton Road

Navigation decision point

6
103.6 mi into trip | ~2h 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
103.7 mi into trip | ~2h 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
114.8 mi into trip | ~2h 13m 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
116.9 mi into trip | ~2h 16m 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

$18.35 one way

$36.71 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 41 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $20.15 $40.30
premium $4.89 $22.59 $45.19
diesel $5.61 $25.92 $51.84

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 41.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 35.2 0 $12.33 $5.64
Efficient EV 29.4 0 $10.27 $4.70
EV Truck/SUV 47 0 $16.44 $7.51

Gas CO2

41 kg

EV CO2

14 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 as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Chapel Hill, TN

Morning in Chapel Hill on Sunday

Local time

9:55 AM

CDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Memphis, TN

Morning in Memphis on Sunday

Local time

9:55 AM

CDT

Current temp

57°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

77°F

Brownsville, TN

59 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

4 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

2h 17m 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 is a highway-focused drive, with 90% of your journey on faster roads like I-40 and US-412. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 95.7 miles primarily on I-40, indicating a consistent pace for most of the trip. While the majority of the route is on major highways, the inclusion of Life Road suggests a brief transition to a more local feel before reaching your destination. Overall, prepare for a driving experience characterized by efficient travel on well-maintained thoroughfares.

90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 95.7 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and US 412. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near Joe Horton Road.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 117.4 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (Joe Horton Road): Navigation decision point; at 103.6 miles (I 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 103.7 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.

On the drive from Chapel Hill, TN to Memphis, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Little Rock along the way.

Little Rock

103.6 mi in | ~2h | 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 2h 17m. Total distance: 117.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 95.7 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (Joe Horton Road): Navigation decision point; at 103.6 miles (I 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 103.7 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Memphis, TN before heading back.

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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