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Trip from Clarksville, 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

4h 9m

Distance

208.9 mi

336 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$33

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
3h 56m ★
6 AM
4h 9m
8 AM
4h 36m
10 AM
4h 19m
12 PM
4h 16m
3 PM
4h 20m
5 PM
4h 34m
8 PM
4h 2m

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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city in Tennessee, United States

Clarksville, TN

Wikimedia Commons

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

Memphis, TN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Spanning 208.9 miles across Tennessee, this trek from Clarksville to Memphis is a straightforward journey through the Southeast that typically takes about 4 hours and 9 minutes. Because the drive is relatively short, it is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to budget roughly $32 in fuel for the trip, making it an affordable option for a quick getaway. By utilizing a combination of I-40, State Highway 48, and Center Avenue, you will navigate through the heart of the state efficiently. Whether you are heading west for business or leisure, this route offers a reliable connection between two of Tennessee's major hubs.

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

104.4 miles from Clarksville, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 13m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 165.6 mi 3h 1m
State Highway 48 23.4 mi 34m
Center Avenue 9.1 mi 16m
State Highway 13 7.6 mi 11m
South Riverside Drive 1.3 mi 2m
Cumberland Drive 0.5 mi 1m
North 2nd Street 0.3 mi <1m
Main Street 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 165.6 mi, about 3h 1m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on North 2nd Street

353 ft · 11 sec · North 2nd Street
2

Turn right onto Main Street

0.3 mi · 58 sec · Main Street
3

At end of road, turn left onto US 41A Bypass; SR 48

1.3 mi · 2 min · South Riverside Drive
4

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 13 sec
Use the straight / right lanes.
5

Turn straight onto TN 13; TN 48

0.5 mi · 1 min · Cumberland Drive
Use the straight lane.
6

Continue on TN 13; TN 48

7.6 mi · 11 min · State Highway 13
7

Keep slight left at fork onto SR 48

23 mi · 34 min · State Highway 48
8

Turn left onto US 70 Business

332 ft · 8 sec · West College Street
9

Turn right onto SR 48 Alternate

0.1 mi · 10 sec · Church Street
10

Continue on SR 48 Alternate

9.1 mi · 16 min · Center Avenue
11

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Exit 163 Toward SR 48: Centerville
12

Merge onto I 40

152 mi · 2 hr 44 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

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
14

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.
15

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

2.1 mi · 2 min · I 40
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Exit 1A Toward Second Street, Third Street Use the slight right lane.
17

Continue on North 2nd Street

0.2 mi · 30 sec · North 2nd Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
18

Turn left onto Poplar Avenue

202 ft · 4 sec · Poplar Avenue
19

Arrive at destination

Poplar Avenue

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 4-hour drive, try to depart early in the morning to avoid peak congestion. Since the route includes one planned stop, use that break to stretch your legs and refresh before tackling the final leg of the trip. Given that you will spend most of your time on I-40, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the long 165.6-mile stretch to ensure you don't run low between major interchanges. Because the total duration is quite manageable, you have the flexibility to adjust your schedule based on your personal pace. As a specific tip, check local traffic reports for Memphis before you merge onto the final local roads, as regional traffic patterns can vary significantly by the time you arrive.

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 104.4 miles from Clarksville, TN, or about 2h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 165.6 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 46 miles or 1h 10m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 104.4 miles or 2h 13m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 26m

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 Clarksville, 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 Clarksville, TN

This is one driving day of about 208.9 miles and 4h 9m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from Clarksville, 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 165.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Tennessee, USA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Dickson, TN

104 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

Dickson, TN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Mount Carmel, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 104.4 miles from Clarksville, 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 165.6 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

SHEGER ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT& GROCERY

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Memphis, Tennessee

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 193.9

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+19015523136

Visit website

Blues City Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Memphis, Tennessee

0.7 mi

Aldar Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Memphis, Tennessee

2.8 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 208.9

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+19015523852

Visit website

J Brooks Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Memphis, Tennessee

1.9 mi

SHEGER ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT& GROCERY

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 193.9

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+19015523136

Visit website

Blues City Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 208.9

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+19015263637

Visit website

Aldar Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 193.9

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+19016952040

Visit website

Marco's Pizza

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 193.9

Bartlett, Tennessee

Hours: 10 am–11 pm

+19012664676

Visit website

IHOP

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour Inexpensiv mile 193.9

Cordova, Tennessee

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+19017566488

Visit website

Cafe Med

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 193.9

Germantown, Tennessee

Hours: 11 am–7 pm

+19017559710

Visit website

NAM KING RESTAURANT

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 193.9

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19013734411

Visit website

Taco Bell

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 119.3

Jackson, Tennessee

Hours: 9 am–1 pm

+17316683353

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 208.9

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+19015523852

Visit website

J Brooks Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 193.9

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

+19016265848

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.2 mi from route mile 149.2

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 208.9

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 208.9

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 193.9

Cordova, Tennessee

EVBOLT Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 193.9

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18665212658

Visit website

Nissan Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 193.9

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+19013732800

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 208.9

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 193.9

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

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

ONE9 Travel Center

0.1 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.1 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

Rest Area

0.2 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.2 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.4 mi from route

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 208.4 — 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 | Main Street

Turn right onto Main Street

Navigation decision point

6
195 mi into trip | ~3h 51m 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
195.2 mi into trip | ~3h 52m 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
206.3 mi into trip | ~4h 5m 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
208.4 mi into trip | ~4h 8m 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

$32.66 one way

$65.32 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 73 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $35.86 $71.72
premium $4.89 $40.20 $80.40
diesel $5.61 $46.12 $92.24

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$33

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$58–$83

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 73.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 62.7 0 $21.93 $10.03
Efficient EV 52.2 0 $18.28 $8.36
EV Truck/SUV 83.6 1 $29.25 $13.37

Gas CO2

73 kg

EV CO2

24 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Clarksville, TN

Night in Clarksville on Saturday

Local time

9:49 PM

CDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Memphis, TN

Night in Memphis on Saturday

Local time

9:49 PM

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

3 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

4h 9m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

This trip is heavily focused on highway travel, with 94% of your time spent on major roads. You will settle into a rhythmic pace during the longest stretch of the journey, which covers 165.6 miles of uninterrupted driving on I-40. While the interstate provides a fast and predictable experience, the transition onto State Highway 48 and Center Avenue adds a bit of variety to your navigation. Expect a professional, highway-centric drive that prioritizes speed and directness over winding backroads. It is a functional route designed to get you from Clarksville to Memphis with minimal fuss, keeping you in the flow of traffic for the vast majority of your time behind the wheel.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 165.6 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and State Highway 48. 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 Main Street.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 208.9 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 0.1 miles (Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 195 miles (I 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 195.2 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

764 ft 258 ft

Total Climb

290 ft

Total Descent

506 ft

Highest Point

764 ft

~44.8 mi in

Elevation Range

506 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 Clarksville, TN to Memphis, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Little Rock along the way.

Little Rock

195 mi in | ~3h 51m | 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 4h 9m. Total distance: 208.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 165.6 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 13 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 1 meaningful breaks. There are 13 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 195 miles (I 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 195.2 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.3 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, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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