Crossing Tennessee from Clinton to Memphis covers 384.1 miles and typically requires about 7 hours and 9 minutes of travel time. Because the vast majority of this journey relies on I-40, it functions well as a single-day trip if you are comfortable with an extended period behind the wheel. You should budget approximately $58 for fuel to complete the transit across the state. While both cities are located within the Southeast, the route provides a direct corridor between the eastern part of the state and the Mississippi River. Deciding whether to tackle this in one push or split it up depends on your stamina, but the interstate-heavy layout makes for a straightforward, predictable transit.
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
192 miles from Clinton, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 38m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
347.2 mi
6h 18m
Harriman Highway
9.8 mi
11m
Oliver Springs Highway
7.1 mi
12m
East Tri County Boulevard
4.6 mi
5m
North Roane Street
4.1 mi
4m
Downtown Loop
2.9 mi
3m
South Charles G Seivers Boulevard
2.1 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 Clinton, TN and Memphis, TN.
1
Start on Market Street
135 ft·10 sec·Market Street
2
Turn left onto US 25W
0.5 mi·51 sec·North Main Street
3
Turn right onto TN 61
2.1 mi·3 min·South Charles G Seivers Boulevard
4
Continue on TN 61
0.5 mi·49 sec·South Charles G. Seivers Boulevard
5
Continue on TN 61
1.1 mi·1 min·Oak Ridge Highway
6
Continue on TN 61
1.1 mi·1 min·Oak Ridge Turnpike
7
Turn right onto TN 61
7.1 mi·12 min·Oliver Springs Highway
8
Turn right onto SR 61; SR 62
4.6 mi·5 min·East Tri County Boulevard
9
Continue on SR 61
9.6 mi·10 min·Harriman Highway
10
Merge onto US 27
0.2 mi·10 sec·Bitter Creek Highway
11
Continue on US 27
0.2 mi·15 sec·Harriman Highway
12
Continue on US 27
2.1 mi·2 min·Hannah Highway
13
Continue on US 27
4.1 mi·4 min·North Roane Street
14
Turn left
0.2 mi·25 sec
15
Merge onto I 40
134 mi·2 hr 24 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
2.1 mi·3 min·I 40
Exit 213BToward I 24 West, I 40 West: NashvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
0.4 mi·42 sec·I 40
Toward I 40 West: Huntsville, MemphisUse the slight left lane.
18
Merge onto I 40
0.6 mi·52 sec·Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on I 40
2.3 mi·3 min·Downtown Loop
Exit 210AToward I 40 West, I 65 North: Memphis, LouisvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
197 mi·3 hr 33 min·I 40
Toward I 40 West: MemphisUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit onto I 40
0.1 mi·8 sec·I 40
Exit 10A-BToward I 240 West, I 40 West: Jackson Mississippi, Little Rock
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
11 mi·13 min·I 40
Exit 10BToward I 40 West: Little RockUse the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
2.1 mi·2 min·I 40
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 1AToward Second Street, Third StreetUse the slight right lane.
25
Continue on North 2nd Street
0.2 mi·30 sec·North 2nd Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Turn left onto Poplar Avenue
202 ft·4 sec·Poplar Avenue
27
Arrive at destination
Poplar Avenue
Trip Plan
To manage the 384.1-mile distance effectively, plan for at least two deliberate stops to stretch your legs and refresh. Since the route is dominated by a long interstate stretch, try to depart early in the morning to avoid the heaviest traffic patterns near urban hubs. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the 347.2-mile interstate leg, as finding the best prices can be easier if you plan your refueling stops ahead of time. Given the 7-hour duration, consider packing snacks and water to maintain your energy levels without needing extra detours. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, as the direct interstate access allows you to adjust your pace based on real-time traffic conditions along the I-40 corridor.
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 192 miles from Clinton, TN, or about 3h 38m 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 85 miles or 1h 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 192 miles or 3h 38m 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 1m
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 Clinton, 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 Clinton, TN
This is one driving day of about 384.1 miles and 7h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 85 miles from Clinton, 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 167.9 and 383.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
167.9 mi into trip|~3h 10m 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
170.1 mi into trip|~3h 13m 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
173.4 mi into trip|~3h 18m 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
370.4 mi into trip|~6h 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
8
383.6 mi into trip|~7h 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
$60.05 one way
$120.10 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg134 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$65.93
$131.86
premium
$4.89
$73.92
$147.83
diesel
$5.61
$84.80
$169.61
Estimated Tolls: $0.08
Oak Ridge Turnpike
(1.1 mi)$0.08
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$60
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$85–$110
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 134.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $40 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
115.2
1
$40.33
$18.44
Efficient EV
96
1
$33.61
$15.36
EV Truck/SUV
153.6
1
$53.77
$24.58
Gas CO2
134 kg
EV CO2
45 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
Clinton, TN
Late night
in Clinton on Sunday
Local time
3:33 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Memphis, TN
Late night
in Memphis on Sunday
Local time
2:33 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
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
17 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
7h 9m 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
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...
22 mi from route
~54 min detour
Free
near mile 158.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a drive defined by efficiency, as 91% of your journey takes place on high-speed highways. You will navigate local routes like Harriman Highway and Oliver Springs Highway briefly before settling into the long, primary stretch of I-40. This highway-focused path features a dominant 347.2-mile segment where you will spend most of your time maintaining a steady pace. The road's personality is functional and fast, designed to move you across the state landscape with minimal deviation. You will find that the rhythm of the drive is consistent, offering a reliable experience for drivers who prefer interstate travel over navigating winding backroads.
91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 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?
8/10
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 167.9 miles in near I 40.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 384.1 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 167.9 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 170.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 173.4 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 Clinton, TN to Memphis, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Louisville along the way.
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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 9m. Total distance: 384.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 9m 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.
Expect about $0.08 in tolls one way, starting with Oak Ridge Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 167.9 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 170.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 173.4 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 7.2 hours each way, a round trip means 14.3 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.
