Spanning 173.8 miles across Tennessee, this drive from Clinton to Murfreesboro typically takes about 3 hours and 21 minutes. Because the trip is manageable in a single day, you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay, making it an ideal choice for a straightforward road trip. You should budget approximately $26 for fuel to cover the distance between these two Southeast locations. Navigating primarily via I-40, the Tennessee National Guard Parkway, and Harriman Highway, you will find a consistent, efficient path through the state. This route works perfectly for travelers seeking a practical, no-nonsense connection between these two points without the need for complex planning or multiple travel days.
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
86.9 miles from Clinton, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 43m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
112.3 mi
2h
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
21 mi
22m
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
Northwest Broad Street
3.7 mi
5m
South Charles G Seivers Boulevard
2.1 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 112.3 mi, about 2h
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clinton, TN and Murfreesboro, 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
112 mi·2 hr·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
1.1 mi·1 min
Exit 235Toward I 840 West: Memphis, MurfreesboroUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 840
21 mi·22 min·Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 55A-BToward US 41, US 70S: Murfreesboro, SmyrnaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·54 sec
Exit 55AToward US 41 South, US 70S East: MurfreesbordUse the straight / slight left lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·1 min
21
Turn straight onto US 41; US 70S
0.8 mi·1 min·New Nashville Highway
22
Continue on US 41; US 70S
3.7 mi·5 min·Northwest Broad Street
23
Turn left onto West Main Street
0.2 mi·30 sec·West Main Street
24
Turn right onto South Maple Street
138 ft·4 sec·South Maple Street
25
Turn slight left onto South Public Square
467 ft·12 sec·South Public Square
26
Turn slight right onto East Main Street
47 ft·1 sec·East Main Street
27
Continue on East Main Street
347 ft·13 sec·East Main Street
28
Turn right onto South Spring Street
84 ft·3 sec·South Spring Street
29
Arrive at destination
South Spring Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the advantage of flexibility, though planning for at least one stop is recommended to break up the three-hour duration. Aim to depart outside of peak traffic hours to ensure you maintain your estimated time, especially when transitioning between the major highway systems. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during that long 112.3-mile stretch on I-40, as it is the most critical portion of your journey. Because the route relies heavily on major thoroughfares, checking for construction updates on I-40 before you head out is a smart way to avoid unexpected delays. Use your single allotted stop to stretch your legs and refuel, which will help you arrive in Murfreesboro feeling refreshed rather than fatigued.
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 86.9 miles from Clinton, TN, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 112.3 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 38 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 86.9 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 43m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Murfreesboro, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Clinton, TN
This is one driving day of about 173.8 miles and 3h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Clinton, 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 112.3 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 33.5 and 173.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
33.5 mi into trip|~45m in|I 40
Merge onto I 40
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
145.8 mi into trip|~2h 46m in
Take the exit toward I 840 West: Memphis, Murfreesboro
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 235
Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Murfreesboro
8
167.9 mi into trip|~3h 10m in
Take the exit toward US 41, US 70S: Murfreesboro, Smyrna
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 55A-B
Toward US 41, US 70S: Murfreesboro, Smyrna
9
168.1 mi into trip|~3h 10m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 41 South, US 70S East: Murfreesbord
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 55A
Toward US 41 South, US 70S East: Murfreesbord
5
173.8 mi into trip|~3h 21m in|South Spring Street
Turn right onto South Spring Street
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.17 one way
$54.34 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg61 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$29.83
$59.67
premium
$4.89
$33.45
$66.89
diesel
$5.61
$38.37
$76.75
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
$27
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 60.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
52.1
0
$18.25
$8.34
Efficient EV
43.5
0
$15.21
$6.95
EV Truck/SUV
69.5
0
$24.33
$11.12
Gas CO2
61 kg
EV CO2
20 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
Clinton, TN
Late night
in Clinton on Sunday
Local time
3:34 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Murfreesboro, TN
Late night
in Murfreesboro on Sunday
Local time
2:34 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
79°F
Monterey, TN
87 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
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
3h 21m 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.
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 167.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 77% of your travel time will be spent on major roads. The journey features a significant 112.3-mile stretch on I-40, which serves as the backbone of your trip and provides a steady, high-speed pace for the majority of the drive. While the interstates keep the transit moving quickly, the transition onto the Tennessee National Guard Parkway and Harriman Highway offers a change in rhythm as you maneuver toward your destination. You will notice the drive feels very functional, prioritizing directness over winding scenic detours. Being behind the wheel here is all about steady cruising, requiring you to maintain focus during the long interstate segments.
77% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 112.3 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Tennessee National Guard Parkway. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 33.5 miles in near I 40.
Driving Effort6/10
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 173.8 miles you will encounter 14 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 33.5 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 145.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 167.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 21m. Total distance: 173.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (77%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 112.3 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 Murfreesboro, 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 33.5 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 145.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 167.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Stones River National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Murfreesboro, TN, but most travelers stay overnight.
