Spanning 344.7 miles across Tennessee, this trek from Collierville to Athens typically takes about 6 hours and 51 minutes of driving time. Because the route is highway-focused, it is feasible as a one-day trip if you are comfortable with a longer stint behind the wheel. You should budget approximately $52 for fuel to cover the journey. Navigating this path involves transitioning through the Southeast region using a combination of US 72, I-565, and I-75. While it is certainly possible to complete this in a single day, you might consider an overnight split if you prefer a more relaxed pace. Overall, this is a straightforward, functional drive that connects two distinct parts of the state.
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
172.4 miles from Collierville, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 32m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 72
124 mi
2h 29m
I 565
92.8 mi
1h 46m
I 75
46.6 mi
52m
I 24
33.1 mi
38m
Joe Wheeler Highway
20.2 mi
24m
US 72 Alternate
8.6 mi
12m
Wheeler Highway
8.4 mi
9m
Decatur Pike
3.2 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
US 72
— 124 mi, about 2h 29m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Collierville, TN and Athens, TN.
1
Start on North Rowlett Street
321 ft·17 sec·North Rowlett Street
2
Turn left onto North Center Street
0.9 mi·2 min·North Center Street
3
Turn left onto US 72
23 mi·27 min·US 72
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Enter roundabout onto US 72
153 ft·1 sec·US 72
Toward US 72 East: Corinth
5
Continue on US 72
57 mi·1 hr 9 min·US 72
Toward US 72 East: CorinthUse the straight / right lanes.
6
Continue on US 72
0.2 mi·17 sec·US 72
7
Continue on US 72
44 mi·52 min·US 72
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto US 72 Alternate; AL 20
8.4 mi·9 min·Wheeler Highway
Toward Decatur, Joe Wheeler State ParkUse the straight / slight left lanes.
9
Continue on US 72 Alternate; AL 20
20 mi·24 min·Joe Wheeler Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Continue on US 72 Alternate; AL 20
8.6 mi·12 min·US 72 Alternate; AL 20
Use the straight lane.
11
Turn left onto US 31; US 72 Alternate; AL 20
1.8 mi·2 min·6th Avenue Northeast
Use the left lane.
12
Continue on US 72 Alternate; AL 20
3.0 mi·3 min·Huntsville-Decatur Highway
Toward HuntsvilleUse the left lane.
13
Continue on I 565; US 72 Alternate
93 mi·1 hr 46 min·I 565; US 72 Alternate
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward I-24 East: Chattanooga
15
Merge onto I 24
33 mi·38 min·I 24
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 185 BToward I 75 North: KnoxvilleUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto I 75
47 mi·52 min·I 75
Use the straight lane.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·28 sec
Exit 49Toward SR 30: Athens, Decatur
19
Turn right onto TN 30
3.2 mi·5 min·Decatur Pike
20
Continue on SR 30
0.6 mi·53 sec·Green Street
21
Turn right onto SR 39
0.1 mi·15 sec·Washington Avenue
22
Arrive at destination
SR 39
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 344.7-mile drive, aim to depart early in the morning to avoid potential congestion on the interstate sections. Since the route includes one planned stop, use that break to stretch and refuel effectively to keep your $52 budget on track. Given the length of the trip, staying alert during the 124-mile stretch on US 72 is critical for maintaining your focus. Flexibility is a major advantage here; if you feel fatigued, you have the freedom to adjust your pace along the I-75 corridor. Prioritize keeping your fuel levels consistent, as the transition between major highways can sometimes lead to stretches with fewer convenient service options.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 172.4 miles from Collierville, TN, or about 3h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 124 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 76 miles or 1h 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 172.4 miles or 3h 32m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Athens, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Collierville, 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 Collierville, TN
This is one driving day of about 344.7 miles and 6h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 76 miles from Collierville, 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 US 72 for about 124 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 23.5 and 340.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
23.5 mi into trip|~30m in|US 72
Enter roundabout onto US 72 toward US 72 East: Corinth
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Toward US 72 East: Corinth
8
125 mi into trip|~2h 32m in|US 72 Alternate; AL 20 / Wheeler Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 72 Alternate; AL 20 / Wheeler Highway toward Decatur, Joe Wheeler State Park
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward Decatur, Joe Wheeler State Park
5
162.2 mi into trip|~3h 19m in|US 31; US 72 Alternate; AL 20 / 6th Avenue Northeast
Turn left onto US 31; US 72 Alternate; AL 20 / 6th Avenue Northeast
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
293 mi into trip|~5h 51m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 75 North: Knoxville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 185 B
Toward I 75 North: Knoxville
6
340.5 mi into trip|~6h 45m in
Take the exit toward SR 30: Athens, Decatur
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 49
Toward SR 30: Athens, Decatur
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$53.89 one way
$107.78 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg121 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$59.17
$118.34
premium
$4.89
$66.33
$132.67
diesel
$5.61
$76.11
$152.21
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$54
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$79–$104
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 120.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
103.4
1
$36.19
$16.55
Efficient EV
86.2
0
$30.16
$13.79
EV Truck/SUV
137.9
1
$48.26
$22.06
Gas CO2
121 kg
EV CO2
40 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Collierville, TN
Late night
in Collierville on Sunday
Local time
1:00 AM
CDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Athens, TN
Late night
in Athens on Sunday
Local time
2:00 AM
EDT
Current temp
84°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 later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
29 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
6h 51m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This journey is characterized by a significant highway share of 88%, making it a highly efficient way to cross the state. You will spend a large portion of your time on major corridors, providing a steady, consistent rhythm to your travel. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs early on, where you will cover 124 miles on US 72. As you transition from the initial highway segments onto I-565 and eventually I-75, the road environment remains largely focused on high-speed transit. Expect a predictable experience that prioritizes speed and directness over winding, local backroads.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 124 mi on US 72.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 72 and I 565. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 23.5 miles in near US 72.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 344.7 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 23.5 miles (US 72): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 125 miles (US 72 Alternate; AL 20 / Wheeler Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 162.2 miles (US 31; US 72 Alternate; AL 20 / 6th Avenue Northeast): 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.
Between Collierville, TN and Athens, TN, road signs point toward Decatur, Joe Wheeler State Park and Huntsville.
Decatur
125 mi in|~2h 32m|via US 72 Alternate; AL 20
Joe Wheeler State Park
125 mi in|~2h 32m|via US 72 Alternate; AL 20
Huntsville
164 mi in|~3h 22m|via US 72 Alternate; AL 20
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 51m. Total distance: 344.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 51m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 124 miles on US 72. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Athens, 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 23.5 miles (US 72): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 125 miles (US 72 Alternate; AL 20 / Wheeler Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 162.2 miles (US 31; US 72 Alternate; AL 20 / 6th Avenue Northeast): Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.9 hours each way, a round trip means 13.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Athens, TN before the return drive.
