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Trip from Collierville, TN to East Brainerd, TN

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

6h 1m

Distance

298.3 mi

480 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$47

one way

EV Charging

Good

5 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
5h 49m ★
6 AM
6h 1m
8 AM
6h 27m
10 AM
6h 11m
12 PM
6h 8m
3 PM
6h 12m
5 PM
6h 26m
8 PM
5h 54m

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 Shelby County, Tennessee, United States

Collierville, TN

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown East Brainerd, TN, TN

East Brainerd, TN

Kelly

Trip Overview

Spanning 298.3 miles across Tennessee, this drive from Collierville to East Brainerd typically takes about 6 hours and 1 minute. You will primarily navigate via US 72, I-565, and I-24, making this an efficient, highway-focused journey. Because the total duration is manageable, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. Expect to spend approximately $45 on fuel for the trek. Both your starting point and destination are nestled within the Southeast, ensuring a consistent regional atmosphere as you traverse 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

149.2 miles from Collierville, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 1m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 72 124 mi 2h 29m
I 565 92.8 mi 1h 46m
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
Huntsville-Decatur Highway 3 mi 3m
East Brainerd Road 2 mi 3m
Longest stretch: US 72 — 124 mi, about 2h 29m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Collierville, TN and East Brainerd, 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: Corinth Use 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 Park Use 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 Huntsville Use 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 B Toward I 75 North: Knoxville Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
17

Merge onto I 75

1.4 mi · 1 min · I 75
18

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 50 sec
Exit 3A Toward SR 320 East Use the slight right lane.
19

Turn right onto SR 320

2.0 mi · 3 min · East Brainerd Road
Use the right lane.
20

Turn right onto Graysville Road

0.6 mi · 1 min · Graysville Road
21

Turn right onto Iris Drive

479 ft · 21 sec · Iris Drive
22

Arrive at destination

Iris Drive

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 6-hour travel time, plan for at least one dedicated stop to break up the long stretches of highway. Leaving early in the morning is your best bet to avoid traffic congestion and ensure you arrive in East Brainerd before the day is out. Since you are budgeting $45 for fuel, keep an eye on your gauge during that 124-mile stretch on US 72, as refueling options can be more spread out there compared to the busier interstate sections. Flexibility is a major advantage here; since the entire trip fits into a single day, you have the freedom to adjust your departure time based on your personal preferences for road conditions.

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 149.2 miles from Collierville, TN, or about 3h 1m 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 66 miles or 1h 22m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 149.2 miles or 3h 1m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 55m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near East Brainerd, 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 298.3 miles and 6h 1m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 66 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.

county seat of Madison County, Alabama, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Huntsville, AL

149 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

Tupelo, MS

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 66 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Moulton, AL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 149.2 miles from Collierville, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 72 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 124 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

Silver Caboose Restaurant & Soda Fountain

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Collierville, Tennessee

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–7 pm

+19018530010

Visit website

Silver Caboose Restaurant & Soda Fountain

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Collierville, Tennessee

Hours: 11 am–7 pm

+19018530010

Visit website

Mystic Mocha Café

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 85.2

Burnsville, Mississippi

Hours: 9 am–4:30 pm

+16626431277

Visit website

SoCo Grind Iuka

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 85.2

Iuka, Mississippi

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+16626643291

Visit website

SoCo Grind

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 63.9

Corinth, Mississippi

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+16625941271

Visit website

Cream & Sugar Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 85.2

Iuka, Mississippi

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+16625933498

Visit website

Crave Corinth

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 63.9

Corinth, Mississippi

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+16623960193

Visit website

7 Brew Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 63.9

Corinth, Mississippi

Hours: 5:30 am–10 pm

+14793589274

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 63.9

Corinth, Mississippi

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 149.2

Trinity, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour

Collierville, Tennessee

Hours: 9 am–6:30 pm

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 191.8

Huntsville, Alabama

+18887584389

ChargePoint Charging Station

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 191.8

Huntsville, Alabama

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+18887584389

Visit website

North Alabama Railroad Museum

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 191.8

Huntsville, Alabama

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+12568516276

Visit website

Monte Sano State Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 191.8

Huntsville, Alabama

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12565343757

Visit website

Lucky Duck Scavenger Hunt

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 191.8

Huntsville, Alabama

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18008430468

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 295.3 — 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
7
295.3 mi into trip | ~5h 54m in

Take the exit toward SR 320 East

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 3A Toward SR 320 East

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$46.64 one way

$93.27 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 104 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $51.20 $102.41
premium $4.89 $57.41 $114.81
diesel $5.61 $65.86 $131.72

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$47

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$72–$97

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 104.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 89.5 1 $31.32 $14.32
Efficient EV 74.6 0 $26.10 $11.93
EV Truck/SUV 119.3 1 $41.76 $19.09

Gas CO2

104 kg

EV CO2

35 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

Collierville, TN

Night in Collierville on Saturday

Local time

9:48 PM

CDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

East Brainerd, TN

Night in East Brainerd on Saturday

Local time

10:48 PM

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 1m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

With 87% of your travel occurring on highways, you can expect a steady, consistent pace throughout the journey. The route features a significant 124-mile stretch along US 72, which serves as the longest uninterrupted portion of the drive. While the path prioritizes speed and efficiency, the transition between US 72 and the interstate system keeps the experience from feeling purely monotonous. You will find that the road maintains a professional, highway-heavy personality that favors getting you to East Brainerd with minimal fuss. Be prepared for a focused drive that emphasizes miles covered over winding, technical backroads.

87% 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 Effort 7/10

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 298.3 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 East Brainerd, 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 1m. Total distance: 298.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 1m 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 East Brainerd, 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 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 12.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at East Brainerd, TN before the return drive.

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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