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
Traffic on I-565
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 80 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,964 veh/hr typical
Quietest
1 AM
~195 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
20.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
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: 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
1.4 mi·1 min·I 75
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·50 sec
Exit 3AToward SR 320 EastUse 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.
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
$44.05 one way
$88.10 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg104 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$48.63
$97.26
premium
$4.72
$55.39
$110.77
diesel
$4.80
$56.32
$112.65
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
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, 2026-07-13.
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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Collierville, TN
Late night
in Collierville on Sunday
Local time
1:42 AM
CDT
Current temp
95°F
Mostly Sunny
WNW 10 mph5% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 5:19PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 4:17PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
Destination
East Brainerd, TN
Late night
in East Brainerd on Sunday
Local time
2:42 AM
EDT
Current temp
90°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 5 mph43% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 5:19PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 4:17PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
92°F
Decatur, AL
149 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 later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
5 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
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.
More Details
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 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 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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
752 ft383 ft
Total Climb
693 ft
Total Descent
340 ft
Highest Point
752 ft
~277 mi in
Elevation Range
369 ft
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
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
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.
Yes — we found about 15 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 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. There are 15 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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.
