Traveling from Collierville to East Ridge covers 291 miles across Tennessee, making for a manageable journey that typically takes 5 hours and 48 minutes. Because the drive is straightforward and highway-focused, you can easily complete it in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to budget roughly $44 for fuel, depending on your vehicle's efficiency. This route keeps you within the Southeast region the entire time, transitioning from the western corner of the state toward the mountainous eastern border. It is a practical path for those looking to reach the Chattanooga area efficiently. Given the duration, you will find it is a perfect distance for a one-day push.
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
145.5 miles from Collierville, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 57m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 72
124 mi
2h 29m
I 565
92.8 mi
1h 46m
I 24
31 mi
35m
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
6th Avenue Northeast
1.8 mi
2m
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 Ridge, 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
31 mi·35 min·I 24
16
Arrive at destination
I 24
Trip Plan
To keep your trip stress-free, plan for at least one dedicated stop to break up the nearly six-hour drive. Leaving early in the morning is your best bet to avoid potential traffic congestion as you approach your destination in East Ridge. Since the route is dominated by major highways, monitor your fuel levels before starting the 124-mile stretch on US 72, as service options can vary. Having a $44 fuel budget ready will cover your basic needs, but keeping a little extra for a rest stop snack is always a smart move. Because this is a single-day trip, your primary advantage is flexibility; adjust your departure time to suit your personal energy levels.
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 145.5 miles from Collierville, TN, or about 2h 57m 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 64 miles or 1h 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 145.5 miles or 2h 57m 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 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near East Ridge, 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 291 miles and 5h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 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 9
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 162.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0.9 mi into trip|~2m in|US 72
Turn left onto US 72
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
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
4
23.5 mi into trip|~30m in|US 72
Straight onto US 72 toward US 72 East: Corinth
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$48.38 one way
$96.76 round trip
$4.22/gal25.4 MPG avg102 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$52.70
$105.40
premium
$5.18
$59.38
$118.76
diesel
$5.35
$61.29
$122.59
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$48
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$73–$98
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 101.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
87.3
1
$30.56
$13.97
Efficient EV
72.8
0
$25.46
$11.64
EV Truck/SUV
116.4
1
$40.74
$18.62
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Collierville, TN
Evening
in Collierville on Wednesday
Local time
7:18 PM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Mostly Clear
0 mph10% chanceLive forecast
Destination
East Ridge, TN
Evening
in East Ridge on Wednesday
Local time
8:18 PM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Mostly Cloudy
0 mph6% chanceLive forecast
67°F
Decatur, AL
146 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
6 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
5h 48m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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 trip is heavily weighted toward high-speed travel, with 88% of the route consisting of highway driving. You will spend much of your time on US 72, I-565, and I-24, which provide a consistent rhythm for your journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on US 72, where you can settle in for 124 miles of focused driving. While the interstate portions offer a fast pace, the transition between these major roads defines the character of your trip. Expect a steady, highway-oriented experience that prioritizes efficiency over technical, winding backroads.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 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?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 72 and I 565. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.9 miles in near US 72.
Driving Effort5/10
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 291 miles you will encounter 9 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 0.9 miles (US 72): Lane positioning matters here; at 23.5 miles (US 72): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 23.5 miles (US 72): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
783 ft383 ft
Total Climb
646 ft
Total Descent
245 ft
Highest Point
783 ft
~291 mi in
Elevation Range
400 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 Ridge, TN, road signs point toward Decatur, Joe Wheeler State Park and Huntsville.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 48m. Total distance: 291 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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 14 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.
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 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.9 miles (US 72): Lane positioning matters here; at 23.5 miles (US 72): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 23.5 miles (US 72): Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at East Ridge, TN before the return drive.
