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Trip from Dayton, TN to New South Memphis, 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 49m

Distance

350.8 mi

565 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$55

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
6h 37m ★
6 AM
6h 49m
8 AM
7h 13m
10 AM
6h 57m
12 PM
6h 55m
3 PM
6h 59m
5 PM
7h 11m
8 PM
6h 42m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

city ​​and county seat of Montgomery County, Ohio, United States

Dayton, TN

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown New South Memphis, TN, TN

New South Memphis, TN

Dee Hunna

Trip Overview

This 350.8-mile drive from Dayton, TN, to New South Memphis, TN, is a solid day trip, estimated to take around 6 hours and 49 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-40 and US-27, you'll spend about 81% of your time on the highway. With a fuel cost estimated at $55, this route focuses on efficient travel across the Southeast region of Tennessee. It's designed for covering ground, making it a practical choice if you're looking to get from point A to point B without extensive detours.

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

175.4 miles from Dayton, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 33m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 164.8 mi 2h 58m
Tennessee National Guard Parkway 53.7 mi 58m
US 27 15.8 mi 18m
John Bragg Highway 15.6 mi 18m
TN 8 12.6 mi 17m
Harrison Ferry Road 12.3 mi 17m
SR 111 11.5 mi 13m
Nashville Highway 10.2 mi 11m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 164.8 mi, about 2h 58m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Dayton, TN and New South Memphis, TN.

1

Start on 2nd Avenue

156 ft · 10 sec · 2nd Avenue
2

Turn right onto SR 378

343 ft · 13 sec · Market Street
3

Turn right onto SR 30

0.2 mi · 21 sec · 3rd Avenue
4

Turn right onto US 27

16 mi · 18 min · US 27
5

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
6

Merge onto TN 111

5.4 mi · 6 min · TN 111
7

Continue on SR 111

11 mi · 13 min · SR 111
8

Continue on TN 8; TN 111

13 mi · 17 min · TN 8; TN 111
9

Turn left onto TN 8

7.3 mi · 9 min · State Highway 8
10

Continue on TN 8

12 mi · 17 min · Harrison Ferry Road
11

Turn slight right onto SR 56

1.3 mi · 1 min · Beersheba Highway
12

Continue on SR 56

0.5 mi · 45 sec · East Colville Street
13

Turn right onto SR 56

0.1 mi · 20 sec · South Chancery Street
14

Turn left onto SR 380

0.3 mi · 26 sec · West Morford Street
15

Continue on SR 380

2.1 mi · 3 min · West Main Street
16

Continue on US 70S

10 mi · 11 min · Nashville Highway
17

Continue on US 70S

8.1 mi · 10 min · McMinnville Highway
18

Continue on US 70S; SR 53

1.0 mi · 2 min · East Main Street
19

Continue on US 70S

16 mi · 18 min · John Bragg Highway
20

Turn left onto South Rutherford Boulevard

3.8 mi · 5 min · South Rutherford Boulevard
21

Turn left onto US 231

0.3 mi · 22 sec · South Church Street
Use the left lane.
22

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 46 sec
Toward I 24 West: Nashville Use the right lane.
23

Merge onto I 24

6.5 mi · 6 min · I 24
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 1 min
Exit 74A Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Franklin Use the right lane.
25

Merge onto I 840

54 mi · 58 min · Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Merge onto I 40

165 mi · 2 hr 58 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27

Continue on Sam Cooper Boulevard

1.6 mi · 2 min · Sam Cooper Boulevard
28

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 34 sec
Exit 9 Toward Perkins Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29

Turn left onto North Perkins Road

1.1 mi · 1 min · North Perkins Road
30

Continue on Perkins Extended

1.3 mi · 2 min · Perkins Extended
31

Continue on South Perkins Road

2.3 mi · 3 min · South Perkins Road
Use the straight lane.
32

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward I 240 West
33

Merge onto I 240

4.5 mi · 6 min · Avron B Fogelman Expressway
Use the straight lane.
34

Continue on I 240

3.7 mi · 5 min · W B Fowler Senior Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 13 sec
Exit 7 Toward US 61: Vicksburg, Third Street Use the slight right lane.
36

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Toward US 61 North: Third Street Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
37

Turn straight onto US 61

0.4 mi · 36 sec · South Third Street
38

Arrive at destination

US 61

Trip Plan

With a duration of under 7 hours, this trip is comfortably manageable in a single day. Aim for an early morning departure from Dayton, TN, to maximize daylight and allow for a comfortable pace. The longest stretch without a major break is over 160 miles, so plan for at least one significant stop for fuel and rest. Given the 81% highway share, be prepared for consistent driving conditions. A good tip is to check your tire pressure before leaving, as maintaining optimal pressure on long highway stretches can improve fuel efficiency for the estimated $55 fuel cost.

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 175.4 miles from Dayton, TN, or about 3h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 164.8 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 77 miles or 1h 39m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 175.4 miles or 3h 33m 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 38m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New South Memphis, TN than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Dayton, 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 Dayton, TN

This is one driving day of about 350.8 miles and 6h 49m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 77 miles from Dayton, 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 164.8 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city and county seat of Williamson County, Tennessee, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Franklin, TN

175 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

Lafayette, TN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 77 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Franklin, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 175.4 miles from Dayton, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 164.8 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 20

5 decision points cluster between mile 108.9 and 350.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
108.9 mi into trip | ~2h 20m in

Take the exit toward I 24 West: Nashville

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

Use the right lane. Toward I 24 West: Nashville
8
115.7 mi into trip | ~2h 27m in

Take the exit toward I 840 West: Memphis, Franklin

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Exit 74A Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Franklin
7
336.6 mi into trip | ~6h 28m in

Take the exit toward Perkins Road

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 9 Toward Perkins Road
8
350.1 mi into trip | ~6h 47m in

Take the exit toward US 61: Vicksburg, Third Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 7 Toward US 61: Vicksburg, Third Street
8
350.2 mi into trip | ~6h 48m in

Keep slight right at fork toward US 61 North: Third Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward US 61 North: Third Street

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$54.84 one way

$109.69 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 123 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $60.22 $120.43
premium $4.89 $67.51 $135.02
diesel $5.61 $77.45 $154.90

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$55

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$80–$105

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 122.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $37 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 105.2 1 $36.83 $16.84
Efficient EV 87.7 1 $30.70 $14.03
EV Truck/SUV 140.3 1 $49.11 $22.45

Gas CO2

123 kg

EV CO2

41 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 18, 2026

Origin

Dayton, TN

Night in Dayton on Saturday

Local time

10:52 PM

EDT

Current temp

84°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

New South Memphis, TN

Night in New South Memphis on Saturday

Local time

9:52 PM

CDT

Current temp

82°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 earlier

The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.

Temperature spread

2 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 49m 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?

Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 350.8-mile journey, with 81% of the route on interstates and parkways. You'll encounter an uninterrupted stretch of 164.8 miles on I-40, which means long periods of consistent speed. While the main arteries dominate, the inclusion of US-27 and Tennessee National Guard Parkway suggests some variation in scenery and speed limits as you transition between major highways. This route is built for steady progress rather than winding backroads.

81% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
38 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 164.8 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Tennessee National Guard Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 108.9 miles in.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 350.8 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 108.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 115.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 336.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.

On the drive from Dayton, TN to New South Memphis, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Franklin along the way.

Franklin

115.7 mi in | ~2h 27m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 49m. Total distance: 350.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 49m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 164.8 miles on I 40. 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 New South Memphis, 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 108.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 115.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 336.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.8 hours each way, a round trip means 13.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at New South Memphis, 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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