Decherd, TN to New South Memphis, TN is 258.1 miles and takes about 5h 21m via US 72, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Tennessee, beginning in the Southeast region and concluding in the same area. The route is primarily highway driving, making it a straightforward trip for a single day. Plan for a duration that allows for a comfortable pace without feeling rushed. This is a practical option for getting from point A to point B efficiently.
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
129 miles from Decherd, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 43m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 72
119.9 mi
2h 22m
US 72 Alternate
59.6 mi
1h 14m
Winchester Road
17 mi
24m
David Crockett Highway
14.2 mi
16m
Bill Morris Parkway
13.8 mi
16m
Highway 72
9.5 mi
12m
Avron B Fogelman Expressway
5.7 mi
7m
John Hunter Highway
5.3 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
US 72
— 119.9 mi, about 2h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Decherd, TN and New South Memphis, TN.
1
Start on this road
330 ft·16 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto SR 50
0.9 mi·1 min·West Main Street
3
At end of road, turn left onto US 41A; SR 50
0.3 mi·23 sec·Decherd Boulevard
4
Continue on US 41A; SR 50
1.4 mi·1 min·Dinah Shore Boulevard
5
Continue on US 41A; US 64 Business; SR 50
0.4 mi·30 sec·1st Avenue Northeast
6
Continue on US 64 Business
1.1 mi·1 min·David Crockett Highway
7
Enter roundabout onto TN 16
243 ft·2 sec·Rowe Gap Road
8
Continue on TN 16
0.2 mi·21 sec·Rowe Gap Road
9
Turn right onto US 64
0.5 mi·33 sec·Veterans Memorial Drive
10
Continue on US 64
13 mi·15 min·David Crockett Highway
11
Turn left onto County Line Road South
1.8 mi·2 min·County Line Road South
12
At end of road, turn right onto SR 122
5.3 mi·7 min·John Hunter Highway
13
Continue on CH 65
17 mi·24 min·Winchester Road
14
Turn left onto Moores Mill Road
1.6 mi·2 min·Moores Mill Road
15
Take the ramp
417 ft·11 sec
16
Merge onto US 72
28 mi·32 min·US 72
Use the right lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto US 72 Alternate; AL 20
60 mi·1 hr 14 min·US 72 Alternate; AL 20
Use the right lane.
18
Continue on US 72
22 mi·26 min·US 72
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Continue on US 72
1.5 mi·1 min·US 72
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Continue on US 72
9.5 mi·12 min·Highway 72
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Continue on US 72
1.4 mi·2 min·US 72
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Continue on US 72
44 mi·52 min·US 72
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Enter roundabout onto US 72
155 ft·1 sec·US 72
Toward US 72 West: Memphis
24
Continue on US 72
13 mi·15 min·US 72
Toward US 72 West: MemphisUse the straight / right lanes.
25
Keep slight left at fork onto US 72
8.4 mi·10 min·US 72
Toward Collierville, MemphisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.4 mi·46 sec
Toward TN 385 West, To I-240: Memphis
27
Merge onto TN 385
14 mi·16 min·Bill Morris Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 240 West: Jackson MissUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·16 sec
Toward I 240 West: Jackson Mississippi
30
Merge onto I 240
5.7 mi·7 min·Avron B Fogelman Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Continue on I 240
3.7 mi·5 min·W B Fowler Senior Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Take the exit
0.1 mi·13 sec
Exit 7Toward US 61: Vicksburg, Third StreetUse the slight right lane.
33
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward US 61 North: Third StreetUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
34
Turn straight onto US 61
0.4 mi·36 sec·South Third Street
35
Arrive at destination
US 61
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour drive time, departing in the morning is advisable to ensure you have ample daylight for the entire trip. You'll have one recommended stop, which can be used for a break or refueling. The fuel cost is estimated at $39, so factor that into your budget. Pay attention to the transition from highway to surface roads, as this can sometimes involve changes in speed limits and traffic patterns. With the drive being manageable in a single day, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time slightly if needed.
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 129 miles from Decherd, TN, or about 2h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 119.9 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 57 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 129 miles or 2h 43m 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 22m
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 Decherd, 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 Decherd, TN
This is one driving day of about 258.1 miles and 5h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from Decherd, 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 119.9 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 72.2 and 257.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
72.2 mi into trip|~1h 32m in|US 72 Alternate; AL 20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 72 Alternate; AL 20
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
8
224.4 mi into trip|~4h 37m in|US 72
Keep slight left at fork onto US 72 toward Collierville, Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Collierville, Memphis
7
246.9 mi into trip|~5h 5m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 240 West: Jackson Miss
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 240 West: Jackson Miss
8
257.4 mi into trip|~5h 20m 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
257.5 mi into trip|~5h 20m 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
$38.12 one way
$76.23 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg90 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$42.08
$84.16
premium
$4.72
$47.92
$95.84
diesel
$4.80
$48.73
$97.47
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 90.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
77.4
0
$27.10
$12.39
Efficient EV
64.5
0
$22.58
$10.32
EV Truck/SUV
103.2
1
$36.13
$16.52
Gas CO2
90 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 18, 2026
Origin
Decherd, TN
Late night
in Decherd on Monday
Local time
1:28 AM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Areas Of Fog
0 mph16% chanceLive forecast
Destination
New South Memphis, TN
Late night
in New South Memphis on Monday
Local time
1:28 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Clear
WSW 5 mph3% chanceLive 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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
4 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
5h 21m 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?
With 82% of this route on highways, you'll spend most of your time on major roads. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 119.9 miles, primarily on US 72. Expect a consistent flow of traffic and numerous exits during the highway portions. As the highway portion concludes, you'll transition to surface roads, which will likely involve a different driving pace and more local traffic.
82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 119.9 mi on US 72.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 72 and US 72 Alternate. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 72.2 miles in near US 72 Alternate; AL 20.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 258.1 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 72.2 miles (US 72 Alternate; AL 20): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 224.4 miles (US 72): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 246.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
960 ft260 ft
Total Climb
74 ft
Total Descent
774 ft
Highest Point
960 ft
Elevation Range
700 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Decherd, TN and New South Memphis, TN, road signs point toward Collierville, Memphis and To I-240: Memphis.
Central Tennessee, more often called Middle Tennessee, is a region of Tennessee. Besides the obvious destinations like Nashville, there are some lesser known ones, like Carthage, for instance, the hometown of former Vice-President Al Gore.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 21m. Total distance: 258.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 119.9 miles on US 72. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 9 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 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. There are 9 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 72.2 miles (US 72 Alternate; AL 20): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 224.4 miles (US 72): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 246.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.7 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.
