Harrogate to Memphis is 432.4 miles and takes about 8h 15m via I 40 and Appalachian Highway, with a fuel budget near $66 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive takes you across Tennessee, moving from the Appalachian region into the heart of the Southeast. It's primarily a highway route, making it a straightforward option if you're looking to cover ground efficiently. With a recommended two days for the trip, you can comfortably split the driving and explore a bit along the way.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
216.2 miles from Harrogate, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 16m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
347.2 mi
6h 18m
Appalachian Highway
18.1 mi
20m
General Carl W Stiner Highway
10 mi
11m
Harriman Highway
9.8 mi
11m
Frost Bottom Road
7.1 mi
12m
US 25W
5.7 mi
6m
Briceville Highway
5.3 mi
9m
North Roane Street
4.1 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 347.2 mi, about 6h 18m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Harrogate, TN and Memphis, TN.
1
Start on US 25E; SR 32
1.1 mi·1 min·Cumberland Gap Parkway
2
Turn right onto SR 63
18 mi·20 min·Appalachian Highway
3
Continue on SR 63
10 mi·11 min·General Carl W Stiner Highway
4
Continue on SR 63
2.6 mi·3 min·East Central Avenue
5
Continue on US 25W; SR 63
0.3 mi·19 sec·Jackson Pike
6
Continue on US 25W; SR 63
3.3 mi·5 min·Jacksboro Pike
7
Continue on US 25W; TN 63
3.8 mi·4 min·West Central Avenue
8
Continue on US 25W; TN 63
0.1 mi·8 sec·Royal Blue Road
9
Take the exit onto US 25W
5.7 mi·6 min·US 25W
Toward Knoxville
10
Take the exit onto I 75; US 25W
0.2 mi·25 sec·I 75; US 25W
Toward US 25W South: Rocky Top, Lake City
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 75; US 25W
241 ft·5 sec·I 75; US 25W
12
Turn slight right onto US 25W; SR 116
0.8 mi·1 min·North Main Street
13
Turn right onto SR 116
3.8 mi·9 min·Creek Street
14
At end of road, turn left onto SR 116
234 ft·7 sec·Briceville Highway
15
Continue on SR 116
5.2 mi·9 min·Briceville Highway
16
Continue on SR 330
166 ft·3 sec·Briceville Highway
17
Continue on SR 330
7.1 mi·12 min·Frost Bottom Road
18
At end of road, turn right onto SR 330
0.4 mi·43 sec·Dutch Valley Road
19
Continue on SR 330
0.5 mi·1 min·Walden Avenue
20
Keep slight left at fork onto SR 330
0.6 mi·1 min·East Spring Street
21
At end of road, turn right onto SR 330
0.1 mi·14 sec·Main Street
22
Continue on SR 330
0.2 mi·24 sec·Railroad Avenue
23
Turn right onto SR 330
447 ft·11 sec·Winter Gap Road
24
Turn left onto SR 61
1.2 mi·1 min·East Tri County Boulevard
25
Continue on SR 61
9.6 mi·10 min·Harriman Highway
26
Merge onto US 27
0.2 mi·10 sec·Bitter Creek Highway
27
Continue on US 27
0.2 mi·15 sec·Harriman Highway
28
Continue on US 27
2.1 mi·2 min·Hannah Highway
29
Continue on US 27
4.1 mi·4 min·North Roane Street
30
Turn left
0.2 mi·25 sec
31
Merge onto I 40
134 mi·2 hr 24 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
2.1 mi·3 min·I 40
Exit 213BToward I 24 West, I 40 West: NashvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
0.4 mi·42 sec·I 40
Toward I 40 West: Huntsville, MemphisUse the slight left lane.
34
Merge onto I 40
0.6 mi·52 sec·Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Continue on I 40
2.3 mi·3 min·Downtown Loop
Exit 210AToward I 40 West, I 65 North: Memphis, LouisvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
197 mi·3 hr 33 min·I 40
Toward I 40 West: MemphisUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
37
Take the exit onto I 40
0.1 mi·8 sec·I 40
Exit 10A-BToward I 240 West, I 40 West: Jackson Mississippi, Little Rock
38
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
11 mi·13 min·I 40
Exit 10BToward I 40 West: Little RockUse the slight right lane.
39
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
2.1 mi·2 min·I 40
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
40
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 1AToward Second Street, Third StreetUse the slight right lane.
41
Continue on North 2nd Street
0.2 mi·30 sec·North 2nd Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
42
Turn left onto Poplar Avenue
202 ft·4 sec·Poplar Avenue
43
Arrive at destination
Poplar Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 8h 15m estimated drive time, planning for two days is a smart move to avoid fatigue. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight, and consider stopping for the night around the halfway point. The longest stretch without a significant break is 347.2 miles on I 40, so be sure to plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly before you hit that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel as you approach Memphis, as prices can sometimes fluctuate in larger urban areas.
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.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 216.2 miles from Harrogate, TN, or about 4h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 347.2 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 95 miles or 2h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 216.2 miles or 4h 16m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 216.2 miles or 4h 16m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 7h 7m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Memphis, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Harrogate, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Harrogate, TN
Aim for roughly 216 miles and 4.1 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Memphis, TN
Aim for roughly 216 miles and 4.1 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 95 miles from Harrogate, TN.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 347.2 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 216.3 and 431.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
216.3 mi into trip|~4h 16m in|I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 213B
Toward I 24 West, I 40 West: Nashville
8
218.4 mi into trip|~4h 19m in|I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 West: Huntsville, Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 40 West: Huntsville, Memphis
7
221.7 mi into trip|~4h 24m in|I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 West: Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 40 West: Memphis
8
418.7 mi into trip|~7h 57m in|I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 West: Little Rock
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 10B
Toward I 40 West: Little Rock
8
431.9 mi into trip|~8h 14m in
Take the exit toward Second Street, 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 1A
Toward Second Street, Third Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$63.86 one way
$127.71 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg151 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$70.49
$140.99
premium
$4.72
$80.28
$160.57
diesel
$4.80
$81.65
$163.29
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$64
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$194–$304
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 151.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $45 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
129.7
1
$45.40
$20.76
Efficient EV
108.1
1
$37.84
$17.30
EV Truck/SUV
173
2
$60.54
$27.67
Gas CO2
151 kg
EV CO2
51 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
Harrogate, TN
Night
in Harrogate on Saturday
Local time
9:20 PM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Partly Cloudy
0 mph9% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 7:17PM CDT until July 16 at 9:15PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
Destination
Memphis, TN
Evening
in Memphis on Saturday
Local time
8:20 PM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Mostly Clear
SW 0 to 5 mph8% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 7:17PM CDT until July 16 at 9:15PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
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
1 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
8h 15m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Cumberland Gap was the first great gateway to the west. Come follow the path of bison, Native Americans, longhunters, and pioneers. Walk where 300,000 people crossed the Appalachians to settle America...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
Park Closure: Little Yellow Creek Bridge Closure - Construction Underway
The Battle of Stones River began on the last day of 1862 and became one of the bloodiest conflicts of the Civil War. The battle produced important military and political gains for the Union, and it ch...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 193.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly highway, with 82% of the 432.4 miles on freeways. You'll experience a continuous stretch of 347.2 miles on I 40 before transitioning to surface roads. Expect frequent exits and varied driving conditions as you cross the state, with the transition from Appalachian Highway/General Carl W Stiner Highway to I 40 marking a significant shift in the road's feel.
82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
43 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 347.2 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Appalachian Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 216.3 miles in near I 40.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 432.4 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 216.3 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 218.4 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 221.7 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,986 ft258 ft
Total Climb
1,584 ft
Total Descent
2,650 ft
Highest Point
1,986 ft
~123.5 mi in
Elevation Range
1,728 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Harrogate, TN and Memphis, TN, road signs point toward Knoxville, Lake City and Louisville.
Memphis is the second largest city in the state of Tennessee, after Nashville. The state rests in the southeastern portion of the United States. Memphis, with a population of more than 651,000 (2019), is also the county seat for Shelby County. The city's claims to fame include Graceland, the mansion Elvis Presley lived in during his later years. Perhaps more importantly, Memphis is considered by many to be the home of blues music.
Top landmarks
•Graceland — mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, United States; former residence of Elvis Presley
•Blues Hall of Fame — award by Blues Foundation, since 2015 also a music museum in Memphis, Tennessee
•National Civil Rights Museum — hotel that was site of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., now a museum
The longest stretch is about 347.2 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 216 miles on day one.
Yes — we found about 34 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 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 34 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 216.3 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 218.4 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 221.7 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and Stones River National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 8.3 hours each way, a round trip means 16.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Memphis, TN before the return drive.
