Traveling from Harrogate to Murfreesboro covers 207.4 miles across the Southeast, typically taking about 3 hours and 56 minutes. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a straightforward interstate haul, it is best suited as a single-day trip. You should budget approximately $31 for fuel to complete the journey. Given the duration and the nature of the roads, you can easily manage this in one day without needing to book an overnight stay. It is a practical trek for those looking to navigate the interior of Tennessee while avoiding the heavy traffic associated with major cross-country interstates.
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
111 miles from Harrogate, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 22m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
112.3 mi
2h
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
21 mi
22m
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
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 112.3 mi, about 2h
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Harrogate, TN and Murfreesboro, 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
112 mi·2 hr·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Take the exit
1.1 mi·1 min
Exit 235Toward I 840 West: Memphis, MurfreesboroUse the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Continue on I 840
21 mi·22 min·Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 55A-BToward US 41, US 70S: Murfreesboro, SmyrnaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·54 sec
Exit 55AToward US 41 South, US 70S East: MurfreesbordUse the straight / slight left lanes.
36
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·1 min
37
Turn straight onto US 41; US 70S
0.8 mi·1 min·New Nashville Highway
38
Continue on US 41; US 70S
3.7 mi·5 min·Northwest Broad Street
39
Turn left onto West Main Street
0.2 mi·30 sec·West Main Street
40
Turn right onto South Maple Street
138 ft·4 sec·South Maple Street
41
Turn slight left onto South Public Square
467 ft·12 sec·South Public Square
42
Turn slight right onto East Main Street
47 ft·1 sec·East Main Street
43
Continue on East Main Street
347 ft·13 sec·East Main Street
44
Turn right onto South Spring Street
84 ft·3 sec·South Spring Street
45
Arrive at destination
South Spring Street
Trip Plan
Since the trip takes just under four hours, plan to leave early in the morning to maximize your time once you arrive in Murfreesboro. You only need to account for about one planned stop to keep your energy up during the drive. Keep in mind that because this route relies on local highways rather than interstates, your pace will be dictated by the road geometry and local traffic patterns. Factor the $31 fuel cost into your budget before you head out, and ensure your vehicle is ready for a route that demands frequent steering adjustments. Because the drive is relatively short and flexible, you have the freedom to adjust your departure time based on local traffic conditions.
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 111 miles from Harrogate, TN, or about 2h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 112.3 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 49 miles or 1h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111 miles or 2h 22m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 39m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Murfreesboro, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Harrogate, TN
This is one driving day of about 222.1 miles and 4h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Harrogate, 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 112.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Home stretch
4.8 mi from route
~12 min detour
$10 to $20
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Hours: 6 AM–10 PM
+16159001755
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 45 and 216.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
45 mi into trip|~53m in|I 75; US 25W
Take the exit onto I 75; US 25W toward US 25W South: Rocky Top, Lake City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 25W South: Rocky Top, Lake City
5
45.2 mi into trip|~53m in|I 75; US 25W
Keep slight right at fork onto I 75; US 25W
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
8
194.1 mi into trip|~3h 52m in
Take the exit toward I 840 West: Memphis, Murfreesboro
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 235
Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Murfreesboro
8
216.2 mi into trip|~4h 16m in
Take the exit toward US 41, US 70S: Murfreesboro, Smyrna
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 55A-B
Toward US 41, US 70S: Murfreesboro, Smyrna
9
216.4 mi into trip|~4h 16m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 41 South, US 70S East: Murfreesbord
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 55A
Toward US 41 South, US 70S East: Murfreesbord
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.80 one way
$65.60 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg78 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$36.21
$72.42
premium
$4.72
$41.24
$82.47
diesel
$4.80
$41.94
$83.87
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 77.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
66.6
0
$23.32
$10.66
Efficient EV
55.5
0
$19.43
$8.88
EV Truck/SUV
88.8
1
$31.09
$14.21
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 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
Harrogate, TN
Late night
in Harrogate on Sunday
Local time
2:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
87°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 5 mph49% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:07PM CDT until July 19 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis TN
Destination
Murfreesboro, TN
Late night
in Murfreesboro on Sunday
Local time
1:48 AM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
WNW 5 mph45% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:07PM CDT until July 19 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Memphis 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.
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
6 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
4h 26m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Stones River National Battlefield
National Battlefield
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 222.1
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a winding experience behind the wheel, as this route is categorized as a turn-heavy local drive. You will spend your time navigating via the Appalachian Highway, General Carl W Stiner Highway, and East Central Avenue. With a highway share of 0%, this journey lacks the monotonous, high-speed stretches of an interstate, meaning you will be actively managing your turns for the entire 207.4 miles. There is no long, uninterrupted straightaway, as the longest stretch on the Appalachian Highway is 0 miles. This creates a more engaging, hands-on driving experience that requires your full focus compared to a typical highway cruise.
63% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
45 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 112.3 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 45 miles in near I 75; US 25W.
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 20 significant decision points across 222.1 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 45 miles (I 75; US 25W): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 45.2 miles (I 75; US 25W): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 194.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,888 ft517 ft
Total Climb
1,202 ft
Total Descent
1,913 ft
Highest Point
1,888 ft
~126.9 mi in
Elevation Range
1,371 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 Murfreesboro, TN, road signs point toward Knoxville and Lake City.
Murfreesboro is a city in the Nashville metropolitan area of Middle Tennessee. It is the largest suburb of Nashville and the sixth largest city in Tennessee. Since the 1990s, Murfreesboro has been Tennessee's fastest growing major city and one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Murfreesboro is home to Middle Tennessee State University, the second largest undergraduate university in the state of Tennessee, with almost 23,000 students in 2014.
Top landmarks
•Fortress Rosecrans — fort in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
•Marymont — historic mansion in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 26m. Total distance: 222.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 26m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 112.3 miles on I 40. 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.
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 Murfreesboro, 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 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 45 miles (I 75; US 25W): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 45.2 miles (I 75; US 25W): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 194.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Stones River National Battlefield and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Murfreesboro, TN, but most travelers stay overnight.
