Spanning 408.2 miles across the state of Tennessee, this journey from Jellico to New South Memphis takes approximately 6 hours and 36 minutes of driving time. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a straight interstate shot, you should plan for a full day on the road. Budgeting about $62 for fuel is a smart move to keep your finances in check for the trip. While it can be accomplished as a single-day haul, the technical nature of the roads means you will need to stay sharp behind the wheel. Both your origin and destination sit firmly within the Southeast, offering a consistent regional feel as you traverse the state. This route is best suited for drivers who prefer navigating local roads over the monotony of major highways.
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
201.5 miles from Jellico, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 15m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
286.7 mi
5h 11m
Deer Lodge Highway East
21.8 mi
32m
Howard H Baker Highway
15.8 mi
24m
I 75
15.8 mi
16m
Scott Highway
10.1 mi
13m
Nashville Highway
9.7 mi
13m
Deer Lodge Highway
9.5 mi
16m
Morgan County Highway
5.3 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 286.7 mi, about 5h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jellico, TN and New South Memphis, TN.
1
Start on US 25W
68 ft·8 sec·North Main Street
2
Turn left onto US 25W
1.0 mi·1 min·5th Street
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·32 sec
Toward Knoxville
4
Merge onto I 75
16 mi·16 min·I 75
5
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward Stinking Creek Road
6
Turn left onto Stinking Creek Road
2.1 mi·5 min·Stinking Creek Road
7
Turn right onto SR 63
2.0 mi·2 min·Howard H. Baker Highway
8
Continue on SR 63
16 mi·24 min·Howard H Baker Highway
9
At end of road, turn left onto US 27
3.5 mi·4 min·Scott Highway
10
Continue on US 27
2.6 mi·4 min·Scott Highway
11
Continue on US 27
1.4 mi·1 min·Lon Foust Highway
12
Continue on US 27
4.0 mi·4 min·Scott Highway
13
Continue on US 27
5.3 mi·6 min·Morgan County Highway
14
Turn right onto SR 329
6.9 mi·12 min·Deer Lodge Highway
15
Continue on SR 329
0.2 mi·25 sec·Irving Street
16
Turn left onto SR 329
2.6 mi·4 min·Deer Lodge Highway
17
Continue on SR 62
9.7 mi·13 min·Nashville Highway
18
Continue on SR 62
22 mi·32 min·Deer Lodge Highway East
19
Turn straight onto SR 62
1.3 mi·2 min·East Commercial Avenue
20
Turn left onto SR 84
0.7 mi·58 sec·South Holly Street
21
Turn straight onto US 70N; SR 84
366 ft·7 sec·Monterey Highway
22
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
23
Merge onto I 40
87 mi·1 hr 34 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
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.
25
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.
26
Merge onto I 40
0.6 mi·52 sec·Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
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.
28
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.
29
Continue on Sam Cooper Boulevard
1.6 mi·2 min·Sam Cooper Boulevard
30
Take the exit
0.2 mi·34 sec
Exit 9Toward Perkins RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Turn left onto North Perkins Road
1.1 mi·1 min·North Perkins Road
32
Continue on Perkins Extended
1.3 mi·2 min·Perkins Extended
33
Continue on South Perkins Road
2.3 mi·3 min·South Perkins Road
Use the straight lane.
34
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward I 240 West
35
Merge onto I 240
4.5 mi·6 min·Avron B Fogelman Expressway
Use the straight lane.
36
Continue on I 240
3.7 mi·5 min·W B Fowler Senior Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Take the exit
0.1 mi·13 sec
Exit 7Toward US 61: Vicksburg, Third StreetUse the slight right lane.
38
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward US 61 North: Third StreetUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
39
Turn straight onto US 61
0.4 mi·36 sec·South Third Street
40
Arrive at destination
US 61
Trip Plan
Since the trip takes over 6.5 hours on local roads, leave as early as possible to avoid navigating technical turns after dark. You should plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel, which is a manageable pace given the total distance. Keep your $62 fuel budget in mind, as local roads often yield lower fuel efficiency compared to highway driving. Because this route focuses on local roads rather than interstates, be prepared for slower speeds and increased intersection traffic. A helpful tip for this specific drive is to map your turns carefully in advance, as the reliance on local thoroughfares like Stinking Creek Road requires more frequent navigation checks than a simple highway route.
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 201.5 miles from Jellico, TN, or about 4h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 286.7 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 89 miles or 2h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 201.5 miles or 4h 15m 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 201.5 miles or 4h 15m
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 6h 48m
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 Jellico, 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 Jellico, TN
Aim for roughly 202 miles and 4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into New South Memphis, TN
Aim for roughly 202 miles and 4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 89 miles from Jellico, 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 286.7 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 184.9 and 402.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
184.9 mi into trip|~3h 55m 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
187.1 mi into trip|~3h 58m 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
190.4 mi into trip|~4h 3m 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
402.3 mi into trip|~7h 58m 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
402.4 mi into trip|~7h 58m 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
$63.00 one way
$126.01 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg141 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$69.18
$138.35
premium
$4.89
$77.55
$155.11
diesel
$5.61
$88.98
$177.95
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$63
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$193–$303
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 141 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $42 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
120.9
1
$42.32
$19.34
Efficient EV
100.8
1
$35.26
$16.12
EV Truck/SUV
161.2
2
$56.42
$25.79
Gas CO2
141 kg
EV CO2
47 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
Jellico, TN
Night
in Jellico on Saturday
Local time
9:13 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
New South Memphis, TN
Evening
in New South Memphis on Saturday
Local time
8:13 PM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
N 10 to 15 mph90% chanceLive forecast
74°F
Lafayette, TN
202 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.
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
24 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 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.
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...
21 mi from route
~53 min detour
Free
near mile 166.8
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 departure from the typical interstate grind, as this 408.2-mile path relies on 5th Street, Knoxville, and Stinking Creek Road to reach your destination. With a 0% highway share, you will be navigating technical, turn-heavy local roads for the entire duration. This profile demands your full attention, as the lack of high-speed lanes means you will be constantly adjusting your pace through varying terrain. Because the route avoids major expressways, you won't encounter long, uninterrupted stretches of cruise-control driving. Instead, you will experience a more hands-on drive that keeps you engaged with the local landscape from start to finish.
77% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
40 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 286.7 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Deer Lodge Highway East. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 184.9 miles in near I 40.
Driving Effort10/10
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 23 significant decision points across 403 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 184.9 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 187.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 190.4 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Between Jellico, TN and New South Memphis, TN, road signs point toward Memphis and Louisville.
Memphis
187.1 mi in|~3h 58m|via I 40
Louisville
188.2 mi in|~4h|via I 40
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 286.7 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 202 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 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 34 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 184.9 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 187.1 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 190.4 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Stones River National Battlefield and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 8.0 hours each way, a round trip means 16.0 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.
