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Trip from Jonesboro, AR to Tennessee, AR

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 1m

Distance

218.6 mi

352 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$33

one way

EV Charging

Fair

4 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 49m ★
6 AM
4h 2m
8 AM
4h 28m
10 AM
4h 11m
12 PM
4h 8m
3 PM
4h 12m
5 PM
4h 26m
8 PM
3h 54m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Trip Overview

If you are planning a trip from Jonesboro to Tennessee, Arkansas, expect a straightforward journey spanning 218.6 miles. You should budget approximately 4 hours and 1 minute of pure drive time, making this a manageable excursion for a single day. With fuel costs estimated at around $33, the trip is quite economical for a solo traveler or a small group. Since the route stays entirely within the southeast region of Arkansas, you will experience a consistent environment throughout the drive. It is a highway-focused itinerary that prioritizes efficiency over meandering backroads, ideal for those who prefer to reach their destination without unnecessary detours. Given the duration, you can easily complete this drive in one go, though planning for one stop will help keep you refreshed.

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

109.3 miles from Jonesboro, AR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 57m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 57 102.7 mi 1h 45m
I 530 43.9 mi 45m
Highway 530 22.9 mi 26m
US 425 15.7 mi 20m
US 78 12.5 mi 14m
Southwest Drive 7.4 mi 8m
US 167 4.9 mi 6m
West Gaines Avenue 2.6 mi 4m
Longest stretch: I 57 — 102.7 mi, about 1h 45m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Jonesboro, AR and Tennessee, AR.

1

Start on this road

75 ft · 7 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto Cate Avenue

458 ft · 25 sec · Cate Avenue
3

Turn left onto Union Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · Union Street
4

Turn left onto West Oak Avenue

257 ft · 9 sec · West Oak Avenue
5

Turn right onto South Main Street

0.9 mi · 1 min · South Main Street
6

Continue on AR 18

7.4 mi · 8 min · Southwest Drive
7

Continue on US 78; AR 226

13 mi · 14 min · US 78; AR 226
8

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 47 sec
9

Merge onto I 57

103 mi · 1 hr 45 min · I 57
10

Merge onto I 40; US 167

0.9 mi · 1 min · I 40; US 167
11

Take the exit onto US 167

4.9 mi · 6 min · US 167
Toward I 30 West, US 65 South, US 67 South, US 167 South: Little Rock
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 530; US 65; US 167

44 mi · 45 min · I 530; US 65; US 167
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 52 sec
Exit 44 Toward AR 530 South: Star City, Monticello
14

Continue on AR 530

23 mi · 26 min · Highway 530
15

At end of road, turn left onto AR 11

2.0 mi · 2 min · Highway 11
16

Turn right onto US 425

16 mi · 20 min · US 425
17

Take the exit

226 ft · 6 sec
18

Turn slight right onto US 278

2.6 mi · 4 min · West Gaines Avenue
19

Turn left onto Tennessee Spur Road

0.3 mi · 1 min · Tennessee Spur Road
20

Arrive at destination

Tennessee Spur Road

Trip Plan

To make the most of this four-hour drive, try to depart early in the morning to avoid any potential congestion during peak transit hours. Since the trip includes one planned stop, use that break strategically to refuel and stretch your legs, especially given the long 102.7-mile stretch on I-57. Because the fuel cost is approximately $33, you may find it helpful to fill up before hitting the interstate to maximize your efficiency. Keep an eye on your navigation as you transition from the interstate segments onto Highway 530, as this is where your driving environment will change the most. Having this flexibility allows you to customize your pace, ensuring you arrive in Tennessee, Arkansas, feeling ready for your next activity.

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 109.3 miles from Jonesboro, AR, or about 1h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 102.7 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 48 miles or 54m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 109.3 miles or 1h 57m 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 12m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tennessee, AR than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Jonesboro, AR 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 Jonesboro, AR

This is one driving day of about 218.6 miles and 4h 1m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Jonesboro, AR.
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 57 for about 102.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Pulaski County, Arkansas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Jacksonville, AR

109 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

McCrory, AR

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Jacksonville, AR

Meal break

The midpoint is around 109.3 miles from Jonesboro, AR, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 57 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 102.7 miles.

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

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · around the midpoint

The Purple Cow Restaurant (North Little Rock)

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

North Little Rock, Arkansas

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset · 2h 18m in / 1h 44m to go 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15019047269

Visit website

Leon's Catfish & Shrimp Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

1.8 mi

Sonic Drive-In

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Jonesboro, Arkansas

2.8 mi

Sonic Drive-In

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour Inexpensiv

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–10:30 pm

+18709357850

Visit website

The Purple Cow Restaurant (North Little Rock)

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

North Little Rock, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15019047269

Visit website

Leon's Catfish & Shrimp Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+18708793150

Visit website

Subway

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour Inexpensiv

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Hours: 9 am–10 pm

+18709728880

Visit website

Sonic Drive-In

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour Inexpensiv

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–10:30 pm

+18709316433

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

Jonesboro, Arkansas

+18668167584

Visit website

Craighead Forest Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+18709334604

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 21.5 and 198 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
21.5 mi into trip | ~26m in

Take the exit

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

5
125.5 mi into trip | ~2h 14m in | US 167

Take the exit onto US 167 toward I 30 West, US 65 South, US 67 South, US 167 South: Little Rock

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

Toward I 30 West, US 65 South, US 67 South, US...
6
130.4 mi into trip | ~2h 21m in | I 530; US 65; US 167

Keep slight left at fork onto I 530; US 65; US 167

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
6
174.3 mi into trip | ~3h 6m in

Take the exit toward AR 530 South: Star City, Monticello

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

Exit 44 Toward AR 530 South: Star City, Monticello
5
198 mi into trip | ~3h 34m in | AR 11 / Highway 11

At end of road, turn left onto AR 11 / Highway 11

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$33.01 one way

$66.03 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 77 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $36.24 $72.48
premium $4.56 $39.24 $78.47
diesel $5.61 $48.26 $96.53

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: 76.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 65.6 0 $22.95 $10.49
Efficient EV 54.7 0 $19.13 $8.74
EV Truck/SUV 87.4 1 $30.60 $13.99

Gas CO2

76 kg

EV CO2

26 kg (66% 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 Apr 17, 2026

Origin

Jonesboro, AR

Late night in Jonesboro on Tuesday

Local time

4:19 AM

CDT

Current temp

65°F

Partly Cloudy

S 5 mph 2% chance Live forecast

Destination

Tennessee, AR

Late night in Tennessee on Tuesday

Local time

4:19 AM

CDT

Current temp

80°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

77°F

Jacksonville, AR

109 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.

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

15 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 1m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

This 218.6-mile route is defined by its reliance on major transit corridors, with 94% of your time spent on highways. You will primarily navigate via I-57, I-530, and Highway 530, which provide a fast-paced environment for most of the trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 102.7 miles on I-57, so prepare for a significant period of steady, high-speed travel. Because the drive is heavily highway-focused, you can expect a consistent, predictable road surface that allows for steady progress. While the landscape remains familiar, the transition between interstate segments and Highway 530 creates a functional shift in your driving pace as you approach your destination.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 102.7 mi on I 57.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and I 530. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 21.5 miles in.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 218.6 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 21.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 125.5 miles (US 167): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 130.4 miles (I 530; US 65; US 167): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

378 ft 224 ft

Total Climb

282 ft

Total Descent

370 ft

Highest Point

378 ft

~209.5 mi in

Elevation Range

155 ft

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 Jonesboro, AR to Tennessee, AR, road signs begin pointing toward Monticello along the way.

Monticello

174.3 mi in | ~3h 6m

About the Cities

Starting in Jonesboro, AR

Full guide →

Jonesboro is a city in the Delta region of Arkansas.

Arriving in Tennessee, AR

Full guide →

Tennessee is a US state in the South known for its rich history, music, and the Appalachian Mountains along its eastern border. Many visitors come to see Elvis Presley's home, Graceland, or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 1m. Total distance: 218.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 102.7 miles on I 57. 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.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 21.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 125.5 miles (US 167): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 130.4 miles (I 530; US 65; US 167): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Tennessee, AR, but most travelers stay overnight.

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, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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