Spanning 281.3 miles across Tennessee, this trek from Lafayette to New South Memphis typically takes about 5 hours and 17 minutes of driving time. Because the route is straightforward and heavily reliant on major interstates, it is perfectly manageable as a one-day trip for most drivers. You should budget approximately $43 for fuel to complete the journey from the Southeast region to your destination. Since 95% of the trip is highway-focused, you will spend the vast majority of your time cruising at speed. Whether you are traveling for business or a visit, this route offers a practical, efficient path across the state.
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
140.6 miles from Lafayette, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 38m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
254.1 mi
4h 36m
Nashville Highway
4.8 mi
7m
Avron B Fogelman Expressway
4.5 mi
6m
W B Fowler Senior Expressway
3.7 mi
5m
SR 96
3.6 mi
6m
Downtown Loop
2.9 mi
3m
South Perkins Road
2.3 mi
3m
Sam Cooper Boulevard
1.6 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 254.1 mi, about 4h 36m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lafayette, TN and New South Memphis, TN.
1
Start on US 70N; SR 96
4.8 mi·7 min·Nashville Highway
2
Turn left onto SR 96
3.6 mi·6 min·SR 96
3
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·18 sec
4
Merge onto I 40
55 mi·58 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
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.
6
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.
7
Merge onto I 40
0.6 mi·52 sec·Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
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.
9
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.
10
Continue on Sam Cooper Boulevard
1.6 mi·2 min·Sam Cooper Boulevard
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·34 sec
Exit 9Toward Perkins RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Turn left onto North Perkins Road
1.1 mi·1 min·North Perkins Road
13
Continue on Perkins Extended
1.3 mi·2 min·Perkins Extended
14
Continue on South Perkins Road
2.3 mi·3 min·South Perkins Road
Use the straight lane.
15
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward I 240 West
16
Merge onto I 240
4.5 mi·6 min·Avron B Fogelman Expressway
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on I 240
3.7 mi·5 min·W B Fowler Senior Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.1 mi·13 sec
Exit 7Toward US 61: Vicksburg, Third StreetUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward US 61 North: Third StreetUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
20
Turn straight onto US 61
0.4 mi·36 sec·South Third Street
21
Arrive at destination
US 61
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour and 17-minute duration, plan to leave early in the morning to avoid peak traffic congestion near major urban hubs along the I-40 corridor. You only need to build in one primary stop to refuel and stretch your legs, which keeps your momentum high throughout the day. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during that long 254.1-mile interstate stretch to ensure you aren't forced to exit in an inconvenient spot. Because the drive is highly efficient, you have the flexibility to reach Memphis by the afternoon if you depart Lafayette shortly after sunrise. Prioritize maintaining a steady pace, as the high-speed nature of the highway segments makes this an ideal route for those who prefer to minimize their time behind the wheel.
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 140.6 miles from Lafayette, TN, or about 2h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 254.1 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 62 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 140.6 miles or 2h 38m 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 16m
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 Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, TN
This is one driving day of about 281.3 miles and 5h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 miles from Lafayette, 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 254.1 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 63.2 and 280.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
63.2 mi into trip|~1h 12m 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
65.3 mi into trip|~1h 15m 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
68.7 mi into trip|~1h 20m 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
280.6 mi into trip|~5h 15m 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
280.7 mi into trip|~5h 16m 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
$41.54 one way
$83.08 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg98 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$45.86
$91.72
premium
$4.72
$52.23
$104.46
diesel
$4.80
$53.11
$106.23
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$42
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 98.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
84.4
1
$29.54
$13.50
Efficient EV
70.3
0
$24.61
$11.25
EV Truck/SUV
112.5
1
$39.38
$18.00
Gas CO2
98 kg
EV CO2
33 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 18, 2026
Origin
Lafayette, TN
Late night
in Lafayette on Sunday
Local time
4:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
72°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
0 mph28% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 8:11PM CDT until July 17 at 9:45PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
Destination
New South Memphis, TN
Late night
in New South Memphis on Sunday
Local time
4:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Clear
WSW 0 to 5 mph5% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 8:11PM CDT until July 17 at 9:45PM 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.
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
3 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 17m 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...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 48.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a classic interstate experience on this drive, as the vast majority of your time is spent on high-speed thoroughfares. You will navigate the Nashville Highway before settling into a long, 254.1-mile stretch on I-40 that defines the character of the trip. As you transition from the local roads in Lafayette, the drive quickly evolves into a consistent, highway-focused grind. The final leg brings you onto the Avron B. Fogelman Expressway, moving you efficiently into the New South Memphis area. It is a no-nonsense route designed for making steady progress rather than winding through backroads.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 254.1 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Nashville Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 63.2 miles in near I 40.
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 14 significant decision points across 281.3 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 63.2 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 65.3 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 68.7 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
985 ft260 ft
Total Climb
470 ft
Total Descent
1,194 ft
Highest Point
985 ft
Elevation Range
725 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Lafayette, TN and New South Memphis, TN, road signs point toward Memphis and Louisville.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 17m. Total distance: 281.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 254.1 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 30 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 30 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 63.2 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 65.3 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 68.7 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Stones River National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.6 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.
