Crossing Tennessee from Madisonville to Collierville covers 361.7 miles of transit across the state. Expect to spend roughly 7 hours and 16 minutes behind the wheel, making this a long but manageable single-day commitment for those comfortable with extensive driving. You should budget approximately $55 for fuel to complete the journey. Because the route is highway-focused, you will maintain a steady pace throughout the trip. While it can be accomplished in one day, consider your stamina before heading out, as it is a significant stretch across the Southeast region. This route effectively links the eastern and western ends of the state, providing a direct path for travelers looking to traverse Tennessee efficiently.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
180.8 miles from Madisonville, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 34m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 72
92.1 mi
1h 50m
John T Reid Parkway
71.9 mi
1h 22m
US 72 Alternate
59.6 mi
1h 14m
I 75
46.7 mi
52m
I 24
33.3 mi
38m
North Cedar Avenue
17.8 mi
20m
Highway 72
9.5 mi
12m
US 411
9.3 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
US 72
— 92.1 mi, about 1h 50m
Traffic on I-24
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 9 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,974 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,367
Quietest
2 AM
~348 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Madisonville, TN and Collierville, TN.
1
Start on College Street South
8 ft·4 sec·College Street South
2
Turn right onto Warren Street
207 ft·8 sec·Warren Street
3
Turn right onto Tellico Street South
0.5 mi·1 min·Tellico Street South
4
Turn right onto US 411
9.3 mi·10 min·US 411
5
Turn right onto SR 39
374 ft·13 sec·Englewood Avenue
6
Continue on SR 39
228 ft·4 sec·Englewood Avenue
7
Continue on SR 39
0.1 mi·15 sec·Niota Avenue
8
Turn left onto SR 39
0.7 mi·1 min·Athens Pike
9
Continue on SR 39
4.9 mi·8 min·New Englewood Road
10
Turn right onto SR 30; SR 39
0.8 mi·1 min·South White Street
11
Continue on SR 30; SR 39
0.8 mi·1 min·Green Street
12
Continue on TN 30
3.4 mi·5 min·Decatur Pike
13
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·39 sec
14
Merge onto I 75
47 mi·52 min·I 75
Use the straight lane.
15
Take the exit
0.7 mi·56 sec
Toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, NashvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 24
33 mi·38 min·I 24
Toward Chattanooga, NashvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·33 sec
Exit 152AToward US 72 West: South Pittsburg
18
Continue on US 72
18 mi·20 min·North Cedar Avenue
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on US 72
0.8 mi·56 sec·Lee Highway
20
Continue on US 72
2.0 mi·2 min·John T Reid Parkway
21
Continue on US 72
2.0 mi·2 min·Lee Highway
22
Continue on US 72
70 mi·1 hr 20 min·John T Reid Parkway
23
Continue on US 72 Alternate; AL 20
3.5 mi·4 min·Huntsville-Decatur Highway
Use the right lane.
24
Continue on US 31; US 72 Alternate; AL 20
1.6 mi·2 min·Bee Line Highway
25
Keep slight right at fork onto US 72 Alternate; AL 20
60 mi·1 hr 14 min·US 72 Alternate; AL 20
Use the right lane.
26
Continue on US 72
22 mi·26 min·US 72
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Continue on US 72
1.5 mi·1 min·US 72
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Continue on US 72
9.5 mi·12 min·Highway 72
Use the straight / right lanes.
29
Continue on US 72
1.4 mi·2 min·US 72
Use the straight / right lanes.
30
Continue on US 72
44 mi·52 min·US 72
Use the straight / right lanes.
31
Enter roundabout onto US 72
155 ft·1 sec·US 72
Toward US 72 West: Memphis
32
Continue on US 72
13 mi·15 min·US 72
Toward US 72 West: MemphisUse the straight / right lanes.
33
Keep slight left at fork onto US 72
8.9 mi·11 min·US 72
Toward Collierville, MemphisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Continue on US 72
0.1 mi·13 sec·US 72
Use the straight lane.
35
Turn right onto South Center Street
0.7 mi·1 min·South Center Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
36
Turn right onto East South Street
432 ft·17 sec·East South Street
37
Turn left onto South Main Street
0.2 mi·36 sec·South Main Street
38
Turn left onto North Rowlett Street
71 ft·3 sec·North Rowlett Street
39
Arrive at destination
North Rowlett Street
Trip Plan
To tackle this 7-hour journey comfortably, aim for an early morning departure to avoid peak traffic congestion. Plan for at least two designated stops to stretch your legs and refresh, as the long stretches on US 72 can be fatiguing. Since the total trip is just over 360 miles, having your $55 fuel budget ready before you hit the road will keep your travel stress-free. Given the high highway percentage, keep a close watch on your speed and stay alert during that 92.1-mile primary stretch. Utilizing these two planned breaks will help you maintain your energy levels until you reach your final destination in Collierville.
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.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 180.8 miles from Madisonville, TN, or about 3h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 92.1 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 80 miles or 1h 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 180.8 miles or 3h 34m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 2m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Collierville, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Madisonville, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Madisonville, TN
This is one driving day of about 361.7 miles and 7h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Madisonville, TN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 72 for about 92.1 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 351.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|Warren Street
Turn right onto Warren Street
Navigation decision point
7
67.7 mi into trip|~1h 23m in
Take the exit toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, Nashville
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.
Toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, Nashville
6
199.5 mi into trip|~3h 56m in|US 72 Alternate; AL 20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 72 Alternate; AL 20
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
338.2 mi into trip|~6h 46m in|US 72
Enter roundabout onto US 72 toward US 72 West: Memphis
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Toward US 72 West: Memphis
8
351.7 mi into trip|~7h 1m in|US 72
Keep slight left at fork onto US 72 toward Collierville, Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Collierville, Memphis
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$53.41 one way
$106.83 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg127 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$58.97
$117.94
premium
$4.72
$67.16
$134.31
diesel
$4.80
$68.30
$136.59
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$53
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$78–$103
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 126.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
108.5
1
$37.98
$17.36
Efficient EV
90.4
1
$31.65
$14.47
EV Truck/SUV
144.7
1
$50.64
$23.15
Gas CO2
127 kg
EV CO2
42 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Madisonville, TN
Morning
in Madisonville on Sunday
Local time
7:26 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Patchy Fog
0 mph14% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Collierville, TN
Morning
in Collierville on Sunday
Local time
6:26 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Mostly Clear
0 mph1% chanceLive forecast
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
2 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
7h 16m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
With 89 percent of the journey spent on highways, this route is built for consistent progress rather than winding backroads. You will rely heavily on US 72, John T Reid Parkway, and US 72 Alternate to navigate the terrain. The longest uninterrupted stretch lasts for 92.1 miles on US 72, which demands steady focus and patience during the middle portion of your drive. Overall, the road maintains a professional, highway-focused character that minimizes the need for frequent navigation changes. You should be prepared for a drive that prioritizes speed and efficiency over technical or varied road conditions.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 92.1 mi on US 72.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 72 and John T Reid Parkway. You will hit about 19 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Warren Street.
Driving Effort6/10
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 361.7 miles you will encounter 19 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: near the start (Warren Street): Navigation decision point; at 67.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 199.5 miles (US 72 Alternate; AL 20): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
996 ft383 ft
Total Climb
220 ft
Total Descent
833 ft
Highest Point
996 ft
Elevation Range
613 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Madisonville, TN and Collierville, TN, road signs point toward Nashville and Chattanooga.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 16m. Total distance: 361.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 16m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 92.1 miles on US 72. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 20 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 Collierville, 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 20 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Warren Street): Navigation decision point; at 67.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 199.5 miles (US 72 Alternate; AL 20): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.3 hours each way, a round trip means 14.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Collierville, TN before the return drive.
