Memphis to South Cleveland is 367.4 miles and takes about 6h 50m via I 40 and I 24, with a fuel budget near $65 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Tennessee, moving from the western part of the state to the southeastern corner. It's a straightforward drive that's best suited for a single day of travel. You'll spend most of your time on major interstates, making it a practical choice for getting from point A to point B 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
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
183.7 miles from Memphis, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 22m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
178.5 mi
3h 15m
I 24
110 mi
2h 3m
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
52.2 mi
55m
I 75
18.4 mi
22m
US 74
4.4 mi
4m
Dalton Pike Southeast
0.4 mi
<1m
Dalton Pk
0.2 mi
<1m
North B. B. King Boulevard
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 178.5 mi, about 3h 15m
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 Memphis, TN and South Cleveland, TN.
1
Start on Poplar Avenue
190 ft·11 sec·Poplar Avenue
2
Turn left onto North B. B. King Boulevard
0.2 mi·33 sec·North B. B. King Boulevard
Use the left lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward I 40 EastUse the right lane.
4
Merge onto I 40
12 mi·14 min·I 40
Use the straight lane.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
167 mi·3 hr·I 40
Toward I 40 East: Nashville, KnoxvilleUse the slight left / straight lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 840 East: Knoxville, Franklin
7
Merge onto I 840
52 mi·55 min·Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.8 mi·2 min
Exit 53AToward I 24 East: ChattanoogaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 24
110 mi·2 hr 3 min·I 24
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 185 BToward I 75 North: KnoxvilleUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 75
18 mi·22 min·I 75
Use the straight lane.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·20 sec
Exit 20Toward US 64 Bypass East: Cleveland
13
Keep slight left at fork
281 ft·9 sec
Exit 20Toward US 64 Bypass East: Cleveland
14
Turn right onto US 74
4.4 mi·4 min·US 74
15
Take the exit
375 ft·12 sec
16
Turn left onto King Street Southeast
233 ft·8 sec·King Street Southeast
17
Turn right
115 ft·3 sec
18
Continue on this road
490 ft·19 sec·this road
19
Turn left onto Dalton Pike Southeast
0.4 mi·43 sec·Dalton Pike Southeast
20
Continue on Dalton Pk
0.2 mi·29 sec·Dalton Pk
21
Turn left
35 ft·4 sec
22
Turn right
83 ft·6 sec
23
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 6h 50m estimated driving time, departing Memphis in the morning allows ample time to reach South Cleveland before evening. The route includes only one recommended stop, but with the drive being manageable in a single day, you can be flexible with breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 178.5-mile stretch on I 40, as services might be less frequent in certain sections. The total fuel cost is estimated at $65, so plan accordingly.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 183.7 miles from Memphis, TN, or about 3h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 178.5 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 81 miles or 1h 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 183.7 miles or 3h 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 5h 39m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near South Cleveland, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Memphis, 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 Memphis, TN
This is one driving day of about 367.4 miles and 6h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 81 miles from Memphis, 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 178.5 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 342.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0 mi into trip|~0m in|North B. B. King Boulevard
Turn left onto North B. B. King Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
0.3 mi into trip|~0m in
Take the ramp toward I 40 East
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 40 East
8
12.3 mi into trip|~15m in|I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 East: Nashville, Knoxville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward I 40 East: Nashville, Knoxville
7
231.8 mi into trip|~4h 13m in
Take the exit toward I 24 East: Chattanooga
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 53A
Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga
8
342.6 mi into trip|~6h 19m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 75 North: Knoxville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 185 B
Toward I 75 North: Knoxville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$61.08 one way
$122.17 round trip
$4.22/gal25.4 MPG avg129 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$66.54
$133.07
premium
$5.18
$74.97
$149.94
diesel
$5.35
$77.39
$154.77
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$61
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$86–$111
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 128.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
110.2
1
$38.58
$17.64
Efficient EV
91.9
1
$32.15
$14.70
EV Truck/SUV
147
1
$51.44
$23.51
Gas CO2
129 kg
EV CO2
43 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 Jun 2, 2026
Origin
Memphis, TN
Afternoon
in Memphis on Wednesday
Local time
2:06 PM
CDT
Current temp
85°F
Mostly Sunny
NE 10 to 15 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued June 2 at 5:49PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
Destination
South Cleveland, TN
Afternoon
in South Cleveland on Wednesday
Local time
3:06 PM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Mostly Clear
NE 0 to 10 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued June 2 at 5:49PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
68°F
Brentwood Estates, TN
184 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
1 hour later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
30 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 50m 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.
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...
6 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 228.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect to be on highways for virtually the entire 367.4-mile trip, with a 99% highway share. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 178.5 miles on I 40. After this, you'll transition to I 24 and then Tennessee National Guard Parkway, which are also highway segments. You'll notice a consistent flow of traffic and numerous exit opportunities throughout the drive.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 178.5 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 24. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near North B. B. King Boulevard.
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 19 significant decision points across 367.4 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: near the start (North B. B. King Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 12.3 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,331 ft258 ft
Total Climb
1,602 ft
Total Descent
931 ft
Highest Point
1,331 ft
~288.7 mi in
Elevation Range
1,072 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 Memphis, TN to South Cleveland, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Franklin along the way.
Memphis is the second largest city in the state of Tennessee, after Nashville. The state rests in the southeastern portion of the United States. Memphis, with a population of more than 651,000 (2019), is also the county seat for Shelby County. The city's claims to fame include Graceland, the mansion Elvis Presley lived in during his later years. Perhaps more importantly, Memphis is considered by many to be the home of blues music.
Top landmarks
•Graceland — mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, United States; former residence of Elvis Presley
•Blues Hall of Fame — award by Blues Foundation, since 2015 also a music museum in Memphis, Tennessee
•National Civil Rights Museum — hotel that was site of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., now a museum
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 50m. Total distance: 367.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 50m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 178.5 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 South Cleveland, 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 34 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (North B. B. King Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 12.3 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Stones River National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.8 hours each way, a round trip means 13.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at South Cleveland, TN before the return drive.
