Crossing Tennessee from Monteagle to Memphis is a straightforward 293.6-mile journey that takes approximately 5 hours and 22 minutes to complete. Because this route is almost entirely highway-focused, it is easily manageable as a single-day trip. You will primarily utilize I-24, the Tennessee National Guard Parkway, and the long stretch of I-40 to reach your destination. Budgeting around $45 for fuel should cover your transit across the state. While both cities are located within the Southeast, the drive provides a clear transition from the mountainous terrain of the Monteagle area to the flatter landscape surrounding Memphis. It is a functional, efficient path that prioritizes speed and directness over scenic detours.
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
146.8 miles from Monteagle, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 41m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
178.1 mi
3h 14m
I 24
60 mi
1h 5m
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
53.7 mi
58m
West Main Street
0.3 mi
<1m
North 2nd Street
0.2 mi
<1m
Poplar Avenue
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 178.1 mi, about 3h 14m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Monteagle, TN and Memphis, TN.
1
Start on US 41
0.3 mi·37 sec·West Main Street
2
Turn slight left
304 ft·13 sec
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·20 sec
4
Merge onto I 24; US 64
60 mi·1 hr 5 min·I 24; US 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 74AToward I 840 West: Memphis, FranklinUse the right lane.
6
Merge onto I 840
54 mi·58 min·Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 40
165 mi·2 hr 58 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit onto I 40
0.1 mi·8 sec·I 40
Exit 10A-BToward I 240 West, I 40 West: Jackson Mississippi, Little Rock
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
11 mi·13 min·I 40
Exit 10BToward I 40 West: Little RockUse the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
2.1 mi·2 min·I 40
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 1AToward Second Street, Third StreetUse the slight right lane.
12
Continue on North 2nd Street
0.2 mi·30 sec·North 2nd Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Turn left onto Poplar Avenue
202 ft·4 sec·Poplar Avenue
14
Arrive at destination
Poplar Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour-plus duration, planning for at least one dedicated stop is essential to stay refreshed. Aim to head out early in the morning to bypass potential congestion as you approach the Memphis metro area. Since the majority of your travel is on I-40, be prepared for heavy truck traffic and maintain a steady pace throughout that long 178.1-mile segment. If you find your energy dipping, use that planned stop to refuel; the $45 estimate is a good baseline, but current local prices may vary. Flexibility is your greatest asset on this route, as the predictable highway layout allows you to adjust your departure time without significantly impacting your arrival expectations.
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 146.8 miles from Monteagle, TN, or about 2h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 178.1 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 65 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 146.8 miles or 2h 41m 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 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Memphis, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Monteagle, 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 Monteagle, TN
This is one driving day of about 293.6 miles and 5h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from Monteagle, 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 178.1 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 11
5 decision points cluster between mile 60.5 and 293.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
60.5 mi into trip|~1h 6m in
Take the exit toward I 840 West: Memphis, Franklin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 74A
Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Franklin
6
279.8 mi into trip|~5h 5m in|I 40
Take the exit onto I 40 toward I 240 West, I 40 West: Jackson Mississippi, Little Rock
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 10A-B
Toward I 240 West, I 40 West: Jackson Mississip...
8
279.9 mi into trip|~5h 5m in|I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 West: Little Rock
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 10B
Toward I 40 West: Little Rock
6
291.1 mi into trip|~5h 18m in|I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
8
293.2 mi into trip|~5h 21m in
Take the exit toward Second Street, 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 1A
Toward Second Street, Third Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.90 one way
$91.80 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg103 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$50.40
$100.79
premium
$4.89
$56.50
$113.00
diesel
$5.61
$64.82
$129.65
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$46
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
88.1
1
$30.83
$14.09
Efficient EV
73.4
0
$25.69
$11.74
EV Truck/SUV
117.4
1
$41.10
$18.79
Gas CO2
103 kg
EV CO2
34 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 15, 2026
Origin
Monteagle, TN
Late night
in Monteagle on Sunday
Local time
2:28 AM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Memphis, TN
Late night
in Memphis on Sunday
Local time
2:28 AM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live 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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
14 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
5h 22m 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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a high-speed, interstate-heavy experience, as 99% of your travel takes place on major highways. The route features a significant 178.1-mile stretch on I-40, which serves as the backbone of your journey. You will find that the road maintains a consistent, fast-paced character throughout the duration of the drive. The transition between I-24 and I-40 is relatively seamless, keeping the drive feeling professional and steady. While you won't encounter technical mountain passes or winding two-lane roads, the sheer length of the interstate segments requires sustained focus behind the wheel.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 178.1 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 24. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 60.5 miles in.
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 11 significant decision points across 293.6 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 60.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 279.8 miles (I 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 279.9 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.
On the drive from Monteagle, TN to Memphis, 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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 22m. Total distance: 293.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 178.1 miles on I 40. 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.
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 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 60.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 279.8 miles (I 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 279.9 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 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Memphis, TN before the return drive.
