This 537.7-mile journey from Mountain City, TN to New South Memphis, TN will take approximately 9 hours and 55 minutes of driving time. Given the distance and duration, it's best planned as a two-day trip, especially since the longest uninterrupted stretch is a significant 407.1 miles on I-40. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $82. You'll primarily be navigating on I-40 and I-81, with a portion of the Daniel Boone Trail included. This route traverses the Southeast region, staying within Tennessee for the entire trip. It's a long-distance drive that requires some planning to break up comfortably.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
268.9 miles from Mountain City, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 55m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
407.1 mi
7h 23m
I 81
69.2 mi
1h 14m
Daniel Boone Trail
18.2 mi
20m
Tennessee Ernie Ford Parkway
13 mi
15m
North Shady Street
11 mi
12m
Avron B Fogelman Expressway
4.5 mi
6m
W B Fowler Senior Expressway
3.7 mi
5m
Downtown Loop
2.9 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 407.1 mi, about 7h 23m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mountain City, TN and New South Memphis, TN.
1
Start on SR 418
0.3 mi·32 sec·West Main Street
2
Turn right onto US 421
11 mi·12 min·North Shady Street
3
Continue on US 421
18 mi·20 min·Daniel Boone Trail
4
Turn left onto TN 394
13 mi·15 min·Tennessee Ernie Ford Parkway
Use the straight lane.
5
Turn left
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward I 81 SouthUse the left lane.
6
Merge onto I 81
68 mi·1 hr 13 min·I 81
7
Continue on I 81
0.7 mi·45 sec·I 81
Exit 1BToward I 40 West: Knoxville
8
Merge onto I 40
53 mi·59 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
155 mi·2 hr 46 min·I 40
Toward NashvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
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.
11
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.
12
Merge onto I 40
0.6 mi·52 sec·Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
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.
14
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.
15
Continue on Sam Cooper Boulevard
1.6 mi·2 min·Sam Cooper Boulevard
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·34 sec
Exit 9Toward Perkins RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Turn left onto North Perkins Road
1.1 mi·1 min·North Perkins Road
18
Continue on Perkins Extended
1.3 mi·2 min·Perkins Extended
19
Continue on South Perkins Road
2.3 mi·3 min·South Perkins Road
Use the straight lane.
20
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward I 240 West
21
Merge onto I 240
4.5 mi·6 min·Avron B Fogelman Expressway
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on I 240
3.7 mi·5 min·W B Fowler Senior Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.1 mi·13 sec
Exit 7Toward US 61: Vicksburg, Third StreetUse the slight right lane.
24
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward US 61 North: Third StreetUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
25
Turn straight onto US 61
0.4 mi·36 sec·South Third Street
26
Arrive at destination
US 61
Trip Plan
For this 9-hour and 55-minute drive, consider splitting the trip into two days to avoid fatigue. Aim to depart early in the morning to maximize daylight hours and allow for ample stops. With 537.7 miles to cover, plan for at least two stops for fuel and rest; the longest stretch without a break is over 400 miles. The estimated fuel cost is $82, so factor that into your budget. A practical tip for this route is to be aware of potential traffic congestion around larger cities, particularly as you approach Memphis.
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.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 268.9 miles from Mountain City, TN, or about 4h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 407.1 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 118 miles or 2h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 268.9 miles or 4h 55m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 268.9 miles or 4h 55m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 8h 44m
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 Mountain City, 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.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Mountain City, TN
Aim for roughly 269 miles and 5 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into New South Memphis, TN
Aim for roughly 269 miles and 5 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 118 miles from Mountain City, TN.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 407.1 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 164.8 and 537.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
164.8 mi into trip|~3h 3m in|I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward Nashville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Nashville
9
319.6 mi into trip|~5h 50m 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
321.8 mi into trip|~5h 53m 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
8
537 mi into trip|~9h 53m 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
537.1 mi into trip|~9h 54m 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
$84.06 one way
$168.13 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg188 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$92.30
$184.60
premium
$4.89
$103.48
$206.95
diesel
$5.61
$118.72
$237.43
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$84
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$214–$324
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 188.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $56 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
161.3
1
$56.46
$25.81
Efficient EV
134.4
1
$47.05
$21.51
EV Truck/SUV
215.1
2
$75.28
$34.41
Gas CO2
188 kg
EV CO2
63 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 Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Mountain City, TN
Night
in Mountain City on Saturday
Local time
9:14 PM
EDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
Destination
New South Memphis, TN
Evening
in New South Memphis on Saturday
Local time
8:14 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Partly Cloudy
SSW 10 to 15 mph20% 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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
Time zone
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Road read
9h 55m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
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...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 296.7
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of it...
29 mi from route
~72 min detour
Free
near mile 129.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with a 93% highway share, so expect long stretches of consistent speed. The majority of your time will be spent on interstates like I-40 and I-81, making for a straightforward, albeit long, travel experience. The longest uninterrupted segment covers 407.1 miles on I-40, highlighting the need to be prepared for extended periods on this major artery. While the core of the drive is interstate, the inclusion of the Daniel Boone Trail may offer a slight variation in scenery and road feel for a portion of your journey.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 407.1 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 164.8 miles in near I 40.
Driving Effort9/10
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 17 significant decision points across 537.7 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 164.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 319.6 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 321.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,421 ft260 ft
Total Climb
1,197 ft
Total Descent
3,357 ft
Highest Point
2,421 ft
Elevation Range
2,160 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Mountain City, TN and New South Memphis, TN, road signs point toward Nashville, Memphis and Louisville.
Nashville
164.8 mi in|~3h 3m|via I 40
Memphis
321.8 mi in|~5h 53m|via I 40
Louisville
322.8 mi in|~5h 55m|via I 40
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 407.1 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 269 miles on day one.
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 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 164.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 319.6 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 321.8 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Stones River National Battlefield and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 9.9 hours each way, a round trip means 19.8 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.
