Murfreesboro, TN to Tazewell, TN is 224.3 miles and takes about 4h 28m via I 40 and Maynardville Highway, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Tennessee, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. With 80% of the route on highways, expect a relatively straightforward trip. It's a good option if you're looking for a direct drive between these two points without needing an overnight stay.
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
112.2 miles from Murfreesboro, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 6m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
149.1 mi
2h 42m
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
20.9 mi
22m
Maynardville Highway
16.7 mi
24m
Highway 33 South
10.1 mi
15m
Maynardville Pike
8.7 mi
13m
Knoxville Bypass
6.3 mi
7m
Northwest Broad Street
3.7 mi
5m
South Broad Street
2.8 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 149.1 mi, about 2h 42m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Murfreesboro, TN and Tazewell, TN.
1
Start on South Spring Street
84 ft·11 sec·South Spring Street
2
Turn left onto East Main Street
347 ft·9 sec·East Main Street
3
Turn right onto North Church Street
115 ft·3 sec·North Church Street
4
Turn slight left onto North Public Square
393 ft·11 sec·North Public Square
Use the left lane.
5
Turn slight right onto West Main Street
0.2 mi·36 sec·West Main Street
6
Turn right onto US 41; US 70S; US 231
3.7 mi·5 min·Northwest Broad Street
7
Continue on US 41; US 70S
0.9 mi·1 min·New Nashville Highway
8
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 840 East: Knoxville
9
Merge onto I 840
21 mi·22 min·Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 76AToward I 40 East: Knoxville, LebanonUse the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto I 40
149 mi·2 hr 42 min·I 40
Use the straight / right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 75
6.3 mi·7 min·Knoxville Bypass
Exit 385Toward I 75 North, I 640 East: LexingtonUse the slight right lane.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward US 441: Old Broadway, BroadwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Turn left onto US 441
2.7 mi·4 min·North Broadway
15
Continue on US 441
8.7 mi·13 min·Maynardville Pike
Use the left lane.
16
Continue on SR 33
5.4 mi·8 min·Maynardville Highway
17
Continue on SR 33; SR 61; SR 144
0.3 mi·27 sec·Main Street
18
Continue on SR 33; SR 61
11 mi·16 min·Maynardville Highway
19
Continue on SR 33
10 mi·15 min·Highway 33 South
20
Continue on SR 33
2.8 mi·4 min·South Broad Street
21
Turn left onto Montgomery Street
235 ft·12 sec·Montgomery Street
22
Turn right onto Main Street
196 ft·8 sec·Main Street
23
Arrive at destination
Main Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 28m estimated drive time, you can comfortably complete this trip in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed pace. The longest stretch without a planned stop is 149.1 miles on I 40, so ensure you have enough fuel before embarking on that segment. While the $35 fuel cost is an estimate, it's wise to check current prices. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in timing your breaks, but consider stopping around the halfway point for refreshment.
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 112.2 miles from Murfreesboro, TN, or about 2h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 149.1 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 49 miles or 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 112.2 miles or 2h 6m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tazewell, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Murfreesboro, 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 Murfreesboro, TN
This is one driving day of about 224.3 miles and 4h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Murfreesboro, 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 149.1 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 182.6 — 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|East Main Street
Turn left onto East Main Street
Navigation decision point
5
5.7 mi into trip|~9m in|I 840 / Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Merge onto I 840 / Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
26.6 mi into trip|~32m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 40 East: Knoxville, Lebanon
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 76A
Toward I 40 East: Knoxville, Lebanon
9
176.4 mi into trip|~3h 15m in|I 75 / Knoxville Bypass
Keep slight right at fork onto I 75 / Knoxville Bypass toward I 75 North, I 640 East: Lexington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 385
Toward I 75 North, I 640 East: Lexington
7
182.6 mi into trip|~3h 23m in
Take the exit toward US 441: Old Broadway, Broadway
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 US 441: Old Broadway, Broadway
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.12 one way
$66.25 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg79 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$36.57
$73.14
premium
$4.72
$41.65
$83.29
diesel
$4.80
$42.35
$84.70
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
67.3
0
$23.55
$10.77
Efficient EV
56.1
0
$19.63
$8.97
EV Truck/SUV
89.7
1
$31.40
$14.36
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Murfreesboro, TN
Late night
in Murfreesboro on Sunday
Local time
1:38 AM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
WNW 5 mph45% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 2:09PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 3:02PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
Destination
Tazewell, TN
Late night
in Tazewell on Sunday
Local time
2:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
W 5 mph60% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 2:09PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 3:02PM EDT by NWS Morristown 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
1 hour later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
7 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
4h 28m 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...
Cumberland Gap was the first great gateway to the west. Come follow the path of bison, Native Americans, longhunters, and pioneers. Walk where 300,000 people crossed the Appalachians to settle America...
12 mi from route
~30 min detour
Free
near mile 224.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 80% of your time on highways, which means a good portion of this 224.3-mile trip will involve higher speeds and fewer turns. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 149.1 miles on I 40. After that, you'll transition to surface roads like Maynardville Highway for the remainder of the drive, so be prepared for a change in pace and potentially more local traffic as you approach your destination.
80% 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: 149.1 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Tennessee National Guard Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near East Main Street.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 224.3 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: near the start (East Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 5.7 miles (I 840 / Tennessee National Guard Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 26.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,030 ft514 ft
Total Climb
2,081 ft
Total Descent
1,335 ft
Highest Point
2,030 ft
~96.1 mi in
Elevation Range
1,516 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Murfreesboro, TN and Tazewell, TN, road signs point toward Lebanon and Broadway.
Murfreesboro is a city in the Nashville metropolitan area of Middle Tennessee. It is the largest suburb of Nashville and the sixth largest city in Tennessee. Since the 1990s, Murfreesboro has been Tennessee's fastest growing major city and one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Murfreesboro is home to Middle Tennessee State University, the second largest undergraduate university in the state of Tennessee, with almost 23,000 students in 2014.
Top landmarks
•Fortress Rosecrans — fort in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
•Marymont — historic mansion in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 28m. Total distance: 224.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 149.1 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 19 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 Tazewell, 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 19 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (East Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 5.7 miles (I 840 / Tennessee National Guard Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 26.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Stones River National Battlefield and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Tazewell, TN, but most travelers stay overnight.
