New South Memphis, TN to East Ridge, TN is 314.9 miles and takes about 6h 18m via US 72 and I-565/I-24, with a fuel budget near $56 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region, specifically traversing Tennessee for its entirety. Expect a predominantly highway experience, making it a straightforward drive. It's a solid choice if you're looking for a direct connection between these two points without much fuss.
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
157.4 miles from New South Memphis, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 11m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 72
123.3 mi
2h 28m
I 565
92.8 mi
1h 46m
I 24
31 mi
35m
Joe Wheeler Highway
20.2 mi
24m
Bill Morris Parkway
13.9 mi
17m
US 72 Alternate
8.6 mi
12m
Wheeler Highway
8.4 mi
9m
Avron B Fogelman Expressway
6 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
US 72
— 123.3 mi, about 2h 28m
Traffic on I-565
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 80 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,964 veh/hr typical
Quietest
1 AM
~195 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
20.3×
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 New South Memphis, TN and East Ridge, TN.
1
Start on US 61
0.5 mi·49 sec·South Third Street
2
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward I 55 South, I 240 East: Nashville, Jackson Miss
3
Merge onto I 55
3.9 mi·5 min·W B Fowler Senior Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Continue on I 240
6.0 mi·8 min·Avron B Fogelman Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.7 mi·55 sec
Exit 16Toward SR 385 East: Bill Morris Parkway, Collierville, Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on TN 385
14 mi·17 min·Bill Morris Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·29 sec
Toward US 72: Collierville, CorinthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·10 sec
Toward US 72 East: CorinthUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto US 72
22 mi·26 min·US 72
Use the straight lane.
10
Enter roundabout onto US 72
153 ft·1 sec·US 72
Toward US 72 East: Corinth
11
Continue on US 72
57 mi·1 hr 9 min·US 72
Toward US 72 East: CorinthUse the straight / right lanes.
12
Continue on US 72
0.2 mi·17 sec·US 72
13
Continue on US 72
44 mi·52 min·US 72
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto US 72 Alternate; AL 20
8.4 mi·9 min·Wheeler Highway
Toward Decatur, Joe Wheeler State ParkUse the straight / slight left lanes.
15
Continue on US 72 Alternate; AL 20
20 mi·24 min·Joe Wheeler Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Continue on US 72 Alternate; AL 20
8.6 mi·12 min·US 72 Alternate; AL 20
Use the straight lane.
17
Turn left onto US 31; US 72 Alternate; AL 20
1.8 mi·2 min·6th Avenue Northeast
Use the left lane.
18
Continue on US 72 Alternate; AL 20
3.0 mi·3 min·Huntsville-Decatur Highway
Toward HuntsvilleUse the left lane.
19
Continue on I 565; US 72 Alternate
93 mi·1 hr 46 min·I 565; US 72 Alternate
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward I-24 East: Chattanooga
21
Merge onto I 24
31 mi·35 min·I 24
22
Arrive at destination
I 24
Trip Plan
Given the 6h 18m estimated drive time, you can comfortably complete this trip in a single day. Aim to leave in the morning to maximize daylight and avoid potential rush hour congestion in Memphis and Chattanooga. With a fuel cost estimated at $56, plan to refuel before you depart or at a convenient point midway. The longest stretch of highway is over 123 miles, so ensure you have snacks and drinks, or plan a brief stop before you hit that segment.
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 157.4 miles from New South Memphis, TN, or about 3h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 123.3 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 69 miles or 1h 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 157.4 miles or 3h 11m 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 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near East Ridge, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving New South 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 New South Memphis, TN
This is one driving day of about 314.9 miles and 6h 18m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 69 miles from New South 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 US 72 for about 123.3 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 0.7 and 148.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.7 mi into trip|~1m in|I 55 / W B Fowler Senior Expressway
Merge onto I 55 / W B Fowler Senior Expressway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
10.6 mi into trip|~14m in
Take the exit toward SR 385 East: Bill Morris Parkway, Collierville,
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.
Exit 16
Toward SR 385 East: Bill Morris Parkway, Collie...
7
25.2 mi into trip|~32m in
Take the exit toward US 72: Collierville, Corinth
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 72: Collierville, Corinth
8
25.5 mi into trip|~33m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 72 East: Corinth
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward US 72 East: Corinth
8
148.9 mi into trip|~3h 1m in|US 72 Alternate; AL 20 / Wheeler Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 72 Alternate; AL 20 / Wheeler Highway toward Decatur, Joe Wheeler State Park
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward Decatur, Joe Wheeler State Park
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.50 one way
$93.01 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg110 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$51.34
$102.68
premium
$4.72
$58.47
$116.93
diesel
$4.80
$59.46
$118.92
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$47
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 110.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
94.5
1
$33.06
$15.12
Efficient EV
78.7
0
$27.55
$12.60
EV Truck/SUV
126
1
$44.09
$20.15
Gas CO2
110 kg
EV CO2
37 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
New South Memphis, TN
Night
in New South Memphis on Saturday
Local time
10:34 PM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Sunny
WNW 5 to 10 mph8% chanceLive forecast
Destination
East Ridge, TN
Night
in East Ridge on Saturday
Local time
11:34 PM
EDT
Current temp
91°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 5 mph49% chanceLive forecast
92°F
Decatur, AL
157 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
2 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 18m 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?
This route is 89% highway, so you'll be on high-speed roads for most of the 314.9 miles. The longest stretch without a significant break from highway driving is 123.3 miles on US 72. You'll notice plenty of exits and merging traffic as you transition between different highway segments, especially on I-565 and I-24.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 123.3 mi on US 72.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 72 and I 565. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in near I 55 / W B Fowler Senior Expressway.
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 13 significant decision points across 314.9 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 0.7 miles (I 55 / W B Fowler Senior Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
783 ft260 ft
Total Climb
795 ft
Total Descent
273 ft
Highest Point
783 ft
~314.9 mi in
Elevation Range
523 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between New South Memphis, TN and East Ridge, TN, road signs point toward Corinth, Decatur, Joe Wheeler State Park and Huntsville.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 18m. Total distance: 314.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 18m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 123.3 miles on US 72. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 16 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 East Ridge, 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 16 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.7 miles (I 55 / W B Fowler Senior Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.3 hours each way, a round trip means 12.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at East Ridge, TN before the return drive.
