Newport, TN to Murfreesboro, TN is 229.6 miles and takes about 4h 15m via I 40 and Tennessee National Guard Parkway, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Tennessee, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. Given its relatively short duration and mostly highway profile, this route is a straightforward option for a single-day trip. 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
114.8 miles from Newport, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 7m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
199.7 mi
3h 38m
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
21 mi
22m
Northwest Broad Street
3.7 mi
5m
Cosby Highway
1.4 mi
1m
New Nashville Highway
0.8 mi
1m
East Broadway Street
0.3 mi
<1m
West Main Street
0.2 mi
<1m
South Public Square
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 199.7 mi, about 3h 38m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Newport, TN and Murfreesboro, TN.
1
Start on this road
56 ft·6 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto US 321
94 ft·5 sec·McMahan Avenue
3
Turn right onto US 25; US 70; US 321
0.3 mi·32 sec·East Broadway Street
4
Turn left onto US 321; SR 32
1.4 mi·1 min·Cosby Highway
Use the left lane.
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
6
Merge onto I 40
67 mi·1 hr 15 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
133 mi·2 hr 22 min·I 40
Toward NashvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
1.1 mi·1 min
Exit 235Toward I 840 West: Memphis, MurfreesboroUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 840
21 mi·22 min·Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 55A-BToward US 41, US 70S: Murfreesboro, SmyrnaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·54 sec
Exit 55AToward US 41 South, US 70S East: MurfreesbordUse the straight / slight left lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·1 min
13
Turn straight onto US 41; US 70S
0.8 mi·1 min·New Nashville Highway
14
Continue on US 41; US 70S
3.7 mi·5 min·Northwest Broad Street
15
Turn left onto West Main Street
0.2 mi·30 sec·West Main Street
16
Turn right onto South Maple Street
138 ft·4 sec·South Maple Street
17
Turn slight left onto South Public Square
467 ft·12 sec·South Public Square
18
Turn slight right onto East Main Street
47 ft·1 sec·East Main Street
19
Continue on East Main Street
347 ft·13 sec·East Main Street
20
Turn right onto South Spring Street
84 ft·3 sec·South Spring Street
21
Arrive at destination
South Spring Street
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour drive, leaving in the morning allows ample time to reach Murfreesboro before evening. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $35, the trip is budget-friendly. The longest stretch on I 40 is nearly 200 miles, so plan for a mid-drive break before reaching the end of the interstate segment. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility; however, consider that the transition from I 40 to surface streets like Tennessee National Guard Parkway might require a moment to adjust your speed and navigation.
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 114.8 miles from Newport, TN, or about 2h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 199.7 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 51 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 114.8 miles or 2h 7m 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 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Murfreesboro, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Newport, 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 Newport, TN
This is one driving day of about 229.6 miles and 4h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Newport, 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 199.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Home stretch
4.8 mi from route
~12 min detour
$10 to $20
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Hours: 6 AM–10 PM
+16159001755
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 224 — 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|US 25; US 70; US 321 / East Broadway Street
Turn right onto US 25; US 70; US 321 / East Broadway Street
Navigation decision point
7
68.9 mi into trip|~1h 18m 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
8
201.6 mi into trip|~3h 40m in
Take the exit toward I 840 West: Memphis, Murfreesboro
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 235
Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Murfreesboro
8
223.7 mi into trip|~4h 4m in
Take the exit toward US 41, US 70S: Murfreesboro, Smyrna
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 55A-B
Toward US 41, US 70S: Murfreesboro, Smyrna
9
224 mi into trip|~4h 5m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 41 South, US 70S East: Murfreesbord
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 55A
Toward US 41 South, US 70S East: Murfreesbord
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.30 one way
$76.60 round trip
$4.24/gal25.4 MPG avg80 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.62
$41.79
$83.58
premium
$5.25
$47.48
$94.97
diesel
$6.28
$56.73
$113.46
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
68.9
0
$24.11
$11.02
Efficient EV
57.4
0
$20.09
$9.18
EV Truck/SUV
91.8
1
$32.14
$14.69
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (66% 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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Newport, TN
Morning
in Newport on Thursday
Local time
7:35 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Sunny
N 0 to 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Murfreesboro, TN
Morning
in Murfreesboro on Thursday
Local time
6:35 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Sunny
S 0 to 5 mph0% 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.
Time zone
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
1 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 15m 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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 229.6
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...
28 mi from route
~69 min detour
Free
near mile 31.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is almost entirely highway, with 96% of the 229.6 miles on interstates. You'll experience a long stretch of 199.7 miles on I 40 before transitioning to surface roads. Expect frequent exits and merges as you traverse this largely interstate-based route. The final portion of your drive will be on Tennessee National Guard Parkway and Northwest Broad Street, offering a change from the high-speed interstate environment.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 199.7 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 US 25; US 70; US 321 / East Broadway Street.
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 229.6 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: near the start (US 25; US 70; US 321 / East Broadway Street): Navigation decision point; at 68.9 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 201.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,992 ft512 ft
Total Climb
1,697 ft
Total Descent
2,132 ft
Highest Point
1,992 ft
~122 mi in
Elevation Range
1,481 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 Newport, TN to Murfreesboro, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Nashville along the way.
Newport is a city in Tennessee with a history of bootlegging and a bit of desperation to make it out of poverty in Appalachia. Though it went through a lot of ups and downs over the years, there aren't a whole lot of singular attractions to visit here.
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 15m. Total distance: 229.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 15m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 199.7 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 28 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 Murfreesboro, 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 28 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 25; US 70; US 321 / East Broadway Street): Navigation decision point; at 68.9 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 201.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Murfreesboro, TN, but most travelers stay overnight.
