Rutledge, TN to Jackson, TN is 340.4 miles and takes about 6h 16m via I 40 and US 70, with a fuel budget near $53 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Tennessee, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. It's a straightforward trip that primarily uses major highways, making it a convenient option for a single-day excursion. You'll spend most of your time on Interstate 40, so expect standard highway conditions for the bulk of the travel.
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
170.2 miles from Rutledge, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 7m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
301.9 mi
5h 28m
Rutledge Pike
28.4 mi
32m
US 70
6 mi
8m
Downtown Loop
2.9 mi
3m
East Main Street
0.7 mi
1m
Marshall Avenue
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 301.9 mi, about 5h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rutledge, TN and Jackson, TN.
1
Start on Marshall Avenue
76 ft·7 sec·Marshall Avenue
2
Turn right onto US 11W; SR 1
28 mi·32 min·Rutledge Pike
3
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
4
Merge onto I 40
24 mi·27 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
155 mi·2 hr 46 min·I 40
Toward NashvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
6
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.
7
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.
8
Merge onto I 40
0.6 mi·52 sec·Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
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.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
121 mi·2 hr 10 min·I 40
Toward I 40 West: MemphisUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward US 70, US 412 East
12
Turn left onto US 70
4.2 mi·6 min·US 70
13
Turn left onto US 70
1.8 mi·2 min·US 70
14
Turn right onto East Main Street
0.7 mi·1 min·East Main Street
15
Arrive at destination
East Main Street
Trip Plan
Given the 6h 16m estimated drive time, leaving Rutledge in the morning should allow you to reach Jackson well before evening. The route's 90% highway composition means you can cover ground efficiently, but don't forget to factor in time for fuel and brief breaks. The longest stretch without a major road change is over 300 miles, so plan a stop before you feel fatigued. Consider filling up your tank before departing Rutledge, as fuel costs can fluctuate, and it's always good to start with a full tank on a drive of this length.
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 170.2 miles from Rutledge, TN, or about 3h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 301.9 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 75 miles or 1h 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 170.2 miles or 3h 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 5h 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jackson, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Rutledge, 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 Rutledge, TN
This is one driving day of about 340.4 miles and 6h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 75 miles from Rutledge, 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 301.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Final third
4.3 mi from route
~11 min detour
$1 to $10
Burns, Tennessee
Hours: 6 AM–2 PM
+12537782085
Petro Stopping Centers
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Cumberland County I-40 West Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
ONE9 Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Tennessee Visitor Center
0.2 mi from route
Cumberland County I-40 East Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.3 mi from route
Eco Travel Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Bay 2
1.2 mi from route
Bay 4
1.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.4 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
1.6 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.7 mi from 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 28.7 and 212.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
28.7 mi into trip|~33m in|I 40
Merge onto I 40
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
52.4 mi into trip|~1h 1m 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
207.2 mi into trip|~3h 47m 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
209.4 mi into trip|~3h 50m 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
7
212.7 mi into trip|~3h 55m in|I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 West: Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 40 West: Memphis
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$56.78 one way
$113.56 round trip
$4.24/gal25.4 MPG avg119 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$61.71
$123.43
premium
$5.26
$70.48
$140.96
diesel
$6.18
$82.81
$165.62
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$57
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$82–$107
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 119.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
102.1
1
$35.74
$16.34
Efficient EV
85.1
0
$29.79
$13.62
EV Truck/SUV
136.2
1
$47.66
$21.79
Gas CO2
119 kg
EV CO2
40 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 Oct 17, 2026
Origin
Rutledge, TN
Afternoon
in Rutledge on Saturday
Local time
3:00 PM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Mostly Cloudy
NW 5 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Jackson, TN
Afternoon
in Jackson on Saturday
Local time
2:00 PM
CDT
Current temp
45°F
Partly Cloudy
N 10 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
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 16m 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.
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...
21 mi from route
~54 min detour
Free
near mile 187.8
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is 90% highway, meaning you'll be on high-speed roads for the majority of the 340.4 miles. The longest uninterrupted stretch on I 40 is 301.9 miles. You'll transition from Rutledge Pike and potentially some local roads onto the interstate early on. Expect a dense pattern of exits and services along I 40 for most of the drive before eventually merging onto US 70 for the final segment.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 301.9 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Rutledge Pike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 28.7 miles in near I 40.
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 340.4 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 28.7 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 52.4 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 207.2 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,786 ft410 ft
Total Climb
1,357 ft
Total Descent
1,964 ft
Highest Point
1,786 ft
~97.3 mi in
Elevation Range
1,376 ft
Notable High Points
1,786 ft at ~97.3 miles+772 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Rutledge, TN and Jackson, TN, road signs point toward Nashville, Memphis and Louisville.
Jackson is a city in Western Tennessee that grew as a crossroads between various railroads in the four cardinal directions. It was the major commerce center of western Tennessee around the time of its founding in 1821 because Memphis had yet to emerge as a dominant community. Jackson hasn't been without its fair share of trials and travails as it knew the systemic ordeals of slavery for cotton production and lynchings and disenfranchisement as well as other places did in the South, plus high crime and tornadoes.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 16m. Total distance: 340.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 16m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 301.9 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 37 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 Jackson, 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 37 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 28.7 miles (I 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 52.4 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 207.2 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 Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.3 hours each way, a round trip means 12.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Jackson, TN before the return drive.
