Rutledge, TN to Murfreesboro, TN is 213 miles and takes about 3h 58m via I 40 and Rutledge Pike, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Southeast region and entirely within Tennessee, making it a straightforward trip. With 83% of the route on highways, you'll spend most of your time on faster roads. It's a relatively short drive, so you have flexibility in planning your departure and any stops.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
106.5 miles from Rutledge, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 59m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
156.3 mi
2h 50m
Rutledge Pike
28.4 mi
32m
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
21 mi
22m
Northwest Broad Street
3.7 mi
5m
New Nashville Highway
0.8 mi
1m
West Main Street
0.2 mi
<1m
South Public Square
<0.1 mi
<1m
East Main Street
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 156.3 mi, about 2h 50m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rutledge, TN and Murfreesboro, 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
133 mi·2 hr 22 min·I 40
Toward NashvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
1.1 mi·1 min
Exit 235Toward I 840 West: Memphis, MurfreesboroUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 840
21 mi·22 min·Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 55A-BToward US 41, US 70S: Murfreesboro, SmyrnaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·54 sec
Exit 55AToward US 41 South, US 70S East: MurfreesbordUse the straight / slight left lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·1 min
11
Turn straight onto US 41; US 70S
0.8 mi·1 min·New Nashville Highway
12
Continue on US 41; US 70S
3.7 mi·5 min·Northwest Broad Street
13
Turn left onto West Main Street
0.2 mi·30 sec·West Main Street
14
Turn right onto South Maple Street
138 ft·4 sec·South Maple Street
15
Turn slight left onto South Public Square
467 ft·12 sec·South Public Square
16
Turn slight right onto East Main Street
47 ft·1 sec·East Main Street
17
Continue on East Main Street
347 ft·13 sec·East Main Street
18
Turn right onto South Spring Street
84 ft·3 sec·South Spring Street
19
Arrive at destination
South Spring Street
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour 58-minute drive time, you can comfortably complete this trip in a single day. Leaving in the morning will give you ample time to reach Murfreesboro before evening. Plan for just one stop, as the longest stretch between potential services is 156.3 miles on I 40. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially on the highway segments, as service areas can sometimes be spread out. The relatively short distance means you don't need to rush, allowing for a relaxed pace.
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 106.5 miles from Rutledge, TN, or about 1h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 156.3 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 47 miles or 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 106.5 miles or 1h 59m 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 12m
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 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 213 miles and 3h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 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 156.3 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 11
5 decision points cluster between mile 28.7 and 207.4 — 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
8
185.1 mi into trip|~3h 23m 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
207.2 mi into trip|~3h 47m 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
207.4 mi into trip|~3h 47m 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
$31.46 one way
$62.91 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg75 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$34.73
$69.45
premium
$4.72
$39.55
$79.10
diesel
$4.80
$40.22
$80.44
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.9
0
$22.37
$10.22
Efficient EV
53.3
0
$18.64
$8.52
EV Truck/SUV
85.2
1
$29.82
$13.63
Gas CO2
75 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Rutledge, TN
Late night
in Rutledge on Sunday
Local time
4:15 AM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 0 to 5 mph48% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 6:07PM CDT by NWS Huntsville AL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 5:50PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
Destination
Murfreesboro, TN
Late night
in Murfreesboro on Sunday
Local time
3:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 0 to 5 mph27% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 6:07PM CDT by NWS Huntsville AL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 5:50PM CDT by NWS Nashville 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 earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
2 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
3h 58m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
For 83% of this 213-mile drive, you'll be on highways like I 40, which accounts for the longest stretch of 156.3 miles. After the highway portions, expect to transition to surface roads like Rutledge Pike. The significant highway share means you'll encounter a good number of exits and merges as you travel. The latter part of the drive will likely feel more local as you move away from the interstate.
83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 156.3 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 213 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 185.1 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
1,907 ft543 ft
Total Climb
1,328 ft
Total Descent
1,732 ft
Highest Point
1,907 ft
~106.5 mi in
Elevation Range
1,365 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 Rutledge, TN to Murfreesboro, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Nashville along the way.
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 3h 58m. Total distance: 213 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 156.3 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 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 19 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 185.1 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 Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Murfreesboro, TN, but most travelers stay overnight.
