Sewanee, TN to Memphis, TN is 269.6 miles and takes about 5h 31m via US 64, with a fuel budget near $41 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Tennessee, starting in the Southeast region and ending in the same region. Since it's primarily surface roads, expect a more leisurely pace than a pure interstate trip. With only one recommended stop and a drive time under six hours, it’s manageable in a single day, making it a straightforward option for getting from the Cumberland Plateau to the Mississippi River.
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
134.8 miles from Sewanee, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 40m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
East Market Street
49.1 mi
1h 2m
US 64
47.4 mi
59m
Lawrenceburg Highway
44.4 mi
50m
Pulaski Highway
31 mi
35m
West Cherry Avenue
22.4 mi
26m
Winchester Highway
16.8 mi
19m
I 40
13.3 mi
16m
David Crockett Highway
13.2 mi
14m
Longest stretch:
East Market Street
— 49.1 mi, about 1h 2m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sewanee, TN and Memphis, TN.
1
Start on University Avenue
0.6 mi·2 min·University Avenue
2
Turn right onto US 41A
0.5 mi·45 sec·Sollace M Freeman Highway
3
Continue on US 41A
5.0 mi·7 min·Sewanee Highway
4
Continue on US 41A
2.6 mi·3 min·Cumberland Street East
5
Continue on US 41A
1.8 mi·2 min·Cowan Highway
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
7
Merge onto US 64
3.6 mi·4 min·Veterans Memorial Drive
8
Continue on US 64
13 mi·14 min·David Crockett Highway
9
Continue on US 64
17 mi·19 min·Winchester Highway
10
Continue on US 64 Business
0.5 mi·48 sec·Mulberry Avenue
11
Continue on US 64 Business
0.7 mi·1 min·College Street East
12
Turn slight right onto US 64 Business
0.2 mi·14 sec·Morgan Avenue North
13
Continue on US 64 Business
0.8 mi·1 min·Washington Street West
14
Continue on US 64
31 mi·35 min·Pulaski Highway
15
Turn left onto US 64
0.7 mi·50 sec·West College Street
16
Continue on US 64
44 mi·50 min·Lawrenceburg Highway
17
Continue on US 64
0.8 mi·56 sec·Dexter L Woods Memorial Boulevard
18
Turn right onto US 64
31 mi·35 min·US 64
19
Turn slight left onto Hanna Boulevard
521 ft·17 sec·Hanna Boulevard
20
Turn right onto Water Street
0.5 mi·1 min·Water Street
21
At end of road, turn left onto US 64; SR 69
4.0 mi·6 min·Bridge Avenue
22
Continue on US 64; SR 22; SR 69
16 mi·23 min·US 64; SR 22; SR 69
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
334 ft·9 sec
24
Turn right onto US 64 Business
1.5 mi·2 min·Mulberry Avenue
25
Continue on US 64 Business
22 mi·26 min·West Cherry Avenue
Use the straight lane.
26
Continue on US 64
49 mi·1 hr 2 min·East Market Street
27
Take the exit
0.3 mi·31 sec
Toward Memphis
28
Merge onto I 40
7.0 mi·8 min·Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Take the exit onto I 40
0.1 mi·8 sec·I 40
Exit 10A-BToward I 240 West, I 40 West: Jackson Mississippi, Little Rock
30
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
11 mi·13 min·I 40
Exit 10BToward I 40 West: Little RockUse the slight right lane.
31
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
2.1 mi·2 min·I 40
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
32
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 1AToward Second Street, Third StreetUse the slight right lane.
33
Continue on North 2nd Street
0.2 mi·30 sec·North 2nd Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
34
Turn left onto Poplar Avenue
202 ft·4 sec·Poplar Avenue
35
Arrive at destination
Poplar Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 31m estimated duration, departing Sewanee in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight. The route has only one recommended stop, so plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly, perhaps around the halfway mark. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you transition away from highways, as services might be more spread out. The 269.6-mile distance is easily covered in one day, offering flexibility for spontaneous breaks along the way.
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 134.8 miles from Sewanee, TN, or about 2h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 49.1 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 59 miles or 1h 13m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 134.8 miles or 2h 40m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Memphis, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Sewanee, 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 Sewanee, TN
This is one driving day of about 269.6 miles and 5h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Sewanee, 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 East Market Street for about 49.1 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 248.8 and 269.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
248.8 mi into trip|~5h 6m in|I 40 / Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway
Merge onto I 40 / Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
255.8 mi into trip|~5h 14m in|I 40
Take the exit onto I 40 toward I 240 West, I 40 West: Jackson Mississippi, Little Rock
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 10A-B
Toward I 240 West, I 40 West: Jackson Mississip...
8
255.9 mi into trip|~5h 14m in|I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 West: Little Rock
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 10B
Toward I 40 West: Little Rock
6
267.1 mi into trip|~5h 27m in|I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
8
269.1 mi into trip|~5h 30m in
Take the exit toward Second Street, Third Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 1A
Toward Second Street, Third Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.81 one way
$79.63 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg94 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$43.95
$87.91
premium
$4.72
$50.06
$100.11
diesel
$4.80
$50.91
$101.81
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 94.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
80.9
0
$28.31
$12.94
Efficient EV
67.4
0
$23.59
$10.78
EV Truck/SUV
107.8
1
$37.74
$17.25
Gas CO2
94 kg
EV CO2
32 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Sewanee, TN
Late night
in Sewanee on Monday
Local time
1:28 AM
CDT
Current temp
69°F
Patchy Fog
0 mph13% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 1:18AM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:44AM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
Destination
Memphis, TN
Late night
in Memphis on Monday
Local time
1:28 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Clear
SW 0 to 5 mph5% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 1:18AM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:44AM 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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
6 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
5h 31m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 23% of this 269.6-mile trip on highways. The longest stretch on surface roads is 49.1 miles along East Market Street before transitioning to US 64 and Lawrenceburg Highway. Expect a consistent driving experience with fewer exits and merges compared to interstate travel. This profile suggests more open road cruising with occasional passes through towns.
Only 23% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 49.1 mi on East Market Street.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 248.8 miles in near I 40 / Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway.
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 16 significant decision points across 269.6 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: at 248.8 miles (I 40 / Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 255.8 miles (I 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 255.9 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,930 ft258 ft
Total Climb
366 ft
Total Descent
2,038 ft
Highest Point
1,930 ft
Elevation Range
1,672 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 Sewanee, TN to Memphis, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Little Rock along the way.
Sewanee is a small town in south-central Tennessee. It is known primarily for its natural scenery and association with the University of the South. There are roughly 2,500 residents, of whom about 1,500 are students at the University. Sewanee is positioned about halfway between Nashville and Chattanooga. The town and the roughly 13,000 acres surrounding it -- all of which are owned directly by the University -- are quaintly called "The Domain" by residents.
Memphis is the second largest city in the state of Tennessee, after Nashville. The state rests in the southeastern portion of the United States. Memphis, with a population of more than 651,000 (2019), is also the county seat for Shelby County. The city's claims to fame include Graceland, the mansion Elvis Presley lived in during his later years. Perhaps more importantly, Memphis is considered by many to be the home of blues music.
Top landmarks
•Graceland — mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, United States; former residence of Elvis Presley
•Blues Hall of Fame — award by Blues Foundation, since 2015 also a music museum in Memphis, Tennessee
•National Civil Rights Museum — hotel that was site of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., now a museum
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 31m. Total distance: 269.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 49.1 miles on East Market Street. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Memphis, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 248.8 miles (I 40 / Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 255.8 miles (I 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 255.9 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Memphis, TN before the return drive.
