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Trip from South Fulton, TN to Memphis, TN

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 43m

Distance

124.2 mi

200 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Good

7 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
2h 33m ★
6 AM
2h 44m
8 AM
3h 5m
10 AM
2h 51m
12 PM
2h 49m
3 PM
2h 52m
5 PM
3h 4m
8 PM
2h 37m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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human settlement in Obion County, Tennessee, United States of America

South Fulton, TN

Wikimedia Commons

city in and county seat of Shelby County, Tennessee, United States

Memphis, TN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Embark on a 124.2-mile journey from South Fulton, TN, to Memphis, TN, a drive that typically takes around 2 hours and 43 minutes. This route, primarily utilizing US 51, North Main Avenue, and West Reelfoot Boulevard, is an ideal candidate for a single-day trip, with an estimated fuel cost of $19. As you travel within the Southeast region of Tennessee, expect a mixed driving experience that should not require an overnight stop. This straightforward drive offers a practical way to connect these two points in the Volunteer State.

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

62.1 miles from South Fulton, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 17m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 51 40.3 mi 58m
North Main Avenue 37.1 mi 48m
West Reelfoot Boulevard 27.8 mi 32m
TN 690 10.6 mi 12m
US 45W 4.8 mi 5m
West State Line Street 0.9 mi 1m
North Danny Thomas Boulevard 0.6 mi 1m
Chickasaw Drive 0.6 mi <1m
Longest stretch: US 51 — 40.3 mi, about 58m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between South Fulton, TN and Memphis, TN.

1

Start on SR 43

0.1 mi · 16 sec · Broadway Street
2

Turn left onto KY 129

526 ft · 14 sec · West State Line Street
3

Continue on KY 116

0.8 mi · 1 min · West State Line Street
4

Keep slight left at fork

429 ft · 8 sec
5

Continue on US 45

0.6 mi · 48 sec · Chickasaw Drive
6

Continue on US 45W; US 51

4.8 mi · 5 min · US 45W; US 51
Exit Future I 69
7

Continue on TN 690

11 mi · 12 min · TN 690
8

Turn right

142 ft · 4 sec
9

Merge onto US 51

28 mi · 32 min · West Reelfoot Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit onto US 51

1.0 mi · 1 min · US 51
Toward US 51 South, US 412 East: Dyersburg, Jackson
11

Take the exit onto US 51

2.5 mi · 4 min · US 51
Toward US 51 South: Dyersburg Use the slight right lane.
12

Turn right onto US 51 Bus

0.4 mi · 42 sec · North Sampson Avenue
13

Turn right onto US 51 Bus

0.2 mi · 25 sec · Gordon Street
14

At end of road, turn left onto US 51 Bus

0.4 mi · 47 sec · Troy Avenue
15

Turn left onto US 51 Bus; SR 104

178 ft · 5 sec · McGaughey Street
16

Turn right onto US 51 Bus; SR 104

37 mi · 48 min · North Main Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
17

Continue on US 51; TN 59

37 mi · 52 min · US 51; TN 59
Use the straight lane.
18

Continue on US 51

0.6 mi · 1 min · North Danny Thomas Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
19

Turn right onto Poplar Avenue

0.3 mi · 35 sec · Poplar Avenue
20

Arrive at destination

Poplar Avenue

Trip Plan

Given its manageable distance of 124.2 miles and a duration of under three hours, this trip offers flexibility for when you depart. Aim to leave in the morning to maximize your daylight hours, especially since there's only one recommended stop. Plan for a brief break midway, perhaps around the 40-mile mark on US 51, to stretch your legs and refuel if necessary, keeping the $19 fuel cost in mind. The mixed nature of the drive means you'll transition between different road types, so stay alert as you approach Memphis.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 62.1 miles from South Fulton, TN, or about 1h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 40.3 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 27 miles or 31m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 62.1 miles or 1h 17m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 11m

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 South Fulton, 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 South Fulton, TN

This is one driving day of about 124.2 miles and 2h 43m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from South Fulton, 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 51 for about 40.3 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Ripley, TN, TN

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ripley, TN

62 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Troy, TN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ripley, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 62.1 miles from South Fulton, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Sonic Drive-In

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Millington, Tennessee

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 106.4

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+19018720088

Visit website

Top Coffee Stop

Crazy Gander Coffee Company

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Memphis, Tennessee

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 124.2

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+19015523852

Visit website

Sonic Drive-In

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 106.4

Millington, Tennessee

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+19018720088

Visit website

Crazy Gander Coffee Company

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 124.2

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+19015523852

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 124.2

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 124.2

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 124.2

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 124.2

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 124.2

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 115.3

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 115.3

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Discovery Park of America

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 8.9

Union City, Tennessee

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+17318855455

Visit website

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 0.1 and 49.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | KY 129 / West State Line Street

Turn left onto KY 129 / West State Line Street

Navigation decision point

5
17 mi into trip | ~20m in | US 51 / West Reelfoot Boulevard

Merge onto US 51 / West Reelfoot Boulevard

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
44.8 mi into trip | ~52m in | US 51

Take the exit onto US 51 toward US 51 South, US 412 East: Dyersburg, Jackson

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 51 South, US 412 East: Dyersburg, Jac...
6
45.8 mi into trip | ~54m in | US 51

Take the exit onto US 51 toward US 51 South: Dyersburg

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward US 51 South: Dyersburg
5
49.3 mi into trip | ~1h in | US 51 Bus; SR 104 / North Main Avenue

Turn right onto US 51 Bus; SR 104 / North Main Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$19.42 one way

$38.83 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 44 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $21.32 $42.64
premium $4.89 $23.90 $47.80
diesel $5.61 $27.42 $54.84

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$19

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$44–$69

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 43.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 37.3 0 $13.04 $5.96
Efficient EV 31.1 0 $10.87 $4.97
EV Truck/SUV 49.7 0 $17.39 $7.95

Gas CO2

43 kg

EV CO2

15 kg (65% 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 Apr 15, 2026

Origin

South Fulton, TN

Night in South Fulton on Saturday

Local time

9:49 PM

CDT

Current temp

77°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Memphis, TN

Night in Memphis on Saturday

Local time

9:49 PM

CDT

Current temp

57°F

Unavailable

Live 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

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

20 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

2h 43m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive presents a mixed driving profile, with approximately 45% of the journey on highways. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 40.3 miles along US 51, offering a chance to settle into a steady pace. The road character shifts throughout the trip, moving from more open highway sections to potentially more varied local road segments as you approach your destination. It's a blend that keeps things interesting without becoming overly demanding.

45% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 40.3 mi on US 51.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near KY 129 / West State Line Street.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 43m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (KY 129 / West State Line Street): Navigation decision point; at 17 miles (US 51 / West Reelfoot Boulevard): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 44.8 miles (US 51): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 South Fulton, TN to Memphis, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Jackson along the way.

Jackson

44.8 mi in | ~52m | via US 51

About the Cities

Arriving in Memphis, TN

Full guide →

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.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 43m. Total distance: 124.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (45%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 40.3 miles on US 51. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (KY 129 / West State Line Street): Navigation decision point; at 17 miles (US 51 / West Reelfoot Boulevard): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 44.8 miles (US 51): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Memphis, TN before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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