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Trip from Walden, TN to Memphis, TN

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

6h 35m

Distance

351 mi

565 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$55

one way

EV Charging

Good

6 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
6h 23m ★
6 AM
6h 35m
8 AM
6h 59m
10 AM
6h 44m
12 PM
6h 41m
3 PM
6h 45m
5 PM
6h 58m
8 PM
6h 28m

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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town in Hamilton County, Tennessee, United States

Walden, TN

Wikimedia Commons

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

Memphis, TN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 349.1-mile journey from Walden to Memphis, Tennessee, is a solid day trip, estimated to take about 5 hours and 27 minutes of driving time. With a fuel cost around $53, it's an economical way to travel across the state. The route primarily utilizes local roads like Lake Avenue, Key-Hulse Road, and Fairmount Pike, meaning you won't be on any major highways for this drive. The overall feel is a turn-heavy local exploration, offering a different pace than a typical interstate cruise. Since it's all within the Southeast region and a single state, you'll experience consistent regional character throughout.

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

175.5 miles from Walden, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 22m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 40 178.1 mi 3h 14m
I 24 104.9 mi 1h 57m
Tennessee National Guard Parkway 53.7 mi 58m
US 27 3.3 mi 4m
Taft Highway 3.1 mi 4m
Signal Mountain Boulevard 3 mi 4m
Signal Mountain Road 1.6 mi 2m
Key-Hulse Road 0.4 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 40 — 178.1 mi, about 3h 14m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Ivory Avenue

0.2 mi · 57 sec · Ivory Avenue
2

Turn right onto Lake Avenue

0.3 mi · 59 sec · Lake Avenue
3

Continue on Key-Hulse Road

0.4 mi · 1 min · Key-Hulse Road
4

Turn straight onto Fairmount Pike

0.3 mi · 1 min · Fairmount Pike
5

Turn straight onto US 127

3.1 mi · 4 min · Taft Highway
6

Continue on US 127

3.0 mi · 4 min · Signal Mountain Boulevard
7

Continue on US 127

1.6 mi · 2 min · Signal Mountain Road
8

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 44 sec
9

Merge onto US 27

3.3 mi · 4 min · US 27
10

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 42 sec
Toward 24: Nashville, Birmingham Use the slight right lane.
11

Merge onto I 24

105 mi · 1 hr 57 min · I 24
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 1 min
Exit 74A Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Franklin Use the right lane.
13

Merge onto I 840

54 mi · 58 min · Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Merge onto I 40

165 mi · 2 hr 58 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit onto I 40

0.1 mi · 8 sec · I 40
Exit 10A-B Toward I 240 West, I 40 West: Jackson Mississippi, Little Rock
16

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

11 mi · 13 min · I 40
Exit 10B Toward I 40 West: Little Rock Use the slight right lane.
17

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

2.1 mi · 2 min · I 40
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
18

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Exit 1A Toward Second Street, Third Street Use the slight right lane.
19

Continue on North 2nd Street

0.2 mi · 30 sec · North 2nd Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
20

Turn left onto Poplar Avenue

202 ft · 4 sec · Poplar Avenue
21

Arrive at destination

Poplar Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour 27-minute duration and the local road nature of this 349.1-mile trip, planning a single day for this drive is feasible. Consider an early morning departure to maximize daylight and allow ample time for navigation, especially with the 'turn-heavy' profile. With only one stop recommended, you have flexibility to choose your timing. Keep an eye on your fuel, as navigating local roads can sometimes be less predictable for finding services than major highways. A practical tip for this route would be to pre-download offline maps, as cell service can be spotty on less-traveled local roads between Walden and Memphis.

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 175.5 miles from Walden, TN, or about 3h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 178.1 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 77 miles or 1h 33m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 175.5 miles or 3h 22m 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 27m

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 Walden, 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 Walden, TN

This is one driving day of about 351 miles and 6h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 77 miles from Walden, 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 178.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city and county seat of Williamson County, Tennessee, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Franklin, TN

176 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

Chattanooga, TN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 77 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Dickson, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 175.5 miles from Walden, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 40 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 178.1 miles.

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

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · home stretch

Blues City Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Memphis, Tennessee

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 2min to go 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+19015263637

Visit website

Best coffee break · home stretch

Crazy Gander Coffee Company

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Memphis, Tennessee

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 2min to go 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+19015523852

Visit website

Blues City Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+19015263637

Visit website

Crazy Gander Coffee Company

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+19015523852

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour

Memphis, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

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 12.5 and 350.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
12.5 mi into trip | ~21m in

Keep slight right at fork toward 24: Nashville, Birmingham

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward 24: Nashville, Birmingham
8
117.9 mi into trip | ~2h 19m in

Take the exit toward I 840 West: Memphis, Franklin

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

Use the right lane. Exit 74A Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Franklin
6
337.2 mi into trip | ~6h 17m 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
337.3 mi into trip | ~6h 17m 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
8
350.5 mi into trip | ~6h 34m 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

$54.87 one way

$109.75 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 123 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $60.25 $120.50
premium $4.89 $67.55 $135.09
diesel $5.61 $77.50 $154.99

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$55

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$80–$105

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 122.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $37 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 105.3 1 $36.86 $16.85
Efficient EV 87.8 1 $30.71 $14.04
EV Truck/SUV 140.4 1 $49.14 $22.46

Gas CO2

123 kg

EV CO2

41 kg (67% 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 Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Walden, TN

Morning in Walden on Tuesday

Local time

6:12 AM

EDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Memphis, TN

Late night in Memphis on Tuesday

Local time

5:12 AM

CDT

Current temp

80°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

1 hour earlier

The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.

Temperature spread

21 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

6h 35m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a dynamic driving experience on this route, characterized by frequent turns rather than long stretches of highway. With 0% highway share, you'll be navigating local roads for the entire 349.1 miles. The profile is described as 'turn-heavy local drive,' suggesting a need for attention and perhaps a slower pace than you might expect. While there's no specific longest uninterrupted stretch detailed, the nature of the route implies you'll be encountering many intersections and changes in direction, making it engaging for those who enjoy a more involved driving experience.

97% 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: 178.1 mi on I 40.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 24. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 12.5 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 351 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 12.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 337.2 miles (I 40): 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 Walden, TN to Memphis, TN, road signs begin pointing toward Franklin along the way.

Franklin

117.9 mi in | ~2h 19m

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.

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

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 6h 35m. Total distance: 351 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 35m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 178.1 miles on I 40. 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 12.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 337.2 miles (I 40): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.6 hours each way, a round trip means 13.2 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.

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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