This 255.6-mile drive from Watertown, TN to New South Memphis, TN will take approximately 4 hours and 49 minutes. It's a straightforward, highway-focused trip predominantly on I-40, making it an excellent candidate for a single-day journey. With a fuel cost estimated around $40, this route offers an efficient way to travel within the Southeast region. You'll spend most of your time on major interstates, so expect a consistent pace for the majority of the 4-hour drive. This trip is designed for getting from point A to point B with minimal fuss.
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
127.8 miles from Watertown, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 24m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
225.7 mi
4h 5m
Sparta Pike
10.8 mi
15m
Avron B Fogelman Expressway
4.5 mi
6m
W B Fowler Senior Expressway
3.7 mi
5m
Downtown Loop
2.9 mi
3m
South Perkins Road
2.3 mi
3m
Sam Cooper Boulevard
1.6 mi
2m
Perkins Extended
1.3 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 225.7 mi, about 4h 5m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watertown, TN and New South Memphis, TN.
1
Start on East Main Street
330 ft·14 sec·East Main Street
2
Turn left onto South Pearl Avenue
0.1 mi·31 sec·South Pearl Avenue
3
At end of road, turn right onto US 70
11 mi·15 min·Sparta Pike
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward I 40 West: Nashville
5
Merge onto I 40
26 mi·28 min·I 40
Use 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
197 mi·3 hr 33 min·I 40
Toward I 40 West: MemphisUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on Sam Cooper Boulevard
1.6 mi·2 min·Sam Cooper Boulevard
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·34 sec
Exit 9Toward Perkins RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Turn left onto North Perkins Road
1.1 mi·1 min·North Perkins Road
14
Continue on Perkins Extended
1.3 mi·2 min·Perkins Extended
15
Continue on South Perkins Road
2.3 mi·3 min·South Perkins Road
Use the straight lane.
16
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward I 240 West
17
Merge onto I 240
4.5 mi·6 min·Avron B Fogelman Expressway
Use the straight lane.
18
Continue on I 240
3.7 mi·5 min·W B Fowler Senior Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.1 mi·13 sec
Exit 7Toward US 61: Vicksburg, Third StreetUse the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward US 61 North: Third StreetUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
21
Turn straight onto US 61
0.4 mi·36 sec·South Third Street
22
Arrive at destination
US 61
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour 49-minute duration, starting your journey in the morning will allow you ample time to arrive at your destination without feeling rushed. While the longest stretch without a major road change is over 200 miles, plan for at least one stop for fuel and a break. The near-92% highway share means you'll likely find services readily available along I-40. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you approach the Memphis area, as services can sometimes be more spread out on interstates outside of major urban centers.
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 127.8 miles from Watertown, TN, or about 2h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 225.7 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 56 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 127.8 miles or 2h 24m 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 53m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New South Memphis, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Watertown, 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 Watertown, TN
This is one driving day of about 255.6 miles and 4h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Watertown, 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 225.7 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 37.5 and 254.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
37.5 mi into trip|~44m 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
39.6 mi into trip|~48m 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
42.9 mi into trip|~52m 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
8
254.8 mi into trip|~4h 48m in
Take the exit toward US 61: Vicksburg, 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 7
Toward US 61: Vicksburg, Third Street
8
254.9 mi into trip|~4h 48m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 61 North: Third Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward US 61 North: Third Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.96 one way
$79.92 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg89 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$43.87
$87.75
premium
$4.89
$49.19
$98.38
diesel
$5.61
$56.43
$112.87
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: 89.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
76.7
0
$26.84
$12.27
Efficient EV
63.9
0
$22.37
$10.22
EV Truck/SUV
102.2
1
$35.78
$16.36
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 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 Apr 20, 2026
Origin
Watertown, TN
Morning
in Watertown on Tuesday
Local time
6:48 AM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
New South Memphis, TN
Morning
in New South Memphis on Tuesday
Local time
6:48 AM
CDT
Current temp
82°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
25 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
4h 49m 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.
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
~53 min detour
Free
near mile 26.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is heavily highway-focused, with 92% of the drive taking place on major roads like I-40 and the Avron B Fogelman Expressway. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 225.7 miles on I-40, which means consistent speeds and a predictable driving experience. While the majority is interstate, you'll briefly use Sparta Pike, offering a slight change of pace before rejoining the highway system. Expect a driving personality that prioritizes efficiency over scenic detours.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 225.7 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and Sparta Pike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 37.5 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 15 significant decision points across 255.6 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 37.5 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.6 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 42.9 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Watertown, TN and New South Memphis, TN, road signs point toward Memphis and Louisville.
Memphis
39.6 mi in|~48m|via I 40
Louisville
40.7 mi in|~49m|via I 40
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 49m. Total distance: 255.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 225.7 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 New South 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 37.5 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.6 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 42.9 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Stones River National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.6 hours — manageable with a long break at New South Memphis, TN, but most travelers stay overnight.
