How far is Memphis, TN from Nashville, TN?
Fastest route
The distance from Memphis, Tennessee, to Nashville, Tennessee is approximately 212 miles (341 kilometers). The estimated travel time is 3 hours and 8 minutes via I-40.
Directions
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Get on I-40: Head east on Poplar Ave toward N B.B. King Blvd, then turn left onto N B.B. King Blvd.
- 🚗 Use the on-ramp to I-40 E.
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Follow I-40 to 14th Ave N in Nashville: Stay on I-40 and keep left, following signs for Nashville.
- 🚗 Keep left to continue on I-40 East.
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Take exit 209A toward Church St: Merge onto I-40 E/I-65 S toward Huntsville/Knoxville.
- 🚗 Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 208A.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🛣️ Check Traffic Conditions: Before starting your journey, check for traffic updates to find the fastest route.
- 🚗 Plan for Breaks: Since it's a 3-hour drive, plan for breaks to rest and refresh along the way.
- ⛽ Fuel Up: Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel to cover the distance.
- 🗺️ GPS Navigation: Use a reliable GPS navigation system or a navigation app on your smartphone for easy route guidance.
- 📱 Emergency Kit: Carry a basic emergency kit with essentials like a first aid kit, flashlight, and necessary tools.
- 🍔 Snacks and Water: Keep some snacks and water handy, especially if you prefer not to stop at restaurants during the trip.
- 🚦 Follow Traffic Rules: Observe all traffic rules and speed limits for a safe and enjoyable journey.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 03h 11m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in Carroll County, Tennessee, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Memphis and Nashville.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Memphis and Nashville.
-
1
Start on Poplar Avenue
58 m · 11 sec · Poplar Avenue
-
2
Turn left onto North B. B. King Boulevard
1162 ft · 34 sec · North B. B. King Boulevard
-
3
Take the ramp right toward I 40 East
553 ft · 14 sec
-
4
Merge slight left
12 mi · 15 min
-
5
Keep slight left to continue on I 40 East: Nashville, Knoxville
197.9 mi · 3 hr 34 min
-
6
Keep slight right to continue on I 40 East, I 65 South: Knoxville, Huntsville
1305 ft · 25 sec
-
7
Merge slight left onto Downtown Loop
3052 ft · 47 sec · Downtown Loop
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward US 70: Charlotte Avenue, Demonbreun Street
1027 ft · 25 sec
-
9
Continue on 12th Avenue North
61 m · 12 sec · 12th Avenue North
-
10
Turn left onto Charlotte Avenue
100 m · 8 sec · Charlotte Avenue
-
11
Continue on Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
2784 ft · 1 min · Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
-
12
Turn left onto 7th Avenue North
1260 ft · 1 min · 7th Avenue North
-
13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Memphis and Nashville.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 40 East
Keep slight left to continue on I 40 East: Nashville, Knoxville
198 mi · 03h 34m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Sunny leaving Memphis and Sunny near Nashville.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Memphis to Nashville?
The road trip is about 212.1 miles (341.3 km) and usually takes 03h 11m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Clarksburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 105.9 miles from Memphis and 106.2 miles from Nashville.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 196.2 miles (315.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.9 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:38 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $28.21 one way or $56.41 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 66.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Memphis and Sunny near Nashville.
Stop Ideas Near Clarksburg
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Clarksburg.
Newbern–Dyersburg
Fulton
Clarksville, TN
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Memphis and Nashville. Straight-line distance: 196.25 mi (315.83 km).
#1 Memphis
The twenty-ninth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Memphis metropolitan area.
| Population | 649,705 |
| Coordinates | 35.1495300, -90.0489800 |
| Altitude | 78 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Nashville
The twenty-second most populous city in the United States and the center of the Nashville metropolitan area.
| Population | 684,410 |
| Coordinates | 36.1658900, -86.7844400 |
| Altitude | 170 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-86.784719, 36.165773)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 341 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 04m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $28.21 | $56.41 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $31.81 | $63.62 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $34.81 | $69.62 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $39.67 | $79.35 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Tennessee · Apr 22, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.