Nashville to Memphis is the definitive Tennessee music road trip — 210 miles connecting two of America's most important musical cities. The highway runs due west on I-40 through the Tennessee flatlands.
The route passes through Jackson, Tennessee — a worthwhile stop for fans of Carl Perkins and Rockabilly music history. The landscape transitions from Nashville's Middle Tennessee hills to the flat Mississippi Delta.
Stops Along the Way
Home of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and the Carl Perkins Museum — a great stop for music history fans, right at the halfway point.
Tips for This Trip
Make it a music road trip
Listen to the sounds of both cities as you drive — Nashville country transitioning to Memphis blues and soul.
Arrive hungry
Memphis barbecue is legendary. Rendezvous, Central BBQ, and Cozy Corner are all within easy reach of downtown arrival.
Budget for Beale Street parking
Downtown Memphis parking is affordable, but be aware that Beale Street draws large crowds on weekends — arrive early if that's your destination.
🏨 Hotels in Memphis
Compare 2M+ properties on Booking.com — free cancellation on most stays. Filter by price, neighborhood, and traveler ratings.
Search Hotels in Memphis →Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Memphis is about 180 miles (290 km) from Nashville in a straight line, and approximately 210 miles (338 km) by road via Interstate 40 due west.