Murfreesboro to Memphis

Primary Route

The primary and fastest route from Murfreesboro to Memphis follows I-24 West to Nashville, then I-40 West all the way into downtown Memphis. This well-maintained interstate corridor covers the entire 238-mile journey and offers consistent travel times outside of peak traffic periods.

Alternative Route

Travelers looking to explore more of West Tennessee can follow I-40 to the Jackson, TN area and spend time exploring small towns along the route before continuing west to Memphis. This approach adds time but allows for a more immersive look at the Tennessee landscape between the two cities.

Traffic Tips

The Nashville I-24 and I-40 interchange can be congested during weekday commuting hours. Travelers departing Murfreesboro should consider traveling during off-peak hours or on a Saturday morning for the smoothest drive. Weekend departures and early mornings typically result in the least traffic through the Nashville corridor.

Hurricane Mills is known as the location of Loretta Lynn's Ranch area. The site has historically been associated with the legendary country music artist and her property. Travelers interested in stopping should check the current status of the property and any available tours or access before planning a visit.

Jackson is West Tennessee's largest city and offers a meaningful rest stop on the drive. Casey Jones Village celebrates the story of railroad engineer Casey Jones, who became an American folk legend. The West Tennessee Regional Art Center provides a look at regional fine art. Jackson also has a range of dining options suitable for a road trip meal.

Brownsville is a small West Tennessee city with a preserved historic downtown and proximity to the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge, one of the largest bottomland hardwood forests remaining in the Mid-South. The refuge is home to diverse wildlife and offers hiking and birdwatching opportunities.

Beale Street is Memphis's legendary blues and entertainment district, stretching through the heart of downtown. The street is lined with live music venues, restaurants, and bars and is widely regarded as the birthplace of the blues. Visitors can hear live music most nights of the week, making it a centerpiece of any Memphis visit.

Graceland is the estate and museum of Elvis Presley, one of the most visited private homes in the United States. Located on Elvis Presley Boulevard south of downtown Memphis, the property includes tours of the mansion, the Meditation Garden where Elvis is buried, and extensive exhibits dedicated to his life, career, and cultural legacy. Advance ticket purchase is recommended.

Sun Studio is the historic recording studio where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and other pioneering artists recorded some of the most influential music of the 20th century. Guided tours take visitors through the original studio space and tell the story of how rock and roll was born in this Memphis landmark.

The National Civil Rights Museum is built around the Lorraine Motel, the site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. The museum chronicles the American Civil Rights Movement through extensive exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays. It is considered one of the most important and moving museums in the United States.

Memphis is considered one of the great American barbecue cities, with a distinctive style known for dry-rubbed ribs and pulled pork. The city's barbecue scene includes both long-established institutions and newer restaurants, and visitors can find acclaimed spots throughout Memphis. Sampling Memphis BBQ is considered an essential part of any trip to the city.

Mud Island River Park sits on a peninsula in the Mississippi River and features the Mississippi River Museum, which chronicles the history of the river and the communities along its banks. The park also includes a riverwalk with a scale model of the lower Mississippi and offers views of the Memphis skyline and the river.

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is built on the site of the original Stax Records studio in the Soulsville neighborhood of Memphis. The museum explores the history of soul music and the artists, including Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and Booker T. & the M.G.'s, who recorded there during the 1960s and 1970s.

World-Famous BBQ Scene

Memphis is considered one of the great American barbecue cities, and sampling the local BBQ is an essential part of any visit. The city is known for dry-rubbed ribs and slow-smoked pulled pork. Acclaimed barbecue spots can be found throughout Memphis, from longtime institutions to newer restaurants, each with its own approach to the craft.

Beale Street Dining

Beale Street features a range of restaurants alongside its live music clubs, offering visitors the convenience of dining and entertainment in the same area. The neighborhood makes it easy to move between meals and music in downtown Memphis.

South Main Arts District

The South Main Arts District, located within walking distance of the National Civil Rights Museum and the riverfront, has emerged as one of Memphis's most dynamic dining neighborhoods, with a growing selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars occupying historic storefronts.

Jackson, TN – Road Trip Stop

Jackson, Tennessee, located approximately 85 miles east of Memphis on I-40, provides a convenient mid-drive dining stop. The city has a variety of restaurant options suitable for a road trip meal before completing the final stretch into Memphis.