Nashville to Memphis: Public Transport Road Trip

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Nashville to Memphis via Public Transport: Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, lies on the Cumberland River. It was founded in 1779, is known as the capital of country music!

Whereas Memphis is the home of Blues, Jazz and of course Rock n Roll with an iconic landmark being the former home of Elvis Presley, Graceland.

Is there a Train between Nashville & Memphis?

Yes! But we would not recommended getting it in the majority of cases. Due to its length, cost and non direct routes. For more details see below.

How long is the train between Nashville and Memphis?

The distance between Memphis to Nashville is 196.43 miles/316.05 km. A train journey from Nashville to Memphis takes 28 hours! With one train scheduled each day.

The rail journey makes sense if you are taking a longer journey, like in our Jazz, Blues & Rock n Roll Rail Vacation which takes you between Chicago & New Orleans. But not for shorter ones.

How much do the train tickets cost between Nashville & Memphis?

To be honest the Amtrak train tickets between Nashville & Memphis are costly and will set you back $200+ and take you via Chicago!

You could head to Newbern-Dyersburg, TN from Nashville, TN but we still found these tickets over $200!

Southwest Chief route 66 train. Source: Latimes.com

Is it cheaper to buy Amtrak tickets online or at the station?

Apart from the occasional online-only promotion, you will get the same price whether you book online, at the station or by phone.

However, you can get cheaper rail journeys with multi stop rail passes and split ticketing, we recommended the train for longer journeys across the USA.

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For more info see: How to Travel Coast to Coast USA by Train for $232?

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Traveling by Rail is also great if you would like a more scenic journey see: California Zephyr: Chicago to San Francisco

Public Transport between Nashville & Memphis?

The most cost effective and one of the fastest methods of getting between Nashville in Memphis is via Public Transport.

Namely the regular greyhound coach which will take between 3hr-4hr and cost just $17!

Insider Tip:

The best tickets sell out in advance so book yours using our Public transport booking tools

Car Rental between Nashville & Memphis?

We rented a car on our, Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip: Blues Highway 61. Renting a car is one of my favourite ways of traveling around the USA. See our vast collection of Town&Tourist Road Trips.

To get the best prices check out our Ultimate Car Rental Travel Hacks!

car rental travel hacks

Nashville to Memphis Itinerary

1. Nashville, Tennessee

Day 1: Country Music Legends

Nashville, is the capital of Tennessee, lies on the Cumberland River. It was founded in 1779, is known as the capital of country music!

With popular attractions such as Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Johnny Cash Museum.

We visited the Country Museum in the Morning and the Johnny Cash Museum in the afternoon.

In the evening you should head to Grand Ole Opry to watch one of there famous evening shows!

nashville country music

Day 2: Ancient Greece!

On day 2, head to see the The Parthenon a full size replica of the greek monument in Athens. Located at the Centennial Park in Nashville.

How much does it cost to visit the Parthenon?

Adults (18-62): $6.00, Children (4-17): $4.00, Seniors (62+): $4.00, Babies and children under 4 years old are free

Fun Fact: The Parthenon was designed by Confederate veteran William Crawford Smith and built in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition.

Other highlights in Nashville include the Tennessee State Capitol and the Civil Rights Room at the Nashville Public Library.

Parthenon Nashville

Where to eat?

Breakfast: Biscuit Love.
Casual Dinner: Pinewood Social.
Hot Spot: Folk – (Seasonal Small Plates & wood fired pizzas. )
Lunch: Chauhan Ale & Masala
Barbecue: Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint.
Southern & Soul Food Classics: Arnold’s Country Kitchen.
Neighborhood Hang: Lockel and Table Community Kitchen/Bar.
Patio: Butchertown Hall

Where to stay in Nashville?

For a list of our recommend hotels in Nashville follow the link HERE

2. Tupelo, Mississippi

Tupelo, Mississippi is a must visit place if your a fan of the King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley. As the birth place of Elvis you will find many statues and you can visit his childhood home, which still has the original 1930s furniture.

Afterwards head to the Elvis Presley Museum which showcases his early family life and music.

If your a History buff, head down to the Tupelo National Battlefield which was the site of a Civil War battle.

Fancy getting wild? check out Buffalo Park and Zoo, which is home to bison, zebras and giraffes.

Tupelo Mississippi

Where to stay in Tupelo?

For a list of our recommend hotels in Tupelo follow the link HERE

3. Memphis, Tennessee

Following in the Kings footsteps take the 108 mile (1hr 42 min) drive to Memphis Tennessee. This is the ultimate place to learn about the history of Blues, Soul and Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Things to do:

Check out the famous Sun Studio, where Elvis Presley, B.B King and Johnny Cash all recorded albums.
Graceland Mansion, The former home of Elvis and final resting place. See Celebrity Graves Road Trip: U.S.A.
Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Memphis, Tennessee

Where to Eat in Memphis?

Paulette’s Restaurant

Paulette’s Restaurant is an iconic and charming eatery which offers an inventive menu of French & Hungarian dishes along with regional eats.

Address: 50 Harbor Town Square, Memphis, TN 38103, United States

Cozy Corner Restaurant

This place offers one of the best Barbecues in town, take a seat in one of the torn vinyl booths and enjoy some of the mouth watering ribs & wings. The Cornish game hen ($11.75) is unreal aswell!

Address: 735 North Pkwy, Memphis, TN 38105, United States

Where to Stay in Memphis?

If you plan on staying in downtown Memphis I recommended:

La Quinta Inn & Suites – A superb hotel in Downtown Memphis. There is an indoor swimming pool, free parking on site and free WiFi throughout the hotel.

If you are an Elvis Fan, then you should definitely stay at:

The Guest House at Graceland – A fantastic hotel which is just a five-minute walk from the gates of the Graceland Mansion. There are two restaurants in-house and an outdoor swimming pool.

graceland house, Former home of Elvis Presley

SpringHill Suites – SpringHill Suites is another favourite with an outdoor swimming pool and a sun terrace. The rooms are studio style with a refrigerator and a microwave for preparing basic meals.

There are tea and coffee-making facilities in every room. They also allow guests to use their gym and business center.

Insider Tip:
Each evening be sure to tuck into the complimentary peanut butter & jelly bar.