Driving
Birmingham to Memphis
Updated: 28 May 2026
The route from Birmingham to Memphis is a 240-mile drive primarily via I-22 West. This modern interstate makes the trip efficient, taking approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. You will travel through the scenic hills of Northwest Alabama and Northeast Mississippi before reaching the Mississippi River. Memphis is a cultural hub famous for blues music and barbecue.
Total Distance: 386 km driving distance and 330 km straight-line air distance.
Fastest Way
Driving takes 3 hours and 30 minutes, which is the fastest option.
Cheapest Way
Driving is the most economical and convenient way to travel between these two cities.
Compare Birmingham to Memphis Routes
Driving
Direct
Duration
3 hours 30 mins
Avg Price
$40-$55 in fuel
Operator
Personal Vehicle
Route
I-22 West.
Stop in Tupelo, Mississippi, to see the Elvis Presley Birthplace.
Travel Tips
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BarbecueTry the dry-rub ribs at local institutions like Central BBQ or Rendezvous.
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ParkingUse secure parking garages when visiting Beale Street at night.
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MusicCheck the schedule for live music venues before you arrive.
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WalkingDowntown Memphis is walkable, but use rideshares for longer distances.
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WeatherSummers are very hot and humid; plan indoor activities for the afternoon.
Safety Tips
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AwarenessStay in well-lit, tourist-friendly areas, especially at night.
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ValuablesKeep your car empty of any visible items.
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NavigationStick to main roads when driving through the city.
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EmergencyKeep your phone charged and have a backup map.
People Also Ask
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Is there a train to Memphis?No, there is no direct passenger rail service from Birmingham to Memphis.
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How long is the drive?The drive is about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
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Are there tolls?No, there are no tolls on I-22.
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What is the best time to visit?Spring and Fall are the most comfortable seasons.
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Is Memphis safe?Like any major city, exercise caution and stay in populated areas.
Quick Info
- From Birmingham, Alabama, United States
- To Memphis, Tennessee, United States
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Modes
Best Time to Travel
April to June or September to October for pleasant weather.
Things to Do in Memphis
1
Graceland
Tour the home of Elvis Presley. It is one of the most visited private homes in the United States.
2
Beale Street
Experience the heart of the blues scene. Enjoy live music and local barbecue at the many clubs.
3
National Civil Rights Museum
Visit the Lorraine Motel, the site of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. It is a powerful and educational experience.
4
Sun Studio
Take a tour of the studio where rock and roll was born. See where legends like Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded.
Tags
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