Interstate 40: Memphis – Tennessee

When it comes to traversing the heart of Memphis, Interstate 40 is more than just a mainline highway—it’s a front-row ticket to the dynamic mix of city energy, urban sprawl, and historic river culture that defines western Tennessee. Our drive covers roughly 20 miles along I-40, taking us from the banks of the Mississippi at the Arkansas border, through the pulse of Memphis, and out along the busy northern bypass that skirts the city’s downtown core.

We kick things off right at the Arkansas border, crossing the iconic Hernando de Soto Bridge—a true Memphis landmark—with sweeping views of the river and the city skyline on the eastbound approach. This stretch offers more than just a transportation corridor; it’s where travelers first get a taste of Memphis, with the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid rising like a beacon and riverboats dotting the water below.

Almost immediately, we reach the major interchange with Interstate 240, which acts as Memphis’s inner loop. Here, we veer north to remain on I-40, cleverly bypassing the busiest and often most congested part of downtown. This northern arc is both a lifeline for through-traffic and a window into Memphis’s diverse neighborhoods—one minute you’re passing the Medical District, the next you’re cruising by the legendary neighborhoods of Midtown and North Memphis, with glimpses of old industrial buildings, historic churches, and the kind of urban grit that gives the city its character.

After just a couple of miles, we arrive at the junction with U.S. Highway 51 where our journey keeps to I-40, swinging east to continue hugging the northern perimeter of the city. Along this segment, you’ll notice the transition from urban Memphis to its first ring of suburbs, passing big box stores, local eateries, and clusters of residential neighborhoods that hint at the city’s sprawling growth over the decades.

Continuing southeast at the TN-19 interchange, we skirt the edge of Bartlett and other suburban communities. For about three miles, I-40 serves as a fast-moving commuter corridor, but look off to the south and you might catch a glimpse of Shelby Farms Park—one of the largest urban parks in the country and a true Memphis treasure for locals and travelers alike.

Approaching the eastern interchange with I-240, we loop back onto the mainline of I-40, now pointed northeast. Here, the highway starts to leave the metro sprawl behind and cut through the wooded landscapes and expanding commercial zones that define Memphis’s eastern edge. This is the gateway to the rest of West Tennessee and, for many, the start of the open road toward Nashville. We finish our journey about six miles later at the interchange with U.S. Highway 64, where you can continue your adventure east into the Volunteer State or hop off to explore the shopping and dining meccas around Wolfchase and Cordova.

Sights & Attractions Along the Route

• Hernando de Soto Bridge: Not just a river crossing, but an iconic piece of Memphis’s skyline—best viewed at sunset.

• Downtown Memphis: While I-40 skirts the core, downtown is just a quick detour away. If you have time, check out Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum, or grab Memphis barbecue at a local institution.

• Bass Pro Shops Pyramid: Visible from the interstate, it’s worth a side trip for its observation deck, restaurants, and unique shopping experience.

• Shelby Farms Park: Spanning over 4,500 acres, this urban park is a great spot to stretch your legs or catch some outdoor activities if you’re breaking up the drive.

• Midtown Murals & Local Eats: North Memphis and Midtown are home to colorful murals, live music venues, and some of the best soul food in the South—keep an eye out as you bypass these neighborhoods.