Road trip to Memphis: How long will it really take?

Embarking on a road trip can be a fun and exciting experience, but without proper planning, your journey may turn into a tedious and long haul. One of the factors that can make or break a road trip is the amount of time spent on the road. The distance between Arlington, Virginia, and Memphis, Tennessee, is roughly 850 miles, and here's what you need to know about getting there.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route to Memphis from Arlington is via Interstate 81 South and Interstate 40 West. The total distance for this drive is approximately 791 miles, with an estimated driving time of 11 hours and 42 minutes. However, this is assuming you are driving under normal traffic conditions and without any stops.

The Shortest Route

While the shortest distance between Arlington and Memphis is 728 miles, this route is not necessarily the quickest. You will need to drive on a lot of smaller roads with lower speed limits which can add time to your journey. On this route, you will drive along I-66 West and I-81 South before taking I-40 West.

Traffic Conditions

Since traffic conditions can vary based on the time of day and day of the week, it is important to take them into account while planning your road trip. Peak traffic times are usually between 7 AM and 10 AM, and 4 PM and 7 PM on weekdays. The best time to avoid traffic is during the weekends and late at night.

Driving Time

Assuming you are driving the fastest route from Arlington to Memphis, if you leave early in the morning and avoid peak traffic times, it should take you roughly 10 hours to complete the drive. Keep in mind that driving during peak traffic hours can add up to 2 hours to your trip, meaning the same drive will take closer to 13 hours! So, it is important to plan accordingly and factor in extra time for bathroom breaks, gas fill-ups, and possible traffic delays.

All in all, getting to Memphis from Arlington can be a fun and rewarding experience. With proper planning and taking traffic patterns into consideration, you can enjoy the journey as much as the destination!