posted on February 7, 2026
This road trip from Dallas to Nashville offers a quintessential American South experience, featuring iconic music, delicious cuisine, and enthralling history. Although the 668 miles between Dallas and Nashville could be covered in around 10 hours, the real beauty lies in the flexibility to make pit stops to experience legendary American cities and the sweeping vistas of numerous state and national parks along the way.
Whether it‘s Memphis’ delicious barbecue, relaxing at Hot Springs National Park, a visit to Elvis’ Graceland Mansion, or sailing a riverboat on the Mississippi River, this journey promises a truly immersive experience that showcases some of the best that the Deep South has to offer.
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Dallas to Nashville road trip: Overview
- Your road trip map from Dallas to Nashville
- Top tips for driving from Dallas to Nashville
- Your stop-by-stop Dallas to Nashville road trip itinerary
- Top places to stop between Dallas and Nashville
- Frequently asked questions about the Dallas to Nashville drive
An overview of the drive from Dallas to Nashville
- Drive time: 10 hours (direct route)
- Drive distance: 668 miles (direct route)
- Suggested road trip length: 4 + days
- Recommended itinerary:
- Stop 1: Dallas, TX
- Stop 2: Little Rock, AR
- Stop 3: Memphis, TN
- Stop 4: Nashville, TN
- Top stops: Hot Springs National Park, Graceland, Country Music Hall of Fame, Centennial Park, Beale Street, and various barbecue options.
- Gas stations and EV chargers along the drive: Gas stations are plentiful along the route. EV chargers are plentiful in major cities, but older EVs may need to be charged up more frequently. Keep an eye out for chargers in smaller towns along the way, including:
- Mt Pleasant, Texas
- Hope, Arkansas
- Forrest City, Arkansas
- Jackson, Tennessee
- Driving conditions and recommended vehicle: You’ll mostly be traversing interstates on this journey, so any standard, well-maintained vehicle will do. However, if you want to spend more time exploring the parks along the way, a 4WD SUV rental might be an appropriate option.
Distance from Dallas to Nashville
The direct route from Dallas to Nashville covers approximately 663 miles if you opt for the most direct path, taking you via Interstate 30 and Interstate 40.
Dallas to Nashville drive time
The journey will take at least 9 hours, depending on the route you take. It’s recommended to take your time and spread this over two days, so you can fully appreciate the sights along the way.
When to go from Dallas to Nashville
The best time to drive from Dallas to Nashville is in the peak of summer, between early June and late September. This will ensure you experience the warmest, sunniest part of the year and avoid the Tennessee tornado season.
The best Dallas to Nashville route
The trip from Dallas to Nashville takes you east from Texas, through Arkansas, and finishes in Tennessee, allowing you to experience four iconic American cities. However, if you are keen on more adventure, the best route would be one that allows you to take detours to the many beautiful state and national parks along the way.
The best stop between Dallas and Nashville
If you’re racing the clock and only have time for one stopover, our recommendation would have to be Memphis, Tennessee. This iconic southern American city is the perfect place for lovers of all things barbecue and is home to country music, rock ‘n’ roll, and the blues.
Your road trip map from Dallas to Nashville
Top tips for the drive from Dallas to Nashville
When embarking on your journey to Nashville from Dallas, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you avoid any dramas along the way and make the most of your trip. As a start, remember your journey will take you through four large American cities. This means you might have to deal with traffic-related delays that could impact the length of your trip.
Don’t forget to stock up on snacks for your trip — we recommend some boiled peanuts, a popular snack in the Deep South that can usually be found at roadside stands.
Driving conditions: What is the road from Dallas to Nashville like?
Although you will mostly stick to well-travelled interstates and cities on this route, there are still a few things to keep in mind:
- Weather conditions: Different seasons can bring different risks. In winter, watch out for icy patches on highways. March to May is peak tornado season in Tennessee.
- Traffic: Navigating busy interstates and large cities can be difficult due to traffic, especially at peak times. Nashville, in particular, has notoriously congested traffic, so take extra caution at the end of your journey.
- Rural Roads: Although our itinerary will keep you mostly on the beaten path, detours through rural Arkansas or Tennessee could bring you into contact with gravel roads and make services like gas stations less frequent.
Recommended type of car for the drive
You’ll mostly be travelling on interstates between cities, so any standard, well-maintained vehicle will do. Whether you’re renting or using your own vehicle, make sure it’s serviced and ready for your journey. If you need a rental, Turo can help you find a wide selection of vehicles for hire in Dallas to suit your journey, whether it’s solo or with the whole family
How to stay safe on this road trip
Here are a few tips to make sure you stay safe and enjoy all that your journey has to offer:
- Avoid fatigue: Make time to stop, stretch, and relax.
- Watch the weather: Check weather and road conditions regularly.
- Hydrate: The south can be sweltering in summer — keep some water on hand (or iced tea — an iconic southern beverage).
The perfect Dallas to Nashville drive itinerary
Now that you know how to get ready for your journey, keep reading to find out about all that the trip from Dallas to Nashville has to offer.
Stop 1. Dallas, TX
- What to do:
- Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens: Nature lovers may wish to visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, a 66-acre green space packed with themed gardens.
- The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza: If you’re into history, you can’t miss a visit to The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which examines the life, assassination, and legacy of US President John F Kennedy.
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science: Experience an extensive collection of ancient fossils, explore the cosmos, and feel the interactive Earthquake Shake exhibit at this extensive museum in Victory Park.
- Where to stay:
- $ Magnolia Hotel Downtown Dallas
- $$ Hotel Indigo Dallas Downtown
- $$$ The Adolphus, Autograph Collection
- Where to eat:
- El Fenix: The famous pioneer of Dallas’s Tex-Mex scene.
- Keller’s Drive-In: An old fashioned drive-in with classic food and great atmosphere in an iconic location.
- Mamani: This restaurant features classic French cuisine and was awarded a Michelin star in 2025.
- From Dallas to Little Rock: You can expect to spend around 5 hours on Interstate 30 as you drive the 320 miles between Dallas and Little Rock.
Before you leave Texas, you can’t miss a stop at the beautiful Cooper Lake State Park for some boating or fishing action. The Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is also a short detour along Route 70 and offers an abundance of ancient thermal springs and hiking trails.
Stop 2. Little Rock, AR
- What to do:
- William Clinton Presidential Library: Bill Clinton’s Presidential Library includes exhibits exploring his life and presidency, interactive displays and educational programs, and exact replicas of the iconic Oval Office and Cabinet Rooms.
- Arkansas River Market District:This vibrant area located in downtown Little Rock features shopping, dining, live entertainment, and parks like the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden.
- Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site: This school was made famous by the integration of the Little Rock Nine into the once segregated Little Rock Central High School in 1957, and is a key landmark of the Civil Rights movement.
- Where to stay:
- $ Comfort Inn & Suites Presidential
- $$ Hilton Garden Inn Little Rock Downtown
- $$$ The Capital Hotel
- Where to eat:
- The Root Cafe: Offers an authentic farm-to-table dining experience.
- Brave New Restaurant: Respected for its creative takes on American cuisine and view of the Arkansas River.
- The Faded Rose Restaurant: A Little Rock staple, offering a Cajun and Creole-inspired menu.
- From Little Rock to Memphis: The 137 mile short drive from Little Rock to Memphis takes around 2 hours.
The next stage of your journey will take you through the rolling Crowley’s Ridge. If you’re up for some adventure, be sure to stop at the Village Creek State Park, which offers boating, hiking, horse-riding, and the best public golf course in Arkansas.
Stop 3. Memphis, TN
- What to do:
- Graceland Mansion: If you’re a music fan and you want to experience the life and times of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and see where Elvis lived, visiting Graceland is a must.
- National Civil Rights Museum: Built around the former Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated, the National Civil Rights Museum offers a sobering look into the turbulent history of the Deep South in the 20th century.
- Sun Studio: Visit the recording studio where iconic musicians like Johnny Cash, B.B King, and Elvis recorded some of their first music.
- Where to stay:
- $ Hostel Memphis
- $$ The Guest House at Graceland Mansion
- $$$ The Peabody Hotel
- Where to eat:
- Memphis barbecue cannot be missed! However, there are so many options that it can be difficult to choose. We recommend Central BBQ, Payne’s Bar-B-Que, Cozy Corner Restaurant, or Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous.
- From Memphis to Nashville: The 212 mile drive from Memphis to Nashville takes around 3 hours.
Before you leave Memphis, you can’t miss a visit to the iconic Beale Street in downtown Memphis, known as the home of the blues. This street has it all for music lovers — enjoy live performances at iconic clubs like B.B. King’s Blues Club, learn about the history of blues and rock ‘n’ roll at the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, and relax at one of many restaurants and bars lining this lively street.
Stop 4. Nashville, TN
- What to do:
- Country Music Hall of Fame: Dive into the history and traditions of American country music and pay respects to the icons of the genre at the Rotunda.
- Johnny Cash Museum: Fans of the ‘Man in Black’ won’t be able to miss a visit to the Johnny Cash Museum, where you can learn about his life and view handwritten lyrics, awards, iconic costumes, and more.
- The Parthenon: Centennial Park in Nashville hosts a life-sized replica of the Parthenon, the ancient temple to Athena in Athens, Greece. Damage to the original means a visit to Nashville is the only way to experience one of the most iconic structures in human history in all its glory.
- Where to stay:
- $ Comfort Inn Downtown
- $$ Margaritaville Hotel
- $$$ Bobby Hotel
- Where to eat:
- Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack: This Nashville institution is considered the home of the city’s famous fried chicken.
- Goo Goo Chocolate Co: Offers goo goo clusters, a unique Nashville treat that combines caramel, marshmallow, fresh roasted peanuts, and chocolate.
Congratulations, you made it to the end of your journey! While you’re in Nashville, catch some live country music performances from newcomers and legends at the Grand Ole Opry, or take a tour of the Ryman Auditorium for a last taste of the Deep South.
Top places to stop between Dallas and Nashville
From picturesque national parks to mouth-watering barbecue and some of the most iconic music institutions in the world, this road trip through the deep south offers plenty of opportunity for adventure and new experiences.
Top stops for nature lovers
- Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas: Nicknamed the “American Spa”, Hot Springs National Park offers historic bathhouses, hiking through mountain trails, and scenic drives.
- Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas: This 1.8 million acre forest draping the Ouachita Mountains is the oldest in the Southern U.S. and promises classic American outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, and water sports.
- Cooper Lake State Park, Texas: This lake is the perfect place for kayaking, swimming around sandy beaches, or fishing for catfish or bass. After a bit more adventure? The park also offers horse riding, archery lessons, and outdoor running trails.
- Village Creek State Park, Arkansas: Built atop the rolling Crowley’s Ridge, this park is known for its 27-hole golf course, which is considered one of the best public courses in Arkansas. If golf isn’t your style, the park also offers water activities and horse riding.
- Centennial Park, Nashville: At this urban park in Nashville, Tennessee, you can enjoy live music, picnic on the rolling green fields, or express your creative side at the Centennial Art Center. Centennial Park is also known for its monuments — keep an eye out for the full-size replica of the Parthenon, and the statue of Tennessee icon Taylor Swift.
Top stops for music fans
- Sun Studio, Memphis: This legendary recording studio is widely known as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, and was the first studio where iconic musicians like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King recorded music.
- Graceland, Memphis: The Graceland Mansion is the former home and now resting place of the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll”, Elvis Presley. The 13.8-acre estate includes a museum, the meditation garden where Elvis and his family are buried, the Presley Motors Automobile Museum, and the King’s private airplanes.
- Beale Street, Memphis: This historic street, known as the home of the blues, is a vibrant entertainment area hosting notable clubs, including B.B. King’s Blues Club, restaurants, and plenty of opportunities for shopping.
- Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Memphis: This museum showcases over 2,000 items from the glory days of American soul music. The centerpiece is a replica of Studio A, where legendary artists like Otis Redding were recorded.
- Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville: This museum celebrates the history and legends of American country music. Don’t miss a visit to the historic RCA Studio B, where legends like Dolly Parton and Elvis recorded hits.
Top stops for foodies
- Central BBQ, Memphis: An award-winning barbecue restaurant based in Memphis, offering fall-off-the-bone ribs, smoked sausages, and other southern staples.
- Payne’s Bar-B-Que, Memphis: An iconic family-owned barbecue joint offering incredible food for reasonable prices.
- Cozy Corner Restaurant, Memphis: This ‘hole in the wall’ barbecue joint is highly regarded for its ribs and smoked meat sandwiches. Pitmaster Desiree Robinson was inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame in 2020.
- Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous, Memphis: Known by locals as ‘The Rendezvous”, this long-standing barbecue restaurant is known for its distinctive dry-rub ribs.
- Nashville Hot Chicken: Nashville is famous for its distinctive style of fried chicken, which typically comes coated in a cayenne-spiced sauce with a side of pickles on white bread. Visit Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack South for a classic experience from the creator of the dish, or try Red’s Hot Chicken for some creative dishes.
Frequently asked questions about the Dallas to Nashville road trip
Is it worth driving from Dallas to Nashville?
Yes! If you have the time, the drive between Dallas and Nashville has a lot to offer, including other iconic American cities like Memphis on the route!
How many days does it take to travel from Dallas to Nashville?
The direct route from Dallas to Nashville takes about 10 hours, so it could be completed in one day if you’re in a rush. But to enjoy everything this journey has to offer, we recommend a few days at least.
How long is the Dallas to Nashville road trip?
The direct drive from Dallas to Nashville is around 668 miles. However, this might vary if you add more stops along your route.
Can you tackle the Dallas to Nashville road trip in reverse?
Absolutely! All the great tips and recommended locations mentioned here can still be followed if you’re starting in Nashville and heading west. Remember, you can find the best rental car in Nashville for your journey with Turo.
Can I get from Dallas to Nashville by train or bus?
There are multiple bus routes daily between Dallas and Nashville, with a duration of around 13 and a half hours. There is only one option to get from Dallas to Nashville by rail: a 40+ hour journey offered by Amtrak.
Can I fly from Dallas to Nashville?
Yes! A direct flight from Dallas to Nashville will take around 2 hours. However, you might miss out on the many gems the road trip from Dallas to Nashville has to offer.
Is the drive from Dallas to Nashville scenic?
While the direct route will mostly have you driving on the interstate, there are plenty of options for scenic views along the way at the various state and national parks.
Final word: Planning the Dallas to Nashville road trip of a lifetime
Whether you’re looking for the best barbecue in the world, searching for an outdoor adventure, or are a country music buff on a pilgrimage, the drive from Dallas to Nashville offers an unforgettable journey through the American deep south.
With the help of our guide, take some time to look into stops that interest you, plan the perfect route, and browse Turo for a Dallas rental car that suits your trip.
Book your rental car in Dallas with Turo
Ready to get moving? With Turo’s marketplace, booking the perfect rental car in Dallas is easy. Choose from a wide range of vehicles from local hosts — whether you need a spacious minivan or an eco-friendly EV.
Skip the hassle of traditional rentals and take control of your trip from the very beginning. With flexible pick-up and drop-off options, you can hit the road whenever you’re ready and make the most of every moment. Get started with Turo and make your Dallas to Nashville road trip an adventure worth remembering!
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Matt DiGiulio
Matt is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles. When not daydreaming about Mazda Miatas, he is probably cooking or reading.
