Chicago to Memphis: Road Trip Guide & Distance

482.9 miles 777.1 km · straight line
531.6 miles actual route 855.5 km · driving distance
9h 40min estimated drive time
$51 - $63 estimated fuel cost
~1h 28min flight time
196° SSW bearing direction

How far is Chicago from Memphis?

The distance from Chicago to Memphis is 482.9 miles (777.1 km) as the crow flies. Memphis is located SSW of Chicago. By car, the driving distance is approximately 531.6 miles, taking about 9h 40min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 28min. Both are located in United States — Chicago in Illinois and Memphis in Tennessee.

This is a solid day of driving. Be sure to take breaks every 2-3 hours to avoid driver fatigue, and plan your meals ahead of time. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare.

Coordinates come from public place data for Chicago and Memphis. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Chicago to Memphis

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 9h 40min $51 - $63 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 28min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~11h 36min $43–$80* Budget
Train ~9h 11min $64–$186* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Chicago & Memphis

Quick Facts

Chicago
41.88°N, 87.63°W
America/Chicago
181m elevation
Memphis
35.15°N, 90.05°W
America/Chicago
102m elevation
Explore more routes from Memphis

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 161 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 40 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 51.6 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM