Memphis to Oklahoma City Road Trip: Best Stops & Guide

The drive from Memphis, Tennessee to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma covers 460 miles along Interstate 40 West, a route that traces part of the historic Route 66 corridor through Arkansas and Oklahoma. This journey begins at the mighty Mississippi River (mile marker 0 in Memphis) and ends at the Oklahoma State Capitol, offering a cross-section of American music history, barbecue culture, and the transition from Eastern forests to Western plains.

Is it worth driving Memphis, TN to Oklahoma City, OK? Absolutely. The journey is rich with cultural and natural attractions, from the blues clubs of Beale Street to the cowboy heritage of OKC. How long to drive Memphis, TN to Oklahoma City, OK? At a steady pace, you can complete the drive in about 6 hours and 45 minutes, but we recommend adding at least half a day for stops at notable landmarks along the way.

For a deeper dive into curating your own road trip, learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. Our guide helps you maximize every mile.

Route Overview Table

Road Quality and Safety

Interstate 40 is a well-maintained, divided highway with guardrails and clear signage throughout. The Arkansas portion features some winding sections through the Ozark foothills, but overall the pavement is smooth. Oklahoma's stretch is flat and straight, with long sightlines. No tolls exist on I-40 between Memphis and OKC, though Oklahoma's I-44 (used near the city) has a small toll if you take the Kilpatrick Turnpike; stick to I-40 to avoid charges.

• Road condition: good to excellent, with occasional construction zones in summer.
• Speed limits: 70 mph in Arkansas, 75 mph in Oklahoma, 55 mph through cities.
• Rest areas: Every 30–50 miles on I-40; well-lit with restrooms and picnic tables.
• Emergency services: 911 coverage is reliable; cell signal is strong except in remote pockets near the Ouachitas.

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas prices are generally lower in Arkansas and Oklahoma than in Tennessee. Fill up in Little Rock or Russellville for best prices. Diesel is widely available. Total fuel cost for a typical sedan (25 mpg) is about $45–$55 at current national averages.

• Memphis: $3.30/gal average
• Little Rock: $3.10/gal
• Oklahoma City: $3.05/gal
• Recommended stops: Pilot/Flying J, Love's, and Buckee's (in Conway, AR).

Rest Stop Table

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The route transitions from the Mississippi River floodplain (Memphis) through the forested Arkansas River Valley, then into the Ouachita Mountains near Russellville, and finally onto the rolling plains of Oklahoma. The most scenic stretch is between Conway and Russellville, where I-40 cuts through the Ozark National Forest. Watch for white-tailed deer and wild turkeys along the roadside.

• Mississippi Alluvial Plain: Flat farmland with cotton and soybeans.
• Arkansas River Valley: Bluffs and river views near Little Rock.
• Ouachita Mountains: Pine-covered hills near Russellville; consider a detour on AR-7 for higher vistas.
• Oklahoma Red Plains: Grassy prairies and red soil approaching OKC.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

While no UNESCO World Heritage Sites lie directly on I-40 between Memphis and OKC, the route intersects with two culturally significant corridors. The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, which follows portions of the Arkansas River, is inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. Additionally, the entire alignment of US Route 66, which I-40 parallels, is on the tentative list for World Heritage status due to its role in 20th-century migration.

Culinary Infrastructure

Food is a highlight of this drive. Memphis is world-famous for dry-rub ribs at spots like Charles Vergos' Rendezvous. Little Rock offers Southern staples like fried catfish and hushpuppies (try The Catfish Hole). In Oklahoma City, don't miss onion burgers (a local invention) at Tucker's or classy steak at The Ranch. For quick stops, interstate exits are lined with chains like Cracker Barrel and Whataburger.

• Memphis: BBQ (Rendezvous, Central BBQ)
• Little Rock: Southern soul food (Lassis Inn for tamales, The Root Cafe)
• Russellville: Fried pies at the Arkansas Pie Factory
• Oklahoma City: Onion burgers (Tucker's), chicken fry (The Drum Room)

Local Commerce & Culture

Beyond food, the route offers unique shopping and cultural stops. Memphis' Beale Street is a living museum of blues. Little Rock's River Market District has local artisan shops. In OKC, the Paseo Arts District features galleries and boutiques. Antique lovers should exit at Conway, AR for vintage finds.

• Music: Memphis (Sun Studio, Stax Museum) and OKC (Blue Door for folk).
• Art: Little Rock (Arkansas Arts Center) and OKC (Oklahoma City Museum of Art).
• Museums: National Civil Rights Museum (Memphis), Hot Springs (detour), National Cowboy Museum (OKC).

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

I-40 is a primary transcontinental route, so traffic is heavy with tractor-trailers. Maintain a safe following distance, especially in rain. The Arkansas portion can be foggy near the Arkansas River in the morning. Oklahoma's section is often windy; crosswinds can affect high-profile vehicles. Emergency call boxes are present every mile in Arkansas; in Oklahoma, rely on cell phones.

• Weather hazards: Summer thunderstorms, sporadic tornado warnings (especially in Oklahoma).
• Wildlife: Deer and armadillos; drive cautiously at dawn/dusk.
• Construction: Ongoing widening projects near Conway and west of OKC.

Family and Child Suitability

This road trip is highly suitable for families. Many rest stops have playgrounds, and the route passes child-friendly attractions. In Memphis, the Children's Museum of Memphis is a hit. In Little Rock, the Museum of Discovery offers interactive science exhibits. The Oklahoma City Zoo and Myriad Botanical Gardens are excellent for younger kids.

• Best stops for kids: Buckee's (Conway) with giant candy walls and clean bathrooms; Oklahoma City's Science Museum Oklahoma.
• Entertainment: Load up audiobooks (e.g., tales of Route 66) or car games like license plate bingo.
• Safety: Use car seats properly; all states require child restraint for under 8 or under 4'9".

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most interstate rest areas have designated pet relief areas with waste bags and benches. Many motels along the route are pet-friendly, including La Quinta and Motel 6. In Oklahoma City, the Myriad Gardens allow leashed pets, and there are several off-leash parks like Pawpaw Park.

• Pet-friendly attractions: Memphis' Shelby Farms Park (large off-leash area), Little Rock's Two Rivers Park, and OKC's Lake Hefner Trail.
• Tips: Keep pets hydrated and never leave them in the car, especially in summer heat (interior can reach 120°F).
• Veterinary: Emergency clinics in Memphis (Animal Emergency Center), Little Rock (Arkansas Veterinary Emergency), and Oklahoma City (Animal ER).

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

To combat driver fatigue, plan a stop every 2 hours. Ideal rest locations include the Walmart Museum in Bentonville (slight detour), but on-route options are the rest areas listed in the logistics section. For a longer break, exit in Russellville and walk the scenic Lake Dardanelle State Park trail. In Oklahoma, the Jenkins rest area near mile 275 has a covered picnic area and vending machines.

• Recommended stops for stretching: Little Rock River Market (walk the bridge), Fort Smith National Historic Site (quick stroll), and Bristow's Route 66 landmark.
• Coffee stops: Starbucks in Conway and OKC; local coffee at Onyx Coffee Lab in Bentonville (detour).
• Power naps: Use only designated rest areas or well-lit truck stops. Never park on the shoulder.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

For travelers with extra time, a few detours reward with unique experiences. Take AR-7 north from Russellville to the Ozark National Forest's Whitaker Point (60-min detour) for a stunning lookout. Near the Oklahoma border, consider a 25-mile detour to the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, the only open-to-the-public prehistoric Native American site in Oklahoma. Finally, near Bristow, OK, the Rock Café (a Route 66 diner) serves handmade burgers in a classic setting.

• Whitaker Point (Arkansas): 7-mile roundtrip hike to a cliff overhang.
• Spiro Mounds (Oklahoma): Guided tours of ceremonial mounds.
• Rock Café (Bristow): Historic 1936 diner with vintage decor.