The Trip at a Glance
- Distance: ~1,040 miles (1,674 km).
- Driving Time: ~16 hours (non-stop, ideal conditions).
- Recommended: 2 days with overnight stop (e.g., Nashville, TN or Birmingham, AL).
Primary Route: I-75 N → I-24 W → I-57 N / I-64 W
- Orlando → Atlanta (~440 mi, 6.5 hrs): I-75 N through Gainesville, Valdosta, Tifton, Macon.
- Atlanta → Chattanooga (~110 mi, 1.75 hrs): I-75 N.
- Chattanooga → Nashville (~135 mi, 2 hrs): I-24 W. Good overnight stop.
- Nashville → St. Louis (~315 mi, 4.75 hrs): I-24 W → I-57 N (at Paducah) → I-64 W (at Mt. Vernon, IL) → St. Louis. OR I-40 W → I-55 N (Memphis route, similar time).
Alternative: I-10 W → I-55 N (Southern Route)
- Orlando → Tallahassee → Mobile → New Orleans → Memphis → St. Louis. ~1,100 mi, ~17 hrs. More coastal scenery, less mountain driving.
Practical Tips
- Traffic: Atlanta rush hour (6–9 AM, 4–7 PM) adds 1–2 hrs. Use I-285 bypass if not stopping.
- Weather: Winter ice in TN/IL/MO; summer storms.
- Fuel/Food: Plan stops; rural stretches in TN/KY/IL have limited services.
- Cost: ~$150–$200 gas (25 mpg, $3.50/gal) + food/lodging.
Flying Alternative
Flight: 2h 15m + airport time. Often cheaper than driving solo if booked ahead.
Wanderlust World