An Amazing Road Trip From Chicago To New Orleans

There is no place quite like New Orleans, where the jazz is smoother, the food richer, and the party is never-ending.

A great road trip from Chicago to New Orleans takes you via Indianapolis, Louisville, Nashville, Decatur, Birmingham, Montgomery, Fairhope, Mobile, Biloxi and Gulfport. You can drive this in 16 hours and 40 minutes and will cover 1,100 miles.

But you can also choose to drive to New Orleans from Chicago via Memphis. Read on to discover more about both of these routes, including the best time to go, where to stay, and the very best things to see on the way.

As you can see, you have two fantastic routes to choose from between Chicago and New Orleans. The table below summarizes how the two options compare to one another.

How far is New Orleans from Chicago and how long will the road trip take?

The most direct and fastest route from Chicago to New Orleans is 925 miles long and features at least 13 hours and 30 minutes of driving. A journey this long is technically possible to complete in a day, it is much better to spend a little longer on the road and enjoy a road trip instead of a commute.

The Nashville Route is just that and will take you 16 hours and 40 minutes to cover 1,100 miles without accounting for further detours on the way from Chicago to New Orleans.

The alternative Memphis Route spans 1,170 miles, and if you follow this option, you will spend 18 hours and 40 minutes on the road.

With so many amazing cities to discover and places to visit, we recommend taking at least 5 days to enjoy this amazing road trip that showcases the incredible musical heritage of the areas you will drive through.

Best road trip route from Chicago to New Orleans

If you're torn between taking the Nashville or Memphis Route for your road trip from Chicago to New Orleans, think of it as choosing your own adventure based on what vibes you're after and which of the iconic cities you'd like to visit on the way.

Going via Nashville is like a playlist of America's greatest hits—you start off with the big city vibes of Chicago, dive into the heart of country music in Nashville, and then ease into the slower pace of towns like Decatur and Fairhope.

On this route, you will cruise through cities bustling with music and history, winding down in the laid-back coastal beauty of the Gulf before hitting the festive streets of New Orleans.

On the other hand, the Memphis Route has its own rhythm and blues. It will take you through the historic vibes of St Louis and the beauty of Shawnee National Forest, before dipping into the rich history of Natchez, where you can make a detour on the famous Natchez Trace Parkway if you have some extra time.

This road trip from Chicago to New Orleans is somewhat of a musical pilgrimage with both routes offering beautiful landscapes at the same time. Make sure to add Wolf Lake to your list of things to see on the Memphis Route and Bankhead National Forest on the Nashville Route.

Itinerary A: The Memphis Route from Chicago to New Orleans

1. Drive from Chicago to Springfield, IL

160 miles (2 hours 40 minutes)

Wave the beautiful skyline of Chicago goodbye and hop on I-55 as you leave the city's outskirts. Heading southwest, you will get to visit Des Plaines Dolomite Prairies Land And Water Reserve.

You can grab a bite at the retro Polk-a-Dot Drive-In nearby and step back in time at this classic 1950s-themed diner. Another Route-66 sight on the way is the Sprague Super Service, a historic gas station that now serves as a visitor center.

Continue Bloomington and visit McLean County Museum of History before driving through Lincoln. The interstate will then take you to Springfield.

Once you arrive in Springfield, we recommend visiting the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Then, head over to the Lincoln Home National Historic Site to walk through the rooms and see how Lincoln and his family lived before he became the 16th president.

2. Drive from Springfield to St Louis

100 miles (1 hour 30 minutes)

Shortly after you leave Springfield on I-55, you will have the opportunity to visit the beautiful Sangchris Lake State Park. If you feel like you have worked an appetite during the drive, you can stop for a meal at the Ariston Café in Litchfield, famous for its delicious sandwiches.

Keep following the interstate, and you can visit the historic Soulsby Service Station in Mt Olive before you reach St Louis.

Once you arrive in St Louis, the Gateway Arch is one of the first places to visit, with breathtaking views from its top. Once you have snapped a photo here (or ten!), we recommend heading to the Missouri Botanical Garden for a refreshing breath of air, which will be much welcome after being in the car for a while.

Whether you are traveling with family or are an animal lover yourself, the Saint Louis Zoo is a fantastic place to wrap up your visit to St Louis. From gorgeous Amur Tigers to adorable Black and White Ruffed Lemurs, you will get to see and learn about many fascinating creatures.

3. Drive from St Louis to Shawnee National Forest

150 miles (2 hours 40 minutes)

Heading east out of St Louis, make a short detour to Collinsville to see the World's Largest Catsup Bottle in person for a quirky photo op. Afterwards, keep driving on I-64, head to Mt Vernon and then switch to I-57 to drive south to Shawnee National Forest.

Once you arrive in Shawnee National Forest, prepare to be awed by the natural beauty of Garden of the Gods, with its stunning rock formations and stunning scenery that make for amazing hiking experiences.

If you have time while in the area, also visit Cave-In-Rock State Park and Rim Rock National Recreation Trail.

4. Drive from Shawnee National Forest to Memphis

220 miles (3 hours 30 minutes)

As you leave Shawnee National Forest heading west, you can visit the beautiful Wolf Lake and Cape Girardeau. As you make your way to Memphis on I-55, treat yourself to a well-deserved lunch at the popular Lambert's Cafe in Sikeston.

If you are not in a hurry, we recommend making a small detour to visit Johnny Cash Boyhood Home before you reach Memphis, especially if you like country music!

Once you arrive in Memphis, a visit to Graceland is essential for any music fan, offering a personal glimpse into the life of Elvis Presley. If you are a fan of the King, you should also visit Sun Studio, where he recorded some of his popular tunes.

From here, the obvious next stop will be Beale Street, where you can enjoy a live gig at a historic blues club.

To make the most of the music, bars, and restaurants in Memphis, you want to stay somewhere within walking distance of the main sights. Big Cypress Lodge is one of the best places to stay in the city, which will steal your heart with its rustic charm.

READ MORE - Click here for more great hotel options in Memphis

5. Drive from Memphis to Natchez

300 miles (4 hours 40 minutes)

As you leave Memphis, follow I-55 south until you reach Jackson. This is the longest stretch on this drive from Chicago to New Orleans, so you might want to make an extra stopover at Jackson to rest up. While here, don't forget to visit the fascinating Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.

From here, you will hop on the iconic Natchez Trace Parkway, which will take you all the way to Natchez.

Once you arrive in Natchez, you can visit Stanton Hall to admire the grandeur of the antebellum South. If you'd like you can enjoy a scenic bike ride on the Natchez Trace Parkway, which features a bicycle route, which will be a different experience than sightseeing during a car drive.

6. Drive from Natchez to New Orleans

170 miles (2 hours 50 minutes)

Follow US-61 as you leave Natchez, heading south. You will soon get to visit the Myrtles Plantation before arriving at Baton Rouge. Here, BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo and Capitol Park Museum are fantastic places to visit.

Afterwards, hop on I-10, which will take you all the way to New Orleans.

Once you get to New Orleans, you probably won't want to wait to visit the world-famous French Quarter. It's packed with charming historic buildings and amazing jazz venues. Make sure to enjoy a beignet at one of the many cafes here and don't forget to swing by Jackson Square too.

For a boutique option during your stay, we recommend staying at the beautiful Maison de la Luz. Located a short walk from the French Quarter, this chic and elegant hotel is one of the best options in the city.

READ MORE - Click here for more great hotel options in New Orleans

Itinerary B: The Nashville Route from Chicago to New Orleans

1. Drive from Chicago to Indianapolis

180 miles (2 hours 50 minutes)

You will leave Chicago following Interstate 90 (I-90) and start your drive on a sweet note (especially important if you are traveling with little ones or a sweet-toothed companion!) with a visit to Albanese Candy Factory Outlet Merrillville.

Then dip southeast on I-65. As you approach Lafayette, take a moment to visit Tippecanoe Battlefield Park, which is home to a museum, monument, and walking trails. After your visit, the interstate will take you all the way to Indianapolis.

Once you arrive in Indianapolis, dive straight into the city's vibrant sports culture with a visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the famous Indy 500.

It is a good idea a plan for a few indoor places to visit, too. Indianapolis is home to many museums, and two of our favorites are Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, because we will always be young at heart!

2. Drive from Indianapolis to Louisville

110 miles (1 hour 50 minutes)

Continue driving on I-65, heading north. On this section of the route, you will get the opportunity to make a detour to Yellowwood State Forest, Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge and Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge as you make your way to Louisville in Kentucky.

Once you arrive in Louisville, step into the heart of a bygone era at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. Some of the other places we highly recommend visiting in Louisville are Churchill Downs, home to the famous Kentucky Derby, and the Muhammad Ali Center.

3. Drive from Louisville to Nashville

170 miles (2 hours 40 minutes)

From Louisville, you will continue following I-65. Past Shepherdsville, you can make a detour to the beautiful Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest, which has a gorgeous Canopy Tree Walk.

As you head south, you will reach Cave City, the perfect gateway to the majestic Mammoth Cave National Park. This is the world's longest-known cave system! After your visit, keep heading southwest on the interstate to reach Nashville.

Once you arrive in Nashville, you will be in for a treat if you are a music lover, no matter which genre you jam to. The first places we recommend visiting to get you started are the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Make sure to check the program of Ryman Auditorium before visiting. This famous venue has hosted some impressive names throughout its history, from Harry Houdini and Charlie Chaplin to Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.

Our favorite place to stay in Nashville is Noelle. This hotel boasts stunning architecture and tasteful decor, and with several restaurants on-site, you won't need much else during your stay. In the evenings, you can relax at the hotel's rooftop bar, where you can soak in the city's vibes.

READ MORE - Click here for more great hotel options in Nashville

4. Drive from Nashville to Decatur

120 miles (1 hour 50 minutes)

Your drive from Nashville to Decatur will continue on the interstate. Head north past Brentwood, Franklin and Thompson's Station and Ardmore. You will then cross the Tennessee River to make a short detour into the charming riverside town of Decatur.

Once you arrive in Decatur, we recommend visiting Point Mallard Park, especially if you are traveling with family. If you would prefer to avoid the crowds, you can choose to spend a quiet afternoon at the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge instead.

5. Drive from Decatur to Birmingham

80 miles (1 hour 20 minutes)

After you visit Decatur, return to the interstate on US-72 ALT E and drive south through Priceville, Good Hope and Doge City to reach Smoke Rise. This is a great place to take a break to visit the nearby Rickwood Caverns State Park.

From here, continue driving on I-65 to reach Birmingham.

Once you arrive in Birmingham, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is one of the best places to visit to learn about the Civil Rights Movement. Once you're ready to shift gears, you can head to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.

6. Drive from Birmingham to Montgomery

90 miles (1 hour 20 minutes)

Before you set off to make your way to Montgomery, you can make a detour to Talladega National Forest following I-20. If not, hop on I-65 to continue your drive south.

We love everything about trains, and if you feel similarly, make a visit to the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera. After your visit, follow the interstate to arrive at Montgomery.

Once you arrive in Montgomery, the Rosa Parks Library and Museum honors the courage of the woman who dared to stand (or sit) for justice. If you have enough time, we also recommend visiting the Alabama State Capitol.

7. Drive from Montgomery to Fairhope

170 miles (2 hours 50 minutes)

This leg of your road trip from Chicago to New Orleans will finally take you to the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Follow I-65 past Greenville and Evergreen and switch to AL-225 and then US-98 to reach Fairhope, located on Mobile Bay.

Once you arrive in Fairhope, the Fairhope Municipal Pier offers stunning sunset views over Mobile Bay. Once you've captured the sunset, you can head to Fairhope Avenue, home to charming shops, galleries, and eateries, for a bite to eat and recharge.

8. Drive from Fairhope to New Orleans

160 miles (2 hours 40 minutes)

The drive from Fairhope to New Orleans follows the beautiful shores of the Gulf of Mexico, and you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful beaches to visit.

Driving through Mobile, Biloxi (where you can work on your tan at Biloxi Beach and fall in love with the ocean views), Gulf Port, and Bay St Louis on I-10, you will get to soak up the sun before arriving in New Orleans.

Once you arrive in New Orleans, you'll want to head straight for the French Quarter, with its historic buildings, jazz music, and amazing restaurants. While here, we recommend also visiting Jackson Square, surrounded by iconic landmarks.

When you're ready to explore the heart of this enchanting city, Maison Perrier Bed & Breakfast is a great choice. This historic bed and breakfast, constructed in 1892, offers a retreat into the elegance of a bygone era combined with the warm embrace of Southern hospitality.

READ MORE - Click here for more great hotel options in New Orleans

Best time to go on a road trip from Chicago to New Orleans

Traveling from Chicago to New Orleans, there's no real wrong time to make this trip, as most of the attractions at your destination don't rely on the weather to be a success. That being said, timing your adventure can help shape the experiences awaiting you on this journey.

Summer in New Orleans and along the route brings hotter weather compared to Chicago as you might expect, with temperatures in New Orleans averaging between the high 80s and mid-90s Fahrenheit. Be prepared for the humidity, especially as you venture closer to the Gulf Coast.

Memphis Elvis Week takes place in August, so you will be in for a treat if you are driving from Chicago to New Orleans on the Memphis Route during summer.

Fall sees a delightful transition, with New Orleans temperatures cooling to a comfortable range of 70s to 80s Fahrenheit. This season is perfect for exploring outdoor attractions like the Shawnee National Forest or the Natchez Trace Parkway in more temperate weather.

September to October is one of the best times to set off on this road trip on the Nashville Route. If you are in town in September, enjoy a sip at Wine on the River. If you are visiting later on, the Nashville Whiskey Festival and Feast of the Hunter's Moon take place in October.

If you'd like to learn more about the events in Nashville, here is our guide on the best time to visit Nashville.

Beware that if you're going in the winter, you'll be going from freezing cold Chicago to a rather balmy New Orleans that averages daily highs of 62 degrees Fahrenheit in January. You'll need to bring clothes for every season if that's what you're planning!

If you are traveling during the colder months and find yourself in Louisville in February, you can enjoy a sip at the Bourbon Classic Festival. If you are traveling on the Memphis Route, make sure to check the dates for Soulard Mardi Gras, which should be around January and February.

This season is ideal for visiting indoor attractions such as museums and historical sites without the crowds. In New Orleans, the build-up to Mardi Gras begins, bringing vibrant parades and festivities that culminate in early spring.

Spring in New Orleans sees temperatures in the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit, making it a delightful time for a road trip as you watch the landscape come alive with blooming flowers and greener vistas.

Below you can find a summary of some of the seasonal events you can enjoy on each route:

Things to see on a road trip from Chicago to New Orleans

With so much on offer, it's nearly impossible to put together an exhaustive list of everything there is to see on this incredible journey from Chicago to New Orleans. For inspiration and to get started on your planning, you can find our favorite places on each route below.