Memphis to Detroit
Join 450,000+ happy customers who saved on flights
Cheap Flights to Popular Destinations
Getaway Flights from Memphis to Detroit
Tips When Traveling Between Music Cities
Traveling from Memphis to Detroit is exciting, but a little preparation makes it smoother. Pack light and leave room for Memphis vinyl records or Detroit-made souvenirs. Keep digital/physical copies of your ID and car rental documents. Learn local phrases like "Whassup, doe?" (Detroit) or "Let's play the blues" (Memphis). Stay flexible for unexpected music venues or food stops. Try ribs and coney dogs safely. Carry emergency cash split between pockets. Most importantly, enjoy the live music, put your phone down at Beale Street or Motown Museum.
Search and save on Travel Deals
Where to Trending Destinations
Memphis to Detroit Safety Tips
Stay alert without worry on this musical route. Secure belongings in crowded areas like Beale Street or Downtown Detroit. Research neighborhoods beforehand (stick to Midtown Detroit at night). Trust instincts if a place feels off. Share your road trip itinerary. Save police numbers (Memphis: 901-545-2677, Detroit: 313-596-2200). Use ride-shares not unmarked taxis after concerts.
Flight deals to popular destinations
Los Angeles
Explore the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame and snap a picture with your favorite celebrity’s star before heading up to Griffith Observatory for breathtaking views of the city and the Hollywood Sign.
Miami
Relax on the famous South Beach, soaking up the sun, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and strolling along the lively Ocean Drive. Take a boat tour around Biscayne Bay to catch stunning views of the skyline.
New York
Visit Times Square at night to experience the dazzling lights, street performances, and iconic Broadway theaters. Take the Staten Island Ferry for a free ride with stunning views of the Statue of Liberty
Las Vegas
Experience the dazzling lights of the Las Vegas Strip by exploring world-famous casinos, watching mesmerizing fountain shows at the Bellagio, and catching a top-tier Cirque du Soleil performance.
Musical Road Trip: Memphis to Detroit Highlights
This iconic journey connects America’s greatest music cities. In Memphis, visit Sun Studio where Elvis recorded and taste legendary BBQ on Beale Street. Detroit awaits with the Motown Museum and its famous coney dogs.Along the way, stop in Nashville for country music at the Grand Ole Opry and Louisville for bourbon tastings. The 690 miles drive offers great music, food, and history, perfect for music lovers and road trippers. From blues to rock to Motown, experience America’s musical roots on this unforgettable route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best time of year for this trip?
A: April through June offers ideal weather for exploring both cities, with comfortable temperatures and major music festivals like Memphis in May and Detroit’s Movement Electronic Music Festival.
Q: What documents do I need to travel between these cities?
A: Since this is domestic travel within the U.S., you’ll only need a valid government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license) for flights or car rentals.
Q: What’s the fastest way to get from Memphis to Detroit?
A: Direct flights take just 1.5-2 hours, with Delta and American offering multiple daily flights between Memphis International (MEM) and Detroit Metro (DTW) airports.
Q: What are the best stops if driving?
A: The 690 miles route via I-40 E and I-75 N passes through Nashville (country music landmarks), Louisville (bourbon distilleries), and Cincinnati (scenic riverfront).
Q: What foods should I absolutely try?
A: In Memphis: Dry rub ribs at Central BBQ. In Detroit: Coney dogs at Lafayette and square deep dish pizza at Buddy’s.
Q: What are the best free attractions?
A: Memphis: Live music on Beale Street. Detroit: Walking the RiverWalk and viewing the Heidelberg Project outdoor art installations.
Q: What’s a realistic daily budget?
A: Allow $75-100 per person per day for:
- $50 for meals at great local spots
- $20 for attraction admissions
- $5-30 for local transportation
Q: Are there areas I should avoid?
A: Stick to well trafficked areas like Downtown/Midtown in both cities after dark. For Memphis, avoid areas north of Stax Museum; in Detroit, stay east of Woodward Avenue at night.
Q: What emergency numbers should I save?
A: Essential contacts:
- Memphis Police Non-Emergency: 901-545-2677
- Detroit Police Non-Emergency: 313-596-2200
- Roadside Assistance: Save your rental car company’s number
Q: What are the top music landmarks?
A: Don’t miss:
- Memphis: Sun Studio and Stax Museum
- Detroit: Motown Museum and Third Man Records
Q: What are unique souvenirs to bring home?
A: From Memphis: Stax Records vinyl or BBQ rubs. From Detroit: Shinola watches or Motown merchandise.