Lincoln, NE → Memphis, TN
533 mi · 10h 39m (driving)
Current Risk
Low Risk
Clear conditions along your route
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Lincoln
29°
Leavenworth County
36°
Hickory County
36°
Howell County
38°
Memphis
37°
Trip Briefing
4 segments · 533 mi · 10h 40m
Weather
⛅ Partly cloudy
36°F, wind 6 mph
Rest Stops
12
Restrooms, Truck svc, WiFi
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Sapp Brothers Travel Center
- ● Love's Travel Stop 🚻
- ● Pilot Travel Center
Hazards Ahead
1 road closure may affect your route
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
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Via Nebraska Parkway → I-29 South → ... → US-78 → I-40
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
46 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 46
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 12: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Nov 10: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Nov 7: Dense fog warning for morning travel
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Driving from Lincoln, NE to Memphis, TN covers 533 miles in roughly 10h 39m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 10 live traffic cameras, 46 rest areas and 1 reported incident along this corridor so you can plan around them. On a drive this length, weather can change dramatically between stops. Use the segment-by-segment forecast below to time your route.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 14
46° / 29°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 15
51° / 29°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
54° / 35°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
53° / 41°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
58° / 48°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
56° / 46°
No precip
Fri
Nov 20
57° / 46°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go⛅ Partly cloudy at origin, ⛅ Partly cloudy at destination
Sunday
Good to Go⛅ Partly cloudy at origin, ⛅ Partly cloudy at destination
Plan This Route
Get hour-by-hour weather forecasts, real-time traffic, and find the optimal departure time.
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Current Conditions
Lincoln, NE
29°F
Wind: 6 mph
Memphis, TN
37°F
Wind: 5 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Lincoln, NE to Memphis, TN
The 533-mile drive from Lincoln, Nebraska to Memphis, Tennessee takes approximately 10h 39m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially across open plains where severe weather and high winds can develop quickly. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This long-distance route crosses state lines from Nebraska into Tennessee, connecting Lincoln and Memphis. Covering 533 miles, this is a substantial drive that will take you through diverse terrain and weather patterns. Planning ahead with real-time conditions along the entire route — not just at your destination — is essential for a safe trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding (spring and summer)
Seasonal Driving Considerations
The Midwest corridor of this route is susceptible to rapid weather changes. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are a real threat from April through June, while winter brings heavy lake-effect snow, ice storms, and dangerously low wind chill. Flat terrain means high crosswinds can affect vehicle stability year-round, especially for taller vehicles. Spring flooding can also close highway underpasses and low-lying road segments.
Best Time to Drive Lincoln to Memphis
For long drives like this 533-mile journey, planning is essential. Consider breaking the trip into segments if weather looks challenging. The best approach is to check conditions for multiple departure times using Route Outlook's optimizer, which considers weather at each point when you'll actually be there.
Driving Strategy
Covering 533 miles from Lincoln to Memphis is a full-day or multi-day drive that requires advance planning. Break the route into manageable segments, planning fuel and rest stops every 2-3 hours. Weather that looks fine at departure may deteriorate significantly at the midpoint. Consider booking overnight accommodation if the forecast shows deteriorating conditions in the latter half. Route Outlook's segment-level weather data helps you identify exactly where and when conditions will change.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Lincoln to Memphis?
The drive is approximately 533 miles and takes about 10h 39m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Tomorrow (Nov 15) looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Lincoln to Memphis today?
Current conditions show low risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the Lincoln to Memphis route?
Yes, there are 46 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 10 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses I-29 South, US-71. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
There is currently 1 active incident along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
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🛡️Road Safety Features: Real-Time Conditions for Your Route
Real-time traffic incidents from 12 states, highway message signs, road conditions, and 25,000+ traffic cameras--integrated into your route planning.
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