Thanksgiving road trip

Memphis to New Orleans for Thanksgiving

Distance
395 mi
Driving
6 hrs + traffic
Halfway
Jackson

The next Thanksgiving lands on Thursday, November 26, 2026. On I-55, the heaviest traffic usually hits the Tuesday and Wednesday before and the Sunday after. Drive Thanksgiving morning itself; roads are often the quietest of the week.

Plan this drive in XCRSN

Book the halfway night early

Jackson sits about 214 miles from Memphis and 181 miles from New Orleans. Holiday weekends sell out the rooms near the highway first.

Total trip cost

Gas uses today's regional averages along this route. Add the nightly rate you find to see the full total.

Gas, about 395 miles
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Lodging, 1 night
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Along the way

Full drive guide for this route

XCRSN planner: plan the whole drive before you leave. Live corridor fuel, overnight stops, Apple and Google Maps export.

More planning help