Interstate 40 (I-40) is one of the nation's longest and most significant east–west routes, stretching over 2,500 miles from Barstow, California, to Wilmington, North Carolina. Traversing eight states, I-40 serves as a major commercial artery and scenic cross-country corridor, paralleling historic U.S. Route 66 for much of its western half. The highway plays a critical role in both freight movement and tourism, connecting major cities including Oklahoma City, Little Rock, Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville.
The western segment of I-40 offers travelers expansive desert landscapes and cultural landmarks, from the Mojave Desert to the Petrified Forest and Albuquerque’s high desert basin. As it moves eastward, the terrain shifts dramatically—from the high plains of Texas and rolling hills of Arkansas to the lush river valleys of Tennessee. I-40 crosses several major interstates, including I-5, I-25, I-35, I-55, and I-75, making it a vital junction point for north–south connections as well.
Notable challenges along I-40 include seasonal weather hazards, especially winter storms in the high elevations of Arizona and severe storms in the Midwest and Southeast. Despite these conditions, I-40 remains a preferred route for coast-to-coast travel due to its relatively direct alignment, robust infrastructure, and diverse roadside attractions. Whether you're a long-haul trucker, road-tripper, or history buff following the path of Route 66, Interstate 40 offers a compelling and essential journey across the American landscape.
Drive west on Interstate 40 from Amarillo to Glenrio, Texas, beginning before dawn through construction near Loop 335 and continuing into a wide-open Panhandle sunrise. This 66-mile journey follows the historic Route 66 corridor past Vega and into Glenrio at the Texas–New Mexico state line.
Drive west along Interstate 40 from Groom to Amarillo, Texas, as open Panhandle prairie gradually gives way to the industrial and urban edge of a classic High Plains city.
Drive west along Interstate 40 from McLean to Groom, Texas, and experience classic Panhandle prairie scenery, wide-open skies, and lingering Route 66 character on this short but iconic stretch of highway.
Drive west along Interstate 40 from Shamrock to McLean, Texas, and experience a short but character-filled Texas Panhandle segment shaped by open prairie, steady winds, and the lasting influence of historic Route 66.
Drive west along Interstate 40 from Elk City, Oklahoma, to Shamrock, Texas on a classic High Plains stretch shaped by open land, long sightlines, and the lasting influence of historic Route 66.
Drive west along Interstate 40 from Clinton to Elk City, Oklahoma, and experience a classic stretch of western Plains highway. This 23-mile segment highlights wide-open landscapes, long sightlines, and the steady rhythm of one of America’s most important east–west interstates.
Drive west along Interstate Forty from Shawnee to Oklahoma City in this twenty sixteen snapshot of central Oklahoma’s primary east–west corridor, capturing the route before the Kickapoo Turnpike reshaped regional traffic patterns.
Drive west along Interstate 40 from Dora to Shawnee, Oklahoma, and experience 145 miles of open prairie, farmland, and regional travel corridors. This segment highlights eastern Oklahoma’s wide-open landscapes, rail-adjacent infrastructure, and the gradual transition from rural interstate driving into a historic regional hub.
Experience the 69-mile drive along Interstate 40 from Memphis to Jackson, Tennessee. Follow the route from the edge of the Memphis metro through rural farmland, the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge, and into Jackson on this smooth, scenic stretch of I-40.
Drive Interstate 40 from Nashville to Knoxville and experience 187 miles of rolling hills, Cumberland Plateau vistas, and classic Tennessee scenery. Follow this detailed route narrative for landmarks, terrain changes, and what to expect along the way.
Take a scenic 153-mile drive along Interstate 40 from Little Rock to Fort Smith, Arkansas. Explore river crossings, mountain views, and vibrant towns like Conway, Russellville, and Ozark on this diverse stretch of highway.
Travel across Tennessee on Interstate 40 from Kodak to Lebanon, passing the Great Smoky foothills, Knoxville, the Cumberland Plateau, and Middle Tennessee’s farmlands. Experience a classic 155-mile cross-state drive.