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.
Interstate 40
Explore Interstate 40, a major east–west highway stretching from California to North Carolina. Discover its route, key cities, scenic highlights, and historical significance.
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 the Interstates
Interstate 40: Clinton to Elk City ~ Oklahoma
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 i…
Interstate 40: Shawnee to Oklahoma City ~ Oklahoma
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.
Interstate 40: Dora to Shawnee ~ Oklahoma
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 …
Interstate 40: Memphis to Jackson – Tennessee
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.
Interstate 40: Nashville to Knoxville, Tennessee
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.
Interstate 40: Little Rock to Fort Smith – Arkansas
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.
Interstate 40: Knoxville to Lebanon – Tennessee
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.
Interstate 40: Oklahoma Border to North Little Rock – Arkansas
Drive America’s Highways along Interstate 40 from the Oklahoma border to North Little Rock, Arkansas. Explore rolling foothills, river valleys, and growing urban centers on this vital cross-state route.
Interstate 40: Tijeras to Edgewood – New Mexico
Cruise east on Interstate 40 from Tijeras to Edgewood, New Mexico, for 12 miles of high-desert scenery, roadside history, and mountain views just outside of Albuquerque. Explore Zuzax, Sedillo Hill, and the growing town of Edgewood along the way.
Interstate 40: Little Rock to Memphis – Arkansas
Cruise 131 miles along Interstate 40 from Little Rock to Memphis — pass through wooded countryside, open Delta farmlands, small towns like Lonoke and Brinkley, and cross the majestic Mississippi River into Tennessee.
Interstate 40: U.S. Route 276 to Cosby – Tennessee
Cruise 28 miles west along Interstate 40 from U.S. Route 276 to Cosby, Tennessee. Experience breathtaking mountain views, the dramatic Pigeon River Gorge, historic tunnels, whitewater adventures in Hartford, and peaceful access to the Smokies at Cosby.