Best route around/thru Nashville & Memphis

We drove straight thru Memphis in June, no problems at all om I-40 And just a couple days ago came in from the NW on one interstate, got on I-40 for a should leg then south on I-55(?) south. Not even a slow up either time. The bad spot was Chattanooga because of construction that may be done now. Don't recall any problems in Nashville either.

I went straight through both without issue last year.

During rush hour which starts around 3:00PM in Nashville stay away from I-65. Major headache. I-40 w&e are to bad assuming no accidents within 10-miles

Thanks guys. We only travel from 9am - 3pm....and that is a long day. Sounds like we should be good.

East or west I-840 around Nashville.

840 around Nashville is a bit longer but will avoid the crazy trying to go straight through Nashville. Unless you plan on stopping there for an over night or sight seeing for a couple days 840 is your best bet. Stay on 40 for Memphis.

If you are going through Nashville at other than rush hour, and especially not on Fridays, straight through on I40 works well. Just remember to stay in the middle lane as you will need to "keep right" and "keep left" frequently to stay on I40 and not end up on the wrong side of a split.

If you have to hit it at rush hour, I840 would be the recommendation but it will add 30-45 minutes to the drive.

As for Memphis, there really isn't a bypass or alternate route. Just don't drive through at peak times. And realize as you approach the city going westbound, it's a right exit to stay on I40. If you are going eastbound, it will be a left exit at the end of the circuitous path to stay on I40.