- Must visit
National Civil Rights Museum
Major museum at the former Lorraine Motel, tracing the American civil rights movement and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. One of Memphis’s most important cultural sites.
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Alton, IL to Memphis, TN among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $44. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $44, and a flight costs an average of $231.
Distance: 258 miles (416 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$107 Average price | $59 Average price Cheapest | $389 Average price |
12h 42m Average total duration 12h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 42m Average total duration 5h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 53m Average total duration Fastest 4h 53m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Alton, IL to Memphis, TN:
A bus is $48 (€39) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Alton, IL to Memphis, TN costing on average $107 (€88).
A bus is $330 (€270) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Alton, IL to Memphis, TN costing on average $389 (€318).
Other travel options to Memphis, TN take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 12m.
Train takes on average 12h 12m.
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Alton, IL to Memphis, TN run on average 2 times per day, taking around 12h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $89 (€73) but you can travel from only $44 (€36) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 22:45, the last at 22:45. The fastest train covers the 258 miles (416 km) distance in 12h 12m.
Distance 258 miles (416 km) |
Average train duration 12h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $89 (€73) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 12h 12m |
First train 10:45 PM |
Last train 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Memphis — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Memphis trip today.
Major museum at the former Lorraine Motel, tracing the American civil rights movement and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. One of Memphis’s most important cultural sites.
Museum on the original Stax Records site, celebrating soul music legends and the label’s deep connection to Memphis. A favorite for music fans and culture-focused visitors.
Smithsonian-affiliated museum telling the story of Memphis music, from rural roots to the rise of rock and soul. Compact, well-curated, and easy to pair with Beale Street.
Memphis’s most famous entertainment street, known for live music, neon signs, and deep blues heritage. A core stop for first-time visitors day or night.
Walkable downtown district with galleries, restored buildings, murals, and a more local feel than Beale Street. Popular for photography and casual exploring.
Huge urban park with lakes, trails, open space, and outdoor recreation. One of the best green spaces in Memphis for families, walkers, and cyclists.
Slow-smoked pork ribs, usually served dry-rubbed or lightly sauced. They are one of Memphis’s signature barbecue specialties.
Chopped or pulled smoked pork piled on a bun, often topped with slaw. It is a classic everyday Memphis barbecue order.
Memphis barbecue famous for a spice rub applied before smoking rather than heavy sauce. It highlights the city’s pit-smoking tradition.
Established upscale downtown restaurant offering tasting flights, refined New American dishes, and a polished atmosphere.
Beloved local barbecue spot celebrated for ribs, pulled pork, and barbecue spaghetti in an unfussy traditional atmosphere.
Popular long-running barbecue restaurant known for Memphis-style ribs, pulled pork, and smoked wings in a lively casual setting.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and dining are often cheaper than in larger coastal cities, though tourist areas and live music venues cost more.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis or tip 10-15%, and tip hotel staff and valet.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Alton, IL to Memphis, TN by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Memphis, TN, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Alton, IL to Memphis, TN trains use the Alton Station to Memphis Central Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Alton, IL and Memphis, TN train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Alton Station is 4 km from Alton city centre. Check local transport options before travel.
Alton Station has practical services for this route, including Dining and Accessibility.
Food and drink options are available at Alton Station.
Accessibility facilities are available at Alton Station.
Memphis Central Station is 2 km from Memphis city centre. Public transport options include:
Memphis Central Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Central BBQ, Arcade Restaurant
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Memphis Central Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Memphis Central Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Memphis Central Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Memphis Central Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Memphis Central Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton, Hotel Napoleon, The Peabody Memphis.
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