Graceland shows you Elvis Presley as the star he became. Tupelo, Mississippi, shows you the boy he was, and this day trip is the easiest way to see it without renting a car. A small-group van collects you from your downtown hotel, or from a hotel within about five miles of downtown, and drives you south to the town where Elvis was born. The centerpiece is the Elvis Presley Birthplace, the modest two-room house his father built, which sits in a small park setting that makes the family’s circumstances easy to picture. Seeing how little space the Presleys had makes the later story of Sun Studio and Graceland land harder. The route also takes in the places that shaped him as a child: his elementary school, the church where the family worshipped and the soda fountain he often visited. Elvis Presley Lake and Campground is a drive-by rather than a stop. Admission to the birthplace is included, as are food and drinks and the round-trip shared transfer, so the day has no loose ends to organize. The tour is run by a local transport company and is capped at 25 people per booking, which keeps it personal and lets the guide answer questions on the road. Because the trip is long, about seven hours door to door, it suits fans who already have a strong sense of the Memphis side of the Elvis story and want the origin chapter. If this is your first Elvis experience, start with Graceland and Sun Studio and save Tupelo for a second day. It is not a good fit for anyone who needs a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, since the transport is not accessible.
How to visit
Pickup is at your hotel in downtown Memphis or within about five miles of it, and the van returns you there at the end of the day. The tour lasts about seven hours in total, including the drive each way. Departure times are chosen when you book, and there are standard and more comfortable vehicle options, so check what each includes before you pay. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.
What to expect
This is a heritage tour rather than a theme park, so the sights are small and personal. You will stand in the house, walk past the school and church and hear stories about the Presley family’s years in Mississippi before they moved to Memphis. Expect a lot of time in the vehicle and a relaxed pace with plenty of listening. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a light layer for air conditioning and carry a bit of cash for souvenirs.
Making the most of it
Pair it with a Memphis day that covers the later chapters, such as Sun Studio, where he recorded early in his career, and Graceland, where he lived. Book a morning departure if you can, so you are back in Memphis in time for an evening on Beale Street. Check the days of operation before building plans around a particular date, since small-group trips of this kind run to a schedule.
What to expect
The experience
A small-group van trip to Tupelo, Mississippi, with stops at the Elvis birthplace house, his school, church and soda fountain.
Best time
A day when you have already seen Graceland and want the story of how it began.
How long
About seven hours including travel each way.
Tips
Choose a morning departure, bring a light layer and check which vehicle option you are booking.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Devoted Elvis fans and history lovers who want the origin story.
- Families
- Better for older children who know who Elvis was, as the day is long and mostly in the van.
- Couples
- A slow, nostalgic day out that makes a good second chapter after Graceland.
- Pair with
- Sun Studio and Graceland on another day, then Beale Street in the evening.
- Time needed
- A full day, about seven hours.
Good questions
How far is Tupelo from Memphis?+
Tupelo is in northeast Mississippi, roughly a hundred miles south-east of Memphis. The tour handles the drive and takes about seven hours in total.
Is admission to the birthplace included?+
Yes, admission to the Elvis Presley Birthplace is included, along with food and drinks and the round-trip shared transfer.
Where does the tour pick me up?+
From your hotel or place of stay in downtown Memphis, or within about five miles of downtown. Confirm your pickup details after booking.
Is the Tupelo trip accessible?+
The transport is not wheelchair accessible. Contact the operator before booking if anyone in your group has mobility needs.
Can I cancel the trip?+
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. After that the booking is not refundable.
