Memphis to Tupelo: Elvis Birthplace Day Trip & Graceland Bus

Summary

Step inside Elvis’s Tupelo childhood, feel the music roots

You’ll ride from Memphis to Tupelo by luxury coach with a local guide sharing stories and music along the way. Walk through Elvis Presley’s birthplace home, visit his childhood church and museum, try Southern food in town (lunch not included), and see where he got his first guitar — all before heading back to Memphis with new perspective.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to get choked up standing in front of a tiny two-room house in Tupelo. But there it was — the actual spot where Elvis Presley was born. We’d left Memphis that morning on this comfy motorcoach (I’m not usually a bus person, but this one had snacks and bottled water, so I was already happy), and by the time we rolled into Mississippi, our guide was playing old Sun Records tracks and telling stories about Elvis as a kid. The sky was that washed-out Southern blue you only get after rain. I remember thinking how quiet it felt compared to Graceland’s buzz.

The main keyword here is “Elvis Presley Birthplace” — and honestly, it’s more than just a photo stop. Our guide (Miss Ruby, who grew up nearby) walked us through the museum and pointed out this battered guitar case behind glass. She said Gladys bought his first guitar at the hardware store down the road; we actually stopped there too. It still smells like pine shavings and oil — weird detail, but it stuck with me. There’s this “Walk of Life” trail looping through the park, with little markers showing moments from Elvis’ life before Memphis. At one point, we all got quiet looking at the statue of him at 13 — awkward haircut and everything.

Lunch was at some local spot in Tupelo (not included in the tour price — heads up), where half our group tried fried green tomatoes for the first time. Afterward, we did a slow drive past his old school and fairgrounds while Miss Ruby pointed out which window he used to sneak out of choir practice. The whole thing lasted about eight hours door-to-door from The Guest House at Graceland. By the time we got back to Memphis, I realized how much those small-town roots shaped everything that came after for him. I still think about that house sometimes when I hear his voice on the radio.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Elvis Presley Tupelo Sightseeing Tour

• Depart from Memphis on luxury motorcoach
• Drive past Tupelo Fairgrounds and landmarks
• Visit Elvis Presley Birthplace and museum
• Tour memorial chapel at birthplace center
• See Elvis' childhood church and artifacts
• Stop at hardware store for Elvis' first guitar
• View Elvis Homecoming Statue and schools
• Return to Memphis on motorcoach

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Memphis to Tupelo?

The tour lasts around 8 hours round-trip, departing from The Guest House at Graceland in Memphis every Friday.

Is lunch included on the Elvis Presley Birthplace tour?

No, lunch is not included in the tour price but there is a stop at a local eatery in Tupelo where you can purchase food.

Does the tour include entry to Elvis Presley’s birthplace?

Yes, entry to Elvis Presley’s birthplace home and museum is included as part of your guided visit.

Is transportation provided for this day trip?

Yes, luxury motorcoach transportation is provided from Memphis to Tupelo and back.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the trip?

Bottled water and snacks are included on board the motorcoach during your journey.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, wheelchair access is available on the motorcoach if arranged in advance; service animals are also allowed.

What attractions are visited during this day trip?

You’ll visit Elvis Presley’s birthplace home, museum, childhood church, hardware store where he got his first guitar, plus see local landmarks in Tupelo.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip luxury coach travel from Memphis with snacks and bottled water on board; guided visits through Elvis Presley’s birthplace home and museum; stops at his childhood church and hardware store; narrated driving tour of Tupelo including schools he attended; plus free time for lunch at a local restaurant before heading back in comfort.