Getting Around Memphis
Memphis is a sprawling city, and the most practical way to navigate it depends on where you want to go. For downtown attractions, walking and public transit are viable options. For exploring neighborhoods beyond downtown or accessing attractions across the city, a car is the most flexible choice, as public transportation is limited outside the downtown core.
Downtown and the Main Street Trolley
The heritage trolley system operates in Downtown Memphis along Main Street with multiple stations serving the downtown area. However, be aware that the trolley system has been out of service since August 2024 due to maintenance requirements. Before visiting, check current status with the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) to confirm service availability.
Bus Service
The Memphis Area Transit Authority operates bus service across the city with 23 routes, along with on-demand vans and paratransit service for people with disabilities. Bus service is most frequent and reliable during daytime hours, though some routes operate with reduced service in evenings and weekends. Be aware that certain routes may differ between daytime and evening service, which can be confusing for visitors—check schedules in advance if you plan to use buses outside peak hours.
For intercity bus connections, three operators serve Memphis at the Airways Transit Center, located next to Memphis International Airport:
- Greyhound Lines
- Flixbus
- Jefferson Lines
Amtrak Train Service
Amtrak's City of New Orleans route serves Memphis at Central Station on South Main Street, just south of downtown. This overnight train connects Memphis to Chicago and New Orleans. The northbound train departs Memphis in the evening, while the southbound train departs in the early morning, making it a useful option for intercity travel if your schedule aligns.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
The sources provided do not contain specific information about taxi or ride-hailing services in Memphis. Contact local visitor information upon arrival for current options in these categories.
Walking and Biking
Downtown Memphis is walkable for visiting attractions along Beale Street and the riverfront area. However, Memphis has underdeveloped sidewalk infrastructure, and a 2024 report identified the Memphis metro area as the deadliest in the United States for pedestrians. Exercise caution when walking, particularly at night or on unfamiliar streets.
For cycling, the city has over 300 miles of bike lanes, though they form a fragmented network as they are primarily installed during street repaving. Two popular recreational cycling routes are the Wolf River Greenway and Shelby Farms Greenline. Cycling is more popular for recreation than transportation, and a 2023 study found the city to be the least bike-friendly in the nation. If biking from West Memphis, Arkansas, you can cross via the Harahan Bridge.
Driving and Parking
Outside downtown, parking is generally free. Downtown parking is available in garages on Union Avenue or Front Street, typically around $2 per hour or $7 per day. During major events at the FedEx Forum, Beale Street, or AutoZone Park, parking availability tightens and vendors charge premium rates.
Memphis is served by major Interstate highways I-40 and I-55, which intersect in the city. I-240 is a beltway that loops around the city, useful for bypassing downtown traffic. Several U.S. highways also serve the city, providing additional route options depending on your direction of travel.
Getting from Memphis International Airport to the City
Memphis International Airport is the primary airport serving the city. Several options are available for reaching downtown and other parts of the city:
- Bus: The MATA Routes 2 and 4 provide downtown service from the airport, and Route 64 operates as an airport shuttle. The Airways Transit Center is located next to the airport and serves as the hub for these services.
- Rental Car: A rental car provides maximum flexibility for exploring the city and is the most practical option if you plan to visit attractions beyond downtown.
- Ride-Hailing and Taxis: These services operate from the airport, though specific details are not provided in available sources.
Taking I-55 directly will bring you into the center of the city; exit at Riverside Drive to reach downtown and Beale Street quickly. Alternatively, you can use I-40 (the north loop) or I-240 (the south loop/beltway) depending on your destination.