Getting Around New South Memphis
New South Memphis sits within the Memphis area served by MATA, the city's public transit agency, and visitors will find a mix of buses, vintage trolleys, ride-hailing, bikes, scooters, and rental cars to choose from. The notes below cover what exists, how the pieces connect, and how to pay for them.
Public Transport: Buses
MATA operates the city bus network, and buses are the primary mode of public transport for most visitors. Fares are simple and low, and the vehicles are built with accessibility in mind.
- Route 28 connects the airport to downtown.
- Route 12 serves the Amtrak station.
- The adult fare is $1 per ride.
- Buses have a "kneeling" feature and a designated wheelchair area, and stations are accessible.
Trolleys
Memphis is known for its historic vintage trolleys, which double as a practical way to move between some of the most visited parts of town. The fare is $1 per ride, and you'll need exact change or a pass. Trolleys arrive at elevated platforms with wheelchair ramps, and the vehicles and stations are accessible to passengers with mobility issues.
- Main Street Rail Line: runs from the Amtrak station in the South Main Arts District past the National Civil Rights Museum and Beale Street, terminating in the Pinch District.
- Riverfront Line: runs through the Pinch District near the transit center, alongside the Mississippi River past the Pyramid and the Memphis Farmers Market.
- Madison Avenue Line: an east–west route connecting Memphis Park to the Madison Park & Ride Lot.
Some trolley services end at 6pm, so check the hours before you plan an evening trip.
Fares and Passes
Paying for transit is straightforward, and several options suit different lengths of stay.
- Rides cost $1 for adults; children under 5 ride free, and reduced fares are available for students in grades 1–12.
- Multi-day passes can be bought at three MATA transit centers.
- The GO901 Smart Card is a refillable card, also available at transit centers.
- The FastPass costs $2 and covers one full day; it can be purchased on board.
- The GO901 app lets you buy tickets and passes on your phone.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Uber and Lyft both operate in Memphis, making ride-hailing the most flexible option for trips that don't line up with bus or trolley routes. Taxis are generally only hailable at hotels or at the airport, so it's best to arrange one in advance rather than flag one down on the street.
Bikes and Scooters
For short trips in the right neighborhoods, shared bikes and scooters are a convenient option.
- Explore Bike Share (BCycle): e-bikes with baskets and locks, with stations in Overton Park, Crosstown, and Downtown. Rent through the app; pricing starts from $5 per 20 minutes. Bring your own helmet.
- Scooters: Bird and Veo operate traditional and seated scooters, rented via their apps. Note that some downtown areas are designated "no ride zones" after 10pm on weekends.
Car Rental and Parking
If you plan to explore beyond the transit network, a car gives you the most freedom. Most rental agencies are based at the airport, including Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, and Avis, while Avis and Enterprise also have downtown locations. Peer-to-peer options such as Zipcar and Turo are available as well.
Parking is widely available, both on the street and in paid lots, though it's harder to find in the downtown core. Many neighborhoods have free street parking. The ParkMobile app shows available lots and prices, and can help with oversized vehicle accommodations.
Memphis Hop Bus
For sightseeing rather than commuting, the Memphis Hop Bus is a hop-on-hop-off service linking Graceland, the Stax Museum, and Beale Street. The loop runs from 10am to 5:30pm in air-conditioned comfort. Tickets cost $40 for adults and $28 for children and exclude attraction entry; they're sold online and at the ticket booth next to the Hard Rock Cafe.
Walking
Several Memphis neighborhoods are genuinely walkable: the South Main District, Downtown, Overton Square, and Cooper-Young. Sidewalks are generally well-paved and wide. Beale Street gets crowded in the evenings, which can make it harder for wheelchair users to navigate; it's easier to move around when the street is closed to traffic.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Memphis International Airport is served directly by MATA bus Route 28, which runs between the airport and downtown — the cheapest way into the city. Most major rental car agencies are also based at the airport if you'd rather drive yourself. Ride-hailing via Uber or Lyft is another option, and taxis are available at the airport as well.