By Plane

Memphis is served by all of the major U.S. carriers except JetBlue, and a few of the budget ones (specifically Allegiant, Frontier and Spirit).

Getting into Memphis from the Airport -- The Memphis International Airport (tel. 901/922-8000) is located approximately 11 miles south of downtown Memphis, off I-240. From the airport to East Memphis, it's about 9 miles. The route into either downtown or East Memphis is on I-240 all the way. Generally, allow about 20 to 25 minutes for the trip between the airport and downtown or East Memphis, though it can take up to an hour more during rush hour.

There is no direct bus service from the airport to downtown Memphis. Many hotels offer shuttles to the airport, and you can find information on those at flymemphis.com/hotel-shuttles. The most popular way to get to and from the airport is by ride-sharing via Uber or Lyft. These now depart from the terminal’s upper ticketing level in a separate place from taxis, shuttles, and private pickups, which occur on the lower baggage level. Taxis are still available from the airport to downtown Memphis and cost about $40. Companies include Yellow/Checker Cab (tel. 901/577-7777) or City Wide Cab Company (tel. 901/324-4202). 

By Car

Memphis lies at the southwestern tip of Tennessee, bordering Mississippi and Arkansas. Interstate 40 connects Memphis with Nashville to the east and Little Rock, Arkansas, to the west. Interstate 55 connects Memphis with Mississippi to the south, and St. Louis to the north. Both interstates intersect with I-240, which loops around the city's north, east, and southern suburbs. The western edge of downtown Memphis is the Mississippi River.

For Memphis, here are some driving distances from other cities: Atlanta, 390 miles; Chicago, 534 miles; Little Rock 135 miles; New Orleans, 395 miles; St. Louis, 284 miles.

The speed limit is 70 mph for much of the stretch between Nashville and Memphis, which also offers access to clean rest stops and dozens of service stations and restaurants. For travel information at any time, dial tel. 511 on your cell phone.

If you're visiting from abroad and plan to rent a car in the United States, keep in mind that foreign driver's licenses are usually recognized in the U.S., but you should get an international one if your home license is not in English.

There is no plane service between Nashville and Memphis. You will have to rent a car and drive the 3-hour distance between the two cities. Interstate 40, also known as "The Music Highway," has several interesting diversions along the way.

By Bus

Greyhound (tel. 800/231-2222) is the sole nationwide bus line. Greyhound service between Nashville and Memphis costs about $5; see the website for costs from other cities. The Greyhound bus station is is near the airport at 3033 Airways Blvd.

By Train

Amtrak (tel. 800/872-7245) serves Memphis (but not Nashville) with a route that goes from Chicago through Memphis (about 11 hours' travel time) en route to New Orleans (about 8 hours) on the City of New Orleans. If you arrive in Memphis on an Amtrak train, you'll find yourself at Central Station, 545 S. Main St. (tel. 901/526-0052), near Calhoun Street. This historic railway station has been completely renovated into a combination transportation center with public bus and Main Street Trolley connections and retail complex.

 

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.