Getting Around in Memphis

By Car

Memphis is a big, sprawling city, so the best way to get around is by car, especially when it comes to traveling from downtown to East Memphis or Shelby Farms Park. Avenues running east-west and almost any road in East Memphis at rush hour are the most congested. Parking downtown is not usually a problem, but it will cost you, and the same is true in Overton Square and Cooper-Young, where you need to watch for tow-away zones reserved for residents. In East Memphis, there should be no parking problems. When driving between downtown and East Memphis, the interstate is usually best, though it’s always smart to check a traffic app such as Google Maps or Waze to get real-time traffic information.

Car Rentals -- All the major car-rental companies and several independent companies have offices in Memphis. Some are located near the airport only, and some have offices near the airport and in other areas of Memphis. Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time for returning your car when you head to the airport to catch your return flight. None of the companies have an office in the airport itself, so you'll have to take a shuttle van from the car drop-off point to the airport terminal. For information, visit the airport’s website: flymemphis.com/ground-transportation.

Parking -- Parking downtown can get expensive, especially in lots near Beale Street, so consider ride-sharing services in lieu of parking and walking, especially if you’re going several blocks later at night. Metered parking on downtown streets is available but scarce, so your best bet if you must take your car downtown is a lot or garage, which will cost money. In Midtown, Overton Square offers a public parking garage (2100 Monroe Ave.) that uses a pay-by-plate system. Parking is free before 6pm and a flat $3 most evenings, and just $5/evening Thursday-Sunday, making it easily the best place to park in Midtown.

Driving Rules -- A right turn at a red light is permitted after coming to a full stop, unless posted otherwise, but drivers must first yield to vehicles proceeding through a green light or to pedestrians in the walkway. Children under 4 years of age must be in a child's car seat or other approved child restraint when in the car.

By Bus

The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA; www.matatransit.com; tel. 901/274-MATA [6282]) operates citywide bus service, but  it's not great for hitting tourist sites. The standard fare is $1 per ride, $2 per day pass, and 50 cents for seniors and people with disabilities.  Children under age 5 ride free. Exact change is required. The free Sun Studio Shuttle (sunstudio.com) moves patrons between the studio and the Rock n’ Soul Museum.

By Trolley

The Main Street Trolley (tel. 901/577-2640) operates renovated 1920s trolley cars (and modern reproductions) on a circular route that includes Main Street from the Pyramid to the National Civil Rights Museum and Central Station, and then follows Riverside Drive, passing the Tennessee State Visitors Center. It's a unique way to get around, and is wheelchair accessible. Three routes are available. The Main Street Line runs from the Pinch District near Bass Pro Shops to Central Station daily. It runs every 20 minutes until midnight from 6:45am on weekdays and 8am on Saturday; on Sunday it runs from 10am to 6pm. The Riverfront Line runs an extended route north to south on the river weekdays (10:20am–6pm), Saturday (8:30am–11:30pm), and Sunday (10:30am–6pm). It runs every 40 minutes. The Madison Avenue Line runs perpendicular to the river starting at the law school downtown and dropping you off on the edge of Midtown. It runs every 30 minutes from 6:45am to 6pm Monday-Friday and 8:15 am-6 pm on Saturday. The fare on all trolleys is $1 each way; an all-day pass is $2. Exact change is required. Passes may be purchased on-board from the trolley operator or at William Hudson Transit Center (444 N. Main St.).

By Taxi

For cab service, call Bluff City Taxi (tel. 901/566-9000) or have your hotel call one for you. The first 1/9 mile is $2 and 20 cents per each additional 1/9 mile. Each additional passenger is $1 extra, and waiting time is 20 cents per each 36 seconds.

On Foot

Downtown Memphis is walkable, though it is a full 3 miles from end to end. Over the course of a day, however, it’s easy to do, especially with assists from rental scooters, bicycles, trolleys, and ride-sharing. Other walkable neighborhoods include Cooper-Young, Overton Square, and Broad Avenue.