Memphis Layover Guide (MEM)

What are you looking for in MEM?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Memphis Airport (MEM) is an international airport located in Memphis, Tennessee. It’s situated about 11 km (7 miles) from downtown Memphis. The airport officially opened in 1929. Memphis is a historic city known as the birthplace of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. It’s also famous for its rich musical heritage, barbecue cuisine, and Mississippi River views, making it a unique destination for both business and leisure travelers.

Can you leave Memphis Airport (MEM) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes – you can exit MEM during a layover, but you must clear U.S. immigration, recheck baggage, and possess a valid visa or ESTA if eligible. Processing times vary, so allow extra time. A local transit card is recommended. Non-citizens should verify entry rules for their nationality to avoid surprises. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Graceland Explore Elvis Presley’s iconic mansion, complete with his lavish décor, personal artifacts, and interactive exhibits chronicling the King of Rock ’n’ Roll’s life and career; guided tour opportunities available daily. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi: approx. 20 minutes; MATA bus #47: approx. 60 minutes)
• Beale Street Stroll down the legendary street famous for its blues clubs, neon lights, and live music venues offering soul-stirring performances alongside Southern cuisine, souvenirs, and street art capturing Memphis’s musical heritage. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi: approx. 15 minutes; MATA bus #28: approx. 45 minutes)
• National Civil Rights Museum Discover pivotal moments in America’s civil rights movement at the museum housed in the Lorraine Motel, featuring interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and artifacts tracing the struggle for equality and justice. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi: approx. 15 minutes; MATA bus #28: approx. 45 minutes)
• Sun Studio Step inside the legendary recording studio known as the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll, where artists like Elvis, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King recorded groundbreaking tracks that shaped music history. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi: approx. 15 minutes; MATA bus #28 to Peabody Place then 5-min walk: approx. 50 minutes)
• Memphis Zoo Visit one of the nation’s oldest zoos featuring over 3,500 animals across diverse habitats, including giant pandas, African elephants, and sea lions, alongside interactive exhibits and educational activities. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi: approx. 15 minutes; MATA bus #15: approx. 60 minutes)
• Mud Island River Park Enjoy scenic views of the Mississippi River at this urban park featuring a scaled riverwalk model, scenic overlooks, paddleboat rentals, and open green spaces perfect for relaxing and photography-friendly. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi: approx. 15 minutes; MATA bus #28 to Mud Island stop: approx. 50 minutes)
• Stax Museum of American Soul Music Explore the legacy of soul music at the original Stax Records site, showcasing rare memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and stories of legendary artists like Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes; guided tours. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi: approx. 15 minutes; MATA bus #40: approx. 60 minutes)
• Overton Park Relax in this expansive urban oasis featuring botanical gardens, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, scenic hiking trails, and the Levitt Shell amphitheater hosting free outdoor concerts throughout the year. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi: approx. 15 minutes; MATA bus #30: approx. 60 minutes)

Things to Do in Memphis Airport (MEM)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Memphis International Airport offers a Delta Sky Club in Terminal B with comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations and work areas. Active and retired military personnel can access the Military Lounge in the rotunda. A St. Jude patient lounge provides a serene, family-friendly retreat for travelers. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There’s no on-site airport hotel, but several options sit within a 5-minute drive, including Courtyard by Marriott, Extended Stay America and The Guest House at Graceland. Most offer free 24-hour airport shuttle service, complimentary breakfast, fitness centers and high-speed Wi-Fi. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak travel seasons. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Overnight travelers can find quieter spots near gates 4–6 and 10–12, where padded benches and low-traffic corridors allow makeshift rest areas. There are no dedicated sleep pods or lounges open all night; bringing a travel pillow, earplugs and an eye mask is advised. Power outlets are sporadic, so charge devices early.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout all terminals via the “@flyMEM” or “MEMGuest” network—no password required. Connection speeds are generally reliable for browsing, streaming or video calls. Charging stations and USB outlets are located near most gate seating areas and along main concourse walkways.

SIM/eSIM Card: There are no dedicated mobile carrier kiosks in the terminal. International and domestic travelers should purchase SIM cards or eSIM profiles before arrival or at nearby convenience stores and carrier shops in downtown Memphis. eSIMs can be activated online prior to travel for immediate cellular access upon landing. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Metered taxis and ride-share services pick up and drop off curbside at the Ground Transportation Center. Airport flag drop is $2, then approximately $2.25 per mile. A typical ride to downtown costs around $25–30. Service operates 24/7, and designated ride-share zones are clearly marked outside baggage claim.

Train: Memphis International has no direct rail service. The nearest Amtrak station is Memphis Central Station, about 8 miles downtown, served by the City of New Orleans. Taxis and MATA buses connect the airport to the station in roughly 20–30 minutes. more info

Bus: MATA Route 28 links the airport with Hudson Transit Center and Airways Transit Center. Weekday service runs from about 5:45 am to 6:29 pm; weekends from 8:45 am to mid-afternoon. Single rides cost $1.50; exact fare or transit card accepted. more info

Shuttle: Numerous airport hotels offer complimentary shuttle service; look for overhead signs in baggage claim indicating shuttle stops. Shuttles run approximately every 30–60 minutes, operating 24 hours. Schedules are posted on hotel websites and at terminal kiosks; phone numbers are available at the airport information desk.

Car rentals: All major rental brands are housed in the Consolidated Rental Car Facility, a seven-story garage connected by skybridge to the terminal. Companies include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Alamo. Shuttles run continuously between the facility and curbside or simply walk the covered walkway for quick access. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: The seven-level Ground Transportation Center offers hourly, daily, economy and covered parking. Rates start around $4/hour or $8/day; economy lots are cheapest for multiday stays. A free cell-phone waiting lot allows drivers to park and wait until arriving passengers call. EV charging stations are available in main garages.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no official luggage storage or locker facilities inside MEM. Travelers wishing to stow bags securely can use third-party services like LuggageHero at nearby cafés and hotels, or find storage options in downtown Memphis. Plan ahead, as drop-off locations may require advance online booking. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Memphis Airport (MEM) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks