About Memphis
Memphis is the birthplace of rock and roll, home to Graceland, and a cultural hub along the Mississippi River. Known for its blues heritage, iconic music venues, and Southern charm, Memphis offers plenty to explore even during a short layover. Whether you have a few hours or an overnight stay, you can experience the city’s unique character.
Before You Leave the Airport
- Visa/Documentation: Check IATA Travel Centre for U.S. entry requirements based on your nationality
- Language: English is the primary language
- Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD). Use ATMs for the best exchange rates – avoid airport currency counters
- Getting Around: Memphis is car-dependent. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is your best option for short layovers
- Time Zone: Central Time (CT)
Getting to the City from MEM
Memphis International Airport (MEM) is located about 13 miles south of downtown Memphis. For the most current transportation options and schedules, visit the Memphis International Airport website.
Recommended options for layover travelers:
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Fastest option for short layovers. Expect 20-30 minutes to downtown, $15-25 depending on surge pricing
- Rental Car: Only worthwhile for longer layovers (6+ hours)
- Taxi: Available at ground transportation level; ask the dispatcher for estimated fare before departing
What to Do During Your Layover
Short Layover (2-4 hours)
With limited time, stay near the airport or focus on one quick activity:
- Rest at the airport: Find a quiet gate area or seating zone to recharge
- Quick meal: Grab food at MEM’s food court or restaurants (note: airport prices are 2-3x higher than city prices)
- Walk and stretch: Explore the airport terminals to stay active during your layover
Medium Layover (4-6 hours)
You have enough time for a quick city visit if you move efficiently:
- Beale Street: Memphis’s famous entertainment district with live music venues, restaurants, and shops. Plan 2-3 hours including travel time
- Sun Studio: Historic recording studio where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and other legends recorded. Quick 1-hour tour available
- Downtown Memphis: Walk along the Mississippi River, visit local shops, and grab authentic Memphis barbecue
Long Layover or Overnight (6+ hours)
With extended time, you can experience more of Memphis:
- Graceland: Elvis’s iconic mansion. Plan 3-4 hours including travel and tour time. Book tickets in advance at graceland.com
- National Civil Rights Museum: Powerful museum housed in the Lorraine Motel. Allow 2-3 hours
- Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum: Comprehensive museum covering the city’s musical heritage. Plan 2 hours
- Shelby Farms Park: Large urban park with walking trails, lake views, and outdoor activities
- Overnight stay: If you have 8+ hours, consider booking a hotel near the airport for proper rest
Airport Amenities
For detailed information about dining, shopping, and services at MEM, visit the Memphis International Airport website.
Quick Layover Tips
- Factor in immigration + security time: Always budget 1 hour for immigration and 30 minutes for security when calculating if you can leave the airport
- Download offline maps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me before landing – airport WiFi can be unreliable
- Eat in the city, not the airport: If leaving MEM, grab food downtown instead of paying airport prices
- Use a Wise or Revolut card: Get the best exchange rates without airport markup
- Share your location: If exploring solo, share your location with a trusted contact
Luggage Storage & Rest Options
Luggage Storage: If you want to explore the city hands-free, use Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero. These services partner with local businesses near MEM and cost $5-10 per bag per day – much cheaper than airport lockers.
Sleeping at the Airport: Check SleepingInAirports.net for reviews of MEM’s best sleeping spots before your trip.
Lounge Access: If you want a comfortable rest space, one-time lounge day passes are available from most airlines (typically $39-59). Compare the cost against the value of your layover length.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave MEM airport during a layover?
Yes, you can leave MEM during a layover if you have a connecting flight. However, you must have a valid passport and meet U.S. entry requirements. Plan to return to the airport at least 2-3 hours before your next domestic flight (3+ hours for international flights). Always factor in 1 hour for immigration and 30 minutes for security when deciding if you have enough time to leave.
What is there to do at MEM during a layover?
At the airport, you can dine at restaurants and food courts, shop, or rest in quiet seating areas. If you leave the airport, Memphis offers Beale Street for live music and dining, Graceland for Elvis fans, Sun Studio for music history, and the National Civil Rights Museum. For short layovers (2-4 hours), stay at the airport. For 4-6 hours, visit Beale Street or downtown. For 6+ hours, consider Graceland or an overnight stay.
How long of a layover do I need at MEM?
For domestic connections, plan at least 60 minutes. For international connections, plan 2-3 hours. If you want to leave the airport and explore Memphis, you need a minimum of 4-6 hours total layover time (accounting for travel, exploration, and return to airport). For Graceland or extended city exploration, 8+ hours is ideal.
Are there lounges at MEM?
Yes, airport lounges are available at MEM. Most airlines offer one-time lounge day passes for $39-59. Some premium credit cards include lounge access through programs like Priority Pass, which gives access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide. Check with your airline or credit card provider for lounge access options.
Plan Your Perfect Memphis Layover
Whether you’re a music fan, history buff, or just looking to stretch your legs, Memphis has something for every layover length. Use the Yopki layover calculator to figure out exactly how much time you have and get personalized recommendations for your Memphis layover.