A layover in Memphis is one of those happy accidents of air travel. Memphis International Airport sits just 120 minutes from the city center by local transport, and even a short visit can be surprisingly rewarding. This guide covers everything you need to get out of the terminal and back in time for your next boarding call.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
A few things to sort out before you leave MEM:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for United States. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Memphis takes about 120 minutes by local transport. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Memphis from the Airport
The most straightforward way into Memphis is the local transport, which takes about 120 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 140 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the local transport is usually the smarter call.
Money & Budget Tips
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Memphis, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Memphis, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
What’s Worth Seeing in Memphis
For a layover visit to Memphis, we’d suggest Graceland and National Civil Rights Museum. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at MEM, check out Delta Sky Club – MEM or Memphis Gift & Souvenir to keep yourself occupied.
Food Worth Trying
For food in Memphis, local travelers recommend Central BBQ (Park Ave). If you have time for a second stop, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is another popular pick.
Back at MEM, Neely’s Interstate BBQ is the go-to. Maggie O’Shea’s Irish Pub rounds out your in-terminal options.
What to Do With Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at MEM aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Memphis itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at MEM, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Memphis itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Resting at the Airport
Long overnight layover? Your options at MEM include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in United States also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Memphis count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave MEM. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.