Memphis Transport

Public transportation is easy to negotiate in Memphis and is often the best second-choice after driving for getting around the city. The transport service provider is the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA - phone: +1 901 274 6282; website: www.matatransit.com), which operates bus and streetcar routes around the city. The telephone line is open for enquiries 24 hours a day.

By Metro

MATA operates a streetcar service - the Main Street Trolley. Vintage trolley cars run in the downtown area along Main Street, Madison Avenue and on a Riverfront Loop, which tourists often use to see the famous tourist locations without having to worry about driving and parking. The daily service is inexpensive and generally runs every five to 10 minutes, though Sunday service stops early. Tickets are available for purchase on the streetcar. Check the MATA website for fares and passes. During the weekday lunch hour, the trolley operates at half price.

By bus

The MATA bus system is inexpensive, and runs throughout the city - as well as to and from the Memphis International Airport. There are two lines which run through downtown Memphis, and this is the way to go if you need to get downtown during high-traffic hours. MATA offers a Stop and Shop pass for passengers who will be transferring repeatedly over a short time period. The MATA bus system also operates shuttle services for sports fans during the football and basketball season. Timetables vary on major bus routes, so commuters should check these by calling the information help line. Tickets are available for purchase on the bus.

Taxis

Taxis are quick and plentiful, but can be rather expensive. There is usually a flat charge for the first mile and charge for each additional mile. However, it is not possible for one to hail taxis in the street; they must be booked by telephone. Some Memphis taxi providers include:

Advantage: +1 901 844 9999
Checker: +1 901 577 7777
City: +1 901 324 4202
Metro: + 1901 323 3333
Yellow: +1 901 577 7777

Tourist services

Tourists often enjoy riding the MATA trolleys as a way to see various sights in Memphis. The Main Street Trolley runs north and south in downtown Memphis and the Madison Trolley runs east and west. The Main Street trolley takes visitors along two and a half miles of the Mississippi River and through the historic Riverfront Loop. On the last Friday of each month, the trolley is free from 18:00 to 21:00 in the evening, and includes live entertainment and complimentary champagne, as well as stops at fifteen different art galleries.

Blues City Tours (phone: +1 901 522 9229; website: www.memphisite.com/bluescity) operates a variety of daily bus tours of Memphis. The three-hour Memphis City Tour takes in all the major sights, including Downtown, Beale Street, the Lorraine Hotel, Graceland, The Peabody Duck March and the Pyramid. Free hotel pick-up is arranged. All Points USA (phone: +1 901 432 9042) and Crown Coach Charters & Tours (phone: +1 901 384 9988) offer a variety of bus tours around Memphis and the surrounding region, for both groups and individuals.

Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau: +1 901 543 5400
Tennessee Welcome Centre: +1 901 543 6757

From the airport

MATA offers public bus services from the lower outer drive near Terminal C, with bus number 32 running to and from downtown Memphis every hour. There are also shuttle bus services to out-of-town destinations. SFAX Limousine Service operates from the airports lower outer drive. For those who have already or would like to hire a car, local airport shuttle service will drop you at the rental car location.
Otherwise, a pre-arranged charter tour bus service is provided from the lower outer commercial drive. Hotels or motels may offer shuttle service to downtown or midtown Memphis, or will call a cab for you. Taxis are also available outside the terminal building.