MEMPHIS TRANSPORTATION
Memphis International Airport (MEM) is a regional airport in terms of passenger flights, but one of the world's largest in terms or cargo, FedEx in particular.
Car Rentals: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz and National service MEM airport. For the scenic route into Downtown, exit Airways Blvd north to I-240 west, keep straight as the freeway name changes to I-55 and bends northward. At US 61 intersection exit, take Riverside Drive. Downtown is 9 miles north of the airport and takes 15-20 minutes to get there. You’ll see bluffs on your right as you approach downtown.
Taxis: Hail a taxi at the lower level of the Main Terminal. A ride from MEM airport to Downtown costs $23-$25.
Checker Cab: 901-577-7700
Yellow Cab: 800-796-7750
Amtrak City of New Orleans train stops daily on its Chicago-Memphis-Jackson-New Orleans route. You can catch the train at the newly refurbished Central Station
ADDRESS: 545 South Main Street
Memphis Trolleys serve most downtown and riverfront attractions via the Main Street Line and the Riverfront Line. Both are north-south lines. These historic trolleys are fully of character and courteous drivers. They run daily every 10 minutes on each block of Main Street and several locations along Riverside Drive and they connect at their northern and southern ends. The Madison Avenue Line travels east with a stop next to Autozone Park and also runs frequently. The Madison Street line is being extended towards the Medical Center
PRICES: All-day passes cost $3.50
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Thu 6a-midnight, Fri 6a-1a, Sat 9:30a-1a, Sun 10a-6p
ADDRESS: 547 North Main Street office
PHONE: 901-274-6282
WEBSITE: http://www.matatransit.com
Memphis Freeway Network is designed to get you to the edges of Downtown, mostly from the Tennessee side. There are few surprises about the network, which fits the average in terms of freeway upkeep and that Sam Cooper Blvd, a freeway spur from I-240, was never connected to I-40 downtown. Consequently, east-west boulevards such as Union Ave and Poplar Ave are as busy as freeways during commute hours. Hernanado De Soto Bridge is the best way to reach Arkansas to the west. Freeway and major boulevard names are:
40 Interstate from eastern Tennessee to west
51 US Route North to South Memphis
55 Interstate from Mississippi to St. Louis
61 US Route from Arkansas to South Memphis (Netters Blvd)
78 US Route southeast (Mississippi) to Downtown<
240 Interstate circling from eastern Downtown to East Memphis
Parking downtown is fine, except during major events. Like any major city, use secured parking lots like Peabody Place whenever possible and check ID badges of parking lot attendants before handing over money or keys, even around Beale Street.
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