12-Hour Layover in Memphis: What To Do

Memphis International Airport (MEM) · USA

Who else is transiting MEM right now?

Key Facts

Airport: Memphis International Airport (MEM)
Country: USA
Layover window: 12 hours
Recommended time outside: 6–8 hours exploring
Visa & Entry: Same USA rules — ESTA or visa required. FedEx hub — most flights are cargo. International limited.

Insider Tip

MEM is 13km from downtown — but Graceland is just 6 km from MEM (most-conveniently-located major US tourist attraction). For 4+ hour layovers: Uber to Graceland + back without going downtown. For 8+ hour layovers: BBQ + Civil Rights Museum downtown.

Getting to Memphis City Centre

Mode	Cost	Time
MATA bus 47 (to centre)	USD 1.75	50 min
Taxi / Uber / Lyft	USD 30–50	20–30 min

Top Memphis: Where to Go

Graceland (Elvis Presley's home)

20 min from city centre

Elvis Presley's mansion + his grave. Closest major US tourist attraction to its airport (Graceland is 6 min from MEM). USD 47-105. 3-4 hours. Iconic.

Sun Studio + Beale Street

25 min from city centre

Where Elvis + Johnny Cash + Jerry Lee Lewis recorded. USD 15. Adjacent Beale Street has live blues + BBQ joints. Free walking.

National Civil Rights Museum (Lorraine Motel)

25 min from city centre

Where MLK was assassinated in 1968 — now the comprehensive Civil Rights Museum. USD 20. 2-3 hours. Essential American history.

Memphis BBQ + Stax Records Museum

25 min from city centre

Dry-rub ribs at Rendezvous (since 1948). Pulled pork at Central BBQ. Stax (Otis Redding + Isaac Hayes) Museum is on Stax St.

Eat Like a Local in Memphis

Memphis-style ribs (dry rub) at Rendezvous or Cozy Corner. Pulled pork sandwich at Payne's. Fried chicken at Gus's World Famous (the Mason original).

12-Hour Itinerary

0–1 hr

Clear immigration & organise transport

Book a taxi via app (Grab, Uber, or local equivalent) to avoid overcharging at the rank.

1–3 hrs

Memphis top attraction (temple, market, or viewpoint)

Pick one major attraction close to the centre — trying to do too much is exhausting with luggage.

3–5 hrs

Neighbourhood walk & street food lunch

The best food in most Asian and Middle Eastern cities is on the street, not in restaurants.

5–7 hrs

Rest at a day-use hotel room near the airport

Many airport hotels offer 6–8 hour day room rates (50–70% of a night rate). Great for a shower and sleep.

7–9 hrs

Second neighbourhood or city highlight

Evening markets and street food scenes typically start at 6–7pm in most Asian cities.

9–12 hrs

Return to airport — allow 2 hrs before flight

International departures: arrive 3 hours early for visa-on-arrival airports, 2 hours for e-visa/pre-cleared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa for a 12-hour layover in Memphis?

Visa requirements vary by nationality. Many countries offer free transit visas or visa-on-arrival for layovers under 96 hours. Check your specific passport requirements before travel and confirm with your airline.

Is 12 hours enough to leave Memphis International Airport?

Yes — 12 hours is enough to explore the nearest neighbourhoods of Memphis comfortably, provided you have transit visa clearance. Allow 2–3 hours total for airport transit (both ways).

What is the best way to get from Memphis International to Memphis city centre?

MATA bus 47 (to centre) is typically the fastest and most affordable option at USD 1.75, taking approximately 50 min. Rideshare apps are a convenient alternative.

Is there luggage storage at Memphis International?

Yes, Memphis International Airport has left-luggage facilities in the arrivals and departures hall. Typical cost is $5–15 per bag for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, many airport hotels offer left-luggage for non-guests.

Connect with other travellers at MEM

Book a transfer or rental from Memphis International Airport

Fixed-price airport transfer, licensed drivers, or pick up a rental car — compare and book ahead so you skip the taxi queue.

Welcome Pickups

English-speaking driver, flat fare, flight tracking

GetTransfer

Compare licensed drivers, pre-book a fixed price

DiscoverCars

Compare 500+ rental brands worldwide — free cancellation

Local rent

Localrent — small local providers, often cheapest

Things to do in Memphis

Tours, skip-the-line tickets and local experiences — book ahead to skip queues.

GetYourGuide

Largest catalogue, free cancellation on most tours

Viator

TripAdvisor-curated tours and day trips

Tiqets

Skip-the-line attraction tickets

Eatwith

Dinner with locals + food tours, often homes

Trains & buses from Memphis

Compare overland routes — often cheaper, more scenic and skip the airport queue.

Omio

Trains, buses & ferries — strongest in Europe

12Go Asia

Southeast Asia trains, buses & ferries

Busbud

Buses worldwide — strong in Americas

Rail Europe

Eurostar + national operators across Europe

Flights from Memphis

Compare 400+ airlines departing Memphis International Airport

Search flights

Hotels near Memphis Airport

With 12 hours, a day-use hotel room is worth it — shower, sleep, and recharge before your next flight.

Other layover guides for Memphis

3-Hour Guide 6-Hour Guide 24-Hour Guide

Also useful for your Memphis trip

Memphis Airport Transport

Bus · metro · taxi costs

USA Visa Checker

Do you need a visa to enter?

Luggage Storage

Store bags near Memphis airport

Events in Memphis

Sports · concerts · shows

Mode

Cost

Time

MATA bus 47 (to centre)

USD 1.75

50 min

Taxi / Uber / Lyft

USD 30–50

20–30 min

Top Memphis: Where to Go

Graceland (Elvis Presley's home)

20 min from city centre

Elvis Presley's mansion + his grave. Closest major US tourist attraction to its airport (Graceland is 6 min from MEM). USD 47-105. 3-4 hours. Iconic.

Sun Studio + Beale Street

25 min from city centre

Where Elvis + Johnny Cash + Jerry Lee Lewis recorded. USD 15. Adjacent Beale Street has live blues + BBQ joints. Free walking.

National Civil Rights Museum (Lorraine Motel)

25 min from city centre

Where MLK was assassinated in 1968 — now the comprehensive Civil Rights Museum. USD 20. 2-3 hours. Essential American history.

Memphis BBQ + Stax Records Museum

25 min from city centre

Dry-rub ribs at Rendezvous (since 1948). Pulled pork at Central BBQ. Stax (Otis Redding + Isaac Hayes) Museum is on Stax St.

12-Hour Itinerary

0–1 hr

Clear immigration & organise transport

Book a taxi via app (Grab, Uber, or local equivalent) to avoid overcharging at the rank.

1–3 hrs

Memphis top attraction (temple, market, or viewpoint)

Pick one major attraction close to the centre — trying to do too much is exhausting with luggage.

3–5 hrs

Neighbourhood walk & street food lunch

The best food in most Asian and Middle Eastern cities is on the street, not in restaurants.

5–7 hrs

Rest at a day-use hotel room near the airport

Many airport hotels offer 6–8 hour day room rates (50–70% of a night rate). Great for a shower and sleep.

7–9 hrs

Second neighbourhood or city highlight

Evening markets and street food scenes typically start at 6–7pm in most Asian cities.

9–12 hrs

Return to airport — allow 2 hrs before flight

International departures: arrive 3 hours early for visa-on-arrival airports, 2 hours for e-visa/pre-cleared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa for a 12-hour layover in Memphis?

Is 12 hours enough to leave Memphis International Airport?

Yes — 12 hours is enough to explore the nearest neighbourhoods of Memphis comfortably, provided you have transit visa clearance. Allow 2–3 hours total for airport transit (both ways).

What is the best way to get from Memphis International to Memphis city centre?

MATA bus 47 (to centre) is typically the fastest and most affordable option at USD 1.75, taking approximately 50 min. Rideshare apps are a convenient alternative.