6-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: 6 hours
- Recommended time outside: 4–5 hours in the city (stay close)
- 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 centreElvis 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 centreWhere 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 centreWhere 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 centreDry-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).
6-Hour Itinerary
0–45 min
Clear immigration and transit formalities
Check visa requirements before your flight — many nationalities get free transit entry.
45–90 min
Head to city centre by express transport
Most major hub airports have an express rail link that is faster and cheaper than taxis.
90–210 min
Explore the closest landmark district in Memphis
Stick to neighbourhoods within 20 minutes of the city centre for safe timing.
210–270 min
Lunch or dinner at a local restaurant
Airport food costs 2–3x more than city restaurants — worth eating out if time allows.
270–360 min
Return to airport (allow 90 min before departure)
International flights require check-in 2–3 hours before departure. Do not cut it close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for a 6-hour layover in Memphis?
It depends on your passport and the destination. Many countries (Singapore, Hong Kong, UAE, Qatar, South Korea, Taiwan) offer free transit visas for 4-24 hour layovers. Schengen countries usually require a visa even for short stops. Check the visa note specific to this guide before you book.
Is 6 hours enough to leave Memphis International Airport?
For 3-hour layovers, leaving airside is risky. For 6+ hour layovers, you can comfortably see one neighbourhood. For 12-24 hour layovers, you can experience the city properly. Always factor in immigration queues (30-90 min) and security on return (60-90 min).
What is the best way to get from Memphis International to Memphis city centre?
Most major hub airports have an express train or metro link that is faster and cheaper than taxis. For short layovers, prioritise the train (no traffic risk). For overnight or late arrivals, a pre-booked transfer is safer.
Is there luggage storage at Memphis International?
Most major airports have official luggage storage at USD 8-20 per bag per day. For cheaper rates, Radical Storage partner shops in the surrounding city charge USD 5-7 per bag per day — book on-app before you land.
Connect with other travellers at MEM
Getting out of Memphis International Airport
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.Things to do in Memphis
Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Our pickGetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Memphis and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.
Browse MemphisJust need timed-entry attraction tickets? Try Tiqets.Trains & buses from Memphis
Compare overland routes — often cheaper, more scenic and skip the airport queue.
Flights from Memphis
Compare 400+ airlines departing Memphis International Airport
Hotels near Memphis Airport
A day-use hotel near the airport is a great option for a 6-hour layover.