Memphis International Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended…

The airport is 4 miles from Graceland: those coming mainly for Elvis's house can sleep right there and reach it in minutes, saving the trip into downtown. Beale Street and the rest of downtown are instead 12-16 minutes by car, with no direct train, but put the live music venues and the Mississippi River within walking distance. Travelers on business find another hotel area to the east of the city, around Ridgeway and Primacy Parkway, farther from both the airport and Beale Street but close to Shelby Farms Park.

Airport area and Graceland

Airport area · 7-10 minutes by car or hotel shuttle from the terminals; Graceland is about 4 miles away.

Best for: Travelers visiting mainly Graceland, with a dawn flight or a short layover, who don't want to go far.

Pros

Just minutes from both the terminals and Graceland's gate
Frequent free shuttles, some running from 4:30 to 23:00

Cons

An area of interchanges and warehouses, nothing to do on foot in the evening
For Beale Street and downtown you still need a car, 12-16 minutes

Recommended hotels in this area

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Memphis Airport Graceland: Just minutes from both the airport and Graceland, with free shuttle and breakfast included.
Courtyard by Marriott Memphis Airport: Just minutes from the terminals, with an on-site restaurant handy for late arrivals.

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Downtown and Beale Street

City centre · 12-16 minutes by car or taxi from the airport, with no direct train or bus connection.

Best for: Travelers who want Beale Street's live music venues, the river and the downtown museums within walking distance.

Pros

Beale Street, the FedExForum and the riverfront within walking distance
Historic downtown trolley for getting around between South Main and downtown

Cons

A longer transfer from the airport than the airport area
Event nights on Beale Street are loud and crowded

Recommended hotels in this area

The Peabody Memphis: 5 minutes on foot from Beale Street, famous for the daily duck march in its historic lobby.
Hilton Garden Inn Memphis Downtown Beale Street: Across from AutoZone Park, less than half a mile from Beale Street and the FedExForum.

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East Memphis (Ridgeway and Primacy Parkway)

Neighbourhood · About 25-30 minutes by car from the airport, farther from both the terminals and Beale Street.

Best for: Business commitments in the East Memphis business district, or wanting to stay close to Shelby Farms Park.

Pros

Business area with offices and headquarters of large companies
Closer to Shelby Farms Park than the other areas

Cons

The farthest from the airport among the areas in this guide
A car is always needed, there are no tourist attractions within walking distance

Recommended hotels in this area

Hilton Memphis: A circular tower in the East Memphis business district, with an indoor pool and gym.
Hyatt Place Memphis/Primacy Parkway: Rooms with a sitting area and a sofa bed, convenient for longer business stays.

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