Fly & Drive guide
Fly into MEM, drive to Memphis
Your route
MEM
Frederick W. Smith International Airport
Memphis
About 20 min · 10 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
01Flights to MEM
Compare fares into Frederick W. Smith International Airport.
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02Car at MEM
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Memphis. Compare rental companies in one search.
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03Store extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
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04 · First night near Memphis
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
04Hotels near Memphis
Compare hotels and lodges on the way in, with free-cancellation filters.
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04Cabins & homes near Memphis
Whole homes and cabins for families or groups who want a kitchen and space.
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Before you land
Reservations
Attraction Entry and Performance Ticket Considerations
While most public monuments in Memphis do not require permits, major attractions like Graceland utilize timed-entry tickets that should be purchased online to ensure availability. The National Civil Rights Museum also recommends advance booking during holiday weekends. Note that restaurant reservations for popular barbecue spots are rarely accepted, so prepare for local wait times.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
April – June, September – October
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Memphis?
Frederick W. Smith International Airport (MEM) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from MEM to Memphis?
Roughly 20 min (about 10 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Memphis?
While most public monuments in Memphis do not require permits, major attractions like Graceland utilize timed-entry tickets that should be purchased online to ensure availability. The National Civil Rights Museum also recommends advance booking during holiday weekends. Note that restaurant reservations for popular barbecue spots are rarely accepted, so prepare for local wait times.