Town & sightseeing days
11.5L Travel Sling Bag
Keep small day-trip belongings together without a bike-mounted bag.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into MEM, drive to Memphis
20 min drive10 milesNo entry permit
Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- MEM
Airport drive- 20 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 2–3 days
Reservation demand- Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes- Standard sedans are ideal for city driving. RVs may find downtown parking challenging; look for designated lots near Mud Island or Graceland.
Your route
MEM
Frederick W. Smith International Airport
Memphis
About 20 min · 10 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to MEM
Compare fares into Frederick W. Smith International Airport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at MEM
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Memphis. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at MEM
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Memphis
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
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
Your route
Day 1 · Blues Heritage and Civil Rights
National Civil Rights Museum → Beale Street Historic District
Day 2 · Musical Legends and the Mighty Mississippi
Sun Studio → Big River Crossing
Day 3 · Rock n' Soul History
Graceland → Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Viator
Tours & experiences near Memphis
Explore guided activities around Memphis. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Memphis
Travel documents & cards
Crossbody Card Holder
Keep cards close on sightseeing days; check dimensions for what you want to carry.
Small-item splash protection
2L Dry Bag
For small items near water; check closure instructions. Not a flotation or safety device.
Sunny outdoor stops
Cooling Neck Gaiter
A light neck covering for sunny walks; use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.
Wildlife & night viewing
WG9801 4K Night Vision Binoculars
3″ HD display · 48MP photo · 8X digital zoom. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$189.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
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.