North America > United States > Memphis (MEM)
The Car or no Car advice for Memphis can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Memphis ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Memphis ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Memphis?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🚗 Should you rent a car in Memphis? Short answer: yes, in most cases 🧭🎸
📍 Getting Around Memphis — the Reality
When people ask should you rent a car in Memphis, the key thing to know is that Memphis is spread out.
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Major sights are not clustered together
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Public transport exists but is limited for visitors
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Walking works only in small pockets (Downtown / Beale Street)
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Distances add up quickly, especially in the heat ☀️
Memphis is not built like New York or Chicago — it’s very much a driving city.
🎶 Memphis Is a City of Separate Anchors
Unlike compact tourist cities, Memphis attractions sit in distinct zones:
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Downtown & Beale Street 🎷
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Graceland 🕺 (well south of downtown)
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Sun Studio 🎙️
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Civil Rights Museum ✊
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Neighbourhoods like Midtown and East Memphis
Getting between these without a car means taxis, ride-hailing, or patience.
📊 When Renting a Car Makes Sense 👍
You should rent a car if you plan to:
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visit Graceland and other music landmarks
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explore multiple neighbourhoods
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take day trips (e.g. Mississippi Delta, Clarksdale)
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travel on your own schedule
Parking is generally easy and affordable, and driving is straightforward 🚙
⚠️ When You Might Skip a Car 🚦
You could avoid renting if:
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you’re staying Downtown only
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your trip is very short
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you’re happy using ride-hailing apps exclusively
Even then, many visitors still find a car simpler.
🚕 Alternatives
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Ride-hailing apps work well for point-to-point trips
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Trolleys help a bit downtown but don’t solve the wider geography
They’re useful — just not comprehensive.
🔑 Bottom Line
So, should you rent a car in Memphis?
✅ Yes, if:
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you want to see more than Beale Street
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you value flexibility and time
❌ Maybe not, if:
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your stay is brief and Downtown-focused
💡 Rule of thumb:
Memphis makes sense with a car — the music may be soulful, but the city is spatial. 🎶🚗
