Travel to Memphis
Flying to Memphis
There are no direct flights from the UK to Memphis. There are plenty of options involving one stopover however, including flights with United (via Chicago, Houston or Newark), Delta/Virgin Atlantic (via Atlanta) and American Airlines/US Airways (via multiple cities). Airlines operating domestic flights from other US destinations include American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest, United and US Airways. Prices are generally higher in July and August, with the cheapest deals available in winter.
Flight times
From London - 10 hours (including stopover); New York - 2 hours 50 minutes; Los Angeles - 5 hours 30 minutes (including stopover); Toronto - 4 hours (including stopover); Sydney- 21 hours (including stopover).
Travel by road
The interstate highways are the fastest, most direct routes to Memphis. Some of these routes are tolled. The speed limit on interstate highways is 112kph (70mph) for cars, unless stated otherwise, and 48kph (30mph) in built-up areas. There is also an extensive network of federal, state and local roads and highways.
The minimum age for unrestricted driving in Tennessee is 18 years old. Driving is on the right throughout the USA. You must carry your national driving licence with you when driving, as well as proof of third-party liability insurance. Some car hire companies may request an International Driving Permit, especially if your licence isn't in English.
The AAA (tel: +1 800 222 1134; www.aaasouth.com) has reciprocal agreements with many foreign motoring associations.
Emergency breakdown services
AAA (tel: +1 800 222 4357).
Routes
From the airport, I-240 goes into central Memphis. Memphis is a major crossroads of the south. The main routes into Memphis include interstates I-40 and I-55. I-40 comes from Dallas in the west through Little Rock, Arkansas, and from Nashville in the east. I-55 runs from St Louis in the north and Jackson, Mississippi, in the south. I-55 has links to New Orleans in the south and Chicago in the north.
Coaches
Greyhound (tel: +1 800 231 2222; www.greyhound.com) operates coach services around the USA, including direct services from Memphis to Nashville, Baton Rouge and Chicago. Coaches depart from the coach station, 3033 Airways Boulevard.
Megabus (tel: +1 877 462 6342; www.megabus.com) runs services from Memphis to Atlanta, Birmingham, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Little Rock and St Louis.
Time to city
From Nashville - 3 hours; St Louis - 4 hours; New Orleans - 6 hours; Dallas - 7 hours; Chicago - 8 hours 30 minutes.
Travel by Rail
Services
Trains run to Memphis Central Station, 545 South Main Street. The station serves as a major passenger terminal.
American train services are comfortable, though slow and subject to delays.
Operators
Amtrak (tel: +1 800 872 7245; www.amtrak.com) operates rail services within the USA.
Amtrak's services are limited, although the City of New Orleans train does connect Memphis with Chicago and New Orleans. Reservations are necessary for priority seating and sleeping accommodation.
Journey times
From Chicago - 10 hours 20 minutes; New Orleans - 8 hours 15 minutes.
