Memphis Trolley on South Main

Fun Ways To Get Around Memphis Without a Car

From taxis to buses, trolleys to bikes, we've compiled the details you need to get around Memphis without a car.

TOURS AND FREE SHUTTLES

The Memphis Hop tour bus makes it super simple to explore Memphis attractions without a car.  Each ticket gets you a seat on this hop-on, hop-off tour bus that continues in a loop. The Memphis Hop makes stops at eight Memphis attractions each hour, so spend as much time as you wish to sightsee before boarding the next bus to continue your tour of Memphis. While on the bus, learn about Memphis' rich history from the your bus guide.

Running seven-days-a-week and nearly every hour, the free Sun Studio Shuttle goes between three of Memphis' best music attractions - Memphis Rock 'n' Soul MuseumGraceland (also makes a quick pickup at Guest House at Graceland) and of course, Sun Studio. Seats are available for free on a first come, first served basis, but this deal is just too good for those without wheels. Make sure you don't miss the bus, and check the complete shuttle schedule

Want to move and groove in Memphis? Join a Backbeat Tour near Beale and Second Street to see Memphis in a whole new light. Your stage is a 1950s-era music bus and your lead singer is a Memphis musician. Laugh, sing, shake, rattle, 'n' roll as you get an insider's view of the city's rich musical heritage - no car necessary. Rated 5 stars on TripAdvisor, Backbeat offers a variety of tours that range in price from $13-$49 for adults. 

WALK OR PEDAL IT OUT

Put those feet to good use, throw on your backpack and start pounding the pavement. If you're directionally challenged (psst…the river is West), order our free Map & Tourist Guide or pick one up in your closest hotel lobby or visitors center. Its filled with maps and info on nearby attractions, shopping, restaurants and more.

Did you know that Memphis was named America's Most Improved Bicycle City by Bicycling Magazine? We've outlined some of the more popular routes here:

  • Big River Crossing is the nation's largest pedestrian bridge. This 5,000 foot trail spans the Mississippi River connecting Downtown Memphis and Arkansas and gives you the most spectacular view of Ole Man River and beautiful sunsets (or sunrises). So, grab your bike or lace your shoes and enjoy this newest addition to Memphis' riverfront. 
  • Home to the Memphis ZooBrooks Museum and Old Forest Arboretum, Overton Park pathways is a 2.5 mile winding and paved shared use path. Put the pedal to the pavement, enjoy the shaded paths and have lunch in the park. Overton Park is home of the outdoor Overton Park Shell where Elvis Presley gave his first performance.
  • The most significant bike route to date is the Shelby Farms Greenline, a 7-mile paved trail that runs through the heart of Memphis. The Greenline is built upon a former railroad line. Today, you’ll find the Greenline filled with bikers, hikers, walkers and runners of all types. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset.
Need to rent a bike? No worries, we've got you covered in that department as well. Check out these popular bike rental spots. 
 
  • Explore Bike Share allows you to rent one of 600 gps equiped state of the art bikes from 60 different stations around Downtown and Midtown. Just download the the app and follow the instructions to rent a bike for an hour at a time and then park it at any station. Get a membership for a single ride, the day or week.
  • If you're staying outside of Downtown, bike rentals are available near the Greenline at the corner of Farm Rd. and Mullins Station Rd. Helmets and locks are provided. To rent a bike or get additional information, visit Greenline Rentals.

CAR SHARING & TAXI SERVICE 

Download the Uber or Lyft apps on your Apple or Android mobile device for easy pick-up and drop-offs. Find more taxi, limo and car service listings here
 

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) vintage trolleys cover three main routes in the downtown area and pass notable destinations like South Main's Historic Art District, Sun Studio, Beale Street, the Mississippi River and Renasant Convention Center. A one-way ticket on the trolley is only $1 and $3.50 for an all-day pass. 3-day passes are available for $9. 

The MATA citywide bus system can get you nearly anywhere in the city of Memphis. Covering over 300 square miles, the MATA bus has 33 routes and thousands of bus-stops throughout town. Interested in finding the best route to get around? See the MATA Transit website

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