Memphis Suburbs Guide

Colloquially known as “Tennessee’s Main Street” because it passes through the state’s three largest cities – Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville – the east-west interstate enters the city from Arkansas via the Hernando de Soto Bridge that crosses the Mississippi River. The interstate continues into the western and northern sides of downtown Memphis, then towards Bartlett, and exits the city before entering the north Fayette and Haywood Counties. 

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Driving In Memphis

A major north-south interstate that enters the city from Northwest Mississippi via Southaven in Desoto County, bypassing Memphis International Airport to the west. I-55 heads north until it reaches its interchange with I-240, then turns west for a brief period before turning northward again. Before going downtown, the interstate turns west again at E.H. Crump Boulevard and crosses the Mississippi River via the Memphis-Arkansas Bridge into Arkansas. Take this route instead of I-240 and I-40 if you want to get across the Mississippi River bypassing downtown. Note that the speed limit on I-55 is 65, not 70. 

Memphis Driving Driving In Memphis

Is there a sign for Interstate 69 in Memphis TN?

• Signs in Tennessee however only refer to “Future Interstate 69”. Through Memphis, I-69 utilizes I-55, I-40 and I-240 north to the SR 300 freeway spur as part of Segment 9 (Hernando, Mississippi to Millington). This was the alignment recommended by the Memphis Metropolitan Planning Organization and the City of Memphis.
• Memphis Driving Driving In Memphis

The major beltway in Memphis begins east of downtown Memphis at an interchange with I-40, continuing south and running through Midtown Memphis. At an interchange with I-55 in South Memphis, it changes direction to head east, then heads north after an interchange with SR 385, and ends at a stack interchange with I-40 and other highways. I-240 essentially branches off I-40 providing quick access to downtown areas. Memphis Driving Driving In Memphis

A recently completed beltway that serves as an outer bypass for the Memphis metropolitan area. It enters Tennessee from Northern Mississippi at Collierville. 

Memphis Driving Driving In Memphis

This road leads into the city from the east of Collierville and connects to I-240 when entering the city. 

Memphis Driving Driving In Memphis

A part of the southern portion of this highway earned the name “Elvis Presley Boulevard” because you can find Graceland there. This highway runs straight through downtown Memphis, making it a convenient choice of road to travel to see the sites and enjoy the city. 

Memphis Driving Driving In Memphis

Poplar Ave is the "spine" of Memphis.  Starting downtown it runs thru the heart of Memphis out to the southern most suburb Collierville.  Poplar Ave will get you to or near most parts of Memphis or the "burbs". 

Memphis Driving Driving In Memphis

This famous street in downtown Memphis is known for being the birthplace of blues music and has several clubs, restaurants, and outdoor concerts for visitors to enjoy. It runs from the Mississippi River to East Street, for a distance of 1.8 miles, and ends at the Medical District. 

Memphis Driving Driving In Memphis

Memphis has several trolley lines as an alternative, more environmentally friendly transportation option to buses. Three different lines serve the downtown area: The Riverfront Line, Main Street Rail Line, and the Madison Avenue Line. Madison Avenue runs from Memphis Park east through the Medical District. Main Street starts just north of I-40 on Shadyac Avenue, right by the William Hudson Transit Center, and runs south, ending with the National Civil Rights Museum and Central Station at the location of the Amtrak. The Riverfront line begins in the north at the iconic Bass Pro Shops pyramid. It proceeds south, wrapping around W Georgia Avenue and looping back around downtown, including a stop on Beale Street. The fare is $1.00, and day passes are $2.00. 

Memphis Driving Driving In Memphis

Memphis offers around 30 different bus routes that can take you all around the city. Also, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, bus fare is currently reduced to only $1.00 per ride. The William Hudson Transit Center, located just north of I-40 on Shadyac Avenue in downtown Memphis, has access to around 20 public transportation buses. 

Memphis Driving Driving In Memphis

Memphis Hop

If you’re looking for a more directed, tourist-focused ride around town, then the Memphis Hop is for you. This bus stops at different attractions, including Graceland, Sun Studio, the Bass Pro Shops pyramid, and the National Civil Rights Museum. The way it works is that the bus will take you to a location where you’ll “hop off” for whatever time you need to explore the attraction before hopping back on another bus to visit the next site. The buses run every hour and twenty minutes. If you’re dedicated and follow the schedule, you can make it to six attractions in one day. Tickets are $30, and it’s currently only running from Thursday to Saturday, so you should plan accordingly. 

Memphis Driving Driving In Memphis