Memphis Airport Guide

sleeping in memphis airport — (photo courtesy of Alyson Honeycutt / July 2024)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Memphis Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

It has been the best sleeping airport I’ve been at so far. – K, I, O

MEM Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Memphis International Airport.

What to expect

Memphis Airport (code: MEM) is a mid-size, partially renovated terminal currently operating from a single concourse (B). Concourses A and C are closed, with A under demolition. Most flights depart from Concourse B, where you will find a limited selection of eateries and shops on both sides of security.

Food and retail options are modest and many close early in the evening, so plan ahead if you are staying overnight. Seating and amenities are centralized, which can make the terminal feel busier during peak times and quieter late at night.

WiFi is available to help pass the time. Economy class passengers flying on Delta Airlines can find comfort in a lounge accessible by purchasing a day pass or Delta Sky Club membership.

Sleeping in Memphis Airport

After security checkpoints close for the night, all passengers are restricted to the landside areas, and must re-clear security the next day when the checkpoints open. Due to ongoing renovations, overnight cleaning crews and early morning aircraft traffic, the terminal has a reputation for being exceptionally loud. Consider bringing earplugs/noise-cancelling headphones if you plan to sleep in this airport. While there is plenty of armrest-free, padded seating near the gates, comfortable seating on the landside may be limited. The terminal can also be cold, so bring a sleeping bag and or travel blanket for enhanced sleeping comfort. For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels near the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Memphis Airport Guide.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Keep in mind that airline check-in and baggage drop hours vary according to the flight schedule. Check these hours with your airline. If you are in the public area (landside), you will not be able to access the secure area (airside) until security screening opens. TSA checkpoint hours vary:

Terminal A: Closed
Terminal B: 4:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Terminal C: Closed

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are several hotels within a short drive of Memphis International Airport, including accommodations near Graceland.

La Quinta Inn & Suites Memphis Airport Graceland (2.2 mi) Budget hotel.
Courtyard by Marriott Memphis Airport (2.3 mi) Mid-range hotel.
The Guest House at Graceland (2.6 mi) Upscale hotel.
Holiday Inn Memphis Express & Suites Memphis Airport (2.8 mi) Mid-range hotel.

Airport Shuttles: Some nearby airport hotels offer airport shuttle service. Check with your hotel for pick-up instructions and schedules. Courtesy phones are located in the Baggage Claim area. For hotel shuttles, exit from Baggage Claim and follow overhead signs.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Not available.

Airline Lounges (non-members)

Delta Sky Club – Location: Concourse B/C. Lounge Access: Elite Status • Lounge membership programs.

Members Lounges

St Jude Children’s Research Hospital Patient Lounge – A newly opened lounge is available for St Jude Children’s Research Hospital patients and their families. The space includes seating areas with charging stations, a private restroom, a game area with toys, a TV, and a kitchenette with complimentary snacks and drinks. Location: Airside, near the Rotunda.

Military Lounges

USO Lounge – The USO offers a lounge free of charge to active members of the US military and their families. Amenities include a TV lounge, snacks, newspapers/magazines and a private nursing room. Location: Terminal A, Airside, next to Gate A27. Hours: Open daily from the 1st flight until the last flight departs.

Note: this may be a temporary location while the Terminal B location is under construction.

Drinking Water

A reader reports that multiple restrooms have water fountains and bottle filling stations. (July 2024)

Food & Drinks

Food concessions operate on varying schedules, with some opening as early as 4:30 AM. There are no 24-hour dining options.

Options are limited, especially outside peak hours. Terminal B currently offers landside dining only (unverified). Vending machines are available throughout.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

A reader reports that many gates have 110V power outlets near seating. (March 2021)

Showers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available through Boingo.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Note: Locations, hours, and rates may change. Information is provided for general reference only.

Art in the Airport – Pieces from the Belz Museum Asian & Judaic art collection are displayed near the Delta Sky Club in Concourse B. Artwork from local student artists is displayed throughout the terminal.
ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available in Terminal B, including the baggage claim area, ticketing area, and connector areas. Fees may apply.
Banking Services – Regions Bank offers full banking services, which may include currency exchange. Location: near Checkpoint B. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Business Center – A reader reports a free-access business area with seating, charging desks, and a conference room. Lights may turn off when inactive. (April 2024)
Currency Exchange – Currency exchange services are currently unavailable.
Duty-Free & Shopping – No duty-free shopping is available. Limited retail shops operate during the day. A Best Buy Express vending machine offers small electronics.
Family Facilities – Nursing lounges and family restrooms are available near Gates 4–6, 10–12, and 13–15, with additional family restrooms near security. A children’s play area is located near Gate 7.
Information Desk – Airport assistance is provided by Blue Suede Service volunteers, identifiable by navy vests and clipboards.
Live Music – Performances by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra may take place in the main terminal.
Luggage Carts – Available free of charge.
Medical Services – AEDs and trauma kits are available throughout the terminal.
Meditation Room – Available.
Postal Services – A mailbox is available in the baggage claim area.
Smoking – Smoking is prohibited inside the terminal. Designated smoking areas are located outside, at least 20 feet from the building.

Airlines

Memphis Airport is served by the following airlines: Air Canada • Allegiant Airlines • American Airlines • Delta Air Lines • Frontier Airlines • Southwest Airlines •Souther Express • Spirit • United Airlines • Vacation Express by Sunwing.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

MATA Bus #28 picks up about every hour from 6:42 AM – 6:23 PM (Mon – Fri) • 8:42 AM – 5:23 PM • 8:42 AM – 5:43 PM (Sun).

The bus stops in front of Terminal C, on the outer drive (3rd lane) across from the Baggage Claim exits. For route maps, schedules and fares, visit the MATA website.

Car Rentals

Car rental desk services are available in the Ground Transportation Center, located under the Baggage Claim level in the lower level of Terminal B. On-site car rental agencies include Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Payless • Thrifty.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Shuttles

The airport provides a list of shuttle service providers if you wish to book a shuttle in advance. To review your options, visit the Memphis Airport website.

Taxis

Taxis are available at the center lane in front of Concourse B Baggage Claim from 6:00 AM until one hour after the last flight’s arrival. All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required.

Last updated: 2026-03-17

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.