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North America United States Memphis Tourist Information Time Zone

Overview

Time Zone

The guide was updated: 2025-04-07

Memphis is located in the Central Time Zone (CT), which is 6 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-6). During Daylight Saving Time, typically from March to November, the city shifts to Central Daylight Time (UTC-5).

Useful Information

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Passport/Visa

Passport/Visa

Citizens of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Kingdom of Brunei can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa (as well as citizens of Andorra, Lichtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Citizens of these countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. All other travelers must obtain a visa before visiting the United States. International travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the country.

Memphis International Airport (MEM)

Memphis International Airport (MEM)

Memphis International Airport (MEM) sits about 11 kilometers southeast of downtown Memphis, translating to a 20-minute drive under normal traffic conditions. Travelers can easily get to town using ride-sharing apps, which have designated pickup areas just outside the terminal exits. Taxis are also available curbside, offering direct rides into the city. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) runs public buses from the airport to various parts of the city, with stops conveniently located outside Terminal C. If you’re planning to explore beyond downtown or prefer to drive yourself, rental car services are available on-site at the airport’s Ground Transportation Center.

Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Memphis is in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and the city feels especially alive. These seasons bring perfect walking temperatures for exploring neighborhoods like Cooper-Young or South Main, and they also line up with a busy calendar of music, food, and cultural festivals. From live blues echoing down Beale Street to block parties and outdoor art fairs, there's always something happening. Summer can get hot and humid—and crowded—but if you're into big energy and don’t mind the heat, it still has its charm.

Public Transport

Public Transport

Getting around Memphis by public transit is doable, but it’s not always the fastest way to get from A to B. MATA runs the city’s bus system, which covers most neighborhoods and major spots, though service can be spotty depending on the route and time of day. They’ve got a reloadable GO901 Smart Card that makes paying easier if you’re planning to ride more than once. The old-school trolleys downtown were once a highlight, but they’ve been paused again, with no clear return date. If you’re sticking to main attractions, buses can work—but most visitors end up mixing in rideshares or walking when possible. For information on routes, timetables, and fares, visit the MATA Transit's official website.

Taxi

Taxi

Taxis aren’t super common in Memphis—you won’t usually spot one just driving by, so it’s better to call ahead or ask your hotel to help you book. Local companies like Bluff City Taxi and CityWide Taxi are around, but they can be hit or miss depending on the area and time of day. Most people stick to Uber or Lyft, which work well across the city, especially if you’re heading downtown, to the airport, or hitting up the big attractions.

Pharmacy

Pharmacy

In Memphis, you'll find several major pharmacy chains, including Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, and Kroger Pharmacy. This last one is located within Kroger grocery stores.

Post

Post

Post offices in Memphis typically operate Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm, with some locations offering limited Saturday hours. The main post office is located at 555 S B.B. King Boulevard in downtown Memphis, providing a range of mailing services, including package shipping and P.O. Box access, as well as passport application services available by appointment.

Telephone

Telephone

Country code: +1 Area code: 901

Electricity

Electricity

US standard voltage is 110-115V and the standard frequency is 60Hz. The sockets and the power plugs are of type A and B. Type A plugs have two flat parallel pins, while Type B plugs have two flat parallel pins plus a grounding pin.

Time Zone

Time Zone

Memphis is located in the Central Time Zone (CT), which is 6 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-6). During Daylight Saving Time, typically from March to November, the city shifts to Central Daylight Time (UTC-5).

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