Memphis by road, MATA bus and trolley, and air: I-40, I-55, I-240 and I-269, the MATA call center at 901-274-6282, MEM airport and downtown parking garages.

Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. Facts come from the Memphis Area Transit Authority’s transit centers page and September 2026 service updates, Memphis International Airport’s ground transportation page, the Downtown Memphis Commission’s parking page, the Tennessee Department of Transportation and the City of Memphis.

Memphis is served by four interstates, I-40, I-55, I-240 and I-269 (with State Route 385), all maintained by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Buses and the Main Street trolley are run by the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA); call its Call Center at 901-274-6282 (901-274-MATA) for route times. The airport, MEM, is at 2491 Winchester Road.

Who to call

  • MATA Call Center: 901-274-6282; press 2 for an agent
  • Road conditions on interstates and state routes: TDOT SmartWay or dial 511
  • City streets, signals, potholes: Memphis 311, 901-636-6500
  • Airport ground transportation and taxi complaints: 901-922-8019, gt@flymemphis.com
  • Parking tickets: City Court Clerk, 901-636-3400

Main roads

TDOT’s weekly West Tennessee bulletin covers these roads in Shelby County:

  • Interstates: I-40, I-55, I-240 and I-269 (SR-385)
  • Major state routes inside the city include Lamar Avenue (SR-4), Summer Avenue (SR-1), Elvis Presley Boulevard (SR-3), Poplar Avenue (SR-57) and Shelby Drive (SR-175).

For this week’s lane closures and the I-55 and Third Street bridge work, see our road construction page.

Buses: MATA

MATA runs fixed-route buses across Memphis, plus MATAplus curb-to-curb paratransit for riders with disabilities who cannot use fixed routes. In its September 2026 service updates, MATA added a bus to Routes 2, 8 and 36 for more frequent service. Plan trips with the routes and schedules on matatransit.com, track buses with the MATA Tracker, and buy fares through GO901.

Its three transit centers, from MATA’s transit centers page:

Transit center Address Phone
William Hudson Transit Center (formerly North End Terminal) 444 N. Main St. 901-523-8134
American Way Transit Center 3921 American Way 901-722-0322
Airways Transit Center 3033 Airways Blvd. 901-722-7080

Downtown, the Medical District, South City and New Chicago are also served by Groove On-Demand, an app-based shuttle listed by MATA and the Downtown Memphis Commission.

Trolley

MATA’s Main Street Trolley cars run on downtown rails. MATA planned to resume downtown trolley service this fall with four trolleys, the Downtown Memphis Commission reported on Aug. 5. Check MATA’s trolley routes page for the current schedule and fares.

The airport: MEM

Memphis International Airport (MEM), now named Frederick W. Smith International Airport, is run by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority at 2491 Winchester Road. From its ground transportation page:

  • Taxis leave from the center commercial drive in front of Concourse B baggage claim, from 6 a.m. until one hour after the last arriving flight; accessible cabs are available on request.
  • Uber and Lyft, hotel shuttles, rental cars and MATA are all listed.
  • Parking availability by level is posted on the airport’s parking page.

Downtown parking

The Downtown Memphis Commission’s parking map lists public garages and lots. Garages affiliated with the commission and operated by Premium Parking include:

Garage Address
250 Peabody Place Garage 250 Peabody Place
First Park Place Garage 21 S. Second St.
Gayoso Garage 106 Gayoso Ave.
Justice Center Garage 245 Washington Ave.
Mobility Center 60 Beale St.
Shoppers Garage 85 N. Front St.

The city sometimes bans on-street parking for street work; from Oct. 9 to about Oct. 23, 2026, it is barred on Union and Monroe avenues between Front and Main streets and on Front Street between Peabody Place and Court Avenue for resurfacing. We could not find meter hours or time limits on the city’s website; follow the signs at each space. Parking tickets are paid to the City Court Clerk (901-636-3400).

Biking and walking

The Shelby Farms Greenline, the Wolf River Greenway, the riverfront River Line and Big River Crossing to Arkansas make up the city’s main off-street routes; our parks and trails guide has access points and hours.

What this means for you

  • Save MATA’s 901-274-6282 and check MATA Tracker before you walk to the stop.
  • Use a downtown garage on event nights; on-street rules change with street work.
  • Check SmartWay or dial 511 before a long drive on I-40 or I-55.

More guides: road construction, moving to Memphis and things to do this month.

Frequently asked questions

What is the phone number for MATA in Memphis?

The MATA Call Center is 901-274-6282 (901-274-MATA). Its automated system gives route times; press 2 to speak with an agent about schedules and routing.

Are the Memphis trolleys running?

The Memphis Area Transit Authority planned to resume downtown trolley service this fall with four trolleys, the Downtown Memphis Commission reported in August 2026. Check MATA’s trolley routes page for the current schedule.

How do I get to the Memphis airport by bus?

Memphis International Airport (MEM), officially Frederick W. Smith International Airport, lists MATA among its ground transportation options. Call MATA at 901-274-6282 for the route from your stop.

Where can I park downtown Memphis?

The Downtown Memphis Commission lists garages including 250 Peabody Place, First Park Place at 21 S. Second St., Gayoso Garage at 106 Gayoso Ave., the Justice Center Garage at 245 Washington Ave. and the Mobility Center at 60 Beale St.