Rent a Car in Memphis for Competitive Rates and Easy Access to the City
Compare airport and downtown pickup options, understand insurance and fees, and use this practical guide to book the right car for Memphis at a price that fits your trip.
What do you need to rent a car in Memphis?
Renting a car in Memphis is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.
- Form of ID: A valid physical United States national photo ID is required.
- Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical driving license with no major endorsements. The license must generally be held for at least 1 year; for some offers the exact minimum holding time is specified in the full rental Terms & Conditions.
Notes: Any additional drivers must be 25 years of age or older (for certain offers). For some rentals, please refer to the full rental Terms & Conditions – driving licence section or contact customer service to confirm the minimum licence holding period.
- Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required when credit cards are accepted. Supported credit cards may include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Diners Club, and sometimes UnionPay, depending on the specific offer. Some offers also accept debit cards (Visa or MasterCard, and in some cases Discover/AMEX) for deposit/payment. Certain offers require two credit cards. Deposit cards, where allowed, must also be in the main driver’s name.
- Age requirements: Standard eligible driving age ranges across offers from 20–99 years. Most offers require drivers to be at least 21 or 25 years old, with an upper limit typically between 75 and 80 (up to 99 on some offers). Where applicable, young driver surcharges apply: for many locations, drivers aged 21–24 (or 20–24 on some offers) may rent by paying an additional fee of about $25–$27 per day (plus applicable taxes). Some vehicle categories (e.g., luxury cars, minivans, 12-passenger vans, specialty/cool cars, full-size or premium SUVs, standard elite SUVs) are restricted to drivers aged 25 or above. Any additional drivers are often required to be at least 25 years old.
- Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical driving license with no major endorsements. The license must generally be held for at least 1 year; in some offers the exact minimum holding time is specified in the full rental Terms & Conditions. Accepted driving licence include:
• Original South Korea Driving License (English version) – an English translation must be provided on the back of the license or
• Original Driver's License in Latin/Roman alphabet (e.g., English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc.) without the need for an International Driving Permit, or
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP); the IDP is only a translation and must be presented together with the original licence. Photocopies or scanned copies are not accepted.Notes: For some rentals, please refer to the full rental Terms & Conditions – driving licence section or contact customer service to confirm the minimum licence holding period.
- Form of ID: A valid passport is required.
- Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required when credit cards are accepted. Supported credit cards may include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Diners Club, and sometimes UnionPay, depending on the specific offer. Some offers also accept debit cards (Visa or MasterCard, and in some cases Discover/AMEX) for deposit/payment. Certain offers require two credit cards. Deposit cards, where allowed, must also be in the main driver’s name.
- Age requirements: Standard eligible driving age ranges across offers from 20–99 years. Most offers require drivers to be at least 21 or 25 years old, with an upper limit typically between 75 and 80 (up to 99 on some offers). Where applicable, young driver surcharges apply: for many locations, drivers aged 21–24 (or 20–24 on some offers) may rent by paying an additional fee of about $25–$27 per day (plus applicable taxes). Some vehicle categories (e.g., luxury cars, minivans, 12-passenger vans, specialty/cool cars, full-size or premium SUVs, standard elite SUVs) are restricted to drivers aged 25 or above. Any additional drivers are often required to be at least 25 years old.
Best Car Rentals for Exploring Memphis & Beyond
From Elvis hotspots to Delta blues trails—discover the perfect ride for your Memphis adventure with our top vehicle picks for every journey.
Summer Heat & City Exploration
sedan
5
3
AutoMemphis summers can be brutal with temperatures often exceeding 95°F. A midsize sedan offers exceptional fuel-efficient air conditioning for navigating downtown streets and reaching iconic spots like Graceland and Beale Street without breaking the bank. The comfortable interior and smooth handling make stop-and-go traffic manageable. Plus, easy parking in the city center adds convenience to your Memphis experience.
Road Trip to Nashville & Beyond
Large
53AutoThe drive from Memphis to Nashville spans roughly 2.5 hours via I-40, offering beautiful Tennessee scenery. A full-size sedan provides the spacious interior and refined comfort needed for longer highway journeys without driver fatigue. Excellent trunk capacity accommodates luggage for multiple passengers. Smoothride quality handles varied road surfaces encountered when exploring Middle Tennessee attractions and beyond.
Winter Weather & Versatility
SUV
53AutoWhile Memphis winters are mild, occasional ice storms and cold rain make SUV driving significantly safer for area excursions. The elevated driving position provides better visibility in unpredictable weather conditions. SUVs offer superior traction control and braking performance on wet or icy Interstates. Spacious interiors accommodate winter gear and supplies for exploring Arkansas hill country or Mississippi Delta backroads.
Choose Your Ride
Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.
Choose MEM Airport Pickup for Maximum Convenience and Inventory
Picking up at Memphis International Airport (MEM) is ideal if you want to start driving right after landing. You’ll typically find the broadest selection of cars (economy to SUVs), longer counter hours, and simpler logistics for early/late flights. Keep an eye on the final checkout price—airport locations may add concession and facility fees that make the daily rate look cheaper than it really is.
Kia Soul
51
4Auto
Kia Soul
514AutoKia Soul
514Auto
Chrysler 200
534Auto
Toyota Camry
534Auto
Toyota Camry
534Auto
Toyota RAV4
534AutoToyota RAV4
534AutoToyota RAV4
534AutoMEM Memphis Car Rentals: Real Reviews from Real Travelers
Read genuine reviews from travelers who rented at MEM Memphis. Discover honest ratings and make confident decisions for your perfect road trip.
| Rental company | Rating | Avg. Daily Rate | Pickup Method/Distance | Security deposit | Accepts Debit Cards | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.9 17,000+ reviews | $87 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $719 - $808 |
| |
| 2.1 3300+ reviews | $81 | In terminal, Walk to counter | Low deposit |
| |
| 1.8 3700+ reviews | $81 | In terminal, Walk to counter | Low deposit |
| |
| 1.3 95 reviews | $85 | 14.4 mi | $417 - $859 |
| |
| 1.3 400+ reviews | $82 | 8 mi | - |
| |
| 1.2 5500+ reviews | $119 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $300 - $1,080 |
|
*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.
Platform Insights
Car Rental Expert Advice
By QEEQ Platform Expert Team
Expertise Metrics
Platform Recognition
Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024
Booking Volume
Review Quality
10,000+ verified 5-star reviews
Market Experience
Data Authority
Expertise Verification
QEEQ data verified against local official data sources
Key Expert Insights
Platform Analysis
"MEM airport dominates pickups at 55%, downtown Memphis captures 24%, hotels 13%, with Enterprise leading market share at 27% in the Memphis area."
Booking Patterns
"SUV bookings lead growth at +18% YoY, peak season (May-August) shows 45% demand surge, average rental duration is 4.2 days for leisure travelers."
Customer Pain Points
"42% of Memphis renters report confusion over insurance coverage options, the most common pain point among car rental customers."
Data Sources
- QEEQ internal booking databse
- Bureau of Transportation Statistics - Rental Car Operations at US Airports
- Memphis International Airport - Ground Transportation Statistics
- Memphis Tourism - Visitor Statistics
- American Car Rental Association - Market Trends Report
- Tennessee Tourism Development - Memphis Visitor Statistics
- Statista - Car Rental Industry Statistics
- Tennessee Attorney General - Consumer Auto Rental Complaints Report
- Better Business Bureau - Car Rental Complaint Statistics
- J.D. Power - Car Rental Satisfaction Study
Road Trips
One-way rental routes starting from Memphis
Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Memphis
Popular Driving Routes & Trips From Memphis
Scenic Routes & Easy Road Drives:
Memphis to Nashville via I-40 (Music City Drive)
A straightforward interstate drive connecting two of America’s most iconic music hubs. Ideal for a quick weekend getaway, concerts, museums, and great food, with optional stops for Tennessee small-town culture along the way.
Memphis to Oxford, Mississippi (Blues & College Town Loop)
A short, easy drive into north Mississippi for a relaxed day of bookstores, Southern dining, and historic squares. Great for a low-stress rental day with a walkable destination and a strong local culture scene.
Memphis to Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas Spa & Mountain Drive)
Head west for thermal springs, forested hills, and classic bathhouse history. The drive is mostly highway with increasingly scenic terrain near Hot Springs, making it a comfortable multi-day trip in a standard sedan or SUV.
Popular Day Trips & Weekend Getaways:
Graceland & South Memphis Music Day
Stay local and explore Elvis Presley’s Graceland plus nearby classic Memphis eats. Perfect if you want minimal driving and maximum music history.
Tunica, Mississippi Casinos & River Country
A quick hop south for casino resorts, live entertainment, and an easy return to Memphis the same evening. Best for adults looking for nightlife without a long drive.
Clarksdale, Mississippi Blues Trail Day
Drive into the heart of the Delta to experience juke joint history, blues landmarks, and small-town Mississippi culture. Plan for evening music and a late return (or make it overnight).
Reelfoot Lake State Park (Nature & Wildlife Escape)
A relaxing outdoors day with flat, easy driving to boardwalks, birding, and water views. Great for families and anyone who wants a calm break from city activity.
Car Rental Planning Tips for Memphis
Bring the right documents: Carry a valid driver’s license and a credit card in the renter’s name. If you’re flying in, keep your rental confirmation and be ready to show ID that matches the reservation.
Consider picking up at Memphis International Airport (MEM): Airport locations often have longer hours and more vehicle availability. If you’re staying downtown, compare the total cost (rideshare + parking) versus a city pickup.
Choose a fuel plan that matches your driving: For most travelers, ‘return full’ is the best value. Note that fuel prices can vary across state lines (TN/MS/AR), so topping off before returning can save money.
Understand insurance before you arrive: Check whether your personal auto policy or credit card provides collision coverage for rentals. If not, consider the rental company’s CDW/LDW—especially for longer highway trips.
Pick the right car for your route: A compact or midsize car is fine for Memphis, Nashville, and Oxford. For Hot Springs or longer multi-day drives with luggage, a midsize SUV can add comfort without being hard to park.
Avoid peak traffic windows when possible: Plan departures outside weekday rush hours to reduce time on I-40 and key connectors. Allow extra buffer time for event nights, especially in downtown Memphis and Nashville.
Plan parking in advance for downtown stops: Downtown Memphis attractions can involve paid garages or surface lots. Read signage carefully, and consider hotel parking costs if you’re keeping the car overnight.
Build in rest stops for longer drives: For trips like Hot Springs or Clarksdale, schedule at least one planned stop to stay alert. Keep water, chargers, and offline maps available in case of spotty rural coverage.
Rent a Car in Memphis: Drive Through the Home of Blues
Explore Memphis Beale Street and beyond with affordable car rentals starting from Memphis International Airport
LANGUAGES
English
CURRENCY
USD
DRIVE ON
Right-hand side
COUNTRY CODE
+1
AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE
$57 per day
AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH
4 days
SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN
40-56 km/h (25-35 mph)
SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN
105-120 km/h (65-75 mph)
ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC
0.08%
AVERAGE GAS PRICE
$0.89/L ($3.37/gallon)
LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE
$0.79/L - $0.99/L ($3.00/gallon - $3.75/gallon)
Memphis Car Rental Guide
Essential driving tips and rental FAQ for exploring Memphis, Tennessee
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