Memphis Airport (MEM) Terminal Guide 2026
Memphis International Airport (MEM) is one of America's most fascinating airports: home to the world's largest cargo operation (FedEx World Hub), a terminal dramatically oversized after Delta's 2013 hub closure, and the gateway to the birthplace of the blues. This guide explains MEM's Concourse B and C layout, why Concourse A doesn't exist, and flat-rate car service pricing to Beale Street, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and FedEx corporate headquarters.
No Light Rail in Memphis
Memphis has no light rail and no metro rail system. The MATA bus system has limited airport service but does not run 24/7 and doesn't serve most visitor destinations efficiently. For Beale Street, St. Jude, FedEx HQ, Germantown, or East Memphis, private car service is the most practical option from MEM.
MEM: World's Largest Cargo Airport by Package Volume
The FedEx World Hub processes over 1.5 million packages per night, making Memphis International one of the world's busiest airports by total aircraft movements — despite only ~4 million annual passengers. The FedEx operation runs primarily 11pm–5am. Passenger service operates from the separate terminal on the north side of the airfield.
MEM Airport Overview and History
Memphis International Airport opened in 1929 and became a major hub for Delta Air Lines in the 1980s and 1990s. At its peak, MEM handled over 11 million passengers annually, with Delta operating hundreds of daily flights through the city. In 2013, Delta drastically reduced its Memphis hub operations in favor of Atlanta, dropping MEM to a focus city. Passenger traffic fell to approximately 4 million annually, where it has stabilized.
The result is a terminal designed for 11 million passengers now serving 4 million — which means MEM is one of the most pleasant large airports in America. Security lines are short, parking is a quick walk, and baggage claim is rarely crowded.
MEM at a glance: IATA code MEM, ICAO code KMEM. GPS: 35.0424°N, 89.9767°W. Altitude: 341 feet MSL. Runways: four parallel runways (36L/18R, 36C/18C, 36R/18L, 27/09). The FedEx World Hub occupies dedicated facilities south of the passenger terminal.
MEM Terminal Layout: Concourses B and C Only
Why Is There No Concourse A?
MEM originally had three concourses (A, B, and C). After Delta's 2013 hub closure, passenger traffic fell so sharply that the airport decommissioned Concourse A. Only Concourses B and C remain open for passengers. Concourse A is still physically present but closed — you may see signs to it, but it is not in use.
| Concourse | Gates | Airlines | Lounges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concourse B | Gates B1–B20 | American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, Spirit | Admirals Club (Gate B9), Delta Sky Club (Gate B18) |
| Concourse C | Gates C1–C20 | Southwest Airlines, United, Allegiant, Sun Country | United Club (Gate C12) |
American Airlines is currently the largest passenger carrier at MEM, having grown its presence as Delta reduced. American connects Memphis to its Dallas/Fort Worth hub (DFW), Charlotte (CLT), Philadelphia (PHL), and New York (JFK).Southwest Airlines operates from Concourse C with routes to Chicago, Atlanta, Baltimore, Nashville, and numerous leisure markets.
Both concourses are connected airside, so even if you enter from one side and your gate is in the other concourse, you can walk the entire airside terminal without returning to the main terminal.
Arrivals and Car Service Pickup at MEM
After your flight lands at MEM, follow signs to baggage claim. Memphis has a single baggage claim area on the lower level of the main terminal. Both Concourse B and Concourse C feed into the same terminal building and baggage area.
After collecting luggage, exit to the lower level curb (Arrivals Drive). Detailed Drivers positions your chauffeur in the prearranged/TNC vehicle zone with a name sign. Flight tracking is included on every booking — your driver adjusts automatically for delays.
24/7 Availability
The FedEx hub means Memphis has 24-hour airport activity. Detailed Drivers operates around the clock to match MEM's schedule. Early morning or late-night flight? We're there. Call (888) 420-0177 anytime.
Flat-Rate Car Service Pricing from MEM
All prices are one-way flat rates. No surge pricing. No hidden fees. Flight tracking and meet-and-greet included on all arrivals.
| Destination | Approx. Miles | Drive Time | Flat Rate (Sedan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx World Headquarters | 3 mi | 8–12 min | $48 |
| Downtown Memphis / Beale Street | 9 mi | 15–22 min | $58 |
| St. Jude Children's Research Hospital | 7 mi | 14–20 min | $55 |
| Germantown / East Memphis | 12 mi | 18–25 min | $62 |
| Collierville | 20 mi | 25–35 min | $72 |
| Southaven, MS (DeSoto County) | 10 mi | 15–20 min | $58 |
| Graceland (Elvis Presley Blvd) | 5 mi | 10–15 min | $52 |
| Clarksdale, MS (Blues Delta) | 70 mi | 70–80 min | $125 |
| Jackson, TN | 85 mi | 80–95 min | $145 |
| Nashville, TN (BNA) | 212 mi | 3h 10min | $365 |
* Rates for standard sedan. Escalade and Sprinter Van available — call (888) 420-0177 for larger vehicle pricing.
The FedEx World Hub: Why MEM Never Sleeps
FedEx Corporation, headquartered just 3 miles from the passenger terminal, operates the FedEx World Hub at Memphis International — the global sorting center for all FedEx Express shipments. The numbers are staggering:
- 1.5+ million packages sorted per night during peak operations
- ~700 aircraft movements per night at the FedEx hub during peak seasons
- 10+ square miles of facility space at the Memphis World Hub campus
- MEM ranks as the world's second-busiest cargo airport by total cargo tonnage (behind Hong Kong)
- Over 32,000 FedEx employees in the Memphis metro area
The FedEx operations peak between 11pm and 5am, which is why MEM has aircraft activity through the night — mostly cargo jets, not passenger planes. The passenger terminal and FedEx facilities are on separate sides of the airfield.
Corporate Transportation from MEM
Memphis is a logistics and healthcare hub with several major corporate headquarters. Detailed Drivers provides executive car service and account billing for corporate travel.
| Company | Location | From MEM | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx Corporation | East Memphis | 3 mi / 8 min | $48 |
| AutoZone Inc. | Downtown Memphis | 9 mi / 18 min | $58 |
| International Paper | Downtown Memphis | 9 mi / 18 min | $58 |
| St. Jude Children's Research Hospital | Medical Center | 7 mi / 16 min | $55 |
| Methodist Le Bonheur | Medical Center | 8 mi / 16 min | $55 |
| Thomas & Betts / ABB | Germantown | 12 mi / 20 min | $62 |
| Nike Logistics Hub | Collierville | 20 mi / 28 min | $72 |
Major Events Served from MEM
Memphis in May International Festival
May
Tom Lee Park, downtown Memphis
World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, Beale Street Music Festival
FedEx St. Jude Championship (PGA)
August
TPC Southwind, Memphis
PGA TOUR FedEx Cup Playoffs event
Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)
October–April
FedExForum
NBA arena in downtown Memphis
Elvis Week
August
Graceland
Annual pilgrimage to Elvis Presley's home
International Blues Challenge
January
Beale Street
Blues Foundation's premier competition
Mid-South Fair
September
Desoto County Fairgrounds
Regional county fair and entertainment
Frequently Asked Questions About MEM
Is there light rail or train service from Memphis airport?
No. Memphis has no light rail connecting the airport to the city. The MATA bus system has limited airport service, but does not run 24/7 and does not serve most visitor destinations. A private car service is far more practical for Memphis airport transfers.
Why does MEM airport have Concourses B and C but no Concourse A?
MEM originally had three concourses (A, B, C). After Delta's 2013 hub closure, passenger traffic fell from 11+ million to about 4 million annually. The airport decommissioned Concourse A. Only Concourses B and C remain operational. The abandoned Concourse A section is visible from airside but not accessible to travelers.
Why is MEM airport so large for its passenger volume?
MEM was Delta Air Lines' second-largest hub through 2013. After Delta withdrew, passenger traffic fell dramatically. The infrastructure was built for hub traffic and is now oversized for current volumes — making MEM one of the easiest large airports to navigate: short security lines, plentiful parking, quick baggage claim.
What is the FedEx World Hub at Memphis airport?
The FedEx World Hub processes over 1.5 million packages per night, making Memphis one of the world's busiest airports by total aircraft movements. FedEx operations run primarily 11pm-5am. FedEx Corporation's headquarters is just 3 miles from the passenger terminal.
How far is MEM from Beale Street?
Beale Street is approximately 9 miles north of MEM via I-55. Drive time is typically 15-20 minutes. Flat-rate car service from MEM to Beale Street or downtown Memphis runs about $58.
How far is MEM from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital?
St. Jude is approximately 7 miles north of MEM in the Medical Center district. Drive time is typically 15-20 minutes. Flat-rate car service from MEM to St. Jude runs about $55.
Does Detailed Drivers serve FedEx headquarters in Memphis?
Yes. FedEx Corporation's world headquarters is approximately 3 miles from MEM. Flat-rate car service from MEM to FedEx HQ runs about $48. Detailed Drivers provides account-based billing for FedEx employees and corporate guests. Call (888) 420-0177.
Does Detailed Drivers serve the Mississippi Delta region from MEM?
Yes. MEM serves as the gateway to the Mississippi Delta. Car service from MEM to Clarksdale, MS (home of the Crossroads, Ground Zero Blues Club) runs about $125. Multi-day blues tourism arrangements are available — call (888) 420-0177.
Book Car Service to or from MEM
Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 availability, and professional chauffeurs for FedEx executives, St. Jude visitors, and all Memphis travelers.