Getting around Memphis

Public transport

The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) (tel: +1 901 274 6282; www.matatransit.com) operates buses and a streetcar service - the Main Street Trolley. Vintage trolley cars run along Main Street, Madison Avenue and on a Riverfront Loop. The service is inexpensive and runs every 10 to 15 minutes. Sunday service stops early.

You can pay single fares upon boarding (exact change required). Daily, weekly and monthly passes are available from MATA's transit centres.

Taxis

Taxis must be booked by telephone. Recommended taxi firms include Yellow Cab Company (tel: +1 901 577 7777) or City Wide Cab Company (tel: +1 901 324 4202).

Driving

Traffic can be heavy during rush hour, from 0730 to 0900 and 1700 to 1830. The city is mainly laid out on a grid, with avenues running east-west and streets running north-south.

Driving is on the right. Right turns on red lights are permitted unless otherwise stated. Metered street-parking or parking lots are available downtown. There is a free car park between Front Street and the river.

Car hire

Some companies require International Drivers Permits as well as a national licence, so check. Drivers must be over 25 years old.

All major companies have offices, including Alamo (tel: +1 888 826 6893; www.alamo.com), Avis (tel: +1 901 345 2847; www.avis.com), Budget (tel: +1 901 398 8888; www.budget.com) and Hertz (tel: +1 901 345 5680; www.hertz.com).

Bicycle hire

You can hire bikes at the Peddler Bicycle Shop (tel: +1 901 327 4833; www.peddlerbikeshop.com). Outdoors Inc. (www.outdoorsinc.com) has two locations, at 5245 Poplar Avenue (tel: +1 901) 767 6790), and 1710 Union Avenue (tel: +1 901 722 8988).