Car Rentals in Memphis, USA

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Memphis

Renting a car in and around Memphis offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant metropolis at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Graceland, the iconic home of Elvis Presley, and the culturally rich National Civil Rights Museum, both located within the city. Driving along Beale Street allows you to immerse yourself in the city's lively atmosphere and musical heritage. Beyond the city limits, a car hire enables convenient trips to nearby destinations like Southaven, where you can enjoy parks and sporting complexes, or Olive Branch, which features scenic parks. This flexibility is particularly appealing for families, allowing for easy luggage management and comfortable travel with children. Additionally, those interested in cultural experiences will appreciate the ability to navigate the various neighbourhoods and attractions without the constraints of public transport timetables. With a rental car, you can explore Downtown Memphis, with its array of attractions including Tom Lee Park, at your leisure, making your visit both enjoyable and hassle-free.

Most popular car hires in Memphis

• Midsize SUV: This option is highly popular among families, couples, and small groups, accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 3 large suitcases. The midsize SUV offers a perfect balance of comfort and versatility, making it an excellent choice for exploring Memphis and its surroundings at your own pace. With its spacious interior and robust design, this vehicle is ideal for those looking to enjoy their trip without the hassle of cramped quarters.
• Compact: Perfect for solo travellers, couples, and families, the compact car option accommodates up to 5 travellers and provides room for 3 medium suitcases. This type of car is an efficient choice for those wanting to navigate Memphis’s roads with ease while managing luggage effortlessly. Its smaller size allows for greater fuel efficiency and easier parking, making it a practical and economical option for exploring the city and beyond.
• Standard: The standard car option is a great fit for couples and families, accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 3 large suitcases. This type provides a balance of comfort and practicality, making it suitable for both short trips and longer journeys around Memphis. With its ample space for passengers and luggage, the standard car offers a reliable choice for those looking to enjoy a smooth driving experience while exploring the area.

Top rated car suppliers in Memphis

• Avis: With a strong presence in Memphis, Avis boasts 5 rental locations throughout the area, providing excellent accessibility for travellers. Known for its reliability, Avis offers a selection of vehicles that cater to various needs, with the Midsize SUV and Standard SUV being the most popular choices among customers. This flexibility allows you to explore Memphis and its surroundings comfortably and at your leisure.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo operates 1 rental location in Memphis, making it a convenient option for those looking to hire a vehicle. This supplier is particularly favoured for its Midsize SUV and Standard Pickup options, which are ideal for both solo travellers and families alike. Alamo’s straightforward rental process ensures that you can quickly get on the road and start your Memphis adventure.
• Hertz: With 2 rental locations in Memphis, Hertz provides reliable service and a variety of vehicle options. Travellers particularly enjoy renting Midsize SUVs and Compact cars, which are perfect for navigating the city or embarking on day trips. Hertz is committed to meeting the needs of its customers, making it a popular choice for those looking to explore Memphis and the surrounding areas.

Where to stay in Memphis

• Downtown Memphis: Downtown Memphis is an ideal base for travellers seeking a vibrant city experience. This neighbourhood offers proximity to notable attractions such as Beale Street, a lively street perfect for city holidays, and the National Civil Rights Museum, an important cultural site. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Tom Lee Park, suitable for family outings and relaxation. The area is also rich in dining options, including various restaurants and wineries, making it a great spot for food lovers.
• Southaven: Located just outside Memphis, Southaven is a fantastic choice for families and those looking for entertainment. Visitors can explore Graceland, the historic home of Elvis Presley, and enjoy recreational activities at Brookhaven Park, ideal for outdoor fun. Southaven's shopping centres provide ample opportunities for retail therapy, while local bars and wineries offer enjoyable nightlife options. This city is perfect for a leisurely stay with plenty of attractions to discover.
• West Memphis: West Memphis presents a charming option for those seeking a mix of city life and romantic experiences. The neighbourhood features access to the National Civil Rights Museum and Horton Park, both suitable for cultural and outdoor explorations. The local shopping centres and various restaurants cater to diverse tastes, ensuring a pleasant culinary experience. West Memphis is a well-rounded destination for couples and families alike, offering both relaxation and entertainment.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Memphis

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're after an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary significantly based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to obtain more competitive rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. Renters over the age of 70 could also face similar restrictions. Always verify the age requirements before making a booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements mandate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid incurring additional charges. This is often the most advantageous option. Other agreements may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well; just ensure that you return the car with an empty tank in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports, though this added convenience might justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies accept only credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in the event of unforeseen circumstances during your trip. Adding car hire insurance is straightforward when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to embark on long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Memphis

The best value period to rent a car in and around Memphis is December, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. January and February also offer decent options, with February being the quietest month for rentals. As spring approaches, March tends to be the most expensive month, accompanied by slightly high demand. April and May see a rise in prices, with May being particularly busy, making it less ideal for those seeking lower rates.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
February	43.9°F (6.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
April	61.2°F (16.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly Low
June	79.2°F (26.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
July	81.5°F (27.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly High
August	80.1°F (26.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	74.8°F (23.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
October	64.0°F (17.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	45.5°F (7.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low