Owais Crawford
Sleeping in airports can be uncomfortable, and Memphis Airport is no exception. If you're planning on sleeping at Memphis Airport, you'll want to know the following. Firstly, there are no dedicated sleeping areas, and you'll be restricted to the landside areas, which have less comfortable seating. The airport is also known for being exceptionally loud, so bring earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones. It can also get cold, so a sleeping bag or travel blanket is recommended. If you're looking for more comfort, there are hotels located near the airport, some of which provide free shuttle services. However, the area around the airport is not considered very safe, so staying in another part of town and travelling to the airport in the morning may be a better option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping pods/dedicated sleeping areas | No |
| Sleeping spots | Armrest-free padded seating near the gates; less comfortable seating in landside areas; floor |
| Noise level | Very loud due to ongoing renovations, overnight cleaning crews, and early morning aircraft traffic |
| Temperature | Cold |
| Food | No 24-hour dining options; some restaurants open as early as 4:30 am |
| Safety | Risky, especially when travelling alone |
| Nearby hotels | Radisson Inn, Holiday Inn, and others |
| Shuttle services | Free shuttle services provided by most hotels |
| Other amenities | Free WiFi |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping pods and hotel options inside the airport
While there are no traditional sleeping pods or cabins available at the Memphis International Airport terminal, the airport does offer sleeping pods for travellers to rest in during layovers or delays. These sleeping pods are sleek, modern, and provide a peaceful and private space for travellers to relax in. They can be booked on-site or in advance, and are located within the airport, saving you time on transportation to and from nearby hotels.
If you are looking for a more traditional hotel experience, there are several hotels near the airport that offer shuttle services. These include the Radisson Inn, Holiday Inn Memphis Airport Hotel & Conference Center, La Quinta Inn & Suites Memphis Airport Graceland, Courtyard by Marriott Memphis Airport, Comfort Inn & Suites Airport, Crowne Plaza Memphis East, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Memphis, and Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis. These hotels provide a comfortable and private sleep environment, and some even offer Park-Sleep-Fly packages, allowing you to safely park your car at the hotel for your entire trip at no extra cost.
For those who prefer to stay within the airport, there are several comfortable seating options available inside the main building, although these may be limited in the landside areas. It is important to note that the security checkpoints close at night, restricting passengers to the landside areas until the next day. The terminal can also be cold and noisy, so it is recommended to bring a sleeping bag, travel blanket, and earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones if you plan to sleep in the airport.
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Comfortable sleeping spots
Sleeping in any airport can be risky, especially when travelling alone, so it's important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables.
If you plan to sleep at Memphis Airport, you'll have to remain in the public area of the terminal as the security checkpoint gets closed at night. The most comfortable sleeping spots at Memphis Airport are located inside the security area. There is plenty of armrest-free, padded seating near the gates, but comfortable seating in the landside areas may be limited. The terminal can also be cold, so bring a sleeping bag and/or a travel blanket for enhanced comfort.
Due to ongoing renovations, overnight cleaning crews, and early-morning aircraft traffic, the terminal has a reputation for being exceptionally loud. So, if you're a light sleeper, consider bringing earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.
If you'd prefer a more comfortable and uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels near the airport. The former Radisson Inn at the airport entrance has been rated poorly in recent years, but it is still enclosed on airport property and secured by airport police. There is also a Holiday Inn near the airport, although it is unclear if they offer parking facilities. For off-site parking, Park It Here is recommended by travellers for its reasonable prices and excellent customer service.
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Food and drink options
If you're spending the night at Memphis International Airport, it's worth noting that most of the eateries and shops close early in the evening, so plan your dinner accordingly. There are no 24-hour dining options at the airport. Five restaurants are available landside and airside, with Terminal B currently offering only landside dining.
There are three water bottle refill stations between Gates 4/6, 10/12, and 13-15, and vending machines throughout the airport. If you're looking for a hot meal or a cup of coffee, you may need to venture outside the airport to one of the nearby hotels or restaurants.
Some nearby hotel options include the Radisson Inn, which is located inside the airport entrance and is just a minute or two by car from the airport. There is also a Holiday Inn near the airport, although it is not known if they offer parking facilities.
If you plan to stay at the airport, be sure to bring your own food and drinks, as options may be limited after the eateries close for the night. The airport has free Wi-Fi, so you can always order food delivery if needed.
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Safety precautions and traveller tips
Sleeping in any airport can be risky, especially when travelling alone. It is important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables.
Firstly, if you are planning to sleep at Memphis Airport, it is recommended to bring earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones as the airport has a reputation for being exceptionally loud due to overnight cleaning crews and early morning aircraft traffic. The terminal can also get cold at night, so it is advisable to bring a sleeping bag or travel blanket for enhanced comfort. There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones at the airport, and comfortable seating may be limited, so you may need to sleep on the floor or in a chair. Most eateries and shops close early in the evening, so it is important to plan accordingly if you need to purchase food or other items before settling in for the night.
If you are in the terminal's public area (landside), you will not be able to access the secure area (airside) until the morning when security checkpoints open. This means that if you need to check in or drop off baggage, you will have to do so during the day. The TSA security screening checkpoint hours vary according to the terminal, so it is recommended to check with your airline. It is also worth noting that some travellers have reported being able to enter the secure area without presenting a same-day boarding pass, while others have stated that TSA will not let you in without one. Therefore, it may be a risk to try to enter the secure area for an early morning flight, and you may be restricted to sleeping in the public area.
For uninterrupted sleep and added security, it may be preferable to book accommodation near the airport. There are several hotels located within a few kilometres of the airport, including the Radisson Inn at the Memphis Airport, which is enclosed on airport property and secured by airport police. Most hotels in the area provide free shuttle services for their guests, which you can access by using the courtesy phones located in the baggage claim area. However, it is worth noting that the area around Memphis Airport is not considered the safest, with some travellers advising visitors to stay in another part of town.
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Transport to and from the airport
If you're looking to get to or from Memphis International Airport (MEM), there are a few transport options available to you.
Car
You can rent a car from one of nine national rental car companies located in the Ground Transportation Center. To get to the Ground Transportation Center, go to Terminal B and head to the level below baggage claim. From there, follow the "Rental Cars" signage.
Shuttle
Shuttle services are available to and from the airport. Many hotels offer shuttle services, and you can find them by looking for overhead signs in the baggage claim area near the exits. You can also pre-arrange a shuttle service to and from Tunica casinos, destinations in and around the Memphis area, and for guided tours of Memphis.
Taxi
Taxis operate from 6 am until one hour after the last flight arrival. You can find taxis at the center commercial drive in front of the Concourse B baggage claim area.
Limo
You can arrange for a luxury limousine service to and from the airport. Limo services use the center commercial drive.
Bus
The MATA #28 Airport Route bus serves Memphis International Airport, with a stop located between terminals A and B on the ticketing level, upper inner drive.
Train
There is no information on train services to and from the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can sleep in the Memphis airport, but only in the public area of the terminal. You will have to re-clear security the next morning when the security checkpoints open.
The airport has a reputation for being exceptionally loud due to overnight cleaning crews and early morning aircraft traffic. It can also get cold, so it is recommended that you bring earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, and a sleeping bag or travel blanket.
No, there are no sleeping pods or hotels located inside the Memphis airport.
Yes, there are hotels located within a few kilometres of the airport. Some of these hotels provide free shuttle services for their guests.
