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Rent A Car In Memphis, United States: Competitive Prices With A Practical UK-Focused Guide

Pick up at Memphis International Airport or downtown and drive on your own schedule—compare options, understand insurance and fees, and get on the road with confidence.

UK Traveller Essentials
Memphis Car Hire Guide: Where To Pick Up And What To Expect
Hiring a car in Memphis is often the easiest way to explore the city and reach attractions and nearby destinations across Tennessee and beyond. Public transport coverage can be limited outside central areas, so a car can save time—especially for trips to Graceland, day drives along the Mississippi, or onward travel to Nashville or the wider Mid-South. For travellers from the United Kingdom, allow for right-hand traffic, generally larger vehicles, and different insurance terminology (e.g., LDW/CDW). Most rentals require a credit card for the security deposit, and pricing can vary by pick-up point, season, and vehicle size. Airport locations typically offer the broadest fleet and longest opening hours, while downtown branches may suit shorter city-based hires but can have reduced availability and limited out-of-hours options.
Alamo
Avis
National
Dollar
Thrifty
Budget
+ more
Memphis International Airport (MEM) – Rental Car Centre
The primary hub for car hire in Memphis. Follow airport signage for the Rental Car Centre after arriving; it typically offers multiple major brands, extended hours, and the widest choice of vehicles and add-ons. Best for late arrivals and one-way itineraries, but prices can be slightly higher due to airport-related charges and demand.
Downtown Memphis (Central Business District)
Pros: convenient if you are staying centrally and do not want an immediate airport pick-up; may reduce airport surcharges; walkable access from many hotels. Cons: smaller fleets and fewer upgrade options; shorter opening hours; limited after-hours returns compared with the airport.
Midtown Memphis (Around Overton Square/Central Ave Area)
Pros: practical for neighbourhood stays and local trips; can be calmer for pick-up than the airport; useful if you want to avoid downtown traffic at collection. Cons: availability varies by day; fewer vehicle categories; may be less convenient for visitors without rideshare access to the branch.
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Hand-Picked Hire Cars for Memphis & Mid-South Road Trips

Pick the perfect motor for Beale Street nights, Delta highways and Elvis pilgrimages, then scroll on to see the most popular makes British drivers choose in Memphis.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

City Exploring

Medium

Effortless Downtown & Midtown Cruiser
5
2
Auto

Memphis streets are broad and parking is plentiful, yet a medium saloon strikes the right balance between manoeuvrability around Downtown and Midtown and comfort for day trips to Graceland or Shelby Farms. Fuel-efficient, fully air-conditioned and easy to handle, it suits couples exploring the city's musical landmarks.

Long Highway Drives

SUV

Built for Mid-South Interstates
5
3
Auto

Tennessee's interstates stretch for hours under fierce summer heat, whether you're heading to Nashville, Shiloh or the Mississippi Delta. An SUV offers raised seating for confident motorway driving, powerful cooling and generous boot space for luggage. Its smooth ride absorbs long distances comfortably, making multi-stop Mid-South itineraries genuinely enjoyable.

Music Heritage Tour

Convertible

Roof Down on the Blues Trail
4
2
Auto

Few places suit a drop-top quite like Memphis. Cruise Elvis Presley Boulevard, follow the Great River Road or roll past Sun Studio with the breeze and blues in the air. Spring and autumn deliver glorious open-roof weather, while the convertible's unmistakable kerb appeal turns every petrol stop into a photo opportunity.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Airport Pick-up
Downtown Pick-up

Why Pick Up At Memphis International Airport (MEM)?

Airport pick-up is usually the most straightforward for UK travellers landing in Memphis: longer opening hours, faster access to a broad range of cars (including automatics and SUVs), and easier last-minute availability. It can also be better for one-way rentals and early-morning departures. Do note that airport fees and higher demand can increase the total price—compare the full ‘total payable’ and check what is included in the quoted rate (taxes, surcharges, and insurance).

logo
City SprinterSmall
Mitsubishi Mirage

Mitsubishi Mirage

AlamoIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
1
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
City SprinterSmall
Mitsubishi Mirage

Mitsubishi Mirage

EnterpriseIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
1
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
City SprinterSmall
Nissan Versa

Nissan Versa

AlamoIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Versatile ExplorerSUV
Jeep Renegade

Jeep Renegade

AlamoIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Versatile ExplorerSUV
Jeep Renegade

Jeep Renegade

EnterpriseIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Versatile ExplorerSUV
Jeep Renegade

Jeep Renegade

NationalIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Family TourerLarge
Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu

AlamoIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Family TourerLarge
Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu

EnterpriseIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Family TourerLarge
Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu

NationalIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates

Memphis Car Hire Reviews – Find Your Perfect Ride at MEM

Discover trusted car rental ratings in Memphis. Read genuine customer reviews to ensure a smooth pickup experience and great value at Memphis International Airport.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
Hertz
2.9
17000+ reviews
$76In terminal, Walk to counterLow deposit
  • Professional and friendly service
  • Transparent and competitive pricing
  • Efficient and fast process
National
2.9
57 reviews
$67In terminal, Walk to counter
$400
  • Emerald Club car selection
  • Quick airport pickup
  • Friendly professional staff
Thrifty
1.8
3700+ reviews
$69In terminal, Walk to counterLow deposit
  • Friendly and helpful counter staff
  • Quick and efficient pick-up process
  • Clean and well-maintained vehicles
Alamo
1.8
3000+ reviews
$65In terminal, Walk to counter
$400
  • Professional staff assistance
  • Fast pickup and return
  • Friendly customer service
Enterprise
1.8
23,900+ reviews
$73In terminal, Walk to counter
$400
  • Smooth Pickup Process
  • Friendly Helpful Staff
  • Clean Well-Maintained Vehicles
Dollar
1.4
3300+ reviews
$73In terminal, Walk to counterLow deposit
  • Smooth pickup and return process
  • Professional and helpful staff
  • Easy reservation experience
Avis
1.2
99 reviews
$750.3 mi from Memphis Downtown
$250 - $770
  • Great price booking online
  • Outstanding service at airport
  • No hidden extra charges
Budget
1.2
5691+ reviews
$10510.4 mi from Memphis Downtown
$585 - $985
  • Excellent roadside assistance
  • Friendly helpful staff
  • Smooth pick-up process

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental
Last updated: Jun. 18 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
A Brit's Guide to Fueling Hire Cars in the USA
This guide simplifies the process of filling up a hire car with petrol in the USA for British visitors, covering terminology, payment methods, and step-by-step instructions.
View details
A Brit's Guide to Fueling Your Rental Car in the USA
This guide helps UK travellers navigate American petrol stations and refuel their rental cars confidently, covering payment processes, fuel types, and essential tips.
View details

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

"Memphis International Airport dominates car rentals with 68% of bookings; downtown locations capture 22% due to medical and business travel."

Booking Patterns

"SUV bookings rose 31% from 2022-2024; summer peak sees 47% higher demand; average rental duration is 4.2 days."

Customer Pain Points

"41% of Memphis renters report confusion over CDW coverage and credit card insurance overlap, the top complaint category."

Data Sources

  • QEEQ internal booking databse
  • Memphis International Airport Ground Transportation
  • U.S. Car Rental Industry Trends 2022-2024
  • Bureau of Transportation Statistics
  • BBB Car Rental Complaint Patterns Memphis TN

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Memphis

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Memphis

Drive Through Memphis - Blues, BBQ and Open Roads

Your essential guide to driving in Memphis, Tennessee - from Elvis Presley Boulevard to the Mississippi riverfront, discover the Bluff City like a local

LANGUAGES

English

CURRENCY

USD

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+1

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$57 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

4.2 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

30-48 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

105-113 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.08%

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$1.00/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$0.92/L - $1.08/L

Memphis Car Hire Essentials

Key questions UK drivers ask before picking up a rental car in Memphis, Tennessee

Can I use my UK driving licence in Tennessee, or do I need an International Driving Permit?
Yes — your full UK photocard licence is valid for stays of up to 90 days, and no International Driving Permit is legally required. That said, most major firms at Memphis International (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise) treat an IDP as a useful backup and may refuse to release the car without one. Bring your passport, licence and a credit card in your name; debit cards often trigger extra holds or are declined outright by US rental desks.
I'm 23 — how much extra will I pay as a young driver in Memphis?
Most US rental firms apply a Young Renter Fee of roughly £20–£30 per day (about $25–$38) for drivers aged 21–24, on top of the base rate. A 5-day hire from MEM airport could therefore add £100–£150 to your bill. Some firms cap or waive the surcharge for AAA members or US military — always ask. Drivers under 21 are generally refused by all major brands, full stop.
Are there toll roads around Memphis, and do I need a transponder?
Memphis is one of the rare US cities with no toll roads — I-40, I-55, I-22 and I-69 are entirely free and you won't need a SunPass, E-ZPass or any transponder for Tennessee driving. The only charges you may face are downtown parking metres (around $1.50 an hour near Beale Street) and bridge tolls if you cross into Arkansas — confirm cashless payment before crossing the state line.
What petrol should I use, and is the policy really 'full to full'?
Most Memphis rental cars run on regular unleaded (87 octane); filling up at Wawa, Mapco or Costco costs roughly $3.20–$3.60 a gallon, or about 85p–95p a litre. The standard policy is full to full: collect with a full tank and return it full, or you'll be hit with a refuelling charge of $7–$10 per gallon plus a service fee. Photograph the fuel gauge at pickup to avoid disputes.
Will I face dangerous winter ice on a January road trip from Memphis?
January brings occasional ice storms rather than heavy snow — the city grinds to a halt when black ice forms on the I-40 bridge over the Mississippi, and temperatures hover between 0 °C and 10 °C. Snow chains are neither required nor practical on a standard rental car and are often prohibited by contract. Pack a warm coat, keep a phone charger handy and check TDOT SmartWay before driving. Summer, by contrast, hits 35 °C+ with severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings from April to June.
Is it worth buying the full insurance at the Memphis airport counter?
US rental basic cover is notoriously thin, and the mandatory liability cap is often just $25,000 — far below UK norms. Loss Damage Waiver at $25–$35 a day removes your financial risk on the car itself, but skip the overpriced upsells if your UK credit card (Amex Platinum, Barclays Premier and similar) includes primary rental cover — check the small print before flying. Supplemental Liability Insurance at $12–$15 a day is worth the peace of mind in busy downtown traffic.

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