Landing in Memphis is an experience. You’ve got the humidity, the smell of smoked pork hitting you the second you step outside, and that specific Delta blues energy. But honestly, none of that matters if you’re stuck standing at a plastic counter for forty-five minutes while your luggage sits on the floor. If you are looking at Avis car rental Memphis International Airport, you are likely trying to figure out if the "Preferred" status actually means anything here or if you’re better off just grabbing an Uber to Midtown.
Memphis International (MEM) isn't a massive, sprawling mega-hub like Atlanta, but it’s undergoing a massive modernization. The rental car situation is centralized, which is a blessing, but there are quirks.
Where the Avis Desk Actually Hides
Look, the airport layout changed a bit with the concourse B modernization. Once you grab your bags from the carousel—and fair warning, the Memphis baggage claim can be a bit sluggish—you need to follow the signs for Ground Transportation. You aren't looking for a shuttle bus. That’s the first mistake people make. You’re heading to the Consolidated Ground Transportation Center. It’s a bit of a walk. Wear comfortable shoes.
You’ll take the pedestrian walkway. It’s covered, thank goodness, because Memphis rain doesn't play around. Avis is located right there in that central hub along with the other big players. If you’ve booked through the Avis app and you’re a Preferred member, you can often bypass the main counter entirely. Just look for your name on the electronic board. It’ll tell you exactly which stall your car is in.
The Fleet Reality at MEM
Don't expect a fleet of Ferraris. This is a logistics city—home of FedEx—so the inventory tends to lean toward the practical. You’ll see plenty of Chevy Malibus, Toyota Camrys, and a surprising number of Ford Explorers.
If you’re planning on driving down to Graceland or heading out to the blues joints in Clarksdale, Mississippi, get something with decent shocks. Memphis roads are... let's call them "historically textured." Potholes are a local pastime. I’ve seen people try to navigate the outskirts in a subcompact Spark and they looked like they were inside a cocktail shaker. Go for a standard sedan or a small SUV if the price difference is negligible.
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Why the "Preferred" Status is a Game Changer Here
Usually, I’m skeptical of loyalty programs. Most of the time it’s just a way to get your email. But for Avis car rental Memphis International Airport, being an Avis Preferred member is the difference between a five-minute experience and a forty-minute ordeal.
During peak times—think Monday mornings when the business consultants fly in or Friday afternoons during Memphis in May—the line at the counter can snake back toward the elevators. If you're a member, you walk past everyone. You go straight to the garage. Your keys are usually already in the car, or you just show your ID at the exit booth. It’s free to join. Do it before you book. Seriously.
Pricing and Those Pesky Airport Fees
Memphis has some of the highest rental car taxes in the region. It’s not Avis’s fault; it’s just the reality of municipal funding. When you see a rate of $45 a day, expect the final bill to be closer to $70 after the "Facility Charge," "Energy Recovery Fee," and the "Customer Facility Charge."
Check your insurance before you get to the desk. The agents at the Memphis branch are generally professional, but they are trained to upsell. They’ll ask about the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW). If your credit card covers it, just say no. If you’re unsure, call your insurance provider while you’re waiting for your luggage. Don't make a $30-a-day decision while you're stressed and tired.
Navigating Out of the Airport
Leaving the Avis car rental Memphis International Airport lot is pretty straightforward, but the signage can be a bit confusing for first-timers. You’ll be funneled onto Plough Boulevard.
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- To go Downtown/Beale Street: Follow signs for I-240 West.
- To go to East Memphis: Look for I-240 East toward Nashville.
- To go to Graceland: It’s literally five minutes away. Just head south on Elvis Presley Blvd.
One thing to watch out for: the merge onto I-240 from the airport is short. Memphis drivers are "assertive." They won't always slow down to let you in, so you’ve gotta find your gap and take it.
Returning the Car Without Stress
Returning the car is actually easier than picking it up. Just follow the "Rental Car Return" signs as you approach the airport. The Avis return lanes are well-marked.
Keep your gas receipt. There’s a gas station right near the airport entrance, but they know they’re the only game in town, so the prices are usually $0.50 higher than anywhere else. If you can, fill up about five to ten miles out—somewhere in East Memphis or even Southaven if you're coming from Mississippi—to save a few bucks. Avis will charge you an arm and a leg if you bring it back empty.
The Local Nuance: Is it Safe?
People always ask about safety in Memphis. The airport rental car area is heavily patrolled and very secure. You don't need to worry about the garage itself. However, don't leave your luggage or valuables visible in the backseat while you're parked at a restaurant or a tourist site. This is standard city advice, but it bears repeating for Memphis. Use the trunk.
What if Avis is Out of Cars?
It happens. Despite the "confirmed reservation," Memphis can run dry during big events like the St. Jude Marathon or the Liberty Bowl. If Avis strikes out, Budget is usually right next door (they’re actually the same company), and Hertz is just a few stalls over. If you have a problem, be polite. The staff at MEM deal with a lot of frustrated travelers; a little kindness usually gets you an upgrade or a faster solution than yelling does.
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Actionable Steps for Your Rental
Stop overthinking it and just do these three things to ensure you aren't miserable:
1. Join Avis Preferred today. It costs nothing and it allows you to skip the line at the Memphis terminal. This is the single biggest "hack" for this location.
2. Document the car. Before you drive out of the garage, take a 30-second video of the exterior on your phone. Memphis roads can kick up gravel, and you don't want to be blamed for a windshield chip that was already there.
3. Check the spare. Because of the aforementioned potholes on Lamar Avenue and around the outskirts, ensure your rental actually has a spare tire or at least a repair kit before you leave the airport perimeter.
4. Map your exit. Set your GPS while you are still in the parking stall. Cell service inside the concrete garage can be spotty, and you don't want to be fumbling with your phone while trying to merge onto I-240.