Prebook 24–48 hours ahead for Memphis limo and town cars
Limo and Town Car Services at Memphis International Airport (MEM) run almost entirely on advance reservations, so book at least 24–48 hours before landing if you’re arriving into terminals A, B, or C. Most operators track inbound flights off your airline and flight number and adjust pickup time if your plane is late. Expect your driver to meet you at baggage claim on the lower level or curbside on the departures level, depending on what you arrange by email or text.
Rates into downtown Memphis usually start around $65–$90 one-way for a standard sedan from MEM, with SUVs sitting closer to $90–$140 depending on time of day and group size. Many companies include the first 15 minutes of wait time in that price, then charge in 15-minute blocks after that. Gratuity is often added automatically at 15–20%, so scan the quote before you double-tip at the curb.
Most town car pickups from terminals A, B, and C use the commercial vehicle zones outside baggage claim, not the standard rideshare row. Allow 10–15 minutes from aircraft door to curb with checked bags, a little less if you walked off a carry-on-only flight. Your driver usually texts you a vehicle description and license plate; confirm those match before loading bags so you don’t climb into someone else’s black SUV.
For larger groups, stretch limos and sprinter vans typically seat 8–12 passengers and need extra time to circle from the holding lot to the terminal, often 10–20 minutes after you send the “landed, at baggage claim” text. Many operators charge for a minimum of 2–3 hours on limo bookings, even if your hotel is only 15 minutes from MEM, so it can be cheaper to stick with a simple town car or SUV for a quick airport transfer.
Here’s the basic step-by-step:
- 1. Book online or by phone at least 24–48 hours before your MEM flight, and include airline, flight number, and terminal (A, B, or C).
- 2. Get a written confirmation with total price, included wait time, and pickup point (inside baggage claim vs curbside).
- 3. On landing, turn your phone off airplane mode at the gate and check for driver texts while you taxi to the terminal.
- 4. Grab your bags at baggage claim on the lower level, then walk to the commercial vehicle pickup zone your confirmation lists.
- 5. Match the license plate and driver name from the text or email before you put any bags in the trunk.
- 6. Confirm destination address and expected drive time (downtown runs about 15–20 minutes in light traffic) before pulling away.
One last tip: build a 15-minute buffer into your pickup time if you’re landing in the afternoon bank between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., when baggage claim at MEM can slow down and drivers may already be juggling back-to-back rides.