Route 32 hits Memphis airport roughly every 30 minutes
Memphis Area Transit Authority Route 32 is the only regular city bus serving Memphis International Airport, stopping at Terminals A/B/C curbside near baggage claim. It runs between the airport and downtown Memphis via Airways Boulevard, giving you a cheap link into the city without a rideshare. Look for MATA signage at the ground transportation area once you exit the arrivals level.
A standard adult one‑way fare on Route 32 is about the cost of a fast‑food combo, far less than the typical $20–$30 rideshare from MEM to Beale Street or the Main Street trolley loop. You pay onboard at the front, so keep small bills or a MATA pass ready before you step on. The driver does not make change for large bills, and contactless payment options may not always be available.
Service generally runs seven days a week, with daytime headways often in the 30–40 minute range and fewer trips early morning and after about 9–10 p.m. Check the MATA Route 32 timetable for the exact first and last bus that match your flight, especially if you land on a late Delta arrival into Concourse B or an early American flight into Concourse C. Build a 15–20 minute margin in case your flight or baggage is slow.
Route 32 connects MEM to key transfer points like the Airways Transit Center, where you can switch to other MATA routes heading toward Midtown, the University of Memphis, or the Medical District. A ride from the airport to downtown usually takes around 30–40 minutes depending on traffic along Airways and I‑240. If you are staying near AutoZone Park or Beale Street, plan on a short walk or quick trolley hop after you get off the bus.
Step-by-step from plane to Route 32
- 1. Land at MEM and follow signs for baggage claim from A, B, or C.
- 2. Collect your bag, then walk to the lower-level ground transportation area.
- 3. Look for MATA Route 32 bus stop signs near the outer curb.
- 4. Check the posted schedule; aim for the next bus within 30–40 minutes.
- 5. Have your fare ready in small bills or a valid MATA pass.
- 6. Board at the front, pay the driver, and ask to confirm your stop.
- 7. Ride 30–40 minutes to your downtown stop or transfer center.
One practical tip: screenshot the Route 32 timetable and map before you land at MEM; cell data can lag in the baggage claim area, and having times on your phone saves you a missed bus and an extra 30‑minute wait at the curb.