Memphis Hop On and Hop Off Tour

The Memphis Hop On and Hop Off Tour offers an easy way to explore this vibrant city at your own pace. Priced at $50.00 per person and lasting about 1 minute (the actual ride time varies), this tour is designed for those who prefer flexibility over a fixed itinerary. With 10 different stops around Memphis, including Graceland, Beale Street, Sun Studio, and the Civil Rights Museum, it provides access to some of the city’s most famous attractions.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the freedom to hop on and off as often as you like, with no limit on re-boarding. The air-conditioned vehicles ensure comfort during the ride, and the entertaining guides help bring Memphis’s history and culture to life with engaging stories. While the tour doesn’t include attraction tickets, it offers a straightforward way to familiarize yourself with the city and decide where to explore further.

However, potential riders should note that the bus schedule can be slow, with stops approximately every hour and a half. Some reviews mention a rough ride due to the single, non-suspension bus, and others highlight the lack of commentary during the ride, which may affect those expecting a narrated experience. Still, the flexibility and ease of access make this tour a practical choice for many visitors.

Key Points

• Flexible hop-on-hop-off format allows unlimited re-entries at 10 Memphis hotspots
• Price of $50 per person, with most bookings made 41 days in advance
• Includes air-conditioned vehicles and lively tour guides with storytelling
• Stops include iconic sites such as Graceland, Beale Street, Sun Studio, and Civil Rights Museum
• Not a guided tour with commentary; focus is on transportation and stops
• No attraction tickets included, so plan visits accordingly

The Main Stops of the Memphis Hop On and Hop Off Tour

Edge Motor Museum: A Unique Start Point

The tour begins at the Edge Motor Museum, a site that showcases vintage vehicles and memorabilia. It’s a good starting point for those interested in Memphis’s automotive history before heading into the city’s musical and cultural landmarks.

Beale Street: The Heart of Memphis Nightlife

A highlight of the tour, Beale Street is famed for its live music venues and vibrant atmosphere. Riders can hop off here to experience live blues, jazz, and bustling nightlife directly from the bus. It’s an essential stop for anyone wanting a taste of Memphis’s musical soul.

Memphis Queen Line and the Civil Rights Museum

The Memphis Queen Line stop offers scenic views of the riverfront area, while the Civil Rights Museum provides a powerful glimpse into Memphis’s history of social justice. Both stops are crucial for understanding the city’s cultural layers.

B.B. King’s Blues Club and the Blues Hall of Fame Museum

Music lovers will appreciate B.B. King’s Blues Club, a landmark for blues performances, and the Blues Hall of Fame Museum, which celebrates Memphis’s musical legacy. These stops are ideal for fans wanting to explore the city’s soulful roots.

FedExForum and Graceland

The FedExForum hosts sports and concert events, offering a glimpse into Memphis’s lively entertainment scene. The tour also includes Graceland, the famous estate of Elvis Presley, which is a must-see for music fans. Although the tour does not include tickets, the stop provides easy access to one of Memphis’s most visited attractions.

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Another key stop is the Stax Museum, dedicated to the legendary soul music label. Here, visitors can explore exhibits celebrating Memphis’s musical heritage and influential artists.

Logistics and Comfort on the Memphis Tour

Meeting Points and Accessibility

The tour departs from 10 different stops across Memphis, making it convenient to start from various locations. It is near public transportation and accommodates service animals, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of travelers.

Vehicle and Ride Quality

The vehicle used for this tour is air-conditioned, providing relief in the warm Memphis climate. However, some reviews mention the bus’s condition, noting it is rough and rattling, which can impact comfort, especially on city streets. The lack of suspension and limited PA system have been points of critique, though these issues have reportedly been addressed.

Tour Guides and Commentary

Tour guides are praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging. Names like Evelyn stand out for their personability and storytelling skills, adding a memorable touch to the experience. Guides are helpful with directions and are appreciated for making the tour more lively and informative.

Pacing, Timing, and Tour Experience

Schedule and Frequency

The bus arrives at each stop approximately every 90 minutes, which means waiting times can be long depending on when you arrive. The total duration of the ride between stops is about a minute, but your overall time spent exploring depends on how long you stay at each stop.

Flexibility and Re-boarding

One of the main advantages of this tour is the unlimited re-boarding policy. You can hop off at any of the stops and rejoin later, allowing you to spend as much time as you’d like at each site. This flexibility suits travelers who prefer a relaxed pace.

Limitations in Commentary and Ride Comfort

While the guides are informative, some reviews note the absence of commentary during the ride, which might diminish the overall experience for those wanting detailed city insights while riding. Plus, the rough ride and lack of suspension on the bus could be a drawback for sensitive riders.

Who Should Consider This Memphis Tour

Ideal for Visitors Who Value Flexibility

This tour is perfect for those who want to explore Memphis at their own pace without being tied to a fixed schedule. The ability to hop on and off freely makes it suitable for travelers with specific attractions in mind or those who prefer a relaxed pace.

Best for Budget-Conscious Tourists

At $50 per person, it offers a cost-effective way to access multiple highlights without paying for individual transportation or guided entry fees. Keep in mind, attraction tickets are not included, so plan accordingly.

Suitable for Comfort-Seeking Visitors

While the air-conditioned vehicles provide comfort, the bus’s condition might be a concern for some. It is not recommended for those who are highly sensitive to rough rides or motion sickness.

Not Ideal for Those Seeking a Guided Narrative

Since the ride does not feature formal commentary, visitors looking for a comprehensive narrated experience might find this tour less satisfying. It functions more as a transportation service with scenic stops.

Final Thoughts on the Memphis Hop On and Hop Off Tour

The Memphis Hop On and Hop Off Tour stands out with its flexibility and convenient stops at key Memphis attractions, making it well-suited for independent explorers. The friendly guides and easy access to sites like Graceland and Beale Street are definite pluses.

However, the bus condition and schedule pacing could be improved. This tour suits travelers who prefer to set their own pace and are willing to accept some ride roughness for the advantage of unlimited re-boarding. It offers a practical way to get acquainted with Memphis without the commitment of a guided tour, making it a good choice for budget-conscious visitors or those with specific attractions in mind.

The value comes from its flexibility and access to Memphis’s iconic spots, but it’s best complemented with additional planning for entrance tickets and more detailed sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include tickets to attractions?
No, the tour does not include attraction tickets. It provides transportation and stops at key sites.

Can I hop off and on as often as I want?
Yes, there is no limit to how many times you can hop off or reboard the bus during the operating hours.

Is the bus comfortable?
The bus is air-conditioned, but some reviews mention that it is rough and rattling, which could impact comfort.

How often does the bus arrive at each stop?
The bus arrives approximately every 90 minutes at each of the 10 stops, so patience may be required.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
It’s near public transportation and service animals are allowed, but no specific accessibility features are reported, so it’s best to check beforehand.

What guides lead the tour?
The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, with Evelyn being praised for her personality and storytelling.

Can children participate?
Most travelers can participate, though the ride’s roughness and pace might influence suitability for very young children.

What should I bring?
Bring water, comfortable clothing, and plan for some waiting time between stops.

Are there any discounts or family rates?
The data does not specify discounts; the price is $50 per person.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in planning your Memphis visit.