Getting around West Memphis and Memphis means planning for trips across the Mississippi River as well as local travel. The hotel is in West Memphis, and Memphis attractions such as Tom Lee Park and the Orpheum require a cross-river trip. This guide brings together drive times, local transit details and directions for reaching the Orpheum by car.
- West Memphis on-demand service: WM Connect serves trips within its West Memphis service area.
- WM Connect fare: $2 per ride, with accessible vehicles available.
- From the hotel: The route from Memphis International Airport to West Memphis takes about 25 minutes by car.
- Orpheum parking: The theatre names two nearby parking options and recommends arriving at least 45 minutes before showtime.
West Memphis and Memphis across the river
West Memphis and Memphis sit on opposite sides of the Mississippi River, so a trip to a Memphis destination involves crossing from Arkansas into Tennessee. From Deluxe Inn in West Memphis, West Memphis city centre is about 7 minutes by car or about 61 minutes on foot.
For airport planning, Memphis International Airport is about 25 minutes by car from Deluxe Inn. Millington-Memphis Airport is about 32 minutes away by car, while Jonesboro Municipal Airport is about 64 minutes away. If you are comparing airport transfers with other travel arrangements, the Memphis International Airport to West Memphis route covers the airport connection.
Riverside International Speedway is about 4 minutes by car from the hotel, or about 26 minutes on foot. The Metal Museum is about 8 minutes by car away; walking takes about 122 minutes. These are separate trips, so plan the cross-river journey to Memphis destinations independently.
Driving and cross-river route planning
For the Orpheum Theatre, the westbound-to-downtown route from I-40 crosses the Arkansas–Tennessee Bridge and continues along Riverside Drive to Beale Street.
- Cross the Arkansas–Tennessee Bridge on I-40.
- Take the first exit for Riverside Drive.
- Follow Riverside Drive south, then turn left onto Beale Street.
The Orpheum is at 203 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103. Nearby parking options are the Downtown Mobility Center at 60 Beale Street and the MLGW Garage at 234–238 S Front St. The theatre recommends arriving at least 45 minutes before showtime to take advantage of the closest available parking spaces.
For road and travel-condition information in Tennessee, use TNSmartWay Traffic or call 511. Callers outside Tennessee can use 877-244-0065. The Orpheum’s visit and ticket guide has more details for planning a theatre trip.
Public transit and local transport options
WM Connect is an on-demand public transportation service for trips within its West Memphis service area. The City of West Memphis sets the fare at $2 per ride and makes accessible vehicles available.
The city says booking details and service hours are forthcoming on its WM Connect service-information page. Before you go, check the official site of the City of West Memphis for current booking and operating details.
The Orpheum identifies the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) as Memphis’s public transportation provider. MATA operates fixed-route buses and paratransit vehicles in Memphis and parts of Shelby County. Confirm routes with the relevant transit operator before relying on a connection between West Memphis and a Memphis destination.
Choosing transport for Memphis attractions
For the Orpheum, plan the drive via I-40 and allow time to park in one of the nearby garages. For other destinations, check their specific access and parking information before setting out.
Tom Lee Park is a riverfront park in Memphis covering 31 acres. On-street parking is available on Riverside Drive and throughout downtown Memphis. An approximately five-mile riverwalk connects all Memphis River Parks, and Explore Bike Share stations are located throughout the parks. The Tom Lee Park visitor guide offers more context for a riverfront visit.
To link several riverfront stops, follow the riverwalk connecting the Memphis River Parks or use the bike-share stations located throughout them. For a show at the Orpheum, plan the drive and parking first; for Tom Lee Park, use its Riverside Drive and downtown parking information as your starting point.
FAQs
Does WM Connect serve trips between West Memphis and Memphis?
WM Connect serves trips within the West Memphis service area. Its service information does not establish cross-river service into Memphis.
How much does WM Connect cost?
The City of West Memphis sets the fare at $2 per ride and makes accessible vehicles available. Check the city’s official site for booking details and service hours.
Where can you park near the Orpheum Theatre?
The Orpheum names the Downtown Mobility Center at 60 Beale Street and the MLGW Garage at 234–238 S Front St as nearby options.
How do you drive to the Orpheum from the west?
Cross the Arkansas–Tennessee Bridge on I-40, take the first Riverside Drive exit, follow Riverside Drive south and turn left onto Beale Street.