Main Street Trolley Line
Ride a historic trolley through downtown Memphis, especially vibrant during monthly Trolley Nights on South Main Street.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Vibrant Trolley Night atmosphere
Main Street Trolley Line
Best Time
Vibrant Trolley Night atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a historic trolley through downtown Memphis, especially vibrant during monthly Trolley Nights on South Main Street.
"It's a nice way to see Main Street in Memphis, saving a 30-minute walk and offering a glimpse of history."
🎯 Trolley Night is a Must-Do
Experience the last Friday of the month for Trolley Night! Live music, food, and art fill South Main Street.
💰 Cash is King for Trolleys
Bring cash for trolley rides, as machines may not accept cards and don't give change. $1 per ride is common.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Trolley Night Street Festival
South Main Arts District
Last Friday of the month: live music, food, art, and dancing in the streets. A true Memphis vibe!
Historic Main Street Trolley Ride
Main Street Line
Hop on a charming rubber-wheel trolley for a scenic ride through downtown Memphis. Affordable and fun!
South Main Arts District Exploration
South Main Street
Discover unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants that stay open late during Trolley Night.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trolley Night is the Main Event
Navigating the Main Street Line
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🎯 Trolley Night is a Must-Do
Experience the last Friday of the month for Trolley Night! Live music, food, and art fill South Main Street. +2
💰 Cash is King for Trolleys
Bring cash for trolley rides, as machines may not accept cards and don't give change. $1 per ride is common.
📱 Use the MATA Transit App
Consider the MATA Transit app to buy tickets and scan them on the trolleys if you prefer not to use cash.
🚶♀️ Explore South Main on Foot
While trolleys are great, South Main Street is very walkable. Enjoy browsing shops and galleries at your own pace.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Trolley Night is a Must-Do
Experience the last Friday of the month for Trolley Night! Live music, food, and art fill South Main Street. +2
💰 Cash is King for Trolleys
Bring cash for trolley rides, as machines may not accept cards and don't give change. $1 per ride is common.
📱 Use the MATA Transit App
Consider the MATA Transit app to buy tickets and scan them on the trolleys if you prefer not to use cash.
🚶♀️ Explore South Main on Foot
While trolleys are great, South Main Street is very walkable. Enjoy browsing shops and galleries at your own pace.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music & Food
Trolley Night features live music and special offers from local restaurants and bars. +2
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally love the Main Street Trolley for its affordability and charm, offering a pleasant way to see downtown Memphis. Trolley Night is a highlight, praised for its vibrant atmosphere, live music, and community feel. Some wish for expanded routes and more modern public transport integration.
"Very much enjoyed the $ 1 ride from south Main Street (close to the Arcade hotel) to the Sheraton hotel. It’s a nice way to see Main Street in Memphis Tennesee. It saved me a 30 minute walk."
Harold Overman
"Nice ride during the day. Workers were so helpful. Since I am not from Memphis, I asked questions about how to get to places, surprisingly they even give me more details than I’ve read online. The cost is not expensive: about $1 the ride, still people complains. There is an app you can buy the tickets and scan them with the machines installed in the trolleys, if you forgot cash. Machines won’t give you change tho. The waiting time is not that long about 5 min or less. The ride is not that long neither, but if you’re tired and still want to experience more from Memphis, this is your bet shot."
Lazaro Gonzalez
"The staff was friendly and I had a great time photographing the street cars. unfortunately, they closed all other lines accept the mainstreet line in 2021. Would be nice too see when officials transforming the current system in to a real public transport solution like we have in Europe 😉."
Yannik Gartmann
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Main Street Trolley Line runs through downtown Memphis. You can access it from various points along Main Street. For Trolley Night, the South Main Arts District is the central hub. Parking can be challenging downtown, so consider ride-sharing or public transport if not riding the trolley itself. +1
Parking is available in downtown Memphis, but it can be limited and costly, especially during events like Trolley Night. Some residential listings mention included parking spaces. 
The Main Street Trolley Line is a great way to see Main Street. While it's the only operational line, it connects key areas. For broader downtown exploration, walking or other transport might be needed. +1
The South Main Arts District is the heart of Trolley Night. Arriving via the Main Street Trolley itself is ideal, or you can walk from nearby downtown areas. +1
Currently, only the Main Street line is operational. Other historic lines have been closed since 2021, though there's hope for future expansion.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A single ride on the Main Street Trolley typically costs around $1. A day pass is also available for $2, offering unlimited rides for the day.
It's best to bring cash for trolley rides, as card acceptance can be inconsistent, and the machines do not provide change. The MATA Transit app is an alternative for purchasing tickets.
The trolleys generally run about every 15 minutes during operating hours. Specific hours can vary, so it's good to check local schedules, especially for Trolley Night events.
Trolley Night itself is a free street festival. You only pay for any purchases you make, such as food, drinks, or art.
No advance booking is required for Trolley Night. It's a public street festival, and you can simply show up and enjoy the festivities. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Trolley Night is a vibrant street festival on South Main Street featuring live music, dancing, food and drink specials from local establishments, and open art galleries. +2
South Main Street is home to a variety of unique shops, art galleries, and boutiques, offering everything from local art to handcrafted goods. +1
The trolleys offer a seated ride, which can be helpful for those with mobility concerns. The Main Street line is generally accessible, but it's always good to check with MATA for specific accessibility details.
Trolley Night is known for its good vibes, energetic atmosphere, and community feel, with people enjoying music, food, and socializing in the streets. +2
Yes, the historic trolleys are a popular subject for photography. Many visitors enjoy capturing them as they ride through downtown. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Absolutely! Restaurants and bars along South Main Street offer specials during Trolley Night. You can find a variety of cuisines and drinks. +2
Many establishments offer special cocktails and drinks during Trolley Night. Some even feature themed drinks related to local events or history. +1
While specific recommendations vary, exploring the South Main Arts District during Trolley Night will lead you to many great dining and drinking spots. Central Station is mentioned as a place with top-tier drinks. +1
Downtown Memphis offers a diverse culinary scene, and you're likely to find vegetarian and vegan options at various restaurants along South Main Street. It's always best to check menus or call ahead.
Yes, restaurants and bars often provide specials and discounts during Trolley Night to attract festival-goers.
📸 📸 Photography
The trolleys themselves, especially with the historic downtown architecture in the background, make for great photos. South Main Street offers charming street scenes. +1
Yes, you can capture great shots from the trolley windows. Some videos show handheld shots from the trolley, indicating it's a popular activity.
Trolley Night provides a lively backdrop with street performers, decorations, and crowds, offering dynamic photo opportunities.
A variety of cameras can be used, from smartphones to professional setups. Some creators use Lumix S5 for urban photography.
Generally, casual photography is welcomed. Be mindful of people's privacy when taking photos of individuals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Walkers & Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Evolution of Memphis Trolleys
While the system has seen changes over the years, with some lines closing in 2021, the Main Street line remains a beloved attraction.
The trolleys are not just a mode of transport but also a part of the city's cultural fabric. They are featured in real estate listings, highlighting their prime location along Main Street, and even inspire specialty whiskey lines, like the 'Trolley Stop Series' from Old Dominick, celebrating different stops along the route.
+2Experiencing Trolley Night: A Community Celebration
Local businesses play a key role, with restaurants and bars offering specials and extending their hours to accommodate the influx of visitors.
Attendees often praise the 'good vibes' and the sense of community that Trolley Night fosters.
The Main Street Trolley as a Memphis Icon
For many visitors, riding the trolley is a highlight of their trip, providing a relaxed and affordable way to see the sights without the hassle of driving and parking.
Beyond its practical use, the trolley has become a symbol of downtown Memphis, appearing in local real estate listings and even inspiring local businesses, like distilleries creating themed whiskey lines.
+2 It represents a blend of history, culture, and modern urban life that defines Memphis. 
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