Memphis Hop On and Hop Off Tour

Traveling through Memphis with a flexible, open-ended bus tour can be a refreshing way to see the city’s highlights—if you’re someone who prefers to choose your own adventure. This hop-on-hop-off experience, offered by Blues City Tours, invites visitors to explore at their own pace, jumping off at one of 10 key spots and hopping back on as they wish. It’s a straightforward, accessible way to familiarize yourself with Memphis, especially if you’re short on time but eager to see its soul.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the freedom to explore the sights that catch your eye—whether that’s the legendary Beale Street, the legendary Graceland, or the soulful Stax Museum. Plus, the entertaining guides often make the ride enjoyable, sharing stories that bring Memphis’s vibrant history to life. Another plus: the air-conditioned buses make it comfortable to traverse the city even during the warmer months.

However, be aware that a few travelers have found the ride rough and the service infrequent—with buses sometimes coming only every hour and a half. If you’re sensitive to bumpy rides, this could detract from the experience. Also, since tickets don’t include attraction entry fees, you’ll want to budget for those separately. Still, this tour suits those looking for flexibility, local insights, and a relaxed pace more than a guided, narrated day.

This experience best fits visitors who want to customize their Memphis visit and enjoy some lively, personable guides along the way. Whether you’re a first-timer or a repeat visitor, it offers a practical way to get around and discover the city on your terms.

Key Points

• You can hop on or off at 10 iconic Memphis stops, like Beale Street and Graceland.
• The buses are air-conditioned, making city touring more comfortable.
• Guides are engaging and share interesting stories about Memphis.
• The tour is flexible, with no limit on when or how often you rejoin.
• It’s not a narrated tour; attraction tickets are separate.
• Some reviews mention infrequent buses and a rough ride.

An In-Depth Look at the Memphis Hop On and Hop Off Tour

How the Tour Works: Flexibility at Its Core

This tour is designed for those who want to control how they explore Memphis. You can start your journey at any of the 10 stops, which are strategically placed at city highlights. Instead of being herded along a set itinerary, you choose when to hop off and when to rejoin the bus. This approach can turn a city tour into a personalized adventure.

What You Get: Comfort and Entertainment

The buses are air-conditioned, a welcome feature during Memphis’s warm summer days. The driver and tour guides are noted for being polite, helpful, and, in some cases, very personable—making the ride more than just transport. Guides often entertain and educate, sharing stories that add flavor to the sights you pass by—something appreciated by travelers, especially those eager to learn about Memphis’s musical and cultural roots.

The Stops: Highlights and Considerations

• Edge Motor Museum: A bit of a quirky start, this spot offers a taste of Memphis car culture and history. It’s not as widely known as other attractions but can be a fun, unusual first stop.
• Beale Street: The heart of Memphis nightlife, blues, and live music. Expect vibrant street scenes, music venues, and lots of history. It’s a favorite stop based on reviews, especially for first-time visitors.
• Memphis Queen Line: Likely a scenic or boat-related stop, giving a different perspective of the city.
• B.B. King’s Blues Club: A must-visit for music lovers, often praised for its lively atmosphere and deep roots in blues history.
• Blues Hall of Fame Museum: For those interested in blues music, this museum offers a deeper dive into the genre’s impact on Memphis.
• FedExForum: A major sports and concert venue—perfect if you’re into Memphis’s contemporary culture scene.
• Graceland: No trip to Memphis is complete without a visit to Elvis’s iconic home. The tour allows you to see the estate without being tied to a strict schedule, but keep in mind entrance fees are extra.
• Stax Museum of American Soul Music: Celebrating Memphis’s soul roots, this museum is a treasure for music fans, offering a deeper appreciation of the city’s musical legacy.

Authentic Experiences: What Travelers Say

Many reviews highlight the guides’ storytelling abilities—“really interesting stories” and “knowledgeable and personable” guides like Evelyn make a difference. One traveler raved, “Ms. Evelyn was our guide and I learned so much being my first time in TN…funny, kind, and so knowledgeable.” These guides can turn a simple bus ride into a memorable educational experience.

On the flip side, some critiques note the rough ride and infrequent buses, with one reviewer mentioning, “very rough ride” and buses arriving only every hour and a half. If you prefer a smoother, more regular service, this might be a drawback, especially during busy times.

Pricing and Value

At $50 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest way to see Memphis, especially considering you’ll pay separately for attractions like Graceland or museums. But the value lies in the flexibility, the convenient stops, and the entertainment provided by guides. If you’re planning to visit multiple sites and want to avoid the hassle of figuring out transit between them, this can be a cost-effective option.

Practical Tips

• Book in advance: The tour is often booked about 41 days ahead, indicating high demand.
• Check the schedule: Buses may not run as frequently as you’d like, so plan your day accordingly.
• Prepare for the ride: If you’re sensitive to bumpy rides, consider this when choosing to hop on or off.
• Budget for attraction tickets: The tour only covers transportation, so factor in entrance fees separately.
• Bring a sense of adventure: The flexible nature means you might spend more or less time at each stop, depending on your interest.

Should You Take This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who value independent exploration and enjoy guided insights without being confined to a fixed itinerary. It’s suited for those comfortable with some rough rides and willing to piece together their Memphis adventure. Families, music fans, and first-timers will especially appreciate the stops and the lively guides.

The Sum Up

This Memphis hop-on-hop-off tour offers a practical, relaxed way to get a taste of the city’s most iconic sites while maintaining the freedom to explore at your own pace. The entertaining guides and comfortable buses make the journey enjoyable, especially if your goal is to see the city without the constraints of a rigid schedule.

While the infrequent buses and rough ride might not appeal to everyone, those who appreciate flexibility and personalized experiences will find it a worthwhile option. The stops are thoughtfully selected, covering everything from Memphis’s legendary music venues to historic landmarks—giving you a well-rounded introduction to this lively city.

For travelers eager to craft their Memphis story, this tour acts as a helpful framework, with plenty of opportunities to linger or move on as you like. If you enjoy stories, music, and a chance to see Memphis on your own terms, this may be just the ticket.

FAQ

How many stops are there on the tour?
There are 10 different iconic Memphis hotspots where you can hop on or off as you please.

Is the tour guided?
Yes, tour guides keep you entertained during the ride, sharing stories about Memphis’s history and culture.

Are the buses air-conditioned?
Absolutely. The buses are air-conditioned, making it comfortable during hot weather.

Can I get on and off the bus multiple times?
Yes, there’s no limit to how often you can rejoin the tour, providing maximum flexibility.

Are attraction tickets included?
No, tickets to attractions like Graceland or museums are separate from the bus fare.

How often do the buses run?
Most reviews mention buses coming roughly every hour and a half, so plan your day accordingly.

Is the ride smooth?
Some travelers have found the ride rough, citing a lack of suspension and a rattling bus.

Can service animals join the tour?
Yes, service animals are allowed.

What should I consider if I get motion sickness?
The tour involves riding on a bus, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, this might not be the best fit.

Who would enjoy this tour the most?
Those who value flexibility, lively guides, and a chance to explore Memphis on their own terms will find this tour ideal.

In essence, this Memphis hop-on-hop-off tour prioritizes personalized exploration and local insights—a practical way to get a feel for the city’s vibrant music scene and historic sites, especially if you’re comfortable with a bit of adventure.