Memphis Municipal Airport Parking Guide
Finding reliable Memphis Municipal Airport parking begins with one essential step: making sure you are heading to the right airfield. Many travelers looking for parking at this location are actually searching for commercial airline departures at Memphis International Airport (MEM). Historically, the name Memphis Municipal Airport has also been associated with General DeWitt Spain Airport, a smaller general-aviation facility located northwest of downtown Memphis along the Mississippi River.
Because general-aviation airfields do not operate like major commercial hubs, you will not find multi-level terminal garages, automated ticket gates, or continuous economy shuttles here. Parking rules, vehicle access, and space availability depend on the specific fixed-base operator (FBO), flight school, charter company, or hangar tenant you are visiting. Parking policies can change based on operational activity, tenant rules, construction, and security measures.
Memphis Municipal Airport parking should be confirmed directly with your aircraft operator, flight school, or tenant facility before you leave home. No publicly published parking rates, passenger garages, or public reservation systems are confirmed for this facility. If you hold a ticket for a commercial airline flight, check your boarding pass or itinerary immediately, as you likely need Memphis International Airport instead.
Parking Snapshot: Quick Answer Before You Go
General DeWitt Spain Airport serves private pilots, charters, and aviation businesses rather than commercial airline passengers. Vehicle parking is handled on a tenant-by-tenant basis rather than through a centralized public parking authority.
Official Source Verification
Parking information can change by event, date, traffic control, construction, operator, or season. VenueGuideHQ checks the latest available official source before publishing each guide.
How We Check Parking Information
Airport parking research requires clear separation between verified operating facts and assumptions. When researching smaller municipal and general-aviation airfields, online search engines often confuse private landing strips with international commercial hubs.
To ensure visitors receive dependable guidance, we apply a strict editorial verification standard:
- Authority First: We examine public records and operational documentation from the municipal governing body, the local airport authority, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
- Tenant Verification: Where an airfield lacks a centralized parking department, we evaluate policies established by fixed-base operators, aircraft charter offices, flight academies, and maintenance facilities.
- Physical Distinction: We never assume that an open asphalt apron, service road, or gravel shoulder constitutes legal visitor parking. Ground markings at airports strictly regulate aircraft movement and perimeter safety.
- Policy Caution: We do not publish parking fees, overnight storage rules, or EV charging details unless verified directly by the facility operator.
- Commercial Divergence: When airport names overlap or cause confusion, we proactively direct travelers to the proper commercial facility so they do not miss scheduled flights.
If you are planning journeys across multiple travel hubs, consult our broader airport parking guide for standard terminal procedures, or explore our detailed overviews for busy commercial locations like the LAX airport parking guide and the JFK airport parking guide.
Official Parking Overview
The facility known historically or locally as Memphis Municipal Airport-most commonly identified today with General DeWitt Spain Airport (FAA Identifier: M01)-is an active general-aviation reliever airport. Located just minutes northwest of downtown Memphis, it is owned and operated by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority.
Because this airfield is built for corporate jets, privately owned single-engine aircraft, emergency medical flights, and flight training, the ground infrastructure differs fundamentally from a passenger airport:
- No Public Garages: There are no covered parking structures, multi-level decks, or automated barrier gates.
- No Published Daily Rates: The airport authority does not operate a paid ticket-and-display public parking lot for general visitors.
- No Automated Pre-Booking: You cannot reserve a parking space online through an official public portal.
- No Cell Phone Waiting Lot: There is no dedicated staging area for vehicles waiting to pick up arriving passengers.
- Tenant-Controlled Lots: Surface parking spaces are arranged directly in front of administration buildings, pilot lounges, flight training offices, and private aircraft hangars.
If you are parking at the airport, you must know exactly which business or hangar you are visiting. Parking in an unmarked space or leaving a vehicle unattended near an active taxiway or security gate can result in immediate towing, security intervention, or safety violations under federal aviation guidelines.
Best Parking Options for Most Visitors
Because there is no centralized public parking system, your parking choice depends on your specific flight activity, appointment, or travel destination.
Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) Parking
Best for: Private charter travelers, visiting pilots, and executive aviation guests
- Direct surface lot parking directly outside the main FBO terminal building.
- Spaces are generally reserved for customers, crew members, and authorized passengers.
- Must register vehicle make, model, and license plate at the front reception desk.
Flight School & Training Lot
Best for: Student pilots, flight instructors, and maintenance visitors
- Surface parking situated adjacent to flight academy offices and training classrooms.
- Requires valid student registration or appointment check-in with school staff.
- Overnight parking requires explicit permission to avoid towing during gate closures.
Pre-Arranged Accessible Visitor Arrival
Best for: Travelers requiring step-free building access or mobility assistance
- Ground-level drop-off and designated accessible stalls near the administration doors.
- Direct indoor coordination ensures ramp and aircraft escort availability.
- Requires advance phone notice so staff can clear vehicle access gates.
Memphis International Airport (MEM)
Best for: Passengers holding tickets on commercial airlines
- Official multi-level terminal garages, ground lots, and economy parking.
- Dedicated passenger drop-off lanes, baggage check-in, and TSA checkpoints.
- Located approximately 15 miles southeast of the municipal general-aviation airfield.
Parking Prices and Payment
Because General DeWitt Spain Airport does not maintain a commercial passenger parking operation, there are no standard hourly or daily public parking fees posted by the city or airport authority.
For legitimate aviation visitors, parking is typically offered as an amenity tied to flight services, hangar leases, or business appointments. However, you should never assume parking is completely free or unrestricted for long durations.
| Option | Best for | Key note |
|---|---|---|
| FBO Customer Parking | Charter passengers & crews | Usually complimentary with fuel purchase or flight handling fees. |
| Flight Training Parking | Aviation students | Restricted to lesson and flight simulation timeframes only. |
| Private Hangar Parking | Aircraft owners & lessees | Controlled by individual hangar lease agreements; permit may be required. |
| Public Short-Term Visitor | Brief administrative business | Time-limited surface parking in front of the primary airport office. |
| Unattended Multi-Day Storage | Extended travel | Not permitted unless cleared in writing with the on-site FBO. |
If an on-site tenant does charge a facility fee or parking surcharge for overnight vehicle storage, payment is almost universally handled by credit or debit card at the front desk. Cash is rarely accepted at aviation dispatch desks, and mobile payment apps (such as ParkMobile or PayByPhone) do not have designated zone numbers for this airfield.
Accessible Parking
Travelers who need accessible parking accommodations must plan their arrival carefully. Unlike major commercial airports that feature large ADA parking banks near terminal elevators, General DeWitt Spain Airport consists of smaller single-story operations.
Designated accessible parking spaces with international access symbols are located on paved surfaces immediately adjacent to the primary office entrances and FBO customer doors. These stalls offer a level, step-free approach to the main entryways.
Because general-aviation ramps involve moving aircraft, fuel trucks, and ground equipment, pedestrian movement is tightly restricted. Keep these points in mind:
- Contact the Facility Ahead of Time: Call the FBO or business at least 24 hours prior to arrival. Staff can designate a convenient stall or open a security gate for direct tarmac transfer if authorized.
- Mobility Equipment and Boarding: Private and charter aircraft often require boarding via small air-stairs. Inform your flight coordinator in advance if you require boarding ramps, specialized lifts, or wheelchair assistance.
- Accompanying Drivers: If you are driving an individual with limited mobility, you can pull directly up to the main office entrance to assist them inside before parking the vehicle in an approved stall.
Rideshare and Drop-Off
Using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft to reach the airport is straightforward, provided you input the exact business name and physical street address rather than searching for generic airport terms.
The airport is located at:
- Physical Destination: General DeWitt Spain Airport
- Street Address: 2787 N. Second Street, Memphis, TN 38127
When arranging a drop-off or pickup:
- Specify the Building: Tell your driver to follow signs toward the main terminal office or the specific flight school building. There is no central passenger pickup zone.
- Do Not Enter Security Gates: Rideshare drivers must never attempt to follow a tenant through automated security gates onto the aircraft apron or taxiway. Drop-offs must occur exclusively on the public street side of the fence.
- Pickups Require Accurate Timing: Because drivers rarely stage or idle near the airfield, order your return ride roughly 10 to 15 minutes before you are ready to walk out of the building.
- Wait Inside: If your driver is delayed, wait inside the FBO lounge or office rather than standing on unlit roadway curbs.
Public Transit and Shuttle Options
There is no dedicated airport shuttle connecting General DeWitt Spain Airport to downtown Memphis, nor is there an airport-operated circulator between this facility and Memphis International Airport.
Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) operates fixed-route bus lines in North Memphis, but transit stops are not directly located outside the airfield gates. The nearest municipal bus stops along North Second Street require walking along commercial roadways that may lack continuous sidewalks or pedestrian lighting.
For private pilots, charter clients, and visitors, public transit is rarely practical, particularly when carrying flight bags, navigation equipment, or luggage. The safest and most dependable ground travel methods are:
- Pre-Arranged Rental Cars: The on-site FBO can frequently arrange for a rental vehicle (such as Enterprise or Hertz) to be delivered to the terminal desk for arriving pilots and passengers.
- On-Demand Rideshare or Taxi: Calling a vehicle via app or local taxi dispatch provides direct curb-to-curb service.
- Private Chauffeur / Executive Car: Many private aviation travelers coordinate black car pickups that have clearance to meet flights directly outside the FBO lobby.
What to Do if Parking Is Full
While general-aviation parking lots rarely experience the massive holiday crowds seen at commercial terminals, space in front of the main terminal office can become tightly packed during community aviation events, safety seminars, or peak weekend flight training hours.
If you arrive and find all marked visitor stalls occupied:
- Do Not Park on the Grass or Ramp: Never park on turf shoulders, drainage swales, or near perimeter security fences. Parking along active taxiways or inside safety clearances violates federal airport safety standards.
- Check With the Main Desk: Step into the primary FBO or airport administration office. The staff can direct you to secondary paved lots, employee overflow areas, or hangar aprons where parking is temporarily permitted.
- Avoid Unauthorized Hangar Lots: Private hangars are leased by corporate entities or individual plane owners. Do not park in front of hangar doors or in spaces marked for private tenants; your vehicle can be blocked in by aircraft towing equipment or removed at your expense.
- Use Drop-Off if Leaving on a Flight: If you are departing on a private aircraft and no long-term parking stalls remain open, have a local contact drive your vehicle home, or arrange for an on-demand rideshare service instead.
Day-of Parking Tips From VenueGuideHQ
General aviation travel requires a different approach than heading to a standard commercial gate. Follow these tested steps to protect your schedule and your vehicle.
- Verify the airport code on your booking. Checking whether your flight departs from M01 (General DeWitt Spain) or MEM (Memphis International) prevents you from driving to the wrong part of the city.
- Call your flight provider 24 hours early. Confirming parking availability directly with the FBO ensures you know the exact building name and gate access code before arriving.
- Leave your vehicle keys if requested by the FBO. Letting staff reposition your car allows them to accommodate moving aircraft and maintenance equipment without delaying your flight.
- Display parking permits clearly on your dashboard. Placing your visitor pass or tenant card in plain view prevents security staff from ticketing or towing an unfamiliar vehicle.
- Never park across sliding hangar doors. Keeping hangar entrances completely clear prevents costly property damage from heavy aircraft towing equipment and emergency service vehicles.
- Arrive in daylight if it is your first visit. Navigating perimeter access roads along the river is significantly easier in daylight than after dark when road signage is harder to see.
Category-Specific Arrival Tips
Aviation airfields serve a variety of travelers, each with distinct parking needs and operational requirements.
Private Flight and Charter Passengers
If you are flying on a chartered jet or turboprop, your departure is arranged through the on-site FBO. Drive directly to the main executive terminal. The customer service representative will check your itinerary, direct you to a parking space, and offer luggage handling. In many cases, staff can pull your car into a secure, gated compound or hangar while you are away on your trip.
Flight Students and Certified Flight Instructors
Student pilots taking lessons should park strictly in the spaces designated for their flight training organization. Do not occupy spaces reserved for transient executive aircraft guests or short-term administrative visitors. If you will be flying a cross-country solo or an overnight flight, ensure the flight school dispatch desk has your vehicle information on file.
Aircraft Mechanics and Contractors
Contractors providing avionics work, engine maintenance, or facility repairs must check in at the airport administration office prior to beginning work. Vehicles requiring access inside the security fence for tool unloading must receive an official airfield escort or appropriate gate credential. Never drive unescorted on aircraft movement surfaces.
Meeting or Event Attendees
When attending FAA safety seminars, pilot association meetings, or fly-in events, follow directional signs posted near the entrance. Large gatherings often utilize designated overflow turf areas under the direction of airport marshals. Follow all ground staff hand signals carefully to avoid conflict with taxiing planes.
Commercial Airline Passengers (Mistaken Identity)
If you arrived at General DeWitt Spain Airport expecting to board a flight with Delta, American, Southwest, United, Allegiant, or Frontier, you are at the wrong location. You must travel immediately to Memphis International Airport (MEM), located at 2491 Winchester Road, Memphis, TN 38116. Depending on traffic along I-240 and I-55, the drive takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes.
Before You Go Checklist
Review this quick checklist before leaving your home or hotel to ensure your visit goes smoothly:
- [ ] Double-check your itinerary to verify the departure airport is General DeWitt Spain Airport (M01), not Memphis International Airport (MEM).
- [ ] Save the street address (2787 N. Second Street, Memphis, TN 38127) into your navigation system.
- [ ] Obtain the direct phone number for the FBO, flight school, or charter company you are visiting.
- [ ] Ask your host whether overnight vehicle parking is permitted for your trip.
- [ ] Verify whether your vehicle license plate must be registered at the customer service desk.
- [ ] Request accessible parking instructions in advance if you or your passengers need step-free access.
- [ ] Bring a valid government-issued photo ID; aviation facilities fall under federal security oversight.
- [ ] Plan for travel time along North Second Street, accounting for local commercial traffic.
- [ ] Ensure all vehicle valuables are stored out of sight before walking onto the flight ramp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best parking option at Memphis Municipal Airport?
The best option is the surface parking lot located directly outside the main fixed-base operator (FBO) or administration building at General DeWitt Spain Airport. These spaces provide immediate access to the customer service counter, flight dispatch, and pilot lounge. Always check in with the front desk after parking to ensure your vehicle is registered.
Does Memphis Municipal Airport have official public parking?
The airport does not operate a traditional commercial public parking system with automated gates, ticket kiosks, or daily rate tiers. Surface parking is available for airport tenants, pilots, charter passengers, and authorized visitors. Unrestricted public parking for individuals not conducting aviation business is not available.
How much does parking cost at Memphis Municipal Airport?
There are no verified public parking rates published for General DeWitt Spain Airport. Parking is generally complimentary for active customers, flight students, and FBO guests conducting business on the field. Multi-day or overnight parking fees may apply depending on the services requested from the on-site operator.
Can I reserve a parking space online before arriving?
No, there is no public online reservation system for parking at this airport. Because it is a general-aviation facility, spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis for visitors. If you are flying out on a charter or private flight, contact the FBO handling your trip to coordinate vehicle staging.
Is accessible parking available at the airfield?
Yes, marked accessible parking stalls are situated on paved ground directly in front of the primary terminal and FBO office entrances. These stalls offer a level path into the facility. If you need boarding assistance or ramp access to reach an aircraft, contact the on-site operator in advance so personnel can prepare accommodations.
Where do rideshare drivers pick up and drop off passengers?
Rideshare drop-offs and pickups take place at the main curb directly outside the front office of the FBO or aviation business you are visiting. Drivers must remain on the public side of the security fence and are never permitted to enter through automated vehicle gates onto the tarmac or aircraft aprons.
Can I leave my car parked at the airport overnight?
Overnight parking is only permitted if you have cleared it with your flight school, charter operator, or the FBO customer service desk. Unregistered or unauthorized vehicles left overnight risk being cited or towed to maintain airfield security. Always provide your flight itinerary, contact number, and keys if requested by the facility.
How do I get to Memphis International Airport if I came to the wrong place?
If you mistakenly arrived at General DeWitt Spain Airport for a commercial airline departure, you must take North Second Street south to I-40 East, merge onto I-240 South, and follow signs toward Memphis International Airport (MEM). The drive is roughly 15 miles and typically takes 20 to 30 minutes in normal traffic.
Conclusion
Understanding Memphis Municipal Airport parking comes down to knowing the specific nature of the facility. General DeWitt Spain Airport is designed for private, corporate, and recreational aviation rather than crowds of commercial airline passengers.
By confirming your destination ahead of time, contacting your on-site aviation host, and registering your vehicle upon arrival, you can avoid unnecessary delays and security concerns. If your travel plans involve a commercial carrier, remember to bypass this facility entirely and head directly to Memphis International Airport.
Parking information can change by event, date, season, traffic control, construction, and parking operator. Always confirm the latest parking details on the official venue, airport, park, attraction, city, transportation, parking operator, organizer, or event website before you leave. Information is checked for 2026 where available, but official sources should always be treated as the final authority.
