Ready to launch your Tennessee adventure? Use the search form above to compare real-time car rental rates across Tennessee. Select your pick-up location (from major airports like Nashville BNA or Memphis, to city locations in Knoxville, Chattanooga, etc.), choose your dates, and hit “Search.” In seconds, you’ll see offers from dozens of rental companies statewide from budget-friendly compacts to spacious SUVs and passenger vans. Booking is fast and secure, with most rentals allowing “reserve now, pay later” and free cancellation if your plans change. Lock in an amazing Tennessee car rental deal now, and you’ll be all set to roam from Graceland to Gatlinburg without a hitch. With AirportVanRental, finding a cheap Tennessee car rental is as easy as sweet tea.
Introduction: Welcome to Tennessee, the “Volunteer State” known for its rich musical heritage, bustling cities, and breathtaking landscapes from the Mississippi River to the Appalachian Mountains. Securing a rental car in Tennessee is the key to unlocking all these experiences at your own pace. This page is your all-in-one guide to renting a car in Tennessee. We’ve combined AirportVanRental’s unbeatable deals with local expertise so you can book with confidence and hit the road prepared. Whether you’re flying into Nashville International Airport, planning a Great Smoky Mountains getaway, or visiting the home of the blues in Memphis, we’ll help you find the perfect vehicle quickly, easily, and affordably. Get ready to explore Tennessee on your schedule with extra savings in your pocket and AirportVanRental as your trusted road trip partner every mile of the way!
Tennessee may not be the largest state, but its attractions are spread across three distinct regions (West, Middle, and East Tennessee) and public transit is limited outside major cities. Renting a car gives you total freedom to discover every corner of the state. Here are some top reasons to grab your own set of wheels in Tennessee:
Still on the fence? Locals rent cars too whether it’s Nashvillians renting a van for a family trip to Dollywood or Memphians renting a comfy SUV to tailgate at a college football game in Knoxville. Having your own wheels just makes travel better in Tennessee.
Our Tennessee Car Rental Advantages (Why Book with AVR?)
Why book your Tennessee ride with AirportVanRental? Simply put, we specialize in finding you the best rental deals and a smooth experience from start to finish. As a trusted OTA (Online Travel Agency) for car rentals, we partner with all major brands in the region to deliver convenience and value. Here are some benefits and guarantees we offer for Tennessee car rentals:
In short, AirportVanRental makes renting a car in Tennessee fast, easy, and affordable the way it should be. No hassles, just friendly service, great deals, and the freedom of the open road.
Top Car Rental Deals in Tennessee Today
Economy Car, from $25/day.Example: Nissan Versa or similar. Perfect for solo travelers or couples sticking to city drives and interstate hops. These small cars are fuel-efficient (great for that drive from Nashville to Knoxville) and super easy to park in busy downtown areas or popular tourist spots. Why so affordable? High competition at major pick-up points (like Nashville BNA Airport and downtown Memphis) keeps economy rates low, especially in off-peak seasons. If you’re looking to save the most and don’t need a ton of space, an economy ride is the way to go.
Midsize Sedan, from $35/day.Example: Toyota Camry or Hyundai Elantra. A comfortable choice if you need a bit more room for luggage or extra passengers while still getting good gas mileage. Sedans are great for highway cruising imagine gliding down I-40 from Memphis to Nashville in a smooth sedan, enjoying the scenery. At around $35 a day in non-peak times, midsize sedans are a bargain for the comfort level. Many come with modern features like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto handy for navigating to that tucked-away mountain cabin or cool blues club in Memphis using your phone’s GPS.
SUV (Mid-size), from $45/day.Example: Ford Escape or Toyota RAV4. A versatile option if you want higher ground clearance and extra cargo space. An SUV is ideal for families or groups of 4-5, or if your itinerary includes outdoor adventures think driving up to Great Smoky Mountains National Park trailheads or across gravel roads to a lakeside campsite. At around $45/day, you get all-wheel drive capability (on many models) and comfort features like ample legroom and big trunks for gear. From Nashville, lots of travelers rent SUVs for trips east to the mountains or south to Chattanooga’s hills you can too, with unlimited miles to roam.
Minivan, from $60/day.Example: Dodge Grand Caravan or Chrysler Pacifica (7-passenger). Got a larger group or family reunion? Minivans are extremely popular for Tennessee road trips with the whole crew. With seating for 7-8 and plenty of luggage space, $60/day is an excellent value especially when you split the cost among several people (road trip with six friends comes out to just $10 each per day!). Load up the kids for a journey to Dollywood, or pack everyone in for a music pilgrimage from Bristol to Nashville. Pro tip: Minivans can be in high demand during summer vacation months if you’re planning a July 4th trip to the Smokies or a holiday visit, book early to secure one.
15-Passenger Van, from $80/day.Example: Ford Transit Passenger Van or similar. If you’re transporting a big group maybe a church group heading to a retreat, a college team going to an away game, or a multi-generation family vacation our specialty is van rentals. At around $80/day (which, divided 12-15 ways, is incredibly cheap per person), these vans let you keep everyone together. Despite their size, they’re not too hard to handle on Tennessee’s highways. Many even have driver-assist features. This is the go-to choice for those epic road trips like Memphis to the Smokies in one go. Just be sure the driver is comfortable with a larger vehicle and note that parking one of these downtown (say on Nashville’s narrow streets) may require using public lots. If you need it, we’ve got it AirportVanRental often has more van options than other sites, since that’s our specialty!
(Pricing note: “From” rates above exclude taxes/fees. Tennessee’s base sales tax on rentals is about 7%, plus local taxes (which can add 2-5% more) and airport fees if renting at airports. We show you the total with all mandatory charges in our booking system. Prices can fluctuate with demand expect higher rates during peak tourist times like summer weekends in the Smokies, or around big events like Nashville’s CMA Fest. Conversely, you might snag lower rates in winter or slower periods. Always search with your exact dates for accurate pricing. And remember, with free cancellation, you can book early to lock in a good deal and re-book if you find a better price later!)
Driving in Tennessee: Tips for Traffic, Tolls, and Safety
Driving in Tennessee is generally a pleasure you’ll pass through rolling hills, lush forests, and lively cities. But each region has its quirks. Here are essential Tennessee driving tips and local insights to keep you safe and stress-free:
Traffic & Rush Hours: Outside of the big cities, traffic is light. However, in metropolitan areas like Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville, expect typical rush hour congestion. Weekday rush hours are roughly 7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:30 PM. In Nashville, interstates I-24, I-40, and I-65 converge downtown this “Downtown Loop” can back up during peak times. If you’re driving into Nashville in the morning (especially from the suburbs or from BNA Airport westbound on I-40), build in extra time. Similarly, leaving Nashville around 5 PM traffic on I-65 south toward Brentwood and I-24 southeast toward Murfreesboro is often bumper-to-bumper. Memphis sees evening slowdowns eastbound on I-240 and I-40 leaving downtown, and around popular areas like the midtown interchange. Plan accordingly: if you can, avoid the heaviest traffic by traveling mid-morning or later in the evening. Apps like Google Maps or Waze are widely used by locals to navigate jams they might route you on alternate paths (e.g., in Nashville, Briley Parkway TN-155 can bypass some interstate traffic, or local routes in Memphis like Poplar Ave as an I-240 alternative). Also be mindful of event traffic: a Titans NFL game at Nissan Stadium or a concert at Bridgestone Arena will cause jams in Nashville’s core; Memphis’s FedExForum area gets congested when the Grizzlies play. If you’re not attending the event, try to steer clear of those venues at start/end times.
Roads & Navigation: Tennessee’s major highways are well-maintained and well-marked. Interstate I-40 spans the state east-west (Memphis Nashville Knoxville), I-24 cuts diagonally through Middle TN (from Nashville toward Chattanooga), and I-65 runs north-south through Nashville. In the eastern mountains, interstates like I-75 and I-26 handle through-traffic, while scenic routes like US-441 and US-321 lead into mountain towns (Gatlinburg, etc.). In cities, be prepared for some one-way streets (especially downtown Memphis and downtown Nashville). Nashville’s downtown layout is fairly straightforward in a grid, but there are some quirky intersections where multiple highways merge/split (the “Spaghetti Junction” where I-40, I-65 meet can be confusing your first time follow signage and lane markings closely). Memphis has a couple of complex interchanges too (I-240/I-40 junction). Use a GPS or smartphone navigation it’s a lifesaver, especially for finding specific addresses or navigating Knoxville’s loops. A quick note: if driving in rural areas or mountains, cell service can be spotty. It’s wise to download offline maps or have an old-fashioned road atlas as backup if you’re doing a deep country drive (e.g., exploring the backroads of Great Smoky Mountains or the Natchez Trace).
No Tolls in Tennessee: Great news for road trippers Tennessee currently has no toll roads or toll bridges. All interstate highways and state roads are free to use, so you won’t need to worry about carrying change or a toll transponder within the state. If your travels take you beyond Tennessee: some neighboring states do have tolls (for example, driving north into Kentucky you’ll encounter toll bridges near Louisville, or heading to Florida you’ll see tolls on some highways). For those cases, rental companies offer toll programs. Typically you pay a small daily fee for a toll pass device, plus the tolls you incur. You can opt in at pick-up if you know you’ll hit tolls out of state. Otherwise, you might get billed by plate (with an extra admin fee) if you go through a toll without a pass. But if you’re staying within TN and adjacent areas like most of Georgia or Alabama you likely won’t see a single toll booth. Enjoy the open (and free) road!
Driving Laws & Safety: Tennessee follows standard US driving rules (drive on the right, of course). A few specific laws to note: Seat belts are required for drivers and front-seat passengers (and any child under 18 must be buckled in or in an appropriate child seat). Technically, adults in the backseat are not legally required to wear a seatbelt in TN, but obviously it’s strongly recommended for safety buckle up everyone in your car. Tennessee has a strict hands-free law for cell phones it is illegal to hold or support a phone with your hand or body while driving. If you need to make a call or use GPS, use speakerphone, a mounted device, or integrated car Bluetooth. Police do enforce this, and fines can be steep, so put that phone down while on the road. Also, headlights: Tennessee law requires you to turn on your headlights at night and whenever visibility is low (rain, fog, etc.). If your windshield wipers are on due to rain, your headlights should be on too it’s about being seen by others. Keep these rules in mind to avoid tickets and, more importantly, stay safe. Additionally, the state has a “Move Over” law if you see emergency vehicles or even stopped utility/service vehicles on the shoulder, slow down and move to an adjacent lane if possible to give them space. It’s common courtesy and the law.
Parking Tips: In most of Tennessee, parking is plentiful and free, especially in smaller towns and rural attractions. In big cities like Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, you’ll encounter metered parking and paid lots in the downtown and tourist areas. Downtown Nashville: street parking uses meters (or pay stations) typically enforced Mon–Sat, roughly 8 AM to 10 PM (hours can vary by zone). Rates are around $2–$2.25 per hour in the core. Always read signage some spots convert to loading zones or no-parking during rush hour. Nashville loves its booting/towing for violations, so don’t push your luck with an expired meter in high-traffic areas like Broadway. The easier option downtown is often to use a parking garage. There are several public garages around Broadway, 2nd Ave, and near Bridgestone Arena expect to pay about $10–$20 for a few hours, or $25–$30 for all-day/overnight. Many downtown hotels charge for parking (around $30–$45/night for valet). If you need to park long-term, consider garages slightly outside the core (near the Gulch or Midtown) which might be cheaper and rideshare or walk in. Memphis: Downtown Memphis has garages near Beale Street and the riverfront (~$10-$15/day) and meters that run Mon–Sat till evening. Around Graceland and Opryland (in Nashville), these attractions have their own parking lots (Graceland charges around $10 for car parking; Opry Mills Mall/Opryland Hotel area in Nashville has free parking lots, though the hotel charges for its closer lots). Small towns & Parks: Most state and national parks in TN have free parking for visitors. In Gatlinburg (gateway to Smokies), city parking lots charge a fee and fill up fast on weekends; in Pigeon Forge, many attractions have free lots but they fill early during peak season. Always lock your vehicle and keep valuables out of sight, especially in urban parking lots basic safety anywhere you go.
Weather & Seasonal Driving: Tennessee’s climate means you could experience very different driving conditions depending on the season and region. Summers (June–August) are hot and humid statewide keep hydrated and ensure your car’s AC works (all rentals will have AC). Summer thunderstorms are common in afternoons; if rain is heavy, slow down to avoid hydroplaning (especially on highways where water can pond). Always turn on headlights in rain. In spring (March–May), weather is beautiful but can be volatile strong thunderstorms or even tornado watches can occur (particularly in Middle and West Tennessee). If severe weather is forecast, check news or a weather app; it might be wise to delay driving through storm cells. Autumn (September–November) is gorgeous, especially in East Tennessee with fall foliage also generally mild weather, though nights get crisp by October. Watch for deer on rural roads in fall, as they’re more active near dusk. Winter (December–February): Winters are relatively mild in the lowlands (Nashville/Memphis often hover above freezing), but occasional snow or ice storms do happen. A light snow can temporarily snarl traffic in cities not used to it. If visiting from a warmer climate, note that Tennessee does get ice black ice on bridges or elevated roads can be a hazard on cold mornings. Road crews will salt major highways, but secondary roads in hilly areas might remain slick. If you’re heading into the Smoky Mountains in winter, be prepared for road closures at high elevations due to snow. Rental cars in TN come with all-season tires (not specialized snow tires), and you generally won’t get snow chains, so use caution or avoid mountain roads during active snowfall. If conditions are bad, take it slow, or wait it out typically snow melts within a day or two in lower elevations. Flooding: Another note Tennessee has some low-lying backroads that can flood after heavy rain (especially in spring). Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways; “Turn around, don’t drown,” as the saying goes. Overall, keep an eye on the forecast, adjust your driving to conditions, and you’ll be fine. Each season has its beauty: wildflowers along the Natchez Trace in spring, summer nights buzzing with fireflies, fall colors in the Smokies, even winter holiday lights in Dollywood a rental car ensures you can enjoy it all, come rain or shine.
By following these tips and driving smart, you’ll navigate Tennessee’s roads like a local. When in doubt, take it easy and enjoy the ride sometimes a slower route off the interstate leads to the best discoveries (hello, roadside hot fried chicken stand!). And remember, if you ever have questions during your trip, AirportVanRental’s team is just a call or click away we’re here to help make your Tennessee driving experience safe and enjoyable.
Road Trip Ideas from Tennessee
One of the greatest perks of renting a car in Tennessee is the ability to embark on amazing road trips. From bluesy highways to mountain passes, the state packs a lot of sights into manageable drives. Here are three detailed road trip ideas to inspire your travels (feel free to use these as starting points and customize as you like):
Highlights: Start in Memphis, the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll and home of blues. Before hitting the road, tour Graceland Elvis Presley’s iconic mansion and perhaps grab some Memphis barbecue for the journey (Central BBQ and Rendezvous are local favorites). As you drive east on I-40, you’re on the Music Highway, so-called because it connects two music meccas. After about 80 miles, consider a pit stop in Jackson, TN. This mid-way city has the International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame, celebrating rockabilly music history a fitting tribute on your music-themed drive. There’s also Casey Jones Village in Jackson for some railroad history and old-fashioned ice cream. Continue eastward through gentle rolling hills and farmlands of West Tennessee. As you approach Nashville, tune your radio to one of the country music stations it’s the perfect welcome. In Nashville, cap off your trip by exploring the Country Music Hall of Fame, the legendary Ryman Auditorium, and catching live music in the honky-tonks of Broadway. You’ve just traversed from the land of the blues to the capital of country!
Pro Tip: Driving I-40 between Memphis and Nashville is straightforward, but note that speed limits are 70 mph for much of the way and state troopers do monitor, especially around Jackson. Also, there aren’t many huge towns between the cities, so plan your gas and restroom stops accordingly (Brownsville or Jackson are popular stops). If you have extra time, detour off I-40 at Exit 143 to visit Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills (about 7 miles north of the exit) a museum and rustic setting owned by the country legend, offering a nice leg stretch and glimpse into country music lore.
Highlights: This trip takes you from Tennessee’s capital city to its most famous natural treasure, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Depart Nashville heading east on I-40. After roughly 180 miles (about 2.5–3 hours), you’ll arrive in Knoxville, East Tennessee’s largest city. Knoxville is a great pit stop: stroll around Market Square for lunch or visit the Sunsphere (a golden tower leftover from the 1982 World’s Fair) for a panoramic view. From Knoxville, continue on I-40 East for 20 more miles then take the exit for the Smokies (Exit 407 toward Sevierville/Pigeon Forge). As you drive through Sevierville into Pigeon Forge, the scenery transitions into quirky tourism fun Pigeon Forge is famous for Dollywood theme park (co-owned by Dolly Parton) and a strip of family attractions (go-karts, dinner theaters, and mountain coasters). Even if you don’t stop, it’s a colorful drive. Another 8 miles south and you’re in Gatlinburg, the gateway town nestled at the foot of the mountains. From Gatlinburg, immerse yourself in the Smoky Mountains drive Newfound Gap Road (US-441) into the national park, where lush forests and perhaps a black bear sighting await. There are scenic pull-offs like Newfound Gap (on the state line) or Clingmans Dome Road (which leads to a short hike up to the highest point in Tennessee). You could also visit Cades Cove (a beautiful valley loop road with historic cabins and abundant wildlife) though that’s a bit further (~1 hour from Gatlinburg). Enjoy the mountain vistas, cascading streams, and fresh air. The beauty of having a car is you can explore at your own pace stop for a picnic or take that spur road you find intriguing.
Pro Tip: The Smokies are the most visited national park in the USA, so plan for crowds in summer and October (peak foliage). To avoid traffic congestion within the park, start early in the morning, especially for popular routes like Cades Cove which can have bumper-to-bumper cars later in the day. Also, parking tags were introduced in 2023 for Great Smoky Mountains NP if you park longer than 15 minutes (daily tags are inexpensive, ~$5, and available at visitor centers or online). Keep some cash for parking in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, as city lots charge ~$10-20. Finally, if you’re driving in winter, check road conditions sometimes US-441 (Newfound Gap Rd) and secondary roads close for snow. Otherwise, prepare for some steep, winding roads; take it slow and use low gear on descents. The drive from Nashville to the Smokies in one go is doable in half a day, but it’s far more enjoyable broken into 2-3 days with overnight stops so you can soak in both city life and mountain magic.
Highlights: Ready for a mix of Tennessee’s famous whiskey history and natural beauty? This loop from Nashville offers both. Head south from Nashville on I-24 for about 55 miles to Exit 111 (Manchester). Just a couple miles off the interstate is Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, a lovely spot if you want a short hike to waterfalls and ancient Native American earthworks (a nice morning nature walk). Next, continue about 20 miles on TN-55 to Lynchburg, a small town with a big claim to fame it’s home to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Take a distillery tour (visitors 21+ can sample the whiskey at the end, but note that Moore County is a dry county, so you can buy commemorative bottles at the distillery but won’t find bars serving shots!). The town square in Lynchburg is quaint, great for a bite of Southern comfort food and browsing Jack Daniel’s memorabilia shops. From Lynchburg, make your way southeast toward Chattanooga. You can drive TN-50/TN-50A to get back to I-24 East, enjoying countryside views. It’s roughly 1.5 hours from Lynchburg to Chattanooga. Once in Chattanooga, set aside time to see the natural and urban attractions: Drive up Lookout Mountain (or take the incline railway) to see Ruby Falls (an underground waterfall inside a cave) and Rock City (famous gardens and rock formations with panoramic views of seven states). The winding road up Lookout Mountain is steep, but your rental car can handle it just use low gear downhill. Back in the city, Chattanooga’s riverfront and the Tennessee Aquarium are highlights if you have more time. To complete the loop, hop back on I-24 West toward Nashville (about 130 miles, 2 hours). On the return, you’ll cross Monteagle Mountain a long uphill/downhill stretch of I-24 with stunning plateau views. Take it easy on the descent and maybe stop at the Monteagle lookout rest area for a final scenic vista.
Pro Tip: This loop packs a lot in, so consider doing it over 2-3 days. For instance, stay overnight in Chattanooga to fully enjoy it. When visiting Jack Daniel’s, remember that Lynchburg has limited lodging (it’s mostly a day-trip destination), so plan to hit it either as a morning stop or early afternoon (the last distillery tour typically starts by 3:30-4pm local time). Also, Monteagle Mountain on I-24 can be challenging for some trucks creep slowly uphill and sometimes accidents can cause delays. Obey the reduced speed limits on the downhill (trucks are limited to 35 mph in spots for good reason). If you’re an outdoor buff, you might extend the trip with a stop at South Cumberland State Park near Monteagle for hiking (the Fiery Gizzard trail is renowned). With whiskey, waterfalls, and mountain roads, this road trip truly showcases Tennessee’s diverse character just be sure whoever’s driving takes it easy on the tasting samples and sticks to sipping sweet tea until you’re parked for the night!
(These are just a few of the many road trips you can enjoy across Tennessee. Whether you’re into music, mountains, whiskey or history, having a rental car lets you experience the state’s variety to the fullest. Feel free to ask our team or check our Travel Blog for more itinerary ideas from civil war trail drives to scenic byways we love helping travelers craft their perfect Tennessee road adventure.)
Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum rental age in Tennessee is generally 21 years old with all major car rental companies. Renters aged 21–24 will typically incur a “young driver” surcharge (usually around $25–$30 per day) and may be limited to certain vehicle categories (often no luxury cars or large SUVs for drivers under 25). At 25 and older, you can rent at standard rates with full selection. A few companies in Tennessee (for example, some national brands) might rent to 18-20 year-olds under special circumstances such as for military personnel or insurance replacement rentals but this is not common and comes with strict restrictions and high fees. Always check the specific policy of the rental provider when booking through AirportVanRental (our system will usually alert you to any age-related rules when you enter your age). Also, if you’re under 25, be prepared to use a credit card in your name for the rental; many locations won’t accept a debit card from young drivers. In summary, 21+ to rent easily, 25+ to avoid young driver fees and anyone under 25 should read the terms carefully so you know what to expect.
Tennessee is pretty straightforward there are no toll roads in the state, so you won’t need to worry about toll passes for in-state travel. Drive freely on I-40, I-75, I-24, etc., without any toll plazas. If you plan to take your rental car on a longer road trip beyond Tennessee, keep in mind where tolls might appear. For example, driving north into Chicago or the Northeast, you’ll encounter tollways; heading to Florida, you’ll find tolls (and many are electronic only). In those cases, you can usually opt for the rental company’s toll program (usually ~$3-5 per day fee + actual tolls) or just pay as you go (many tolls bill by mail via the plate the rental company will forward the charge with possibly an admin fee). Within Tennessee itself, one unique road consideration is the HOV lanes in Nashville. On parts of I-24, I-65, and I-40 around the city, there are High Occupancy Vehicle lanes marked (usually the far left lane) which during rush hours (typically 7-9 AM inbound, 4-6 PM outbound weekdays) are reserved for vehicles with 2 or more people. If you have a passenger, you can use them to cruise past some traffic; if you’re solo, don’t use the HOV lane during those hours fines can apply (though outside of posted hours, anyone can use those lanes). Another consideration: mountain roads in East Tennessee. If you’re not used to driving in mountains, take it slow on curvy roads like those in the Smokies or the Cherohala Skyway. Use lower gear when descending to avoid overheating brakes, and watch for wildlife. Lastly, construction zones Tennessee often has summer roadwork on interstates (orange barrels season!). Speeds will be reduced, and fines double in construction zones if workers are present, so heed those signs. All in all, driving in TN is user-friendly just remember to fill up the tank (distances between gas stations on rural interstates can be longer at night, but generally there are plenty along I-40 and I-24). Enjoy the road!
Gasoline (petrol) prices in Tennessee tend to be lower than the U.S. national average. Tennessee has relatively low fuel taxes, so you’ll often see cheaper prices here than, say, in the Northeast or West Coast. As of recent trends, gas might be around $2.80–$3.50 per gallon in Tennessee (though this fluctuates with global oil prices and season). Rural areas sometimes are a few cents cheaper than big cities. For example, you might find gas in Memphis at $3.20 while a small town nearby is $3.10 it varies. Overall, fueling up in TN won’t break the bank compared to many other states. Now, regarding your rental: Yes, in almost all cases you should return the car with the same level of fuel as when you picked it up which is usually full. This is the standard policy: you receive the car full, and you refill it before dropping off. If you don’t, the rental company will fill it and charge you a much higher rate per gallon (often $6-10/gal, which is double the pump price). Nobody wants that extra charge! So plan to hit a gas station near your drop-off location to top off. A little hack: use Google Maps or ask us for gas stations near the airport or downtown branch you’re returning to for example, there are several gas stations within 5 miles of Nashville Airport (along Donelson Pike or Royal Parkway) where you can fill up right before returning. Keep the receipt just in case as proof. Some rental companies offer a prepaid fuel option you pay for a full tank upfront at a competitive rate and can return empty. We generally advise against this unless you’re certain you’ll use almost the entire tank, because no refunds for unused fuel. It’s usually more cost-effective to just fill the tank yourself. One more note: Tennessee gas stations are self-service (you pump your own fuel). Simply swipe your credit/debit card at the pump, select the fuel grade (87 octane “Regular” is standard for most rental cars), pump, and you’re good. If you’re from overseas and unfamiliar with U.S. pumps don’t hesitate to ask an attendant or fellow customer; folks in Tennessee are friendly and will help. So, enjoy the road knowing fuel is affordable here, and don’t forget to “fill ’er up” before you hand back those keys!