Ready to hit the road in Nashville? Use the search form above to find your ideal car rental. Enter your preferred pickup location we serve all major points, including Nashville Airport (BNA), downtown Nashville, and surrounding neighborhoods then select your dates. Our system will instantly compare real-time deals from multiple rental companies in the Nashville area. In seconds, you’ll see options for every need: compact cars for maneuvering through downtown streets, SUVs for family outings to the Nashville Zoo or Percy Priest Lake, luxury vehicles if you’re treating yourself or heading to a business meeting in style, and of course vans if you’ve got a group (perhaps a band heading to a gig!). Booking is secure and lightning-fast. Most rentals in Nashville allow you to reserve now and pay later at pick-up, and many include free cancellation if your plans change. In just a few clicks, you’ll lock in the perfect ride for your Nashville adventure. With a great rate confirmed, you can relax and plan your itinerary maybe a tour of the Grand Ole Opry, a drive to historic Franklin, or a BBQ pilgrimage knowing AirportVanRental has your transportation sorted out.
Introduction: Welcome to Nashville, the heart of Music City and a place where having a rental car means total freedom to experience its sights and sounds. Nashville is a vibrant mix of country music history, lively neighborhoods, and scenic countryside just beyond the city limits. One minute you’re tapping your boots to live music on Broadway, the next you could be driving to a tranquil state park or a legendary recording studio on the outskirts. With a rental car, you’re free to chart your own course through it all. This page is your complete guide to renting a car in Nashville, TN packed with money-saving deals, local driving intel, and trip ideas. Whether you’re a visitor flying into Nashville International Airport (BNA), a business traveler zipping between meetings in downtown and Cool Springs, or a local needing a set of wheels for a weekend escape, AirportVanRental has you covered with fast booking and great prices. Let’s get you on the road in Nashville affordably and hassle-free, so you can focus on enjoying the music, food, and fun that Middle Tennessee offers.
Nashville does have rideshares and a bus system, but to truly experience the city and its surroundings, nothing beats the convenience of your own car. Here’s why renting a car in Nashville can be a game-changer:
In short, renting a car in Nashville means maximum flexibility. You can catch more live music (because you’re not wasting time waiting on rides), see both the city and countryside, and truly make the most of your visit. And remember, AirportVanRental makes it easy our local expertise and broad selection will set you up with the right wheels at the right price, so you can hit the road confident and excited.
Our Nashville Car Rental Benefits (Booking with AirportVanRental)
Why choose AirportVanRental for your Nashville wheels? Simply put, we know Music City and we leverage our local presence plus national network to give you unbeatable value. Here are some perks of booking your Nashville rental car with us:
In summary, AirportVanRental is all about making your Nashville car rental easy, affordable, and reliable. We combine big savings with personalized service. When you pick up that car and hit I-65 toward adventure, we want you thinking “Wow, that was simpler than I expected” and we’ll be quietly cheering you on from behind the scenes.
Top Nashville Car Rental Deals
Economy Car, from $29/day.Example: Kia Rio or Nissan Versa. Ideal for singles or couples mostly staying in the city. These little cars are champs at navigating Nashville’s sometimes narrow neighborhood streets (looking at you, East Nashville) and squeezing into tight parking spots in Hillsboro Village. Great gas mileage means you’re spending less on fuel, which leaves more budget for hot chicken and thrift shopping in 12 South. Plus, with so many economy cars in fleets, they’re often the best bargain especially if you’re visiting outside of peak season (hint: winter weekdays in Nashville can be very affordable for rentals).
Full-Size Sedan, from $35/day.Example: Toyota Camry or Chevrolet Malibu. A comfortable four-door option if you have family or colleagues along. Full-size sedans give you a bit more trunk space handy if you’re picking up a week’s worth of gear at the Nashville Guitar Center or luggage for a road trip. At around $35/day in off-peak times, you get a smooth ride that’s highway-ready for trips out to Franklin or up to Bowling Green, KY. Many of these come with modern infotainment (Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay) to make your drives even easier. It’s a popular category for travelers who want something a step up from basic but still budget-friendly.
Midsize SUV, from $45/day.Example: Nissan Rogue or Ford Escape. One of our most popular choices in Nashville and for good reason. A midsize SUV seats 5 comfortably with room for bags, making it perfect for a family visiting colleges or a small group of friends on vacation. The higher seating position gives you a great view of the road (helpful when merging in unfamiliar interstate lanes). Many travelers rent SUVs to drive out to the Smoky Mountains or up to Mammoth Cave and with unlimited miles, you can too. The ~$45/day rate often includes features like backup cameras and all-wheel drive (availability varies, but AWD can be nice if you plan on any gravel backroads or a winter trip). Pro tip: if you’re visiting in the summer, book SUVs early they sell out fast during June through August when road trippers and festival-goers hit town.
Minivan, from $59/day.Example: Chrysler Pacifica or Dodge Grand Caravan. Bringing the whole crew? Minivans are the unsung heroes of comfortable travel. With seating for 7 or 8, a minivan is the way to go for family reunions or groups of friends. Split that cost among 6 or 7 people and it’s actually cheaper per person than rideshares! Nashville sees a lot of bachelor/bachelorette groups a minivan lets everyone stay together as you hop between brunch, tours, and nightlife (again, designate a sober driver!). Also fantastic for band tours fold the back seats and you’ve got space for instruments and amps. At about $59/day off-peak, it’s a steal for the versatility. Just remember: during summer or around major events (like Vanderbilt’s graduation or CMA Fest), minivans might be in high demand we recommend reserving a few weeks in advance if possible.
Luxury & Specialty, from $75/day.Example: BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, or a Ford Mustang Convertible. Treating yourself or someone special? Nashville’s upscale rental selection can add a touch of class to your trip. Imagine rolling up to a business dinner in a sleek Mercedes, or cruising the backroads of Williamson County in a convertible on a sunny day with the country radio on. Surprisingly, these cars can be quite reasonable in Nashville, especially on weekends (when business traveler demand drops). From around $75 and up, you can often snag a premium ride. We’ve seen travelers book a luxury car for anniversaries, or a convertible just to enjoy Tennessee’s spring blossoms and fall foliage in style. Just note: under-25 drivers usually can’t rent luxury cars, and they do go quickly around high-profile event weekends (like the NFL Draft or big concerts). If image or comfort is your priority, we’ve got options check the “Luxury” filter on our search.
(Pricing Note: The “from” rates above are based on recent searches for 2-3 day rentals in Nashville (either at BNA Airport or downtown) during non-peak periods. Rates can vary with demand and season. Expect higher prices during major events for instance, if you’re coming during CMA Fest (June) or a big Titans home game weekend, car demand skyrockets, so book early. Conversely, you might find even lower deals in the winter or between spring and summer tourist seasons. All rentals typically include unlimited mileage unless stated otherwise. Remember, the total cost will have taxes and any mandatory fees added our booking tool will show the full amount. And if you book early then find a better deal later, you can always re-book at the lower rate and cancel the original (as long as it’s within the free cancellation window). We want you to get the best deal it’s part of our commitment to being your go-to site for car rentals in Nashville!)
Driving in Nashville: What to Expect
Driving in Nashville is a mix of urban and country one moment you’re navigating downtown avenues surrounded by neon lights and pedal taverns, the next you might be cruising a winding road by the Cumberland River. Here’s how to drive like a local and stay safe:
City Traffic & Rush Hours: Nashville’s traffic has grown along with its population. Rush hour traffic is definitely a factor on weekdays. Morning inbound traffic (people driving into the city) builds up from about 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Key choke points include I-65 from the south (Brentwood -> downtown), I-24 from the southeast (Murfreesboro -> downtown, this stretch is notoriously one of the state’s busiest), and I-40 from the east (Mt. Juliet -> downtown, especially with airport commuters). In the evenings, roughly 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, the flow reverses expect slowdowns leaving downtown on those same corridors. The interchange known as “The Loop” or “Downtown Loop” (where I-40, I-65, and I-24 all crisscross around the city core) can be confusing and congested. Pay attention to lane signs sometimes you have to be in the correct lane for I-24 vs I-65 pretty early. If you’re not used to city driving, it may feel hectic, but Nashville drivers are generally patient, if a tad speedy. Outside of rush hours, highways move well, but accidents or construction can cause jams anytime (have a navigation app on to get alerts). One nice thing: outside the city center, many Nashville highways have HOV lanes (High Occupancy Vehicle lanes) for 2+ carpoolers during rush hour, which can help if you qualify. Weekends see much lighter traffic, except when a major event is happening (like a Saturday night concert at Nissan Stadium or Bridgestone Arena can create localized traffic). Also note: Friday evenings in summer can be extra heavy outbound as folks head to the lakes or out of town.
Neighborhood Driving & Parking: Nashville’s urban neighborhoods each have their own vibe and driving quirks. Downtown and Broadway area: lots of pedestrians, party bikes, and sometimes road closures for events. Drive slowly around the tourist districts at night people jaywalk between bars, and you’ll hear plenty of music even in your car! Parking downtown typically means paid garages or lots there are several near Broadway/2nd Ave (average $15-$20 for an evening). Meters on the street are usually $2+ per hour and enforced into the evening. The Gulch and Midtown areas: busy with restaurant and bar traffic, but many businesses offer valet. Street parking is limited and often permit-only on side streets read signs carefully to avoid a ticket or tow. East Nashville (Five Points area): narrower residential streets, watch for two-way stops (not always four-way stops like you might assume). You can usually find street parking free a block or two off the main drag. 12 South: very popular and street parking fills up; look for overflow parking around Sevier Park or on side streets (obey the No Parking signs though). In general, Nashville is car-friendly but plan ahead for parking especially in the bustling districts on weekends. When you go to places like the Grand Ole Opry/Opry Mills, parking is plentiful and free in huge lots. Same for outlying attractions like Belle Meade or Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage they have their own lots. Just downtown and immediate surrounding neighborhoods is where you might pay or circle a bit.
Navigation: Nashville is not laid out on a perfect grid, but it’s simpler than older cities like Boston. Still, a few pointers: West End Avenue/Broadway/21st Ave is essentially the same road changing names as it moves southwest from downtown toward Vanderbilt. Don’t be thrown off by the name changes. Many roads are named after places (Charlotte Pike, Murfreesboro Pike, Gallatin Pike) those generally lead roughly toward the town they’re named for. Interstate directions: I-40 and I-24 both run diagonally through town, so I-40 East actually goes south after downtown before truly heading east. Just follow the signs for the city you want (e.g., I-40 East “to Knoxville” vs I-40 West “to Memphis”). Using a GPS or smartphone maps is highly recommended for first-timers it will help with those lane decisions on the fly. Also, local drivers often exceed the speed limit by about 5-10 mph on highways not saying you should, but just be aware of the flow. And yes, turn signal usage is appreciated (even if that impatient pickup truck behind you doesn’t seem to care). One more thing: you’ll notice a lot of four-way stop intersections in residential areas standard rules apply (first come, first go; yield to the right if simultaneous). Nashville drivers generally are polite at four-ways.
Road Etiquette & Laws: We mentioned the hands-free phone law in the Tennessee section this is strictly enforced in metro Nashville. You’ll occasionally see Metro police officers at intersections looking for drivers with a phone up to their ear. Keep it hands-free or pulled over. Seat belts everyone in front must wear them, backseat for minors required. Right on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign says “No Turn on Red”. Downtown has a few intersections with no-turn signs (often due to pedestrian safety), so watch for those. Pedestrians: In tourist zones, pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks and often even when they shouldn’t. Be extra cautious driving near Broadway at bar closing time folks may not be paying attention. Scooters & Bicycles: Nashville has had influxes of electric scooters and cyclists especially around downtown and campuses. They often share the road; give them space and check your mirrors before turning or opening doors when parked. Weather hazards in the city: Heavy rain can cause brief street flooding in low areas don’t plow through deep puddles. And if it ices or snows (rare, but can happen a couple times a year), be very careful on bridges like the Jefferson St. bridge or overpasses they freeze first. The city will sand main roads, but secondary roads can be slippery. Many locals simply stay home if it’s icy since it melts quickly usually. If you’re here in winter and get caught in a snow dusting, drive slowly, keep distance, and know that Nashville drivers are not snow pros so defensive driving is key.
Fuel & Gas Stations: Fuel is widely available throughout Nashville. In the downtown core, there are fewer gas stations (and prices tend to be higher in the urban center). You’ll find more along the interstates and main corridors leaving downtown. For instance, near downtown there’s a cluster of gas stations on Demonbreun St/I-40 area and along West End; in East Nashville, look on Gallatin Ave or Main St for gas. Generally, gas prices in Nashville are decent (see the Tennessee section for averages). If you have a rental car and need to fill up before returning to the airport, there are a couple of convenient options: on Donelson Pike near the airport exit (about 2 miles from the terminal) you’ll see multiple gas stations this is a good spot to top off the tank at a reasonable price. Also one at Royal Parkway off Elm Hill Pike just north of the airport. When driving around, note that credit card payment at pump is common and easy; you may be prompted for a ZIP code (use your billing ZIP, and if international traveler without a ZIP, paying inside might be necessary). No gas attendants in TN it’s all self-service. Regular unleaded (87) is fine for almost all rental cars. If you happen to rent a luxury car that needs premium, it’ll say so on the fuel door or the rental agent will mention it.
Special Events & Traffic Impact: Nashville is an event city from massive music festivals to marathons. A few heads-up: CMA Fest (June) closes many downtown streets for days and brings heavy traffic and virtually no parking availability downtown plan to park further out and walk or rideshare during that if you’re not attending. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon (usually April) also closes a lot of roads for a morning. Titans NFL games (stadium is just across the river from downtown): during games, the Woodland St. Bridge and Korean War Veterans Bridge, plus I-24 exits to the stadium, will be jammed. Predators NHL games and big concerts at Bridgestone Arena affect the Broadway area 5th Ave, Broadway, Demonbreun get slow pre and post event. If you’re not part of it, avoid driving through the immediate vicinity at those times. Use Waze or local news apps (like NewsChannel5) for traffic advisories they often mention when there’s a big convoy or downtown protest or something. All that said, Nashville’s traffic, while growing, is still moderate compared to LA or Atlanta outside rush hour, you can drive from downtown to the suburbs in 20-30 minutes typically.
Day Trips & Surroundings: With your rental car, don’t hesitate to explore the Nashville surrounds. Roads like the Natchez Trace Parkway have a 50 mph leisurely speed limit and no commercial traffic a wonderful scenic drive heading southwest out of Nashville (the Parkway begins in the suburb of Bellevue). If you go that route, be mindful of cyclists and deer. Another popular local drive is out to Arrington Vineyards (south of town in wine country) winding country roads, just drive cautiously and enjoy the farms. If you head toward Lebanon or Mt. Juliet (east of Nashville), you’ll find rural highways where tractors might appear on the shoulder just pass carefully when safe. Basically, Nashville gives you a mix of urban and rural driving, often in the same day. Embrace it! With good music on the radio (try tuning to 650 AM WSM for classic country or any of the FM stations for modern hits), driving here can be a memorable part of your trip rather than just a means to an end.
Road Trip Ideas from Nashville, TN
Nashville isn’t just a destination it’s also a perfect launching pad for road trips across Tennessee and the South. With your rental car, you can venture out on some incredible drives that start in Music City. Here are three exciting road trip ideas from Nashville:
Highlights: Start your engines in Nashville and head west on Interstate 40 for a musical pilgrimage. After about 2 hours, you’ll reach Jackson, TN a great halfway stop. In Jackson, you can pay homage to rockabilly music at the International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame or grab a bite at the quirky Old Country Store restaurant for some Southern comfort food. Continuing west, you’ll drive through the flat cotton fields and delta landscapes of West Tennessee. Upon arriving in Memphis, dive into the blues and rock ’n’ roll heritage: tour Graceland, Elvis Presley’s mansion (about 10 miles south of downtown), and visit Sun Studio downtown where legends like Elvis and Johnny Cash recorded. Stroll down Beale Street in the evening to catch live blues pouring out of clubs like B.B. King’s. Other Memphis must-dos include the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel and tasting world-famous barbecue (Central BBQ and The Rendezvous are iconic spots). The drive itself along I-40 is straightforward and quick, but the real journey is the music history you’ll soak up on either end. You can return to Nashville the next day, or make it a loop by swinging down into the Mississippi Delta (Clarksdale, MS) if you have more time.
Pro Tip: If you want to make this a round-trip with a different flavor, consider returning to Nashville via Highway 64 instead of I-40. Highway 64 runs parallel to the interstate but cuts through charming small towns like Somerville and Lawrenceburg (home of David Crockett State Park). It’s a slower route (mostly 2-lane roads, so plan extra time) but more scenic and authentic you’ll pass through rolling farmland, see historic courthouses, and can even detour to Shiloh National Military Park (a major Civil War battlefield near Savannah, TN) for some history. Whether you zoom back on I-40 or mosey on backroads, try some regional snacks for the drive maybe pick up some Memphis pralines or West TN fried pies for the road!
Highlights: Trade honky-tonks for hiking boots on this journey to America’s most visited national park. Head east from Nashville on I-40. After roughly 80 minutes, a great pit stop is Cookeville, TN, a pleasant small city known for its waterfalls nearby. If time permits, hop off at Exit 286 and take a short detour to Cummins Falls State Park (8 miles north of the interstate) a quick hike there leads to a gorgeous waterfall and swimming hole (in summer). Back on I-40, continue toward Knoxville. Just before Knoxville, you’ll notice the landscape getting hillier as you enter the Cumberland Plateau and then the foothills of the Appalachians. Knoxville (about 2.5 hours from Nashville) offers an urban break stretch your legs around Market Square or along the riverfront at Volunteer Landing. From Knoxville, it’s about 35 more miles via I-40 and TN-66/US-441 into Sevierville/Pigeon Forge, the gateway towns for the Smokies. Pigeon Forge is famously home to Dollywood if theme parks and Dollywood’s mix of coasters and country shows interest you, plan an extra day! Finally, arrive in Gatlinburg, a mountain resort town at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here you can drive the scenic Newfound Gap Road through the park, hike to Clingmans Dome (the highest point in Tennessee), or wander along mountain streams in Greenbrier. The Smokies offer activities for everyone from driving the loop at Cades Cove (often spotting deer or even bears) to tubing down the Little River in Townsend. It’s nature’s playground.
Pro Tip: Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge can be very congested with tourist traffic, especially in summer and October weekends. Park your car at your hotel or a central lot and use the trolley systems in those towns to get around, or plan your driving for early morning or evening to avoid the worst crowds. Within the national park, start your day early (before 9 AM) to beat both the traffic and get parking at popular trailheads like Laurel Falls or Alum Cave. If you’re up for a unique experience, consider driving out of the park on the Cherokee, North Carolina side and looping back to Nashville via Chattanooga (this turns the trip into a circle across the state). From Cherokee, NC, you can take the scenic Cherohala Skyway or winding US-129 “Tail of the Dragon” (famous for its 318 curves a thrill for driving enthusiasts!). That route will eventually lead you to I-75 and back up to Nashville. It’s a much longer, multi-day adventure, but you’ll see an incredible diversity of landscapes. Whether you keep it simple with an out-and-back or expand to a grand loop, a Smoky Mountains road trip from Nashville is an unforgettable blend of country music to country roads.
Highlights: Head southeast from Nashville on I-24, aiming for the city lovingly nicknamed “Scenic City” Chattanooga. This route quickly trades urban sprawl for rural vistas. About 75 miles out of Nashville, you’ll ascend the Monteagle Mountain section of I-24 enjoy the panoramic views but drive carefully on the curvy grade. At the top of Monteagle, consider exiting to explore South Cumberland State Park around the town of Tracy City and Monteagle. This area offers several worthwhile stops: Grundy Lakes (easy walks by historic coke ovens and a lake), or if you’re up for a short hike, Foster Falls (a spectacular 60-foot waterfall, about 4 miles off I-24 at exit 134). There’s also the University of the South in Sewanee nearby, which has a beautiful mountaintop campus and viewpoints like Green’s View. After some fresh air, continue on I-24 toward Chattanooga. As you approach Chattanooga, look for the signs to Lookout Mountain attractions. Must-see: Ruby Falls, an underground waterfall inside Lookout Mountain you take an elevator and walk through caverns to see it. Also atop Lookout is Rock City Gardens (technically in Georgia by a hair) where you can “see seven states” from a panoramic viewpoint and walk through whimsical rock formations. If you have kids (or even if not), the Incline Railway is a fun historic ride straight up the mountain. Down in the city of Chattanooga, you’ll find a revitalized downtown with the Tennessee Aquarium (one of the best aquariums in the U.S.), a beautiful riverwalk, and plenty of dining (try out the restaurants in the vibrant North Shore district or Warehouse Row). For more nature, drive a few minutes to Raccoon Mountain or Prentice Cooper State Forest for short hikes and overlooks of the Tennessee River Gorge. After enjoying Chattanooga’s mix of outdoors and city perks, head back to Nashville on I-24 West.
Pro Tip: Time your drive out of Nashville to avoid morning rush hour on I-24 (leave after 9 AM) so you can cruise to Monteagle smoothly. On the return, watch out for heavy traffic on Sunday afternoons coming back into Nashville on I-24, especially around Murfreesboro it can back up as weekend travelers return. If you hit a delay, a potential alternate is hopping off at US-41 (the old highway) around Monteagle or Manchester and taking it through small towns like Shelbyville and Smyrna back toward Nashville a slower but scenic detour if interstate is jammed. Also, be aware that Monteagle Mountain is a steep grade; ensure your transmission is in a lower gear on the downhill to avoid overheating brakes (especially if you’re in a larger vehicle like a van). Lastly, Chattanooga is in the Eastern Time Zone (1 hour ahead of Nashville’s Central Time) so if you have reservations (like for Ruby Falls or a restaurant), remember the time change! This trip packs waterfalls, mountains, and city fun all in one, showing just how diverse a journey starting from Nashville can be.
(These road trips are just a taste of what you can do with a car from Nashville. You could also head north to Louisville and Mammoth Cave, or drive south on the historic Natchez Trace towards Mississippi the possibilities are endless. For more ideas, check out our AirportVanRental blog or ask us for recommendations we love sharing itineraries for everything from civil war history buffs to whiskey trail travelers. Happy road tripping!)
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard minimum age to rent a car in Nashville is 21 years old. This applies to all the major rental companies in Tennessee. If you are 21-24, keep in mind you will likely pay a “young driver fee” (approximately $25-$30 per day, varying by company) and may be restricted from renting certain vehicle classes (commonly premium cars, large SUVs, or specialty vehicles are off-limits to under-25 renters). Once you turn 25, you can rent at the normal rates with full selection no young driver surcharges and access to all categories (from economy to luxury). A few companies have exceptions: for instance, Hertz or Enterprise in Tennessee might rent to 18-20 year-olds under specific programs (often if you’re an active duty military personnel or need a car due to insurance replacement), but those are special cases with high fees and very limited car choices. If you’re under 25, it’s crucial to check the terms during booking; AirportVanRental’s system will usually show any underage fees in the price breakdown or rental conditions. Also, be prepared to use a credit card (not just a debit card) and show a valid license younger renters should have their documentation in order as requirements can be stricter. In summary: 21+ can rent in Nashville, under 25 expect a fee, 25+ it’s smooth sailing. (And sorry, drivers under 18 cannot rent a car in the U.S. at all.)
Driving in downtown Nashville can be a little challenging if you’re not used to city driving, but it’s not too bad compared to the likes of New York or LA. Here’s what to expect: Downtown Nashville’s core is relatively compact with a mix of one-way and two-way streets. During busy times (weekday rush hours, weekend evenings around Broadway), there’s a lot of stop-and-go traffic and many pedestrians, scooters, and rideshare cars darting about. If you’re new to it, go slow and stay alert especially in the Lower Broadway area where tourists often jaywalk mid-block. Nashville drivers are generally reasonably polite, though assertive you might get honked at lightly if you hesitate too long at a green light, but it’s usually not aggressive. One-way streets like 2nd Ave and 4th/5th Ave can confuse a GPS is handy to ensure you don’t turn the wrong way. Also, some downtown streets have dedicated turn lanes or odd angle intersections (like where Broadway meets West End and 16th six-way intersection). Pay close attention to signs and signals. Perhaps the biggest hassle is parking finding street parking right in the heart can be tough, and garage entrances can sneak up on you. If you’re mainly visiting tourist sites downtown (like the Ryman Auditorium, Broadway, Bridgestone Arena), you might actually consider parking once and walking or using the free circulator bus (the Music City Circuit) to get around within downtown. Alternatively, park across the river by Nissan Stadium and walk over the pedestrian bridge to downtown a local trick to avoid traffic snarl and higher parking costs. But if you do need to drive through downtown regularly, don’t worry after a day or so, you’ll get the hang of the pattern of the streets. It’s a grid in many parts and navigation apps will steer you right. So, while a first-timer might find it a bit “active” with all the stimulation (neon signs, music, people, vehicles), it’s manageable. Take it easy, avoid peak congestion when possible, and know that outside of the immediate downtown/Broadway area, Nashville’s roads widen out and driving becomes much easier.
Great question if you’re renting a car, you’ll want to consider hotel parking options. In downtown Nashville, hotels typically charge for parking (often valet-only). These fees can range from $30 to $50 per night. If convenience is king and you want to walk everywhere downtown, you might accept that cost. Hotels like the Omni, Hilton Downtown, JW Marriott, etc., all have on-site parking (valet) for a fee. If you want to avoid hefty parking charges, consider staying slightly outside the immediate downtown and driving or ridesharing in when needed. Areas to look at: West End/Vanderbilt area has hotels (like Holiday Inn Vanderbilt, Marriott at Vanderbilt, Kimpton Aertson, etc.) which often have self-parking options that are cheaper, and you’re a short 5-10 minute drive or a cheap Uber to downtown. Music Valley/Opryland area (near Opryland Hotel and Opry Mills) has many hotels with free parking, but note it’s ~15-20 minute drive to downtown. If you don’t mind being out by the Grand Ole Opry, that’s a very car-friendly hotel zone and often more affordable. Airport hotels (around BNA, like along Elm Hill Pike or Donelson Pike) also offer free parking typically, and you can drive to downtown in about 15 minutes (traffic permitting). Neighborhoods like Midtown or The Gulch have some hotels with parking garages sometimes they charge, sometimes it’s included, so check individual hotel policies. Another idea: Airbnb or vacation rentals in areas like East Nashville or 12 South often come with a driveway or street parking you can use for free; these can be great if you want a more local experience and easy car use. In summary, if you need car-friendly and want to avoid paying too much, look at hotels outside the immediate downtown core. Many along West End, near MetroCenter, by the airport, or in the suburbs include free or low-cost parking. You’ll trade a bit of convenience for cost savings. If you stay downtown in the thick of things, budget for valet or consider public garages as an alternative (there are a few public parking garages like the Library Garage or Commerce Street Garage that charge less per night than hotel valet; you could self-park there and walk to your hotel). Nashville offers a lot of options and since you have a rental car, you have the flexibility to choose.
Nope good news! There are no toll bridges or toll roads in Nashville or anywhere in Tennessee currently (Tennessee is one of the states with no tolls on its public roads). All the bridges over the Cumberland River in Nashville (the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, Korean War Vets Blvd Bridge, etc.) are free. The interstate highways (I-40, I-24, I-65, I-440, etc.) are all toll-free. So you won’t encounter any toll booths or need an electronic pass when driving in and around Nashville. The only scenario you might deal with tolls is if you take your rental car on a longer trip out of state. For example, driving north toward Chicago, or into certain parts of Florida those areas have tolls. The nearest tolls relative to Nashville would be some express lanes in Atlanta, GA (I-75/I-575 HOT lanes) or certain Kentucky bridges way up by Louisville, but nothing on the routes immediately surrounding Nashville requires toll payment. So, you can drive without worry about that. If you do venture far: the rental car likely has a toll transponder program (as mentioned in our Tennessee section above) you can always opt in if needed. But for local Nashville exploration, rest easy, tolls are not a concern here.
Nashville loves to throw a party, and with big events comes big traffic at times. Here are some of the main ones and their impact: CMA Fest (June): This is the country music festival downtown that draws tens of thousands. During CMA Fest (usually 4 days, Thurs-Sun in early June), several downtown streets (especially around Nissan Stadium and Broadway) are closed to vehicles and traffic is heavily redirected. Expect downtown to be extremely congested; if you’re not attending, it might be wise to avoid driving downtown altogether those days or do so very early morning. Fourth of July Fireworks: Nashville’s July 4th celebration is huge downtown roads near the river get closed, and after the fireworks (around 10 PM) there’s a mass exodus causing traffic jams out of downtown for a good hour or two. NFL Tennessee Titans Games (Sept–Dec on Sundays, plus occasional weeknights): Titans games at Nissan Stadium mean about 60,000 people heading to the east side of the Cumberland. Before the game (a couple hours prior), the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge and Woodland St Bridge area are full of pedestrians and slow-moving cars. After games (usually ending ~3pm for noon games, ~10pm for night games), the interstates I-24, I-65 around downtown get a burst of traffic. If you’re not going to the game, steer clear of the stadium vicinity if possible during those windows. Nashville Predators hockey games or concerts at Bridgestone Arena: These draw about 17,000 each, and while that certainly adds traffic, it’s more localized to the immediate downtown loop. 30 minutes to an hour before/after events, Broadway and adjacent avenues will be slow. Parking becomes premium, so cars circle that adds to congestion. Vanderbilt football games or large university events: These can affect West End Avenue and the Midtown area on game days (Saturdays in fall). It’s noticeable (especially with people looking for parking in the West End/Vandy area) but not citywide gridlock by any means. Marathons (Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in spring, etc.): They often close many major roads on a Saturday morning including parts of West End, 16th/17th, and downtown streets as runners go through. Usually by early afternoon roads reopen. If you’re in town during a marathon, check the course map (local news or the marathon website) police do a good job directing, but you might have to detour. Concerts at Nissan Stadium: Big concerts (like a mega artist or a festival) at the stadium can equal or exceed Titans game crowds same traffic plan: avoid that east side/downtown area right before and after. New Year’s Eve Bash: Nashville has a big downtown NYE event with road closures around Bicentennial Mall and lower Broadway expect an extended party and road closures around that area. In essence, if there’s a big event downtown, expect heavier traffic and consider alternate routes or timing. Nashville’s infrastructure strains a bit during major events, but if you’re aware, you can usually find a way around it (or join the fun on foot!). As always, tuning into local radio or using Google Maps/Waze will give you live traffic adjustment suggestions if something is snarled up.
Yes, one-way rentals are generally available from Nashville to many other cities. All the major rental companies offer the option to pick up in one location and drop off in another, though a one-way fee (drop charge) often applies. Popular one-way routes like Nashville to Memphis, Nashville to Atlanta, or Nashville to New Orleans are commonly done. When you search on AirportVanRental, just select a different drop-off location and it will show you what’s available and any included drop fees. Sometimes, especially between big airports, the one-way fee might be waived or lower (for example, Nashville to Atlanta might have a reasonable fee if there’s demand both ways). Other times, one-ways can be pricey if the car has to be relocated by the company. A tip: certain regional one-ways (like Nashville to cities within Tennessee or neighboring states) can be quite reasonable. Also, if you’re flexible, some companies run promotions where driving a car back to a certain city yields no drop fee (they need cars moved). It never hurts to check. If you don’t see availability online for a specific route, you can call our customer service sometimes they can arrange it even if not advertised. Also note, one-way rentals for specialty vehicles (like a large passenger van or luxury car) might be more restricted or have higher fees, due to the difficulty of repositioning those. But standard sedans and SUVs are usually fine. So whether you’re planning a road trip that ends elsewhere or flying out of a different airport, a one-way rental can be a convenient solution. Just be sure to book in advance if possible, as availability for one-ways can be limited during peak times. And as always, we’ll transparently show any extra fees so you can decide if it’s worth it. Many travelers pick up in Nashville, explore the region, and drop off in, say, Chicago or Dallas it’s a fantastic way to see more of the country without looping back.