Welcome to Nashville, Tennessee famously known as “Music City USA”! Whether you’re flying in for business, a bachelorette party, or a tour of the country music scene, having a rental car will amplify your Nashville experience. At Nashville International Airport (BNA), AirportVanRental makes it easy to pick up a set of wheels and hit the road. We’re the trusted online travel agency for comparing cheap Nashville car rentals, ensuring you get the best deal from top suppliers. This page will guide you through renting a car at BNA Airport and provide local tips for driving in and around Nashville, so you can cruise with confidence from the honky-tonks of Broadway to the rolling hills of Tennessee. Nashville’s charm lies not just in its vibrant downtown but also in the lush countryside and historic towns surrounding it which are much easier to reach with a car. With AVR, you’ll secure a great rate and also get our local expertise in your back pocket. Let’s dive in!
Picking Up Your Rental Car at BNA Airport
Nashville International Airport has a modern, convenient setup for rental cars, making the process smooth for travelers. Here’s what to expect when you arrive:
Airport Tip: Nashville’s airport has been undergoing expansion (the “BNA Vision” project), so occasionally traffic patterns or pedestrian paths shift. However, the rental car center and its new pedestrian walkway are fully operational as of now, making it very user-friendly. If you’re ever unsure where to go, any airport staff or friendly local will point you in the right direction Southern hospitality is real here!
Why Rent with AirportVanRental at BNA?
With so many rental options out there, here’s why AirportVanRental is the savvy traveler’s choice for Nashville Airport car rentals:
Nashville Car Rental Deals at BNA
Nashville is a popular destination, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find affordable rentals. Here are some typical car rental deals at Nashville Airport by category (remember, these are example “from” prices that can vary by season):
Economy Car, from $28/day. Example: Hyundai Accent or Ford Fiesta. These small cars are budget-friendly and perfect for individuals or couples. If you’re mostly sticking around the city checking out the Grand Ole Opry, downtown bars, maybe a drive to the mall an economy car is easy to park and sips gas (a plus with current fuel prices). They tend to be in high supply at BNA, especially outside of peak summer, so rates often start under $30/day.
Midsize Sedan, from $35/day. Example: Toyota Corolla or Nissan Sentra. A step up in space, midsize cars give a bit more legroom which you’ll appreciate if you’re driving to, say, Lynchburg for a distillery tour or up to Clarksville to visit friends at Fort Campbell. They still get great fuel economy and typically come with modern features (Bluetooth, backup camera). At around $35/day, they’re a great blend of comfort and cost-effectiveness.
Standard SUV, from $45/day. Example: Nissan Rogue or Ford Escape. With seating for 5 and a good cargo area, an SUV is a common choice in Tennessee you won’t feel out of place at all. For roughly $45/day in off-peak times, you can snag an SUV which is awesome if you plan day trips to state parks or the Great Smoky Mountains (about 3.5 hours east). It gives you confidence on country roads and plenty of room for souvenirs (like that case of Jack Daniel’s from Lynchburg or records from Third Man Records). Many SUVs also have AWD, which is a nice perk if visiting in winter (just in case of a rare snow dusting).
Minivan, from $60/day. Example: Honda Odyssey or Dodge Grand Caravan. Bringing the family or a group of friends? Minivans are ideal, and Nashville gets many family tourists especially in summer. At around $60/day, you get seating for 7-8 and all the comfort features (tri-zone climate control for those humid Southern afternoons!). A minivan is perfect for trips like Nashville to Dollywood in East Tennessee or just shuttling between the zoo, museums, and your hotel with kids. They also often have DVD players handy if you’ve got restless little ones on a longer drive.
Luxury Car, from $70/day. Example: BMW 3-Series or similar. Want to roll through Music Row in style? Nashville has a touch of luxury available too. Starting around $70/day on weekends (sometimes even less off-peak), you might treat yourself to a premium sedan or even a convertible (Mustang or Camaro convertibles are popular in warmer months for that wind-in-hair feeling as you drive down Natchez Trace Parkway). These are great if you’re here for a special occasion anniversary, honeymoon, or you just feel like cruising Broadway in something nicer than the average ride. Keep in mind high-demand times like CMA Fest or big Titans home games can raise prices or sell these out, so book early if a luxury car is your goal.
Note: Nashville sees surges of visitors during events (CMA Fest, Bonnaroo nearby, NFL draft or big concerts). During those times, car demand spikes prices can be higher and selection more limited, so secure your rental early. Conversely, winter months (excluding holiday weeks) often have excess cars, so you might score a particularly low rate then. Also, check if your travel dates align with any university events (Vanderbilt move-in, etc.) or racing at Nashville Superspeedway those can have minor effects too. With AirportVanRental, you’ll always see current prices for your dates, and remember you can book and cancel if needed, locking in a good rate ahead of time.
From Honky-Tonks to Highways: Road Trips from Nashville
Nashville’s central location in the Mid-South makes it a fantastic launching pad for road trips. With your BNA rental car, consider these 3 road trip ideas to experience more of Tennessee (and nearby states):
(For more ideas, check out our blog or travel guides for more road trips whether you fancy waterfalls on the Cumberland Plateau or a drive up to Kentucky’s bourbon country, we’ve got you covered with itineraries.)
Nashville Driving Tips: Traffic, Parking & Local Know-How
Driving in Nashville is generally manageable, but the city has grown rapidly, so there are a few things to be aware of:
Traffic & Rush Hour: Nashville’s highways can get busy. Rush hours run roughly 7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:30 PM on weekdays. I-24, I-40, and I-65 all crisscross in downtown (forming a loop called the Inner Loop), and these intersections (especially where I-24 and I-40 meet east of downtown, and I-65/I-40 on the west) are common bottlenecks. If you arrive at BNA around 5 PM on a weekday, expect the drive into the city to take more like 25-30 minutes instead of 15. Nashville drivers are relatively courteous, but the infrastructure is catching up to the population boom. Use a navigation app to monitor traffic; it might route you on surface streets like Murfreesboro Pike or Briley Parkway to avoid an interstate jam. Country music fans: note that CMA Fest (June) and big concerts or Titans home games (NFL season, Nissan Stadium by I-24) will cause localized traffic surges plan accordingly if you’re driving to those events.
Downtown & Parking: Downtown Nashville is compact and very walkable once you park. Parking, however, can be pricey around the tourist hotspots. Street parking exists but fills quickly in areas like Broadway; meters run Mon-Sat and typically have 2-hour limits. It’s often easiest to head straight to a parking garage or lot. The Music City Center garage, Library garage, or surface lots near Bridgestone Arena are centrally located. Expect to pay around $15-20 for a full day or $10-15 for evening/event parking downtown. If you’re staying at a downtown hotel, check if they have free parking; many will charge ~$30/day for valet parking. One tip: Park-and-Ride you can park farther out and take a rideshare in. For example, on busy weekends some locals park near the Nashville International Airport’s economy lots or at a mall like Opry Mills then rideshare to downtown to avoid congestion (though this may be overkill for most tourists). Also, the Nashville Downtown Partnership often lists $5 evening parking options in certain garages on weekends, so it’s worth a look. Outside of downtown, parking is generally free and easy (e.g., at restaurants, malls, attractions like the Opryland complex, there’s plenty of surface parking). Just mind any “No Parking” signs in residential zones, especially in East Nashville’s popular neighborhoods, as they enforce permits in some areas.
Driving Laws & Etiquette: Tennessee is a hands-free state, meaning it’s illegal to hold a cellphone while driving. So use that Bluetooth or put the phone on speaker/GPS mount. Seat belts are required for all drivers and passengers. Speed limits: 70 mph on rural interstates, 55-65 mph on urban freeways (you’ll see 55 around downtown interstate loops), and usually 45 mph on major city arteries, 30-40 on city streets. Right turn on red is allowed after a stop, unless a sign says otherwise (common-sense rule). One quirk: Nashville has many 4-way stop intersections in residential areas general etiquette, first come first go, or yield to the right if arriving simultaneously. Just don’t be too southern-polite and wave someone on out of turn; that can confuse things. Also, watch for pedestrians downtown and in areas like West End/Vanderbilt drivers are legally required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks (and you’ll see a lot of jaywalking tourists on Broadway be vigilant).
No Tolls: We’ve mentioned it, but to reiterate there are no toll roads in Tennessee. Drive wherever you want without worrying about toll booths or electronic passes. The state is currently discussing “Choice Lanes” (express toll lanes) for the future, but as of now (2025), nothing is tolled. The only thing akin to a toll might be the Nashville Express Lane (HOV) rules: Nashville interstates have HOV lanes (marked by diamond symbols) that require 2+ people in the car during rush hour. They’re not tolled, but if you drive solo in them during restricted times, you could get a ticket. So if you see a diamond lane on I-65 or I-24, only use it if you have a passenger (or it’s outside the posted HOV hours, usually HOV is 7-9AM and 4-6PM weekdays).
Fueling Up: Gas prices in Tennessee are often a tad below the national average. You’ll find plenty of gas stations around Nashville. Near the airport, there are a few on Donelson Pike and Royal Parkway which are convenient for filling up before returning your car. (Avoid the temptation to skip refueling rental companies here, like everywhere, charge a hefty premium per gallon if you return less than full.) In the city, downtown has fewer gas stations (there’s one near the Gulch and one in East Nashville off Main St). It might be easier to fuel up in midtown or suburban areas before heading into downtown. Payment is typical pay-at-pump with credit card; Tennessee gas pumps don’t have any odd quirks just select grade (87 regular for most cars) and pump. Self-service is the norm (no attendants like in NJ or OR).
Weather Considerations: Nashville has a mild climate but does get all four seasons. In summer, expect hot, humid weather keep your car AC on and maybe crack the windows if parking so it’s not an oven when you return. Thunderstorms are common in late spring and summer; if it’s pouring, drive with caution as visibility can drop and minor street flooding can occur in poor drainage areas. Tornadoes are rarer in Nashville than in Oklahoma, but not unheard of if there’s a warning, treat it seriously (pull over somewhere safe like a gas station or under a sturdy structure until it passes). Winter in Nashville is generally mild (daytime highs often above freezing), but occasionally snow or ice storms hit. If you’re unlucky to catch one, note that Nashville drivers aren’t the best on ice and the city’s snow removal is limited best to stay put until roads are treated, as black ice can be a hazard on bridges. Fortunately, snow usually melts within a day or two. Your rental will have all-season tires; four-wheel drive isn’t necessary unless you venture into rural, hilly areas in winter, but if an icy forecast is in play and you have an SUV reserved, that AWD could come in handy on inclines.
Navigation: Nashville’s layout has downtown at the center with interstates radiating out. Traffic can be busy, but navigation apps like Google Maps are reliable here. One thing: if you’re heading to popular venues (like Bridgestone Arena, Opryland Resort, etc.) during events, consider parking slightly farther out and walking a few blocks to avoid the thickest congestion right at the venue entrance. Nashville also has some one-way streets downtown pay attention to signage to avoid wrong-way oopsies in the grid. Broadway, for example, is one-way eastbound in the core. If you miss a turn, just loop around the block; it’s all part of city driving.
Alternative Transport: Nashville has limited public transport (a bus system, but no train/subway). However, if you plan nights out enjoying the music and maybe the beverages, consider parking at your hotel and using rideshares or taxis for nightlife so you don’t have to worry about DUI laws (Tennessee DUI limit is 0.08% BAC, and enforcement is strict, especially in entertainment zones). The city center is fairly walkable between neighborhoods like Downtown, SoBro, and the Gulch. But for getting to places like Belle Meade Plantation or the Loveless Cafe on the city outskirts, you’ll be glad you have a car.
With these tips, you’re set to drive around Nashville like a local (well, almost!). The freedom of a car means you can catch a sunrise at the Natchez Trace bridge, lunch in a hip East Nashville café, and still make it to the Grand Ole Opry in the evening all on your own timetable. AirportVanRental is thrilled to help you on your journey through Music City and beyond. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
Frequently Asked Questions
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is about 8 miles east of downtown Nashville. By car, it typically takes around 15–20 minutes to reach downtown when traffic is light. The most direct route is via Interstate 40 West, which you can access directly from the airport exit. Just follow the signs for I-40 West towards Nashville. That will take you into the downtown loop. During peak traffic (rush hour), it might take a bit longer, maybe 25-30 minutes, as I-40 and the connecting interstates can get congested. There’s no train or subway, and while taxis/rideshares are available, having a rental car is often the fastest and certainly the most flexible way. Plus, if you’re headed beyond downtown to places like Opryland (which is east of downtown) or Franklin (to the south), you’ll definitely want that car.
Nashville International Airport hosts a full range of major rental car companies on-site. You’ll find Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty, and also some smaller or regional brands like Payless and Sixt (if operating at BNA). All of them are located at the consolidated Rental Car Center, which is connected to the terminal by a short walk.
Nashville is reasonably driver-friendly. Compared to mega-cities like Los Angeles or New York, Nashville’s size is smaller and the traffic, while sometimes heavy, is not as chaotic. The city layout has a few interstates converging downtown, which can confuse some at first, but navigation apps make it straightforward. One thing to note: Nashville drivers can be a bit impatient during rush hour (who isn’t?), but overall are not overly aggressive. The downtown streets are a mix of one-way and two-way; just pay attention to signs to avoid wrong turns. If you’re coming from a more rural area, the multiple lanes on interstates and busy six-lane city roads might be an adjustment, but it’s not too intimidating. Parking downtown can be the bigger hassle, but once parked, you can walk to many attractions. In summary, if you’re a confident driver elsewhere, you’ll find Nashville just fine. If you’re a very new driver or nervous, try to avoid peak hours and use a GPS to guide you until you get your bearings. And remember, Tennesseans are generally polite you might even get a friendly wave if someone lets you merge!
Downtown Nashville has numerous parking garages and surface lots, ideal for visiting the Broadway honky-tonk strip, Bridgestone Arena, Ryman Auditorium, etc. Some of the popular parking locations: the Music City Center garage (aprox. 6th Ave & Demonbreun St.) is huge and right by Bridgestone Arena/Country Music Hall of Fame; the Public Library garage (on 6th and Church) is a bit further north but often cheaper and only a 10-minute walk to Broadway; and various surface lots along Commerce St, 3rd Ave, and 4th Ave are available these often charge a flat fee like $20 for event nights or ~$10 for 2-3 hours. If you’re going to Nissan Stadium (for a Titans game or an event), there are large lots there, but for games you usually need to pre-purchase a parking pass or use downtown parking and walk the pedestrian bridge. Pro tip: Many downtown garages offer a flat evening rate ($5 after 5 PM) on non-event nights, so you can park cheap if you arrive after rush hour. Also, free parking can be found a bit outside the core for example, in Germantown or the Gulch neighborhood’s streets if you don’t mind a longer walk or a quick rideshare. And on Sundays, some metered street parking is free (check the meter label to confirm). Always read signage some areas have towing enforced for unauthorized parking (especially in private lots). Lastly, if you’re doing a quick stop, Nashville has some new smart meters where you can pay with a card or app for street parking up to the limit. In short, there’s ample parking, just be prepared to pay in the most convenient spots.
We touched on some in our driving tips, but to recap a few local quirks: • Hands-Free Law: Tennessee law prohibits holding a phone while driving, so use Bluetooth or pull over to use your phone. • HOV Lanes: During rush hours, the leftmost lanes on some interstates are HOV 2+ only. Tourists sometimes accidentally use them solo avoid doing that in posted times (you’ll see signs like “HOV 2+ 7-9AM, 4-6PM” on I-65/I-24). • Flashing Traffic Lights: If you’re out late, some Nashville traffic lights in less busy areas switch to flashing mode (flashing red or yellow). Treat a flashing red as a stop sign (stop, then go when clear) and a flashing yellow as a caution (proceed through carefully without stopping, yielding as necessary). • Four-Way Stops: Very common in residential neighborhoods; remember the first-to-stop, first-to-go rule, and if simultaneous, yield to the car on your right. • Pedestrian Scramble: In downtown at Broadway/2nd near the Bridgestone Arena, there’s a pedestrian scramble crossing (all vehicles stop, pedestrians cross in all directions). Just obey the traffic signals there; it’s designed to handle heavy foot traffic during events. • School Zone Cameras: If you drive through school zones (usually outside downtown), note the flashing 15 MPH zones when lights flash. Some have speed cameras enforcing those strictly tickets by mail aren’t fun. • Weather Caution: If it rains heavily, sometimes water can pool on I-24 by the river. Also, Nashville hills can be slick in the rare ice locals joke that even a rumor of snow closes schools. Just be cautious; if you’re not used to driving on icy hills and one appears, it might be better to reroute to a main treated road. • Enjoy the Scenery, but Focus: Nashville has lovely vistas especially when you drive outside downtown rolling hills, the Cumberland River, etc. Enjoy it as a passenger or when stopped, but while driving keep eyes on the road. Some country roads around Nashville are winding (like along the Natchez Trace or near Percy Warner Park). Drive them at a safe speed fun fact: quite a few country music stars live along some of those back roads in Williamson County, so you never know who might be in the pickup truck behind you! Overall, nothing too unusual just good driving common sense with a few local flavors. Have fun out there, and crank up that country radio for the full Music City driving experience!