Alamo Car Hire
Nashville

Once you have your luggage from baggage reclaim, the most direct route is to follow the airport’s overhead signs for "Rental Cars." Nashville International has a consolidated rental car facility, which simplifies the process. Typically you will take a short walk or a dedicated shuttle to the rental counters and vehicle collection area. This keeps you on a clear pedestrian route and avoids the confusing vehicle loops intended for passenger drop-off and pick-up.

Collecting a vehicle late at night at Nashville airport is a routine process, though the facility may be quieter with fewer staff visible. To ensure a smooth experience, have your reservation details and driving licence ready to show at the desk. The rental centre is well lit and signposted, guiding you to the vehicle collection area. As late-night traffic is usually lighter, joining the main interstate from the airport is often less stressful than during peak times.

A convenient and comfortable place for the group to wait is inside the main terminal near the baggage claim exits on Level 1. This area provides seating and sits outside the main flow of foot traffic. Alternatively, if the weather is pleasant there are designated waiting areas just outside the terminal doors. Once the driver has the car, they can follow signs for passenger pickup to collect the rest of the party and the luggage at the kerbside.

The most straightforward route from BNA to downtown Nashville is to take Interstate 40 (I-40) West. This is the primary artery connecting the airport to the city centre and is very clearly signposted. You will remain on I-40 for about eight miles before you see exits for downtown destinations like Broadway and Demonbreun Street. Using a sat-nav will help you anticipate the exact exit, but the main drive itself is direct and commonly used by visitors.

Navigating downtown Nashville’s one-way streets for the first time takes extra attention, particularly around the busy Broadway area. It is strongly recommended to use a sat-nav and review your final approach to the hotel before you set off. Be prepared that you may need to circle a block to reach your hotel’s entrance, as a direct turn might not be possible. Staying in the correct lane and watching for pedestrians is key to a low-stress arrival.

To reach The Gulch with less stress during peak evening hours, consider routes approaching from the south or west where possible, rather than driving straight through the downtown core. Streets such as 12th Avenue South can sometimes offer a more manageable traffic flow than Demonbreun Street right where it crosses the interstate. Allow extra time, use your navigation app’s live traffic feature and be prepared for a slow, steady approach as you get closer to your hotel.

The drive from BNA to East Nashville is relatively simple, typically involving I-40 West and then transitioning to I-24 West. You’ll cross the Cumberland River via the Silliman Evans Bridge, which offers a good skyline view. The key is to pay close attention to your sat-nav as the exits for East Nashville neighbourhoods like Five Points appear quickly after the I-40/I-24 split. Staying in the right-hand lanes as you approach the river will position you well for a smooth exit.

When driving from the airport to the Vanderbilt and Music Row area, the most common route is I-40 West to the I-40/I-65 split. To minimise congestion, try to approach via main thoroughfares like West End Avenue or Broadway rather than cutting through smaller side streets. Bear in mind this area mixes university traffic and tourist activity, so patience helps. Planning your arrival outside of class change times or major events will also make for a smoother drive.

Parking directly on Lower Broadway is almost impossible, so your best option is to use one of the many paid car parks or surface lots a block or two away. For a quick drop-off, choose a pre-arranged spot on a less congested side street, like 3rd or 4th Avenue, rather than stopping on Broadway itself. This avoids blocking traffic and allows your friends to join you safely. Always check parking rates, as they can vary significantly by time and nearby events.

For an event at Bridgestone Arena, it’s sensible to plan on parking at least 60 to 90 minutes before the show starts. This buffer accounts for event traffic, finding a space in a nearby car park and the walk to the venue. Downtown traffic can become very heavy in the hours leading up to a major concert or game. Arriving early allows for a more relaxed experience and possibly time for a pre-show meal.

On event days at Nissan Stadium, the key is to arrive very early and park farther away than you might expect. Many visitors find it easier to park in a downtown car park on the other side of the river and walk across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. This helps avoid the immediate gridlock around the stadium. If you must park near the stadium, approach from the north or east via I-24 and follow electronic signs for event parking, and be prepared for significant delays when arriving and leaving.

From downtown Nashville, the most direct route to the Grand Ole Opry is to take Briley Parkway (TN-155) North. This parkway loops around the city and has dedicated exits for the Opryland area. If you are driving directly from BNA, the route is even simpler: take Donelson Pike north for a few miles straight to the Opry Mills complex. Both routes are well signed, but the approach from the airport is shorter and avoids downtown motorway traffic.

The Opry Mills area can be confusing for first-time visitors due to its large, sprawling layout with multiple entrances and mixed hotel, mall and event traffic. The main thing to watch for is the ring road that circles the property; make sure you’re in the correct lane for your specific destination, whether it’s the mall, the Opry or a hotel. Pay attention to signs and drive slowly, as pedestrians often cross between car parks and the various attractions.

The most direct drive from BNA to Franklin involves a short stretch on I-40 West, then I-440 West, and finally merging onto I-65 South. This route bypasses downtown Nashville, making it very efficient. Traffic on I-65 South typically becomes heavy during the weekday afternoon commute, generally from about 3:30pm until 6:30pm. Planning your drive outside of this window will help you avoid the worst congestion toward Franklin and Cool Springs.

To avoid backtracking, a logical plan is to drive from Nashville to the village of Leiper’s Fork first, perhaps via the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway. Spend the morning or early afternoon there enjoying the shops and galleries. From Leiper’s Fork, it’s a short country drive east to historic downtown Franklin for the rest of the afternoon and evening. This sequence creates a pleasant loop that brings you back toward I-65 for an easy return to Nashville.

Driving the Natchez Trace Parkway from Nashville is a relaxing and scenic experience, with a commercial-free road and a low speed limit. The most common entry point for first-timers is near the Loveless Cafe off Highway 100, which marks the northern terminus. Confusion can occur at exit points since they are less frequent and not as clearly marked as typical highway exits. It’s wise to have a map and know your intended exit mile marker in advance, as mobile signal can be spotty.

Before planning a short scenic drive, first ask what kind of scenery you prefer: rolling hills, historic towns or riverside views. For rolling hills, a loop around Franklin and Leiper’s Fork is ideal. If you prefer riverside views, a drive along the Cumberland River on roads such as River Road Pike can be lovely. Also consider how much time you have, as that will determine whether you can include stops for food or photos — essential for a relaxing outing.

A day trip to the Great Smoky Mountains from Nashville requires an early start, as the drive is about three and a half to four hours each way. To be realistic, leave Nashville no later than 7:00am. To avoid traffic surprises, plan to enter the park via a less-congested entrance such as Townsend rather than Gatlinburg. Focus your visit on one or two key areas, such as Cades Cove or the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, rather than trying to see the entire park in a single day.

The most common mistake when driving from Nashville to Memphis is underestimating the three-hour drive time on I-40 and not planning interesting stops. Many travellers either rush the whole way or make unplanned stops that add too much time. A better approach is to leave Nashville after the morning rush and plan a single, deliberate stop for lunch in a town like Jackson to break up the drive. This makes the journey part of the experience rather than merely a long transit.

To plan a practical road day to Chattanooga, aim to leave Nashville around mid-morning, once rush hour has cleared. The drive on I-24 East takes about two hours. This timing lets you arrive in Chattanooga around lunchtime, giving you the afternoon to explore attractions like Lookout Mountain or the Riverwalk before evening traffic builds. For the return, consider staying for dinner and departing later to ensure a clear drive back to Nashville.

When planning a visit to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, it’s best to book your tour in advance online. The drive from Nashville is about 90 minutes through rural areas, so make sure you have plenty of fuel before leaving the metro area. Rely on your sat-nav but also download the map for offline use, as mobile coverage can be inconsistent. Lynchburg is very small, so plan to eat at one of the few local spots near the distillery or bring your own snacks and water.

When planning a multi-distillery tour, group your stops geographically to minimise driving time on rural roads. For example, focus on distilleries south of Nashville. Always add at least 20–30 minutes of buffer to the sat-nav estimate for each leg to allow for slower country roads and possible detours. It’s also crucial to have a designated driver for the day to ensure everyone’s safety while enjoying tastings.

During heavy rain in Nashville, visibility on interstates like I-24 and I-40 can be significantly reduced due to spray from other vehicles, especially lorries. Increase your following distance and reduce speed. Be particularly cautious on the many short or curved slip-roads, as you’ll have less time to merge into faster-moving traffic. Also watch for pooling water in low-lying areas, a common issue on some local roads after heavy downpours.

On open stretches of interstates like I-40, I-65 and I-24 outside of Nashville, you can experience significant crosswinds, especially during storm fronts. When driving a larger vehicle such as an SUV or minivan, these gusts can cause the vehicle to sway. Keep both hands on the wheel and make small, steady corrections. Avoid abrupt movements and be mindful of the extra space you might need within your lane.

When driving on rural roads outside Nashville at night, reduce your speed significantly. Use your main beam lights whenever there is no oncoming traffic to better illuminate the road edges where deer often emerge. Actively scan the verge and be prepared to brake. If you see one deer, assume others are nearby as they frequently travel in groups, especially at dusk and dawn.

Before heading into rural Middle Tennessee where mobile signal can be unreliable, prepare your navigation by downloading the regional map for offline use in your phone’s navigation app. This allows navigation to continue working without data. Having a physical road map in the car as a backup is also a wise and reliable strategy for peace of mind.

For visitors accustomed to states with extensive toll systems, planning a drive around Nashville is refreshingly simple because Tennessee has no toll roads. This means you can rely on your sat-nav for the most direct or fastest route without worrying about extra costs or needing a payment transponder. You can freely use all major interstates and parkways, like Briley Parkway, without encountering tolls, which simplifies budgeting and navigation.

After picking up your car at BNA, the Donelson and Hermitage areas are ideal for a quick and easy grocery stop. These neighbourhoods are only a few minutes’ drive from the airport and offer several major supermarkets off main roads such as Donelson Pike or Lebanon Pike. This lets you stock up for your trip without navigating the complexities and traffic of downtown Nashville, making for a more efficient start to your visit.

If a warning light comes on or you suspect a tyre issue on a Nashville interstate, your first priority is safety. Signal your intent and carefully move onto the hard shoulder as soon as it is safe, even if it feels narrow. Once stopped, turn on your hazard lights. It is generally safest to remain in your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened and call roadside assistance, providing your precise location using a nearby mile marker or exit number.

To manage car seats and luggage with children, have one adult wait with the children and bags in a designated area while the other collects the rental car. Once the car is ready, the driver can proceed to the passenger pick-up kerb. This divide-and-conquer approach prevents the whole family from navigating the rental facility with all their gear and creates a calmer, more organised transition from the airport to the vehicle.

A smart plan is to choose a specific, easily identifiable landmark inside the terminal. Good options include a particular restaurant in the main concourse or a designated seating area at baggage claim for the last arriving flight. This ensures everyone can connect before heading to the rental car facility together. Clear communication by text about landing times and progress through the airport is also essential.

Driving in downtown Nashville during a major festival weekend can be extremely challenging due to extensive street closures and heavy pedestrian traffic. It’s best to avoid driving into the festival zone altogether. Plan to park your rental car at your hotel or in a car park on the perimeter of the event area and use ride-hailing services or walk to your destinations. Always check the official event website for maps of street closures before attempting to drive nearby.

When parking in a Nashville neighbourhood, read all street signs carefully for parking restrictions. Look for information about residential permits, street cleaning days and time limits, which are common in areas like East Nashville, 12 South and The Gulch. Pay close attention to signs indicating a tow-away zone. If you are unsure, it is safer to find a paid car park or ask your Airbnb host for specific guidance on where guests may legally park.

For an easy and accessible scenic overlook, visit the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge in the city centre. You can park in a paid lot near Nissan Stadium or the Country Music Hall of Fame and take a short walk onto the bridge for striking skyline views. Another good option is Love Circle Park in the Hillsboro West End, a small hilltop park offering panoramic city views with relatively simple street parking nearby, especially on weekdays.

When returning a rental car to BNA early in the morning, the most common point of confusion is the final approach to the airport. As you get close the roadway splits multiple times for departures, arrivals and parking. It is crucial to stay in lanes specifically marked for "Rental Car Return." Following these dedicated signs, rather than general airport signs, will guide you directly to the correct facility without getting caught in the passenger drop-off loops.

A smooth way to manage this is to first drive to the Departures level of the main terminal. Pull up to the kerb designated for your airline and quickly unload your passengers and luggage. After they are safely on the kerb, follow airport signs for "Rental Car Return." This process is efficient and saves your group from having to handle bags on the shuttle from the rental facility.

To ensure your sat-nav directs you correctly, enter "BNA Rental Car Return" or "Nashville International Airport Rental Car Return" as your specific destination. Simply putting "BNA" or the airport’s main address will often default to the passenger terminals. Using the more precise search term will guide you to the dedicated entrance for the rental car facility and help you avoid the passenger drop-off and pick-up loops.

If you realise you’ve left an item behind, act quickly and have specific information to hand. You should have your rental agreement number, the exact date and approximate time of return, and the vehicle’s make, model and licence plate number if possible. A detailed description of the lost item is also crucial. Having these details ready will make contacting the rental location and enquiring about your belongings much more efficient.

A good strategy is to use a secure, paid car park near your downtown hotel for overnight parking. While this involves a cost, it provides peace of mind and a reliable spot. This allows you to enjoy the nightlife on foot without worrying about your car. For early morning day trips, having the car in a nearby car park means you can get on the road quickly without having to search for on-street parking or move the vehicle because of morning restrictions.