National Car Hire
in Tennessee

After collecting your luggage on the lower level of the terminal, follow the prominent overhead signs for Rental Cars. These signs will direct you outside to the designated ground transport area. There you board a complimentary airport shuttle that will take you on a short ride to the consolidated car hire facility. The National Car Rental desk and vehicle collection area are located within this central building, making the process straightforward and easy to navigate.

Even late at night, the route to the car hire centre at BNA is straightforward and well lit. Once you have your bags, simply follow the airport's clear signage for Rental Cars to the shuttle pick-up point just outside the terminal doors. These shuttles run continuously, including for late arrivals, so you’ll have a reliable transfer to the hire centre. The facility is designed for easy navigation, with clear directions from the shuttle drop-off straight to the National desk and the adjacent vehicle garage.

During peak travel periods such as Friday afternoons or holiday weekends, it’s wise to allow extra time for the car hire process at BNA. Although the consolidated facility is efficient, you should account for possible waits for the shuttle from the terminal and queues at the hire desk. A reasonable estimate is roughly 45 to 60 minutes from when you collect your luggage to when you are driving away. This buffer helps ensure a relaxed start to your trip.

For the most direct and least complicated drive into downtown Nashville, take I-40 West. On exiting the hire facility, follow the clear signs directing you towards I-40 W. This interstate takes you straight into the city centre and offers well-marked exits for key downtown areas such as Broadway and Demonbreun Street. Staying on this main artery helps you avoid the more complex loop interchanges until you are more familiar with the layout.

To reach Music Row and Midtown from BNA, staying on I-40 West is generally the most efficient and straightforward choice. Take I-40 W and look for the Demonbreun Street or Broadway exits, which will place you very close to these neighbourhoods. Surface roads like Murfreesboro Pike have more traffic lights and potential congestion, making them less suitable for a first-time drive. The interstate provides a more direct route, allowing you to get your bearings before navigating city streets.

When a major event is happening downtown, expect significant traffic delays and numerous road closures, especially in the hours immediately before and after the event. Check a real-time traffic app before you set off and build in at least an extra hour of travel time. Parking becomes very limited and more expensive, so consider using a car park several blocks away and walking. Planning your route in advance and having a backup parking plan will make the experience far less stressful.

Most visitors exploring the Broadway honky-tonk district use the numerous paid car parks and garages located within a few blocks of the main strip. The Music City Center and the public library car park are popular, well-lit options. For an easy return drive, try to park in a garage that offers simple access to a main thoroughfare like Commerce Street or Demonbreun Street. This allows you to exit the downtown core and get back to the interstate or your hotel without navigating through the most congested parts of Broadway.

Driving to The Parthenon is very realistic, as Centennial Park offers a good amount of free parking. There is a large car park directly in front of The Parthenon, along with additional angled parking along the park’s internal roads. On pleasant weekend afternoons or during events these spots can fill up, but circling for a few minutes usually results in finding a space. Arriving earlier in the day at weekends is a good strategy to secure a convenient spot without hassle.

For a less stressful drive to East Nashville, the Ellington Parkway bridge is often a great choice as it tends to have a smoother traffic flow than more central bridges. It’s easily accessible from downtown and provides direct routes into the heart of the neighbourhood. Another good option is the James Robertson Parkway bridge, which connects to Main Street in East Nashville. Avoiding the Silliman Evans Bridge (I-24/I-65) during peak rush hour can significantly reduce travel stress.

Handling downtown Nashville’s one-way streets is best done by relying on a GPS navigation app with voice guidance. This lets you focus on the traffic around you rather than having to read street signs at the last second. It’s also helpful to review your general route before you start driving to form a mental map of the area. Drive defensively, allow plenty of space, and don’t be afraid to circle the block if you miss a turn; it’s often safer than making an abrupt manoeuvre.

Yes. Visitors should be particularly mindful of parking rules in neighbourhoods adjacent to downtown, such as The Gulch, Midtown, and areas around Vanderbilt University. These areas often have metered parking, time limits, and residential permit-only zones that are strictly enforced. Some main streets also have rush-hour restrictions where parking is prohibited to create an extra lane for traffic, so always read the signs carefully before leaving your vehicle. When in doubt, using a paid car park or garage is the safest option.

Driving and parking directly on 12th Avenue South at the weekend can be very challenging due to its popularity and limited street parking. A smarter approach is to look for parking on the adjacent residential side streets, being careful to respect any permit-only signs. An even better strategy is to park a few blocks away and enjoy a short walk into the main commercial area. This avoids frustration from circling for a spot and gives you a better feel for the charming neighbourhood.

Nashville’s rush hour, typically 7–9am and 4–6pm, can significantly increase travel times, particularly on major interstates like I-24, I-65 and I-40 that loop the city. If you have a time-sensitive reservation, allow at least double your normal estimated travel time. Surface streets can also become heavily congested. Using a real-time traffic app is essential for finding the least crowded route and ensuring you arrive on time without unnecessary stress.

After leaving the BNA hire facility, the Donelson Pike area offers several convenient stops ideal for a family reset. You’ll find numerous fast-food restaurants, coffee shops, and large stores like Target or Kroger just a few minutes’ drive from the airport. These locations provide easy parking, restrooms, and the chance to pick up snacks and drinks. Taking a few minutes here to organise your luggage and settle everyone in can make the final drive to your hotel much more pleasant.

A day trip to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg is very practical and can be a relaxing drive. The journey is about 90 minutes each way, mostly through scenic Tennessee countryside once you head south of the city. To keep it relaxed, plan to leave Nashville after the morning rush hour, around 9:30am. This allows for a leisurely drive, plenty of time for a tour and lunch in Lynchburg, and a return before the evening traffic builds up back in Nashville.

For a scenic drive to Franklin, avoid the direct I-65 route and instead take Hillsboro Pike (US-431 S). This road winds through some of Nashville’s most picturesque areas, including Green Hills and Forest Hills, before opening out into rolling countryside. The route features handsome homes, horse farms and lush greenery, offering a more charming and relaxed experience. It leads directly into the historic heart of Franklin, making it ideal for a half-day trip.

To enhance your drive from Nashville to Chattanooga, take I-24 East and look for exits that lead to state parks and natural areas. A worthwhile stop is the Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park near Manchester, which offers easy scenic walks. Further along, South Cumberland State Park provides access to dramatic viewpoints like the Stone Door, though that requires more of a hike. Budget an extra two to three hours if you want to include a couple of these refreshing breaks.

The most straightforward route for a first-time driver from Nashville to the Great Smoky Mountains is to take I-40 East directly towards the Knoxville area. From there follow signs for TN-66 S (Winfield Dunn Parkway), which leads into Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and then Gatlinburg. This route is primarily on major interstates and well-maintained state roads, making it easy to navigate and generally the fastest path into the heart of the Smokies.

To avoid the heaviest traffic and secure good parking in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, it’s best to leave Nashville early in the morning. Aim to be on the road by 7:00am at the latest. That should put you in the Smoky Mountains before midday, ahead of the peak afternoon arrival rush. This timing is especially important at weekends and during peak seasons such as summer and autumn, when the main parkway and popular parking areas can become very congested by early afternoon.

The drive from Nashville to Memphis is mainly on I-40 West and takes about three hours. While the scenery is largely flat farmland and can feel a bit monotonous, the road is well maintained and easy to drive. There are plenty of clearly signposted rest stops and service exits with petrol stations and fast-food options along the route. For a more interesting break, consider a quick stop in Jackson, Tennessee, roughly halfway, which offers more dining and shopping options just off the interstate.

Visitors should be aware that speed limits on Nashville’s interstate loop (where I-40, I-65 and I-24 converge) can change more frequently than on long rural stretches. Pay close attention to posted signs, as the limit often drops as you approach the city centre. Also be mindful of speed limits in smaller towns on the metro’s outskirts, as they are often strictly enforced. Driving with the flow of traffic and staying alert to the signs is the best way to avoid issues.

Driving on I-24, particularly southeast of downtown where it merges with I-40, requires heightened awareness. This stretch is known for frequent lane shifts, quick merges and left-hand exits that can be confusing for unfamiliar drivers. It’s highly recommended to use a GPS navigation app for lane guidance and to know your exit well in advance. Stay in the centre or right-hand lanes if you are just passing through to avoid being caught in an exit-only lane unexpectedly.

The most direct route from Opryland to downtown is via Briley Parkway (TN-155) to I-65 South. This route is straightforward and generally takes about 15–20 minutes in light traffic. Congestion becomes heavy during standard morning and evening rush hours, from about 7:00–9:00am and 4:00–6:30pm. During these times travel may easily take twice as long, so it’s best to plan trips to and from downtown outside of these peak periods where possible.

Driving to the Gaylord Opryland during major holiday events, such as the Christmas season, can be very congested, especially in the evenings and at weekends. The resort manages traffic flow well, but expect delays on Briley Parkway and Opryland Drive. The resort offers extensive on-site parking in large lots and a car park for a daily fee. For a slightly cheaper option you can park at the adjacent Opry Mills mall and walk over, though this may be restricted during the busiest times.

To visit Radnor Lake State Park it’s best to go on a weekday or very early on a weekend morning, as the car parks fill up extremely quickly. The main entrance is off Granny White Pike, which leads to the West Lot and visitor centre. There is also an East Lot off Otter Creek Road that serves as a good alternative if the main lot is full. Arriving before 9:00am on a weekend is crucial to secure a spot and enjoy the trails before they become too crowded.

For a peaceful nature drive, the Natchez Trace Parkway is an excellent choice. You can access the northern terminus just off Highway 100 in the Bellevue area, about 20 minutes from downtown. The parkway is a two-lane, commercial-traffic-free road with a low speed limit, perfect for a relaxing drive through beautiful woodland. You can drive for as little as 30 minutes or a few hours, enjoying scenic overlooks and pull-offs before turning back, making it a flexible and serene escape from the city.

Night-time driving on rural Tennessee roads can be challenging due to a lack of street lighting, winding curves and the potential for wildlife crossing the road. It’s important to drive at a cautious speed and use your high beams when there is no oncoming traffic to better illuminate the road ahead. Many of these roads are two-lane with narrow shoulders. If you’re returning late from places like Leipers Fork or a distillery, ensure you’re well rested and give the drive your full attention.

When driving into the Great Smoky Mountains, it’s wise to prepare for intermittent mobile signal. Before you lose coverage, download offline maps of the region in your preferred navigation app. It’s also a good idea to have a car phone charger or a portable power bank to keep devices powered. Packing extra water, snacks and a basic first-aid kit is always prudent for any trip into more remote, mountainous areas where services are sparse.

Summer thunderstorms in Nashville can develop quickly and produce intense downpours, drastically reducing visibility and making roads slick. The safest approach is to reduce your speed significantly and increase your following distance from the vehicle ahead. If the rain becomes so heavy that you cannot see lane markers or other vehicles clearly, it’s best to pull over to a safe location such as a rest area or car park until the worst of the storm passes. Avoid stopping on the hard shoulder of the motorway if possible.

Winter ice or snow events are infrequent in Nashville, but when they occur they can cause significant travel disruption as the area is not heavily equipped for snow clearance. Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, can become very slick and hazardous. If winter weather is forecast, minimise driving and monitor local news for road condition updates. If you must drive, do so slowly, allow much greater stopping distances, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration.

For an easy-to-reach nature escape right from BNA, Long Hunter State Park is an excellent option. It’s located just a 15–20 minute drive east of the airport, primarily via I-40 E and then Mt. Juliet Road. The route is simple and avoids downtown traffic entirely. Another good choice is Cedars of Lebanon State Park, about a 30-minute drive east via I-40 E and US-231 S, offering another straightforward journey to pleasant trails and picnic areas.

A great loop is to head south from Nashville on Hillsboro Pike (US-431) to historic Franklin first. After exploring Franklin, take TN-46 West, a scenic road that leads you directly into the village of Leipers Fork. From Leipers Fork continue on TN-46 until it meets the Natchez Trace Parkway. Take the parkway north for a relaxed drive that will lead you back towards the western side of Nashville, completing the loop without significant backtracking.

To visit those three campuses efficiently, group them by proximity. Start at Vanderbilt University in the West End/Midtown area. From there Belmont University is a short drive south on 21st Avenue. After Belmont continue south on Granny White Pike to reach Lipscomb University. This north-to-south progression keeps you moving in one general direction and minimises criss-crossing through heavy city traffic, making for a much smoother day.

A common confusion point when heading to BNA from downtown is negotiating the I-40/I-24/I-65 interchange. Visitors sometimes mistakenly follow signs for I-65 South or I-24 East instead of staying on I-40 East. To avoid this, get into the correct lane for I-40 E well in advance and follow signs specifically for Airport and Knoxville. Using a GPS is highly recommended, as it will provide crucial lane guidance through this complex series of splits and merges.

For an early morning flight, plan to arrive at the BNA hire car return facility at least 2.5 hours before departure. This allows for potential morning rush hour traffic, the return process, and the shuttle ride back to the terminal during a busy period. For a mid-day flight traffic is generally lighter, so arriving about 2 hours before is usually sufficient. It’s always better to have a little extra time to avoid last-minute stress.

The most efficient method is to first drive to the Departures level at the main terminal and drop off your passengers and luggage there. This allows them to proceed to check-in while you handle the car return unencumbered. After the drop-off, follow signs for Rental Car Return and complete the process yourself. You can then take the quick shuttle back to the terminal to meet your party at the security checkpoint.

For travellers just passing through, staying near the airport or in suburbs like Franklin or Brentwood offers the easiest motorway access. Hotels around BNA provide immediate entry to I-40, allowing for a quick departure in the morning. Similarly, staying in Franklin or Brentwood south of the city provides excellent access to I-65. These locations allow you to avoid navigating downtown traffic when you need to get back on the road efficiently.

A good strategy is to park once in a central location and explore from there. For example, park in a garage near The Gulch and explore that neighbourhood on foot, then use a rideshare for a short trip to Midtown or Downtown. Alternatively, drive between neighbourhoods but plan to visit during off-peak hours, such as mid-morning on a weekday, when finding street or lot parking is generally easier than on a weekend afternoon.

Tennessee itself does not have any toll roads, so you can drive throughout the state without needing to plan for tolls. However, if your trip takes you into neighbouring states like Kentucky or Georgia, you may encounter toll roads, some of which use cashless, all-electronic tolling systems. It’s a good idea to check the tolling policies for your destination state beforehand and ask at the hire desk about their specific programmes for handling these charges to ensure a smooth journey.

The hire car garage at BNA provides ample space around the vehicles to load luggage and organise your group. Once you have your assigned vehicle, take your time to load all your bags and have everyone find a comfortable seat. Before driving out of the parking space, do a final walk-around to ensure all doors are securely closed and that no personal items were left behind. This quick check in the well-lit garage ensures a safe and organised start to your trip.