SUV Hire
Nashville

Nashville International Airport keeps things simple with a consolidated car hire facility a short distance from the main terminal. After collecting your bags, follow the signs for Ground Transportation and head to the designated hire-car shuttle pick-up. These shuttles run continuously and are equipped to handle luggage, prams and family groups, making the transfer much smoother. The ride is brief and drops you directly at the facility where all the hire counters are in one building, minimising extra walking.

If you expect a late arrival at BNA, it’s wise to confirm the opening hours of your particular car hire provider’s desk. Many remain open late to accommodate incoming flights, but it’s best to check. Include your flight number in the booking so staff can anticipate delays. On arrival, go straight to the hire-car shuttle to minimise time in the terminal. Having your booking details and driving licence ready will also speed up the pick-up at the desk.

For less stressful SUV parking near the action, consider hotels in SoBro (South of Broadway) or Midtown. These areas are a short walk or rideshare away from Lower Broadway but generally have more modern hotels with spacious, accessible parking garages designed for larger vehicles. The Gulch is another excellent option, known for its wider streets and newer developments that include ample garage parking. Staying in one of these adjacent areas allows you to park your SUV securely and avoid navigating the busiest downtown streets at peak times.

After collecting your SUV, a good spot for a quick reset is the cell phone waiting lot at BNA or one of the nearby petrol stations just off airport property on Donelson Pike. These locations provide a safe place to pull over completely, out of the flow of airport traffic. Here you can take a few minutes to adjust your mirrors, set up your GPS or phone mount, and secure luggage. This brief stop lets you get organised and comfortable before merging onto the motorway and navigating into downtown Nashville.

When leaving BNA, the primary challenge is merging onto Interstate 40 (I-40). The on-ramps can be short, requiring you to get up to speed quickly to blend with fast-moving traffic. Be particularly mindful of the I-40/I-24 split as you approach downtown; you’ll need to be in the correct lane well in advance. Another area to watch is the loop around the city, where I-40, I-24 and I-65 converge, creating a sequence of rapid lane changes. Using a sat-nav with lane guidance can be extremely helpful for navigating these complex interchanges for the first time.

To avoid the worst of Nashville’s morning rush for a flight out of BNA, plan to leave the downtown area about two to two-and-a-half hours before your flight’s departure. Weekday commuter traffic heading out of the city towards the airport is heaviest between 7:00am and 9:00am. Leaving earlier gives you a comfortable buffer for the drive, the SUV return process and airport security. The drive itself can take much longer during peak traffic, so an early start is key to a stress-free departure.

For group pick-ups and drop-offs in an SUV, it’s best to avoid stopping directly on the busiest streets like Broadway. Instead, use designated rideshare zones or side streets a block or two away from your destination. In The Gulch, look for hotel porte-cochères or less trafficked streets such as Overton Street. In Midtown, the side streets off Division Street offer better temporary stopping points. This approach prevents you from blocking traffic and lets your group board and load into the SUV safely and without pressure.

A practical one-day SUV tour involves parking strategically to explore on foot. Start in the morning in the 12 South neighbourhood for photos and coffee, where on-street parking is often available. Next, drive to The Gulch and find a garage to park, allowing you to walk to lunch spots and boutiques. In the afternoon, move the SUV to a garage near the Country Music Hall of Fame, which serves as a great base for exploring Lower Broadway, the Ryman and the Johnny Cash Museum. This ‘park and walk’ approach minimises driving in heavy traffic and lets you use the vehicle as a convenient locker between stops.

To avoid endlessly circling for a spot, the most reliable option for SUV parking in this area is a large, modern car park. The Music City Center car park is a popular choice due to its size, ample clearance and central location, offering an easy walk to all three venues. Another excellent option is the Fifth + Broadway complex, which has a large, well-lit underground car park designed for modern vehicles. Pre-booking a space online through a parking app can also save time and guarantee you a spot, especially on event nights.

On match days or during major concerts at Nissan Stadium, driving and parking in the surrounding area becomes extremely challenging. Streets immediately around the stadium, including the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge, often close or have restricted access. Instead of trying to park near the stadium, a better strategy is to leave your SUV in a downtown car park on the other side of the Cumberland River. From there you can enjoy a scenic walk across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge to the event, avoiding the worst of the traffic gridlock.

Navigating downtown Nashville’s one-way streets in an SUV requires attentive driving and planning. It’s common to have to circle a block to approach your hotel or car park entrance from the correct direction. Use your sat-nav and anticipate your turns well in advance, as lanes can be narrow and pedestrian traffic heavy. Be particularly cautious of delivery vehicles and tour buses that may be double-parked, requiring careful manoeuvring. Having a co-pilot to help navigate can make finding your specific destination much less stressful.

The most straightforward route between East Nashville and downtown at night is typically via James Robertson Parkway or the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge. These main thoroughfares are well lit and generally have less congestion than smaller neighbourhood streets. When returning to East Nashville late at night, using these primary arteries helps you avoid navigating darker, narrower residential roads. This approach is especially helpful in an SUV, providing a clear and direct path back to your accommodation after an evening out.

When relying on on-street parking for your SUV in busy neighbourhoods, the key is to be strategic about timing. Try to secure a spot in the late afternoon, before the evening dinner and shopping crowds arrive. Always read parking signs carefully, noting time limits, permit requirements or street cleaning schedules. Once you find a good spot, consider leaving the SUV parked and using rideshares or walking for local exploration. This ‘park once’ approach saves you the daily hassle of searching for a space in a high-demand area.

Budget at least 45 to 60 minutes for the drive from BNA to Franklin on a weekday afternoon, though it can take longer during peak rush hour. The main bottleneck is typically on I-40 West heading into the city before the I-440 loop, and then again on I-65 South heading out of Nashville. Traffic congestion builds from around 3:30pm and can remain heavy until after 6:00pm. An accident on this route can cause significant delays, so checking a real-time traffic app before you leave the airport is always a good idea.

For a ‘park once’ music-focused trip, staying in SoBro, The Gulch or Midtown is your best bet. Hotels in these neighbourhoods typically offer garage parking, allowing you to leave your SUV for the duration of your stay. From these locations you can easily walk to major venues like the Ryman Auditorium and the honky-tonks on Lower Broadway. For venues further afield, such as The Bluebird Cafe or Station Inn, a short rideshare is a simple and stress-free alternative to moving your vehicle and searching for parking again.

Driving an SUV on Nashville’s motorways during rush hour can be intense, with heavy, often stop-and-go traffic. The most unpredictable corridors for visitors are the downtown loop where I-65, I-40 and I-24 converge, as well as the stretch of I-24 between Nashville and Murfreesboro. These areas are prone to sudden slowdowns and accidents that can cause major delays. The higher vantage point of an SUV can help see traffic ahead, but it’s crucial to drive defensively and allow extra following distance during peak hours.

The Adventure Science Center is an excellent choice for families, offering a large, dedicated car park that easily accommodates SUVs and provides a simple exit back towards the motorway. Similarly, the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere has expansive surface lots, making parking hassle-free even on busy days. Both attractions are located away from the downtown core, meaning you can avoid the most complex city traffic when arriving and departing, making for a much smoother family outing.

When visiting Cheekwood in an SUV, it’s advisable to arrive early, especially at weekends or during special events like Holiday LIGHTS. The entrance is off a scenic but winding road, and arriving before peak crowds helps ensure a smoother entry. The estate has well-organised, ample parking in surface lots, and attendants are usually on hand to direct traffic, making it easy to find a spot for a larger vehicle. Pre-purchasing tickets online is also recommended to expedite your arrival process.

Driving to the Grand Ole Opry for an evening show involves navigating traffic around the Opry Mills mall complex. Plan to arrive at least an hour before showtime to account for potential congestion on Briley Parkway and in the car parks. The area has large, free surface car parks that are well-suited to SUVs, so finding a space isn’t difficult, but finding one close to the venue can take time. Following signs specifically for the Grand Ole Opry House will lead you to the most convenient lots and help you avoid the main mall traffic.

Driving an SUV to The Parthenon is quite straightforward, as Centennial Park is spacious and accessible from major roads like West End Avenue. There is a significant amount of free angle parking along the park’s perimeter roads, which can accommodate larger vehicles. On busy weekends when these spots fill up, visitors often find additional street parking in the surrounding residential neighbourhoods. Just be sure to read the signs carefully for any time restrictions or permit requirements before leaving your vehicle.

On a day trip to Mammoth Cave, a great place to stop is Bowling Green, Kentucky, located right off the I-65. The exits for Scottsville Road (US-231) offer numerous petrol stations, fast-food chains and restaurants with large car parks that are perfect for an SUV. This area provides an easy on-and-off from the motorway for a quick meal or restroom break. It’s a convenient halfway point that breaks up the roughly 90-minute drive nicely without requiring you to navigate complex city streets.

For the most straightforward drive to Lynchburg, take the I-24 East from Nashville towards Chattanooga. Exit onto TN-55 in Manchester and follow the well-marked signs for the distillery. This route keeps you on a major motorway for most of the journey before transitioning to a primary state road. While your sat-nav might suggest smaller backroads as shortcuts, sticking to this main route is much easier to navigate in an unfamiliar area and is perfectly suitable for an SUV.

For a day trip to Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain, an SUV is an excellent choice. The drive up the mountain to attractions like Rock City and Ruby Falls involves some steep and winding roads, but they are well paved and manageable. Parking at these attractions is generally in large surface lots designed to handle tourist traffic, including larger vehicles. In downtown Chattanooga, you’ll find plenty of car parks and surface lots near the aquarium and riverfront that can easily accommodate an SUV for the city portion of your visit.

To avoid the most stressful traffic when starting a trip to Knoxville or the Great Smoky Mountains, plan to leave Nashville outside peak commuter hours. The best times to depart are either mid-morning, between 9:30am and 11:00am, or after the evening rush, around 7:00pm. This allows you to clear the Nashville metro area and the I-40 East corridor before traffic builds up. An early start before 6:30am on a weekday can also work well, putting you ahead of the morning congestion.

Radnor Lake’s car parks are notoriously small and fill up very quickly, especially on pleasant weekends. The best strategy is to arrive on a weekday morning if possible. If you must go at the weekend, plan to be there right when the park opens, or slightly before, to secure a spot in the main west lot. The extra space of an SUV is not an issue in the lots themselves, but the competition for any available spot is fierce, making an early arrival absolutely essential for a peaceful visit.

During heavy rain in Nashville, visibility can be significantly reduced on the motorways due to spray from other vehicles. Some low-lying areas and underpasses, particularly on smaller local roads, can be prone to flash flooding. The higher ground clearance and weight of an SUV can provide a more stable feel in these conditions. However, it’s crucial to reduce your speed, increase following distance and use your headlights. Always heed severe weather alerts and avoid driving through standing water where possible.

Once you have your keys at the hire desk, proceed to your assigned parking spot. The car park at BNA’s hire facility offers enough space between vehicles to open doors and the rear hatch fully. Take your time to load luggage and secure the stroller first, then get the children settled in their car seats. By organising your loading process at your designated spot rather than at the kerb, you can work at your own pace without causing any delays for other hirers.

A common mistake when returning a hire car to BNA is missing the dedicated exit for the car hire facility off the main airport loop. The signage can appear quickly, so stay in the right-hand lanes as you approach the terminals and look for 'Rental Car Return' signs. Another frequent error is waiting until the last minute to refuel. There are several petrol stations on Donelson Pike just before the airport entrance, so plan a stop there to avoid a frantic search right at the airport.

For the most convenient SUV parking for the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Music City Center car park is the top choice. It is located directly opposite and connected via a covered walkway, offering a very short and easy walk. This modern car park has high clearance and ample space for larger vehicles. Alternatively, several private surface lots are adjacent to the museum, but they tend to fill up quickly and can be tighter to navigate. Arriving early gives you the best chance of securing a prime spot in any of these locations.

The prevalence of pedal taverns, horse-drawn carriages and designated rideshare zones in downtown Nashville means that kerb space is extremely limited and chaotic. Attempting to stop an SUV directly on busy streets like Broadway or 2nd Avenue is impractical and often unsafe. The best approach is to arrange a pickup point on a less congested side street, a block or two away from the main thoroughfare. This allows you to pull over safely and gives your group a clear, less crowded spot to meet you.

To create an SUV-friendly brewery tour, focus on breweries located in more industrial or spacious neighbourhoods rather than those tucked into dense residential areas. For example, planning a route between breweries in The Nations or the Wedgewood-Houston area often provides easier driving and more available parking, including dedicated lots. Before you go, use a map’s satellite view to check street widths and parking situations for each brewery on your list. Always have a designated driver to ensure a safe experience for everyone.

On Vanderbilt match days, the area around the university, particularly West End Avenue and Blakemore Avenue, experiences significant traffic congestion and road closures. Parking becomes extremely scarce, with most nearby lots reserved for event attendees. If your hotel is in this area, the best plan is to leave your SUV in the hotel garage for the day and walk or use rideshares. If you must drive, be prepared for major delays and consider parking further away in a neighbourhood like Hillsboro Village and walking in.

The drive from BNA to the Gaylord Opryland Resort is relatively short but during peak arrival hours (late afternoon) it can take 20–30 minutes due to traffic. The simplest and most direct route is to take Donelson Pike north from the airport and then follow the signs for Briley Parkway (TN-155) West. The exit for Opryland is clearly marked and just a few miles down the parkway. This route avoids the motorway and is a straightforward drive for visitors unfamiliar with the area.

If you’ll be driving late at night, prioritise booking a hotel with a well-lit, secure and easily accessible parking garage. When leaving downtown after midnight, be aware that pedestrian traffic can still be heavy, especially at weekends. The main roads and motorways are generally less congested, making for a quicker drive. However, it’s always wise to use a sat-nav to guide you back, as navigating the one-way street system can be disorienting in the dark, even for experienced drivers.

A great strategy for a photo-focused day is to park your SUV in The Gulch. From a central garage there you can easily walk to several famous murals, the 'WhatLiftsYou' wings and the neighbourhood’s stylish architecture. Another excellent option is to park near the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. This allows you to capture stunning skyline photos from the bridge itself and then walk over to explore East Nashville or the downtown core, all without having to move your vehicle.

The most straightforward route from downtown to Percy Warner Park is to take West End Avenue, which becomes Harding Pike, directly to the park’s main entrance. This route avoids the motorway and takes you through some of Nashville’s scenic residential areas. Once you arrive, there are several large, paved car parks at the main entrance and near the Nature Centre that can easily accommodate SUVs. These lots provide direct access to the most popular trailheads, including the Warner Woods Trail.

To minimise driving stress, sequence your neighbourhood visits logically to avoid backtracking across town. A good plan is to start in Germantown in the morning, as it’s just north of downtown. From there, drive south to The Gulch for lunch and mid-day exploration. Finally, continue south to the 12 South neighbourhood in the afternoon. This north-to-south progression creates a linear route, reducing your time spent in traffic and making transitions between these distinct areas much more efficient and enjoyable.

When using downtown car parks, always pay close attention to the posted height clearance at the entrance, as some older facilities may not accommodate taller SUVs. It’s generally safer to opt for newer garages, such as those at the Music City Center or Fifth + Broadway, which are built to modern standards with higher ceilings and wider ramps. Inside any car park, take turns slowly and be mindful of concrete pillars. If possible, reversing into a parking space can make for a much easier and safer exit later on.

For a quick stopover, park your SUV in a secure, attended garage in the SoBro area, such as the Music City Center car park. This keeps your luggage out of sight and provides a central base. From there, you can take a few hours to walk to Lower Broadway, see the Ryman and grab a bite to eat. This area offers a concentrated dose of Nashville’s highlights within a small, walkable radius. When you’re ready to leave, the garage offers simple access back to I-40 or I-65 to continue your road trip with minimal hassle.