Hertz Car Hire
Nashville

On arrival at Nashville International Airport (BNA), collect your luggage and look for overhead signs for Ground Transportation and Rental Cars. BNA has a consolidated rental car facility, meaning all rental desks are located in one dedicated area. You will typically follow signs for a short walk or a brief shuttle that takes you directly to this facility. Once there, you can easily find the Hertz desk to complete the paperwork and proceed to your vehicle.

If you arrive late at BNA, the process remains straightforward, which helps reduce stress. After collecting your bags, follow the airport signage for the Rental Car Centre. As late-night arrivals are common, these facilities are well lit and easy to navigate even during quieter hours. The walk or shuttle to the Hertz counter is usually quick, and from there the vehicles are typically located in an adjacent car park. Taking a moment to open the airport map on your phone while you wait for luggage can also make the route feel more familiar.

When travelling with children, having a plan for the car seat is key to a smooth start. After you pick up your vehicle from the Hertz area at BNA’s rental facility, find a parking spot in a less busy section of the car park. This gives you ample room to install the car seat without feeling rushed by other drivers. It’s also sensible for one adult to handle luggage and paperwork while the other focuses on the children and car seat installation. This division of tasks ensures everything is handled efficiently and safely before you set off.

A good strategy is to have your group meet at the main terminal’s baggage claim area first. This allows everyone to gather and collect luggage together at a familiar, well-marked location. Once your party is assembled, you can proceed to the Rental Car Centre together via the designated walkway or shuttle. This approach avoids the confusion of trying to meet inside the rental car garage itself, ensuring a much smoother and less stressful start to your trip to Nashville.

The drive from BNA to downtown Nashville can be quite congested during weekday rush hours, typically from about 07:00 to 09:00 and again from 16:00 to 18:30. During these times the main route, I-40, often experiences significant slowdowns. For a more relaxed experience, first-time visitors should aim to travel during off-peak hours. Late morning, between 10:00 and 14:00, or after 19:00 in the evening, generally offers a much smoother and less stressful drive into the city centre.

Approaching a hotel near Broadway requires a bit of strategy to avoid the busiest streets. Rather than driving straight down Broadway, use your sat-nav to approach via parallel streets such as Commerce Street or Demonbreun Street. These routes often have fewer pedestrians and less entertainment traffic. Aim to pull into the hotel’s designated loading zone or valet area for the luggage drop. It’s also wise to call your hotel in advance to ask for their recommended approach, as they can give the most current advice based on local traffic.

Drivers new to downtown Nashville often find the network of one-way streets around 2nd Avenue and Broadway the most challenging. The junctions here can be complex and require you to be in the correct lane well before your turn. Another tricky area is the loop around the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge where lanes split for different interstates. To navigate confidently, keep your sat-nav visible and heed audio cues early, giving yourself plenty of time to merge safely without abrupt last-second manoeuvres.

For a simpler drive to East Nashville from BNA, take a route that largely bypasses the most complex downtown interchanges. From the airport, take I-40 West and then merge onto I-24 West. Rather than continuing into the downtown loop, take the exit for I-65 North towards Louisville. From I-65 you can then use an exit such as Ellington Parkway or Main Street to enter East Nashville. This path keeps you on major highways for longer, avoiding the dense grid of one-way streets in the city centre.

Driving through Midtown and The Gulch in the evening can be very lively, as these areas are popular dining and nightlife hubs. Expect a significant increase in both vehicle and pedestrian traffic, particularly between 18:00 and 21:00. Streets like Demonbreun in Midtown and 11th Avenue in The Gulch become especially busy. Drivers should be prepared for slower speeds, limited on-street parking and frequent pedestrian crossings. Using a multi-storey car park and walking to your destination is often the most efficient and least stressful option during these peak hours.

The area around Vanderbilt University and its medical centre is a bustling zone with constant activity. Expect steady traffic during the day with noticeable peaks at class change times and hospital shift changes. Be mindful of numerous pedestrian crossings, campus shuttles and designated patient drop-off zones that require careful navigation. Parking is primarily in paid car parks, so it’s a good idea to identify the best car park for your destination in advance. Allow extra time for your journey, as congestion on surrounding streets like West End Avenue is common.

For events at Nissan Stadium, the key is to arrive early and park strategically. Traffic control often begins several blocks away, with police directing vehicles and closing certain streets near the stadium hours before the event. A sensible plan is to approach from the east, using I-24 and exiting at Shelby Avenue rather than coming through downtown. Many attendees park in private lots in surrounding neighbourhoods or downtown and walk across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. This helps you avoid the worst of the post-event traffic gridlock right next to the stadium.

To avoid being caught in traffic after an event at Bridgestone Arena, most visitors park in car parks a few blocks away. The Music City Center car park is a popular, large option offering a relatively straightforward exit onto the main thoroughfares. Other good choices include car parks south of Broadway or closer to the SoBro neighbourhood. Parking five to ten minutes away by foot lets you walk to the arena while ensuring a much quicker departure once the event ends, bypassing immediate congestion at the arena exits.

For a show at the Grand Ole Opry or a shopping trip to Opry Mills it’s wise to arrive well ahead of time, especially at weekends or on event nights. Aim to arrive at least 60 to 90 minutes before your showtime or planned shopping start. This buffer accounts for potential traffic on Briley Parkway, the main access road, and gives you plenty of time to find a space in the large shared car parks. Arriving early turns the experience from a rushed search for parking into a relaxed stroll to your destination.

A stress-free visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame starts with a simple parking plan. The most convenient option is the Music City Center car park, which is directly opposite and accessible via Demonbreun Street. This approach allows you to avoid the busiest parts of Broadway. For a quick drop-off use the designated lane in front of the museum on Rep. John Lewis Way S. Afterwards the driver can easily loop around to enter the nearby car park, making the whole process smooth for everyone in your group.

Driving and parking near The Parthenon in Centennial Park at weekends can be busy, as it’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. There is a free car park directly in front of The Parthenon but it often fills up quickly, especially on sunny afternoons. Be prepared to circle the lot a few times or look for on-street parking along the park’s perimeter roads. Traffic around the park generally moves slowly and is manageable, but patience is important. Arriving earlier in the day, before noon, will significantly increase your chances of finding a convenient spot.

To reach the Johnny Cash Museum while avoiding the heaviest Broadway traffic, it’s best to approach from the south. Set your sat-nav for 3rd Avenue South or 4th Avenue South. This lets you access nearby car parks without having to drive on the most crowded, pedestrian-heavy blocks of Lower Broadway. Once you’ve parked, the museum is just a short and pleasant walk away. This strategy lets you enjoy the destination without the stress of navigating through the heart of the entertainment district’s traffic.

During major events like CMA Fest, New Year’s Eve or a marathon, driving and parking downtown becomes extremely challenging due to extensive road closures and huge crowds. The best plan is to park your rental car at your hotel or in a car park on the periphery of the event zone and leave it there. Rely on walking or ride-hailing services to get around the core downtown area. Always check the city’s official website or local news for maps of road closures before heading out to avoid getting stuck in event-related gridlock.

For a night out on Broadway the smartest plan is to park your car in a well-lit public car park several blocks away from the main strip of honky-tonks. Consider car parks near the Music City Center, SoBro, or even across the river by Nissan Stadium if you don’t mind a walk over the pedestrian bridge. This strategy has two benefits: it’s often easier to find parking and, more importantly, it allows for a simple exit at the end of the night. You’ll avoid navigating streets crowded with pedestrians and ride-hail vehicles, making for a safer and less frustrating departure.

After leaving BNA and before heading into the heart of downtown, there are several convenient areas for a quick grocery stop. The neighbourhoods of Donelson, just east of the airport, or the Melrose/Berry Hill area south of downtown, have supermarkets with large car parks and easy access from main roads like I-40 or I-440. Stopping in one of these locations lets you stock up on essentials without navigating the tighter streets and more challenging parking situations you’d find in the immediate downtown core. It makes for a more efficient and relaxed errand.

When staying in a Nashville neighbourhood with narrow streets, pay close attention to parking signage. Many residential areas, especially historic ones like Germantown or 12 South, have specific restrictions. Look carefully for signs indicating permit-only parking, time limits or tow-away zones, which are often enforced, particularly on street-cleaning days. It’s good practice to read all signs on a block before leaving your car. If you’re unsure, ask your Airbnb host for specific guidance on where it’s safe to park.

Navigating Nashville’s highway merges, especially around the downtown loop where I-40, I-65 and I-24 converge, requires a defensive and proactive approach. The key is to anticipate your exit or merge well in advance. Use your sat-nav to know which lane you’ll need and begin moving over safely and gradually, rather than waiting until the last second. Keep a steady speed with the traffic flow and signal early to communicate your intentions. Staying alert and giving yourself plenty of space will make the experience much smoother.

A day trip to Lynchburg is a classic Nashville experience and the drive can be very pleasant. For the most straightforward route, take I-24 East from Nashville towards Chattanooga and then exit onto a state road that leads south to Lynchburg. This route uses a major interstate for the longest portion of the journey, making it easy to navigate. The final leg takes you through scenic Tennessee countryside on well-maintained roads. The trip is about 90 minutes each way, making it an easy and enjoyable excursion.

When driving from Nashville to the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville makes for an excellent midway stop to break up the journey. Located right off I-40, it’s about a three-hour drive from Nashville and offers a vibrant downtown with plenty of options for a meal or a short walk. You can visit Market Square for restaurants or stretch your legs at World’s Fair Park. Stopping in Knoxville allows you to refuel and recharge before continuing the final, more scenic leg of your drive into the mountains.

The drive from Nashville to Mammoth Cave National Park is very manageable for a day trip, taking approximately 90 minutes each way, mostly on I-65 North. To make the most of your day, plan to leave Nashville early, aiming to arrive when the park opens. This allows you to book a cave tour for the morning or early afternoon. Be sure to book your tour tickets online in advance as tours often sell out. By starting early you can enjoy a tour and some hiking and still be back on the road to Nashville before evening rush hour.

Downtown Franklin is extremely walkable and the best strategy is to park once and explore on foot. There are two large, free public car parks conveniently located a block off Main Street, one on Second Avenue and another on Fourth Avenue. These car parks are the preferred choice for most visitors as they offer ample space and easy access to the historic downtown core. Using one of these car parks lets you comfortably spend hours browsing shops and restaurants without worrying about moving your vehicle.

The drive to Arrington Vineyards and the nearby Natchez Trace Parkway is a lovely trip through rolling Tennessee hills. The roads are generally well paved two-lane country roads that are easy to navigate. Around sunset the scenery is spectacular, but it’s also when wildlife, particularly deer, can be more active. It’s important to drive attentively and be aware of your surroundings. The Natchez Trace Parkway has a strictly enforced speed limit and is a commercial-free scenic byway, making for a very relaxing and picturesque drive.

The Natchez Trace Parkway is not challenging to drive; it’s designed for a leisurely scenic journey with a low speed limit and no commercial traffic. The most common mistake drivers make is missing entrance or exit ramps, as they are often subtle and blend into the natural landscape. A key landmark to watch for is the double-arched bridge near Franklin. To avoid missing your turn, use your sat-nav and pay close attention as you approach your intended entry or exit point since signage is deliberately unobtrusive.

For a perfect half-day scenic loop from Nashville, a drive through Franklin and Leiper’s Fork is an excellent choice. Head south from Nashville to the historic town of Franklin, then take a short stretch of the Natchez Trace Parkway. Exit the parkway and drive through the charming village of Leiper’s Fork, known for its antiques and rural beauty. From there, a network of picturesque country roads will lead you back towards Nashville. This loop offers a wonderful taste of Tennessee’s countryside in just a few hours.

During heavy rain in Nashville, major interstates like the I-40/I-65 split downtown can become very slow due to reduced visibility and more cautious driving. Low-lying areas and roads near the Cumberland River, such as parts of Briley Parkway, can also be prone to standing water. It’s sensible to allow at least 25–50% extra travel time when it’s raining. Surface streets with poor drainage can also get messy, so sticking to main thoroughfares and reducing your speed is the safest plan.

When driving on two-lane roads in Middle Tennessee at night, the main adjustments are the lack of streetlights and the increased presence of wildlife. Rural roads can be very dark between towns, so using your high beams when appropriate is important for visibility. Be especially vigilant for deer, which are frequently seen near the roadside, particularly at dusk and dawn. The roads themselves are generally well maintained, but the combination of darkness and potential wildlife requires a higher level of driver awareness than city driving.

To coordinate this smoothly, first drive to the Departures level of the main terminal and drop off your friends and all the luggage. This gets them situated and out of the car. After they are safely on the curb, follow the signs for "Rental Car Return" to take the car back to the Hertz facility. Once you’ve returned the vehicle, take the shuttle or walkway back to the main terminal to meet your friends at their airline’s check-in counter. This sequence avoids any confusion at the rental return area.

As you approach Nashville International Airport for your return, pay close attention to the overhead road signs. The airport has dedicated signage specifically for "Rental Car Return" that is separate from the signs for "Arrivals" and "Departures." Make sure you are in the correct lane early, as directed by these signs. Following this dedicated path will lead you directly into the consolidated rental car facility, completely bypassing the passenger terminal loops. Setting your sat-nav to "BNA Rental Car Return" can also provide helpful guidance.

The most practical sequence is to drive to the upper Departures level of the airport terminal first. Here you can drop off all passengers and unload all the luggage directly at the curb for your airline. This allows your party to proceed to check-in while you handle the car. After everyone is out, follow the signs for "Rental Car Return" on your own. This process is efficient and minimises stress, as you’re not trying to manage bags and people at the rental facility.

Before returning your rental car, there are several convenient places near BNA to pull over and get organised. The nearby neighbourhood of Donelson has numerous petrol stations and shopping centre car parks just a few minutes from the airport entrance. These spots provide a safe and easy place to refuel, dispose of any rubbish and do a final check for personal belongings. Stopping here allows you to arrive at the Hertz return area with the car ready to go, making for a quicker and more efficient drop-off process.

Most airport-area hotels are located along Donelson Pike, the main road leading away from the terminal. After picking up your car from the rental facility, the route is very straightforward and well signed. Simply follow the signs for the airport exit, which will put you directly onto Donelson Pike. This route completely avoids the need to join any major interstates or navigate the complex interchanges near downtown Nashville, making it a low-stress drive after a long flight.

When visiting popular neighbourhoods like 12 South, Germantown or Sylvan Park, be prepared for a more residential driving experience with tighter conditions. These areas feature a mix of on-street parking and small lots, so finding a space during peak times, such as weekend brunch, can be a challenge. Expect increased pedestrian traffic, narrower streets and be sure to read all parking signs carefully for time limits or resident permit requirements. Arriving a little early or being prepared to walk a few blocks from your parking spot is often the best approach.

For a group trip with multiple stops, the most effective strategy is to park the rental car in a central location and use other forms of transport for short hops. For example, park in a car park in The Gulch or Midtown for the day. From that base your group can easily walk or use ride-hailing services to move between restaurants, shops and attractions. This approach removes the repetitive and time-consuming hassle of finding parking at each destination, allowing you to enjoy your time together more freely.

To secure a good parking spot at a popular brunch venue, timing is everything. Plan to arrive either when the restaurant opens or 15–20 minutes beforehand. This strategy is especially effective in neighbourhoods like 12 South or The Gulch where parking is at a premium. By beating the main rush, which typically starts about an hour after opening, you’ll have a much better selection of parking spaces. Alternatively, choosing a brunch spot that accepts reservations can also help you plan a more precise and less stressful arrival time.

To ensure a smooth departure from Nashville for a trip to Memphis or Louisville it’s important to avoid weekday rush hour. For the drive to Memphis via I-40 West or to Louisville via I-65 North, plan to leave Nashville before 07:00 or after 09:30. An afternoon departure after 13:00 but before about 15:30 also works well. Leaving during these windows allows you to clear the metropolitan area before the heaviest commuter traffic builds up, saving you significant time and making for a much more pleasant start to your road trip.