Car Hire
Tennessee

At Nashville International Airport, all hire car companies are located in a consolidated Rental Car Facility separate from the main terminal. After collecting your bags on Level 1, follow the prominent signs for Ground Transportation and Rental Car Shuttles. You will exit the terminal and cross the road to the designated pickup area for the complimentary shuttle buses. These shuttles run on a continuous loop, providing a quick and efficient transfer directly to the rental car centre entrance.

Even if your flight arrives late at night, the process for reaching the hire cars at BNA remains straightforward and reliable. The airport's complimentary shuttle service to the consolidated Rental Car Facility typically operates 24/7 to accommodate all arriving flights. Simply follow the standard signs from baggage reclaim to the shuttle pickup zone. While the frequency of shuttles may be slightly reduced during off-peak hours, you can expect a bus to arrive within a reasonable time to take you on the short ride to the hire counters.

The drive from BNA to downtown Nashville can vary significantly depending on the time of day. During a typical weekday rush hour, roughly 7–9am and 4–6pm, you should plan for the trip to take anywhere from 30 to 50 minutes due to heavy congestion on I-40. In contrast, during late evening or other off-peak times, the same drive is much quicker, often taking only 15 to 20 minutes. Always check a real-time traffic app before you leave the airport to get the most accurate travel time estimate.

For a simpler drive from BNA to East Nashville that bypasses the most complex downtown interchanges, a good option is to use Briley Parkway. From the airport, take I-40 West for a very short distance and then exit onto Briley Parkway (TN-155) North. You can follow Briley Parkway for several miles until you reach the exits for Ellington Parkway South or Gallatin Pike South. Both routes will lead you directly into the heart of East Nashville, offering a more relaxed and less congested alternative to navigating the I-24/I-40/I-65 downtown loop.

To ensure a stress-free departure for a morning flight, it's sensible to arrive at the BNA Rental Car Facility at least two and a half hours before your scheduled departure. This buffer accounts for the time needed to complete the vehicle return process, which is usually quick but can have queues. It also allows for the shuttle ride back to the main terminal, checking in your luggage with the airline, and clearing security. If you are travelling during peak weekday morning traffic, consider adding an extra 30 minutes to your driving time to the airport.

A common mistake drivers make when returning a hire car to BNA is missing the dedicated exit for the Rental Car Facility off Donelson Pike. As you approach the airport, signage will direct traffic for Departures and Arrivals, but you need to be in the correct lane specifically for rental returns. Another frequent error is accidentally following signs for the airport car parks instead of the clearly marked rental return entrance. Pay close attention to the overhead signs that explicitly say "Rental Car Return" to avoid making a wrong turn and having to circle back.

For overnight parking near Broadway, the most practical approach is to use one of the many paid multi-storey car parks or surface lots in the area. While on-street parking may be available, it often has time limits and restrictions that make it unsuitable for overnight stays. Using a secure car park allows you to park once and leave the vehicle for an extended period, giving you the freedom to explore the downtown area on foot. Many hotels also offer guest parking, which can be convenient, albeit sometimes costly.

Driving directly on Broadway and in the SoBro area on a weekend night can be extremely challenging due to heavy pedestrian traffic, frequent road closures for events, and intense vehicle congestion. A smarter strategy is to park your hire car on the periphery of the main entertainment district and walk the last few blocks. Look for car parks located a few blocks away from Broadway, such as near the Bridgestone Arena or along Demonbreun Street. This approach saves you the stress of navigating crowded streets and allows for a much easier exit when you're ready to leave.

In popular Nashville neighbourhoods like The Gulch, Midtown, and Germantown, street parking is typically metered and strictly enforced. Most meters now use a pay-by-plate system, where you enter your licence plate number at a kiosk or use a mobile app. Be sure to read all posted signs carefully for time limits, hours of enforcement, and any residential permit restrictions, which can vary by street. Parking enforcement is very active in these high-demand areas, so it's crucial to pay for the correct amount of time to avoid a ticket.

Yes, the area immediately surrounding Broadway between 1st and 5th Avenue is frequently subject to temporary road closures, especially on weekend evenings and during major events. This part of downtown sees exceptionally heavy pedestrian traffic, making driving slow and difficult even when the streets are open. Additionally, the streets around Bridgestone Arena and the Ryman Auditorium often have closures or managed traffic flow before and after concerts or games. It's always a good idea to check a local traffic app for real-time closure information before heading downtown.

Driving in Nashville during major events like CMA Fest or a Titans game requires significant patience and planning. Expect widespread road closures, major traffic detours, and severe congestion on all motorways and surface streets leading into the city centre and stadium area. Parking becomes extremely limited and is often reserved well in advance. The best strategy is to arrive in the area several hours early or park your hire car in a car park further away and use walking or rideshare services to reach your final destination.

When driving in the Music Row and Midtown areas, visitors often get tripped up by the network of one-way streets, particularly around the traffic circles at Demonbreun Street and Division Street. Navigating these roundabouts can be confusing if you're not in the correct lane for your intended exit. Additionally, many of the streets in Music Row are narrow and can be unexpectedly one-way, requiring you to circle a block to reach your destination. It's helpful to use a sat-nav with lane guidance and review your route before you start driving.

The I-24 and I-40 interchange near downtown Nashville, often called the "Silly Split," can be very stressful for first-time visitors due to its confusing lane configuration and heavy traffic. If you are travelling on I-40 East and need to continue on I-40, you must move to the left lanes, as the right lanes exit onto I-24 East. Conversely, when on I-24 West, you must be in the left lanes to stay on I-24. The key is to pay close attention to the overhead signs well in advance and get into your target lane early to avoid last-minute, unsafe manoeuvres.

To reach the Vanderbilt University area from the airport or east of the city while avoiding downtown traffic, a straightforward route is to use I-440. Take I-40 West from the airport and then merge onto I-440 West. From I-440, you can take the 21st Avenue/Hillsboro Pike exit, which will lead you directly to the edge of the Vanderbilt campus. This beltway route allows you to bypass the often-congested downtown motorway loop, providing a much smoother and more predictable drive.

A day trip from Nashville to Memphis is quite manageable, with the drive taking approximately three to three-and-a-half hours each way almost entirely on I-40 West. The motorway is straightforward and well-maintained, making for a relatively easy drive. For a convenient break, the town of Jackson, located about halfway, offers numerous easy-off, easy-on exits with a wide variety of petrol stations, fast-food chains, and sit-down restaurants. Another good option is the Tennessee River Welcome Centre near mile marker 134, which provides clean restrooms and a place to stretch your legs.

To avoid the worst traffic when driving from Nashville to the Gatlinburg area, timing your arrival is key. The drive itself is about three and a half to four hours, mostly on I-40 East. The main traffic bottleneck occurs on the Parkway through Sevierville and Pigeon Forge, which gets extremely congested from late morning through the evening, especially on weekends. Plan to leave Nashville very early in the morning so you can pass through Pigeon Forge before 10am, or consider arriving later in the evening after 9pm when the traffic has subsided.

When visiting Chattanooga's riverfront and aquarium, parking is generally accessible and well-signed. The most convenient option is the dedicated parking garage attached to the Tennessee Aquarium, which offers hourly rates. There are also several large, paid surface lots located just a block or two away from the riverfront area. For a potentially less expensive option, look for metered on-street parking on the surrounding streets, but be mindful of the time limits. Arriving earlier in the day will give you the best selection of available spots.

The drive from Nashville to Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is about 90 minutes and is mostly on I-65 North, making it a very easy trip. Once you exit the motorway and get closer to the park, you will be on more rural roads. While these roads are well-paved, mobile signal can become spotty or non-existent within the park's boundaries. It's a good idea to download offline maps for the area before you leave. Petrol stations and restaurants are plentiful along I-65, but services become scarce once you exit toward the park, so plan accordingly.

Driving the Natchez Trace Parkway from its northern terminus near Nashville offers a peaceful and scenic experience. The parkway is a two-lane road with a strictly enforced speed limit, no commercial traffic, and limited access points, creating a relaxed atmosphere. For a half-day trip, you can drive south to landmarks like the double-arched bridge, Birdsong Hollow, and the Gordon House Historic Site. Be aware that there are no petrol stations or shops directly on the parkway, so ensure you have enough fuel and any needed supplies before you enter.

While the immediate Nashville area is relatively flat, some surrounding roads can surprise visitors. When driving east toward the Cumberland Plateau on I-40 or I-24, you will encounter some long, steep grades known as Monteagle Mountain, which has significant lorry traffic and requires careful driving, especially in poor weather. Additionally, many of the smaller state highways and rural roads in the rolling hills outside the city can feature sharp curves and narrow shoulders. Always drive attentively when exploring the Tennessee countryside beyond the main interstates.

The most direct route from Nashville to the historic downtown of Franklin is to take I-65 South. From the motorway, you will take Exit 65 for TN-96/Murfreesboro Road and head west. This road leads you directly into the heart of downtown Franklin. Once you arrive, parking is made easy by two large, multi-level public car parks located just off the main square, in addition to ample free on-street parking. The car parks are well-signed and offer the most convenient option for exploring the shops and restaurants on foot.

Driving to the Grand Ole Opry and Opry Mills complex is straightforward, as it's located just off Briley Parkway. To avoid circling for parking, your best bet is to use the large, free surface car parks that surround the Opry Mills mall. For visiting the Opry House itself, look for the lots situated between the mall and the theatre. Even on busy days, these lots are so expansive that you can typically find a spot with just a bit of searching, though you may have a short walk to your destination.

Planning a drive to the Bluebird Cafe requires anticipating its location in a busy commercial area with limited parking. The cafe is situated on Hillsboro Pike in the Green Hills neighbourhood, which experiences significant traffic, especially in the late afternoon. The small parking lot behind the building fills up extremely fast. The smoothest plan is to arrive well before your showtime and look for a spot in the surrounding shopping centre lots, being mindful of any posted towing warnings. Alternatively, parking a few blocks away in a residential area and walking can be a less stressful option.

During heavy rain in Nashville, drivers should be prepared for reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces on the motorways. Water can pool in the outer lanes and on exit ramps, creating a risk of aquaplaning, so reducing your speed is essential. The downtown motorway loop (I-40/I-24/I-65) can become particularly hazardous as traffic slows abruptly. It's also wise to be aware of low-lying roads in areas near the Cumberland River or smaller creeks, as they can be susceptible to localized flooding during intense downpours.

During winter weather in Nashville, bridges and overpasses are always the first surfaces to become icy, as they are exposed to cold air from all sides. Key areas to be cautious of include the I-40 Silliman Evans Bridge over the Cumberland River and the numerous flyover ramps on the downtown motorway loop. Additionally, hilly secondary roads in areas like Bellevue or the suburbs of Williamson County can become treacherous quickly. Local authorities prioritise treating major motorways, but less-travelled roads may remain slick for longer periods.

Visitors driving around Nashville should be aware of a few common areas for speed enforcement. The stretch of I-65 through the suburb of Brentwood is known for having a consistent police presence. Similarly, Briley Parkway (TN-155), which loops around the city, is frequently monitored, especially in the sections near the airport and Opryland. It's always best to adhere to the posted speed limits throughout the metro area, as enforcement can occur on any major motorway or local road.

Nashville's High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes are typically the far-left lane on major motorways like I-65, I-40, and I-24. They are restricted to vehicles with two or more occupants during posted morning and afternoon rush hours on weekdays. A common mistake visitors make is entering or exiting the HOV lane by crossing the solid double white lines, which is prohibited. You must only enter and exit at the designated dashed-line areas. Using the lane as a solo driver during restricted hours can also result in a traffic offence.

The drive from Nashville to Clarksville is very straightforward, taking about an hour via I-24 West. The motorway is a direct route with clear signage for the appropriate Clarksville exits. Once in Clarksville, parking near visitor spots like the Customs House Museum or the town centre is generally easy to find. There is a mix of free on-street parking, often with time limits, and several public lots that offer convenient access to the main attractions. Near the Fort Campbell gate, you'll find designated visitor parking areas.

A realistic plan for a show at the Ryman is to park your hire car in a car park a few blocks away from the venue. The Ryman is located in the heart of the bustling city centre, and the streets immediately surrounding it become very congested before and after a show. By choosing a car park like the one at the Nashville Public Library or the Music City Centre, you can park once and enjoy a short walk to the auditorium. This strategy also provides a much easier exit route, as you'll be away from the most intense post-show traffic.

Driving to the various recreation areas around Percy Priest Lake is very accessible, as most are located just a short drive off I-40 east of Nashville. The roads leading to the parks are well-paved and clearly signed. On warm, sunny weekends, the parking lots for the most popular day-use areas, such as Cook Recreation Area and Anderson Road, can fill up very quickly. To secure a spot, it's highly recommended to arrive early in the morning, especially if you're planning to use the beach or picnic facilities.

Parking at Radnor Lake State Park is notoriously limited and can be a significant challenge, especially on weekends and nice afternoons. The park has two main lots, one on the west side off Granny White Pike and one on the east side off Otter Creek Road, both of which are small. To get a spot, the best strategy is to arrive on a weekday morning or very early on a weekend morning, typically before 8am. If the lots are full, you are not permitted to park along the adjacent roads, so having an alternate plan is a good idea.

To visit multiple Nashville neighbourhoods in one day without the stress of re-parking, a 'park once' strategy is often best. Choose a centrally located and affordable all-day car park, perhaps in the SoBro or Midtown area. From this central base, you can use a combination of walking and rideshare services to hop between nearby districts like The Gulch, Downtown, and Midtown. This approach eliminates the time-consuming search for parking in each new neighbourhood and allows you to enjoy your day more freely.

For families with kids, attractions outside the city centre often offer the easiest car access and parking. The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is an excellent choice, with a large, dedicated car park right at the entrance. Similarly, the Adventure Science Center has its own convenient parking lot, making it simple to get from your car to the exhibits. Both locations are stroller-friendly and designed to accommodate families arriving by vehicle, minimising hassle and walking distance.

When road-tripping between Nashville and Knoxville, the drive on I-40 East takes about three hours without traffic. To avoid the most frustrating congestion, plan to leave Nashville after the morning rush, between 9:30am and 2:00pm. This allows you to miss Nashville's outbound traffic and arrive in Knoxville before its afternoon rush hour begins around 4:00pm. Similarly, when returning to Nashville, leaving Knoxville in the mid-morning will help you avoid the worst of the commuter traffic at both ends of your journey.

Driving from BNA to the Brentwood or Cool Springs area during weekday commute hours can be challenging due to heavy traffic on I-65 South. The trip, which might take 25 minutes in light traffic, can easily stretch to 45 minutes or an hour during the afternoon rush between 4pm and 6pm. The main bottleneck occurs as I-65 intersects with the I-440 loop and continues south through the suburbs. If possible, try to schedule your flight arrival to avoid this peak travel window for a much more pleasant drive to your hotel.

After picking up your hire car at the BNA facility, it's best to find a designated spot within the rental garage to get organised before hitting the road. Most rental car garages have overflow areas or marked spaces where you can pull over for a few minutes. This allows you to install a car seat, adjust your mirrors, and programme your sat-nav without the pressure of holding up the exit line. Taking this extra time in a safe, stationary spot ensures you can start your drive calmly and confidently.

When visiting distilleries and wineries in the Tennessee countryside, you'll find that most are located on well-maintained two-lane state highways and rural roads. The drives are generally scenic and not difficult to navigate with a sat-nav. These destinations are accustomed to visitors arriving by car and almost always provide ample, free, and clearly marked parking lots on their property. You can reliably expect to find a convenient spot, even on busier days, making a self-guided tour a very accessible option.

On the drive from Nashville to the Great Smoky Mountains along I-40 East, the towns of Cookeville and Crossville are excellent midway points for a break. Both offer multiple exits with large travel centres and a wide array of fast-food and sit-down restaurants located immediately off the motorway, requiring minimal navigation. These stops are well-equipped for travellers, providing easy-off, easy-on access back to the interstate. This makes them ideal for a quick and convenient stop for fuel, food, or restrooms.

Driving from downtown Nashville to BNA during off-hours like dawn or late at night is typically very quick due to light traffic. However, be mindful that lighting on some stretches of I-40 can be inconsistent, so drive with extra care. This is also the time when overnight roadworks are most common, so be prepared for potential lane shifts or exit closures that may not appear on your sat-nav. Always pay close attention to electronic road signs for the most current information on your route to the airport.