Payless Car Hire
Tennessee

On arrival at Nashville International Airport, the most straightforward approach is to follow the overhead signs for Ground Transportation and the Rental Car Facility. BNA locates most rental car services in a dedicated centre, usually reached by a short shuttle from the terminal. Rather than searching for a specific kerb, concentrate on finding the designated shuttle pickup area for rental cars. That ensures you’re directed to the correct location where all the counters, including Payless, are conveniently together.

If your flight is delayed, it’s sensible to confirm the opening hours of the rental car facility before you leave the secure area. While many airport locations remain open later to accommodate late arrivals, it’s good practice to know the closing time. Check the airport directory maps inside the terminal to reorient yourself to the shuttle pickup area for rental cars. Having this information means that once you’ve collected your luggage you can head straight to the right spot without confusion or wasted time.

It’s practical to allow between 60 and 90 minutes from deplaning to driving away, though this can vary. That window accounts for walking through the terminal, a possible stop at baggage reclaim, and taking the shuttle to the rental car centre. The queue at the rental counter and the time to complete the pickup process are also important factors. During peak travel seasons, bank holidays or major Nashville events, allowing a little extra buffer is a smart move to avoid starting your trip rushed.

For a first-time driver the most direct and least complicated route from BNA to downtown Nashville is usually via the I-40 West. The airport exit signs are clear and guide you directly onto the interstate. This route avoids immediate surface streets and complex turns, allowing you to get used to the car on a major road. As you near the city centre your satnav will direct you to the specific exit for your hotel, but the initial leg on the I-40 is straightforward for newcomers.

Once you have your rental car, the rental facility’s parking garage itself is the best place to get organised. Before leaving the garage find a safe spot out of the main traffic flow to enter your destination into the satnav and adjust mirrors and seats. If you need more time there are several petrol stations and small shopping plazas on Donelson Pike, just a few minutes from the airport exit. These locations provide a safe place to pull over, secure luggage and make sure everyone is comfortable before merging onto the motorway.

An effective strategy is for the designated driver to take the shuttle alone to the rental car facility to handle the paperwork. The rest of the group can wait with the luggage in a designated passenger pickup area outside the terminal, often less congested than the main arrivals kerb. Once the driver has the car they can return to the terminal pickup zone to collect everyone. This approach minimises the time your family has to manage luggage in the busy rental centre.

The most efficient plan is for the person who arrives first to head to the rental car centre and secure the vehicle. A good meeting point is the cell phone waiting lot, where the driver can wait comfortably until the rest of the party has landed and collected their bags. Alternatively, you can arrange to meet in one of the terminal’s designated passenger loading zones once everyone is ready. Clear communication by text is key to timing the pickup perfectly and avoiding circling the airport.

A frequent mistake is accidentally taking the I-40 East towards Knoxville instead of the I-40 West towards Nashville. The signage is generally clear, but it’s easy to get into the wrong lane quickly. Another common issue is missing the turn for Donelson Pike if you’re heading to a nearby hotel or restaurant, which can lead you straight onto the interstate. Using a satnav from the moment you start the car is the best way to ensure you’re in the correct lane for your intended direction.

To reach East Nashville from BNA while avoiding the most complex downtown interchanges, a sensible option is to take the I-40 West and then merge onto the I-24 West. From there you can take exits for East Nashville neighbourhoods such as Shelby Avenue or James A. Robertson Parkway. This keeps you on major highways for most of the trip but lets you exit before the densest part of the downtown loop. It’s a reliable route that reduces the chance of getting caught in confusing city-centre traffic.

When driving to a hotel in the Broadway or Music Row areas it’s best to approach from a side street rather than directly from the main thoroughfares. These areas are often crowded with pedestrians and hotel entrances can be easy to miss. Programme your satnav to the hotel’s specific parking garage entrance, not just the front door address. Arriving during non-peak times, such as mid-afternoon on a weekday, can also make navigating to the hotel’s valet or self-parking area much less stressful.

For a full evening on Lower Broadway the most practical solution is to use one of the large, centrally located parking garages. The Music City Center and the Fifth + Broadway complex offer extensive parking and are a short walk from the main strip of honky-tonks. Street parking may look available but is often time-limited and hard to find. Choosing a secure garage allows you to park once and enjoy the night on foot without worrying about moving your vehicle.

A smart plan is to target a car park a few blocks from the venue. Garages near Bridgestone Arena or the Music City Center are excellent choices as they are a comfortable five-to-ten-minute walk away. Arriving at least an hour before showtime gives you ample time to park and walk without rushing. This strategy helps you avoid the immediate congestion right outside the Ryman, making for a much smoother arrival and departure.

To avoid game-day gridlock at Nissan Stadium, consider parking in a downtown garage on the opposite side of the Cumberland River. From there you can enjoy a scenic walk across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge directly to the stadium. This bypasses the worst of the traffic immediately surrounding the venue and makes for a quicker exit after the game. Alternatively, arriving several hours early allows you to find parking that offers an easier route back to the motorway.

If you’re driving to Bridgestone Arena from outside the downtown core it’s wise to plan to arrive at least 90 minutes before the event begins. This buffer accounts for potential rush-hour traffic, time to find parking in a nearby car park, and the walk to the arena. Nashville traffic can be unpredictable, especially on event nights, so giving yourself plenty of extra time ensures a relaxed experience. You can use the extra time to grab a bite at one of the many nearby restaurants.

To minimise traffic stress when visiting the Opry area, try to arrive in the morning on a weekday, as weekends and afternoons can be extremely busy. Use Briley Parkway (TN-155) for the most direct access and follow the clear signs for the Grand Ole Opry or Opry Mills. Once there, park in one of the large lots and explore the complex on foot. Moving your car between the mall, the Opry House and the Gaylord Opryland resort is inefficient and likely to lead to getting stuck in traffic.

The most convenient parking for the Country Music Hall of Fame is the garage at the Music City Center, located directly opposite. This large, modern facility provides easy access not only to the Hall of Fame but also to Bridgestone Arena and the Walk of Fame Park. Parking here allows you to leave your car for the day and explore the SoBro (South of Broadway) neighbourhood on foot. It’s a central hub that makes for a perfect base for a day of downtown sightseeing.

For a stress-free visit to The Parthenon aim for a weekday morning when parking is most plentiful. There is a significant amount of free angle parking along the park’s perimeter roads, but these spots fill up quickly, especially on sunny weekends or during events. If the immediate lots are full you can often find street parking in the surrounding residential streets, but check the signs carefully for restrictions. Arriving early is the single best strategy to secure a convenient spot without circling.

A strategic way to explore Nashville is to group neighbourhoods by proximity and park once in each area. For example, dedicate a morning to 12South and Belmont, finding a single parking spot to explore both on foot. In the afternoon drive to The Gulch, park in a central garage and walk to the shops and restaurants. This ‘park once, walk much’ approach is far more efficient than driving a few blocks between each stop, saving time and the frustration of finding parking.

During weekday rush hours, typically from 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:30, expect significant congestion on all major Nashville interstates. The downtown loop where I-40, I-24 and I-65 converge is a notorious bottleneck and traffic can slow to a crawl. Drivers are often aggressive at these times, so drive defensively and allow extra following distance. If possible, avoid those peak periods or use a navigation app with real-time traffic to find alternative surface routes.

For an easy grocery stop after leaving BNA look for suburban-style shopping centres along Donelson Pike or Murfreesboro Pike, which are major roads near the airport. These plazas typically have large, open car parks that are easy to navigate with a rental you’re still getting used to. They offer straightforward entry and exit points, allowing you to get essentials and merge back onto the main road or motorway without the complexities of downtown car parks or tight street parking.

When navigating downtown Nashville’s one-way streets it’s crucial to use a satnav and pay close attention to turn-by-turn directions. Look well ahead for street signs and be prepared for your turn several blocks in advance, as last-minute lane changes are difficult in heavy traffic. Also be highly aware of pedestrians, scooters and pedal taverns common in the downtown core which can cause sudden stops. Staying in the correct lane early is the best way to ensure you don’t miss your turn and have to circle around.

The drive to historic Franklin is straightforward, as it’s a straight shot south from Nashville on the I-65. The trip usually takes about 30–40 minutes without traffic. To avoid the worst of the northbound return, plan to leave Franklin either before 15:30 or after 18:30 on a weekday. This helps you miss the peak commuter rush heading back into Nashville. A late-afternoon departure also allows you to enjoy a leisurely dinner there before cruising back with much lighter traffic.

A day trip to Lynchburg requires planning, as the drive is about 90 minutes each way, mostly on scenic two-lane highways. Start with a full tank of fuel, as service stations become less frequent further from the main interstate. Mobile coverage can be spotty in rural areas, so it’s wise to download your route map for offline use. Pack snacks and water for the drive, as dining options are concentrated in the small town of Lynchburg itself.

For a comfortable day trip to Mammoth Cave National Park plan to leave Nashville early, around 07:30–08:00. The drive is about 90 minutes north on the I-65, and an early start ensures you arrive in time for a morning or early-afternoon cave tour. To avoid driving back late at night aim to leave the park by 16:00–17:00. This schedule gets you back to Nashville well before dark and allows for a relaxed evening in the city.

The drive from Nashville to Chattanooga is roughly two hours via the I-24 East. To avoid arriving during Chattanooga’s afternoon rush it’s best to plan your departure so you arrive before 15:00. A mid-morning departure, around 10:00, is often ideal. This timing lets you miss Nashville’s morning traffic and get settled in Chattanooga before the evening commute begins.

The drive to Knoxville is about three hours east on the I-40. A good place to stop is Cookeville, roughly halfway. It offers easy access to petrol stations, restaurants and state parks like Cummins Falls or Burgess Falls just a short detour from the motorway. Stopping in Cookeville breaks up the drive nicely and lets you stretch your legs in a scenic setting before continuing to Knoxville.

If you’re leaving Nashville in the late afternoon or evening for the Smoky Mountains, a practical strategy is to book your first night in Knoxville. This splits the roughly four-hour drive into a manageable first leg and avoids having to tackle the winding mountain roads near Gatlinburg in the dark. You can enjoy a relaxed evening in Knoxville and complete the final scenic portion of the drive the next morning when you’re refreshed.

When driving to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge be aware that the main Parkway connecting the towns can become extremely congested, especially at weekends, on public holidays and during the summer. A drive that looks like 15 minutes on the map can easily take over an hour. To mitigate this use local backroads and bypasses where possible, such as the Gatlinburg Bypass. Travelling early in the morning or later in the evening also helps avoid the worst of the gridlock.

To enjoy the national park with less traffic hassle consider staying in Townsend or Wears Valley rather than Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. Known as the ‘Peaceful Side of the Smokies’, Townsend gives direct access to the park via Little River Road and Cades Cove, bypassing the main tourist strips. Wears Valley also provides a scenic, less-travelled route into the park. These locations allow for a quieter base while keeping the park’s main attractions within reasonable driving distance.

The drive from Nashville to Memphis is a straight three-hour run west on the I-40. There are well-maintained rest areas and numerous towns with fuel and food options directly off the motorway, so planning breaks is straightforward. To time your arrival, try to reach the Memphis area before 15:30 to avoid its afternoon rush hour, which can be heavy on the I-240 loop. The drive is mostly through rural West Tennessee, so it’s wise to have entertainment like a playlist or podcast ready.

When exploring Tennessee’s backroads be prepared for narrow, winding lanes and potentially limited mobile coverage. It’s essential to download maps for offline use before you leave a major town. Always start with a full tank of fuel, as stations can be few and far between. Watch for wildlife, particularly at dawn and dusk, and drive at a cautious speed since sightlines can be short. These roads offer great scenery but require more attention than interstate driving.

When managing a lot of gear at BNA the best strategy is to use a luggage trolley, which are readily available in the baggage reclaim area. Consolidate all your suitcases and the pushchair onto one or two trolleys. This keeps your belongings contained and makes it much easier to navigate through the terminal to ground transport and shuttle areas. Find a spot slightly out of the main foot-traffic path to wait for your shuttle, keeping walkways clear for other travellers.

A frequent error is underestimating Nashville’s morning traffic, which can significantly delay your arrival at the airport. Another common mistake is forgetting to refuel nearby, leading to a last-minute search for a petrol station. Travellers also sometimes fail to allow time for the shuttle ride from the rental facility back to the terminal. Finally, not doing a thorough last-minute check for personal items like phones, sunglasses or chargers is a mistake that can cause significant stress before a flight.

To ensure you don’t miss the rental car return entrance, programme your satnav specifically for ‘BNA Rental Car Return’ rather than just the airport’s main address. As you approach on the I-40 move into the right-hand lanes early and pay close attention to the overhead signs. The signage for rental car returns is distinct from departures or arrivals. Following those specific signs is the most reliable way to navigate directly to the correct entrance, even in confusing traffic.

For an early morning flight a safe plan is to arrive at the rental car return facility at least two and a half to three hours before your flight’s departure time. This allows about 30 minutes for the car return process and the shuttle ride to the terminal. The remaining two hours provide a comfortable buffer for airline check-in, security and the walk to your gate. Building in this extra time is key to a calm and stress-free departure.

The area along Donelson Pike, just north of the main airport entrance, is your best bet for a quick stop before returning your car. This road is lined with numerous petrol stations, convenience stores and fast-food outlets that are easily accessible. You can refuel the vehicle, grab a coffee or snack, and be back on the road to the rental return facility within minutes. It’s a convenient, low-stress option for last-minute needs before a flight.

During heavy rain in Nashville it’s crucial to reduce your speed and increase your following distance, as roads can become slick. Be particularly cautious on motorway interchanges, as water can pool in low-lying areas. Lane markings on some older sections of highway can be difficult to see when wet, so pay extra attention to the flow of traffic and road signs. Using your headlights is essential for visibility, and it’s wise to avoid using cruise control in these conditions for better vehicle control.

Even when Nashville is clear, a winter road trip can be affected by conditions in other parts of the state. Higher elevations, such as the Cumberland Plateau on the way to Knoxville or the Smoky Mountains, can have ice and snow when the city has none. Bridges and overpasses freeze before other road surfaces, so exercise caution even on seemingly clear days. Always check the weather forecast for your destination, not just your starting point, before heading out on a longer drive.

The most secure approach is to drop luggage at your hotel before you start sightseeing, even if it’s before the official check-in time. Most hotels will store bags for you. If that’s not an option, never leave luggage or valuables visible inside a parked car. Always place items in the boot before you arrive at your parking spot. Choosing a well-lit, attended car park over on-street parking also adds an extra layer of security.

When changing hotels, the best approach is to call the new hotel ahead to ask about their process for luggage drop-off. Use the designated short-term loading zone and be efficient by having your bags ready. If you’re travelling with someone else, one person can run the bags to the bell stand while the driver stays with the car. This avoids leaving the vehicle unattended in a loading zone, which can lead to fines or being asked to move during busy check-in periods.