Avis Car Hire
Nashville

During peak travel periods at Nashville International Airport, such as a holiday weekend, it’s sensible to allow extra time for the whole rental process. After deplaning and collecting your luggage, you’ll proceed to the consolidated rental car facility. The total time from your gate to driving away can vary depending on flight arrivals and passenger volumes. To streamline your experience, consider joining loyalty programmes that often let you bypass the main counter. That preparation can significantly reduce your wait and get you on the road to Nashville sooner.

After collecting your bags on the lower level of the terminal, look for prominent signs directing you to ‘Rental Cars’ or the ‘Ground Transportation Center’. You will exit the terminal building and take a short, covered walk to the consolidated rental car facility, which houses several agencies. The Avis counter is located inside that building, and the well-marked route is designed to be straightforward for arriving passengers. Following the overhead signage is the most reliable way to ensure you’re heading in the right direction.

The most direct route from Nashville International Airport to downtown is via Interstate 40 West. As you leave the airport grounds, follow the clear signs for I-40 W towards Nashville. Stay on this interstate for roughly eight miles. You will then see several exits for the downtown area, such as Broadway or Demonbreun Street. Using a GPS app is strongly recommended to guide you to the specific exit closest to your hotel or destination, helping you navigate the final city streets with confidence.

As you exit the rental car facility at BNA, the airport’s road network is designed to guide you clearly towards the major interstates. Pay close attention to the large overhead signs immediately after leaving the garage. The lanes will be clearly marked for I-40 West (towards Nashville), I-40 East (towards Knoxville) and I-24. Choosing your desired direction early and moving into the correct lane as soon as you see the signs will help you avoid any stressful, last-minute manoeuvres.

Navigating Broadway’s vibrant traffic to unload luggage requires a bit of strategy, particularly during evenings and weekends. Your best first step is to contact your hotel in advance to ask about their procedures for guest drop-offs and any designated loading zones. If possible, plan your arrival for a non-peak time, such as mid-afternoon, to avoid the heaviest crowds. Often the most efficient approach is for one person to check in quickly and get directions from the valet or bell staff while the driver temporarily waits with the vehicle.

For a first-time visitor, driving in downtown Nashville can be challenging due to its grid of one-way streets and high volumes of pedestrian traffic, especially around the entertainment district. The area around Broadway and 2nd Avenue is particularly busy, with frequent stops for pedestrians and delivery vehicles. It’s wise to use a GPS navigation app, which will account for one-way streets in its directions. Be prepared for a slower pace and stay alert for people crossing the street, particularly in the evenings.

Finding parking near Lower Broadway on a weekend night can be very competitive, and on-street spaces are extremely limited. The most realistic plan is to head straight for one of the large public car parks, such as the Music City Center or the Fifth + Broadway complex. If those nearest car parks are full, be prepared to park a few blocks away and enjoy a short walk to the main strip. Using a parking app can also help you see real-time availability and locate slightly further, less crowded options.

For a visit to the Ryman Auditorium, many visitors find parking in the large multi-level garage at the Fifth + Broadway complex to be the most convenient option. This garage is located directly opposite the venue, making the walk to the entrance quick and straightforward. Another popular choice is the Music City Center garage, which is just a couple of blocks away. Arriving a little early allows you to park without feeling rushed and perhaps grab a bite before the show.

To minimise stress when driving to Nissan Stadium for a major event, plan to arrive exceptionally early—at least two to three hours before the start time. Many locals avoid the main interstate exits and instead use the Korean Veterans Boulevard bridge or the Shelby Avenue bridge to cross the river from downtown. Pre-purchasing a parking pass for one of the official stadium lots is the most reliable strategy. If you’re parking elsewhere, consider lots on the downtown side of the river and walk across the pedestrian bridge to avoid the worst of the post-event traffic.

If you have an early flight after a night on Broadway, time management is key for a stress-free departure. The drive from downtown to BNA can take as little as 15–20 minutes without traffic, but it’s sensible to allow at least 45 minutes in the morning to account for any unexpected delays. Before heading out for the evening, confirm your route back to the airport rental return. A good plan is to enjoy your night but set a firm departure time from your hotel to ensure you have a comfortable buffer for returning the car and getting through airport security.

When travelling between East Nashville and downtown, avoiding peak rush hour is the best way to prevent delays. The most common routes involve crossing the Cumberland River via the Korean Veterans Boulevard bridge, the Shelby Street bridge or the James Robertson Parkway bridge. During morning and evening commutes these can become congested. For a less stressful drive, try to plan your crossings for mid-morning or mid-afternoon, and use a traffic app to check for any accidents or unusual slowdowns before you leave.

For visitors who prefer easier driving and parking, neighbourhoods like The Gulch and 12 South are often more manageable than the dense downtown core. The Gulch features wide streets and numerous paid parking garages and lots integrated with its restaurants and shops. Similarly, the 12 South neighbourhood has a main commercial strip with some dedicated lots and more available on-street parking, though it can get busy. These areas offer a fantastic taste of Nashville’s food and culture with a slightly less hectic driving experience.

Driving in Nashville during a major event like CMA Fest requires significant patience and planning. Expect widespread road closures, major traffic diversions and extremely heavy pedestrian traffic throughout the downtown area. Travel times can easily double or triple, and parking will be scarce and at a premium. The best strategy is to park your car at your hotel or in a garage on the perimeter of the event zone and rely on walking or rideshares for getting around the busiest areas. Always check event websites for maps of street closures before you head out.

Rental car counters at major airports like BNA are used to accommodating travellers on delayed or late-night flights. While staffing may be reduced later in the evening compared with peak hours, the counter will typically remain open to serve customers with existing reservations from the day’s final arrivals. The available vehicle selection may be more limited to what’s on hand at that time. It’s good practice to include your flight number in your reservation so the staff can track your arrival status.

For a smooth group pickup, designate a clear meeting point inside the terminal before anyone heads to the rental car facility. A great spot is in the main baggage claim area on Level 1, near the carousel for your specific flight. Once everyone in your party has their luggage and is accounted for, the entire group can walk over to the rental car centre together. This prevents confusion and ensures no one gets left behind before you pick up your vehicle.

After picking up your rental, a practical first stop with children is crucial for getting organised. Just a short drive from the airport in the Donelson area you can find several shopping centres with large car parks. These offer a safe space to pull over, properly install car seats, and rearrange luggage without the pressure of airport traffic. Alternatively, a quick stop at Two Rivers Park, also nearby, provides a chance for kids to stretch their legs before you continue your journey into Nashville.

For travellers needing to stock up on supplies, the most convenient options are located just a few minutes from the airport, preventing any need to backtrack. The Donelson neighbourhood, directly north of BNA, has several major grocery stores and pharmacies easily accessible from Donelson Pike. Alternatively, heading east on I-40 for one exit towards the Opry Mills area will also put you near a variety of large retail stores. Both options allow you to quickly get what you need before merging back onto the interstate towards your final destination.

If you have a long layover at BNA and want a taste of Nashville without downtown traffic, the Opryland area is an excellent choice. It’s located just a 10-minute drive from the airport via Briley Parkway and offers a much more relaxed driving and parking experience. You can explore the vast gardens inside the Gaylord Opryland hotel, do some shopping at Opry Mills, or see the iconic Grand Ole Opry House. This allows you to enjoy a signature Nashville attraction without committing to the potential congestion of the city centre.

To minimise stress when returning your rental, the best method is to handle passengers and luggage first. Follow the airport signs for ‘Departures’ and pull up to the kerb for your specific airline. Here, you can unload all your passengers and their bags. After they are safely on their way to the check-in counter, you can then follow the airport loop signs for ‘Rental Car Return’ and proceed to the drop-off facility by yourself, making the process much quicker and less crowded.

For an early-morning flight, a realistic time buffer from the moment you enter the rental return lanes to arriving at the terminal entrance is about 20 to 25 minutes. This accounts for the time it takes to find a spot, have the agent check your vehicle, gather your belongings, and take the short walk back to the terminal building. While the process is typically very efficient, especially in the early hours, this buffer provides a comfortable cushion against any minor delays, ensuring you get to your gate on time.

The most common mistake drivers make when returning a rental car at BNA is not getting into the correct lane early enough as they approach the terminals. The airport roadway has specific lanes designated for ‘Rental Car Return’, and missing the turn-off can force you to circle the entire airport loop again. At night, reduced visibility can make signs harder to spot, so it’s important to reduce your speed and pay close attention to the overhead signage as you get closer to the main terminal building.

If you encounter a vehicle issue shortly after leaving the airport, avoid stopping on the main interstate. Instead, take the very first exit you can safely reach. The areas immediately surrounding BNA, such as Donelson Pike or the Opry Mills exit, have numerous commercial and retail car parks. Pulling into one of these lots provides a safe, well-lit space off the main road to assess the situation and contact roadside assistance if needed.

When parking your rental car in popular Nashville neighbourhoods, prioritising security can give you peace of mind. Always choose well-lit and reputable car parks or attended lots whenever possible, as they offer greater oversight than street parking. Before you arrive at your destination, place all valuables, shopping bags and luggage securely in the boot, out of sight. An empty car interior is a significant deterrent, so avoid leaving anything visible that might attract unwanted attention, and always double-check that your doors are locked.

The most convenient parking for the Country Music Hall of Fame is the Music City Center garage, located directly across the street on Demonbreun Street. This large, modern garage offers ample space and provides easy access to the museum via a crosswalk. Many visitors find this to be the simplest option for getting in and out of the area. Several other paid surface lots and garages are also available within a few blocks, offering alternatives if the main garage is full during a major event.

Visiting the Parthenon by car is straightforward, as Centennial Park offers several free parking lots for visitors. The main lot is located right in front of the Parthenon, with additional parking available along the park’s perimeter roads. On pleasant weekends or during special events, these lots can fill up quickly. A good plan is to arrive earlier in the day or be prepared to patiently circle the park loop until a spot becomes available, as turnover is generally steady.

The Gulch is one of Nashville’s more modern and car-friendly neighbourhoods, making it relatively easy to visit. It’s easily accessible from the I-40/I-65 inner loop, and main thoroughfares like 11th Avenue South are wide and clearly signed. The neighbourhood was designed with parking in mind, so you will find numerous large, clearly signposted public parking garages and surface lots throughout the area. Simply choose one that is central to the shops and restaurants you plan to visit for a hassle-free experience.

Parking in the popular 12 South neighbourhood requires a bit of patience, as it relies heavily on on-street parking. The most realistic approach is to arrive outside of peak dining hours and be prepared to park a block or two off the main strip on a side street. Pay close attention to signage, as some residential areas have permit restrictions. There are also a few small paid lots, such as the one at Sevier Park Community Center, which can be a reliable option if you don’t mind a short, pleasant walk.

The most direct driving route from downtown Nashville to the Opryland area is to take Briley Parkway (TN-155) North. You can access Briley Parkway from either I-40 East or I-65 North. Once on the parkway, follow the signs for Opry Mills, which will lead you directly to the large complex that houses the mall, the Grand Ole Opry and the Gaylord Opryland resort. This route avoids most city-centre traffic and uses a major, well-signed highway for a simple journey.

To have the best experience at the Nashville Zoo, plan to arrive right when it opens in the morning. This strategy allows you to get a prime parking spot close to the entrance and enter the zoo before the largest crowds and school groups arrive. By arriving early, you’ll avoid the midday congestion that often builds up at the entrance and in the parking lots. An early start also means you can see the animals when they are often most active in the cooler morning hours.

The drive from downtown Nashville to both the Belle Meade Historic Site and Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is very manageable, typically taking about 20–30 minutes. The route takes you through some of Nashville’s most scenic residential areas. Both attractions are well-equipped for visitors arriving by car and offer ample, free on-site parking. You can expect a straightforward experience, with clear signage directing you from the main road to dedicated visitor car parks just a short walk from the entrances.

A half-day trip to historic Franklin is a popular and easy excursion from Nashville, involving a simple 30-minute drive south on I-65. For the most practical parking plan, head to one of the two multi-storey public parking garages located just a block off Main Street, one on Second Avenue and another on Fourth Avenue. These garages offer convenient and affordable all-day parking, allowing you to leave your car and comfortably explore the charming downtown shops and restaurants on foot without worrying about time limits on street parking.

Visiting The Hermitage, Andrew Jackson’s home, is an easy drive from both BNA and downtown Nashville. The most common route is to take I-40 East to the Old Hickory Boulevard exit and follow the signs for about four miles. The Hermitage is well-prepared for visitors and has a very large, dedicated car park on its grounds. Even on crowded days, finding a space is generally not an issue, as the lot is designed to accommodate tour buses and a high volume of cars.

A day trip to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg is a classic Nashville experience, involving a straightforward drive of about 90 minutes. The most common route is to take I-24 East from Nashville towards Murfreesboro, then transition to A-roads for the scenic remainder of the journey. For a predictable stop, consider a break in Murfreesboro for coffee or a snack before continuing south. To ensure a smooth visit, it’s highly recommended to book your distillery tour online in advance, as time slots can fill up quickly.

A day trip to Mammoth Cave National Park is very achievable from Nashville, with a drive time of about 90 minutes each way. The route is a straight shot north on I-65 into Kentucky. A popular and convenient place to stop along the way is Bowling Green, Kentucky, which is home to the National Corvette Museum and offers plenty of dining options. It is essential to book your cave tour tickets online well in advance, as they frequently sell out, especially for the more popular tour routes.

When taking a day trip to Chattanooga, which is about a two-hour drive southeast on I-24, the easiest parking strategy is to use one of the large garages near the riverfront. The garage attached to the Tennessee Aquarium is a popular choice, offering central access to many key attractions. There are also numerous other paid lots and garages in the downtown area, all within a short walking distance of the aquarium, the Walnut Street Bridge and Coolidge Park. Using a parking app can help you compare prices and find a spot easily.

A day trip to the Great Smoky Mountains from Nashville is ambitious, as the drive is about three and a half to four hours each way. To make it manageable, an early start is absolutely essential—plan to be on the road before sunrise. The route is a straight drive east on I-40. To avoid feeling exhausted, focus your visit on one or two accessible areas, such as the Gatlinburg strip or the Cades Cove loop. Pack snacks and drinks for the car and be prepared for a long but rewarding day.

During rare winter weather events in Nashville, visitors should be most cautious on bridges, overpasses and hilly secondary roads, as these surfaces freeze first and are often the last to be treated. The rolling hills in the areas west and south of the city can be particularly challenging. Major interstates are typically the top priority for road crews, but elevated sections and complex interchanges, like the junction of I-40, I-65 and I-24 near downtown, can become very slick and require extreme care.

During heavy rain, Nashville’s major interstates—I-24, I-40 and I-65—are prone to significant slowdowns due to reduced visibility and water pooling on the roadway. The downtown loop where the interstates converge is especially susceptible to congestion. If you are heading to BNA during a thunderstorm, it is wise to add at least 30 extra minutes to your planned travel time. This buffer will help account for the slower traffic speeds and any potential weather-related accidents that could cause further delays.

When planning a multi-city trip, picking up your vehicle at BNA upon arrival is the most efficient option if you plan to leave Nashville immediately or need a car for your entire stay. It allows you to load your luggage once and get on the road without delay. However, if you plan to spend your first few days exclusively in downtown Nashville where a car is not necessary, you might consider picking up from a city location later. This can simplify your initial arrival and save you from dealing with downtown parking straight away.