Our Nashville Transportation & Navigation Guide

Whether you're here for a long weekend or a whole week of honky tonks, hot chicken, and history, one question looms large: How the heck do you get around Nashville?

Nashville isn't quite a "walk everywhere" city like New York or Chicago—but it's not completely car-dependent either. The layout is a mix of dense urban neighborhoods, car-friendly suburbs, and a growing public transit system that's... getting there.

This guide breaks it down, from navigating the airport to understanding how far Lynchburg is. Whether renting a car, hailing a ride share, or hopping on a bus, you'll find honest tips here to make your trip smoother.

Understanding Nashville Geography

Nashville might surprise you. It's not just a single central strip of honky tonks—it's a patchwork of neighborhoods and districts, each with its own vibe. Here's how it's laid out:

Where Nashville Is Within Tennessee

Nashville sits in north-central Tennessee, straddling the Cumberland River. It's about 215 miles east of Memphis and 180 miles west of Knoxville, right along I-40. This central location is a natural hub for road trippers and tour buses.

Downtown Nashville

Downtown is the city's beating heart, where most tourists spend a good chunk of time. Broadway a.k.a "Honky Tonk Highway" is the main drag, packed with live music, rooftop bars, neon lights, as well as home to the Country Music Hall of Fame & Rhyman Auditorium.  

Notable Nashville Neighborhoods & Suburbs

• East Nashville: Think hipster haven—coffee shops, indie stores, murals, and music venues. Quirky, artsy, and a local favorite.
• The Gulch: The Gulch is one of Nashville's most vibrant and stylish neighborhoods. It has boutique hotels, chic condos, trendy restaurants, and live music venues. From iconic murals to rooftop bars and hotspots like The Station Inn and Biscuit Love, The Gulch offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and modern flair.
• Midtown & Music Row: Close to Vanderbilt University and packed with bars, this is where locals and students hang out. Music Row is the heart of Nashville's music industry, where historic recording studios, publishing houses, and record labels line the streets. Tour iconic music studios like the historic RCA Studio B that put the "Nashville Sound" on the map. 
• West Nashville: West Nashville offers a more laid-back, residential vibe while still delivering on charm, character, and culture. This area is known for tree-lined streets, local eateries, and a mix of parks, greenways, and boutiques.
• 12 South: 12 South has experienced a significant transformation over the last few years, evolving into a hub for luxury retail and upscale experiences. A stylish neighborhood with Instagrammable murals, designer boutiques, and killer donuts.
• Germantown: Historic charm meets modern dining. Great for a scenic stroll or food crawl.
• Suburbs: Brentwood and Franklin are leafy and upscale, while Donelson and Hermitage are closer to the airport and budget-friendly.

Getting to Downtown Nashville from the Airport

Landing at Nashville International Airport (BNA), you're about 9 miles—or 20 minutes (if traffic is nice to you) by car—from the center of downtown.

Here are your best options for getting to your hotel or rental:

• Uber/Lyft: These are by far the most popular. Pickup zone signs are found on the Ground Transportation Level. Expect to pay $20–$30, depending on traffic. Wait times can vary depending on traffic, so patience might be necessary.
• Taxis: Flat rate of $25 to downtown. Available outside the arrivals area with no need to pre-book. Be sure your taxi has its meter turned on, though - it's the law!
• BNA Express Bus: WeGo Transit's Route 18 bus runs every 30 minutes to downtown Nashville. It costs $2 and takes about 25–30 minutes. Perfect for budget travelers with light luggage. Learn more at https://www.wegotransit.com.
• Rental Cars: All major companies operate from the Consolidated Rental Car Facility—follow signs after baggage claim.
• Hotel Shuttles: A few downtown hotels offer complimentary shuttles—call ahead to confirm.

Pro Tip: Ridehail pickup zones at BNA can be confusing, especially during peak hours. Look for signage or ask an airport ambassador for directions. For shuttle schedules and maps, visit https://flynashville.com/ground-transportation.

Can You Get Around Nashville Without a Car?

Short answer: yes, but with caveats. If you're staying in or near downtown—and most visitors do—you'll find a lot of sights within walking distance or a quick scooter or rideshare away. But if your plans include places like Belle Meade, The Grand Ole Opry, or day trips outside the city, you'll likely need wheels.

Nashville Transit Guide

Nashville's public transit system, WeGo Public Transit, serves the city and a few surrounding suburbs.

• WeGo Buses: These cover most of the city with over 50 routes, including express options. For tourists, Route 34 (Opry Mills) and Route 18 (Airport/Downtown) are the most useful.
• Pricing: $2 per ride, or $4 for an all-day pass. You can pay cash or use the QuickTicket app to plan and pay.
• Free Circuit Shuttle: A downtown loop with electric shuttles connecting Broadway, Bicentennial Park, and the Gulch.
• Scooters & E-bikes: Bird and Lime scooters are scattered around downtown and the Gulch. Note that they're not allowed on sidewalks.
• B-cycle Rentals: Great for a leisurely cruise through 12 South or Centennial Park. Find a station at https://nashville.bcycle.com/.

Accessibility note: WeGo buses are wheelchair accessible, and many drivers are trained to assist passengers with mobility needs.

Rideshare & Taxi Companies in Nashville

• Uber & Lyft: Fast and reliable in most areas. Expect wait times in the core and near BNA.
• Taxis: Taxis are still available at hotels, airports, and downtown hubs. Use them for fixed-rate fares or as a fallback late at night.

Tips for Driving in Nashville

What You Should Know

• Traffic Is Bad: Nashville's growth has outpaced its infrastructure. No sugar coating here. Sadly, we were voted to have the worst commute in the country in 2024. I-40, I-24, and I-65 see heavy congestion during peak hours.
• One-Way Streets: Downtown's grid includes several one-way streets. Use GPS but stay alert.

Parking:

• Meters: $2.25/hour in most downtown zones.
• Public Garages: Try the Library Garage or Music City Center for reasonable rates.
• Find Parking: Use https://www.parkitdowntown.com to locate garages and check rates.

Group tip: If you're traveling with friends, look for rideshare XL options or large-vehicle garages with clearance above 6'10"—especially for vans or SUVs.

Getting To & From Nashville from Other Major Cities

Nashville to Memphis

• Distance: 215 miles via I-40
• Drive Time: 3–3.5 hours
• Tip: Stop in Jackson or Brownsville for classic barbecue.

Nashville to Louisville

• Distance: 175 miles via I-65
• Drive Time: ~2.5 hours
• Halfway Option: Explore caves or museums in Bowling Green.

Nashville to Lynchburg

• Distance: 75 miles
• Drive Time: 1.5 hours
• Don't Miss: Jack Daniel's Distillery tour (book early!)

Nashville to Chattanooga

• Distance: 135 miles
• Drive Time: 2–2.5 hours
• Safety Note: Drive carefully through Monteagle Mountain.

Our Favorite Tours to Explore Nashville

1. Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley

Easy way to explore downtown, The Gulch, and Music Row.

Info: https://www.trolleytours.com/nashville

2. Golf Cart Tours

Golf cart tours are a fun, efficient, and personalized way to experience Nashville's highlights up close.

3. Food Tours

Taste your way through Nashville with walking tours downtown, Midtown/Music Row, 12 South, or East Nashville. The Midtown/Music Row tour brings you to one of Nashville's most iconic staples that most of your friends have never heard of, but you will be glad you did. 

4. Studio Tours

Visit RCA Studio B via a combo ticket with the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Final Navigation Tips

• Stay Central: Book lodging near Broadway or The Gulch if car-free.
• Pack Smart: Comfy shoes + apps like Uber, QuickTicket, and Park It.
• Don't Wing It: Tours to Jack Daniel's or Chattanooga are smoother with a guide or rental car.

Nashville Transit Cheat Sheet

WeGo Public Transit (Buses)

Best For: Budget travelers, airport rides, major attractions like the Opry

Popular Routes:

• Route 18 – Airport to Downtown
• Route 34 – Downtown to Opry Mills

Fare: $2 per ride, or $4 all-day pass

App: QuickTicket App (https://www.wegotransit.com)

Hours: 5 a.m. to ~11 p.m., limited late-night service

Uber / Lyft 

• Airport Pickup: Ground Transportation Level
• Downtown Tip: You may need to walk a block or two due to street closures
• Average Fare from Airport: $20–$30

Scooters & Bikes

• Providers: Bird, Lime, Spin
• Rules: No riding on sidewalks, Park in designated zones
• Best For: Short hops around The Gulch, SoBro, Midtown
• Bike Option: B-cycle Rentals (https://nashville.bcycle.com/)

Parking & Driving Tips

• Meters: $2.25/hour downtown (use Park It! app)
• Public Garages: Library Garage, Music City Center
• App for Reservations: https://www.parkitdowntown.com