Getting Around Nashville: The Basics
Nashville is a car-oriented city, and for reaching neighborhoods beyond the center, a rental car is generally described as the most efficient option. That said, visitors who stay downtown can cover a great deal on foot and lean on buses, rideshare, taxis, and short-term rentals for everything else. The practical rule of thumb: stay central if you can, and treat a car as optional rather than essential.
Public Transit: WeGo Buses
Nashville's public bus system is WeGo Public Transit (the Nashville MTA), which operates routes throughout downtown and the surrounding area. The network is designed around a central station, and the schedule is built to accommodate a conventional 9AM–5PM working day, with limited late-night service.
- Fares and passes: An adult two-hour pass costs $2, and an all-day adult pass is $4.
- Payment: Pay with exact change or QuickTickets; cash is recommended.
- Practical notes: Routes are limited and the bus is not fast for most tourist itineraries, so it works best for specific point-to-point trips rather than sightseeing. Route maps and schedules can change, so check the WeGo website before you travel.
- Events: WeGo has partnered with Geodis Park to provide weekend transport for Nashville SC games.
Rail: The WeGo Star Commuter Train
Nashville's rail option for visitors is the WeGo Star (formerly Music City Star), a commuter train that runs Monday through Friday from Lebanon to Riverfront Station downtown.
- Tickets: One-way tickets purchased at the platform are $5 each.
- Connections: Two shuttle services carry train passengers at no extra charge — just show your WeGo Star ticket to board. Shuttle 93 runs up Broadway and West End and around the Vanderbilt area, while Shuttle 94 loops through downtown.
- Reaching the rest of the city: From Riverfront Station, take the Downtown Shuttle to the downtown bus mall, then transfer to the bus serving your destination.
Note that this is a weekday commuter service rather than a metro or tram network, so it is most useful if your plans line up with its schedule.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are prevalent in Nashville, especially downtown, and can be hailed in busy areas or booked in advance. Ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft both operate in the city, including at Nashville International Airport.
- Taxi companies: Music City Taxi, Checker Cab, and Metro Cab are among the operators serving the city. Magic Taxi and Music City Cab are also noted, with dedicated service to and from the airport at flat rates and no demand-based surge pricing.
- When taxis help: They can be more reliable for early-morning airport pickups, since fares are not subject to surge pricing.
- Ride-hailing: Fares vary with demand, which makes rideshare handy for nights out when you would rather not drive. Official drop-off locations include the area near Bridgestone Arena, useful for Predators games and concerts.
- Executive services: Sedan and limousine services operate like black cars in New York City, offering executive sedans, SUVs, or full limo transport to and from downtown or the airport.
Walking, Bikes, and Scooters
The center of Nashville is not too big for an able-bodied person to traverse on foot in decent weather, and walking downtown can be quite pleasant. Outside downtown, however, the city is sprawling and lacks sidewalks, and walkability varies by neighborhood pocket. Summer heat is a drawback for walking.
- Bikes: The B-Cycle program has stations citywide where you can rent and drop off at any station, and it is designed for rides under two hours. Nashville is gradually adding bike lanes and paths, though coverage varies by neighborhood. Nashville Public Library cardholders can borrow a free weeklong B-Cycle pass.
- Electric scooters: Bird, Lime, and Lyft operate scooters, located via app. They are most concentrated downtown, with some in East Nashville, and are best for short trips of a couple of miles. There are no dedicated lanes, so they are not suited to long distances.
- Tourist trolleys: Hop-on/hop-off trolleys cover major downtown sites, especially near Broadway, with fixed stops. They are pricey but good for short trips and overviews, and an evening trolley tour covers historic music-related sites. Pedicabs and pedal taverns also operate in the downtown tourist mix.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Nashville International Airport (BNA) sits close to downtown and offers several ways into the city.
- Bus: The cheapest option is WeGo's Route 18 Airport/Elm Hill bus, which serves the airport and downtown hourly, roughly 7AM to about 10PM, seven days a week. The trip takes around 35 minutes, and the one-way fare is $2. Schedules are available at the Welcome Center on the baggage claim level.
- Rideshare: Nashville International Airport was the first major US airport to authorize ridesharing services with dedicated pickup and drop-off areas. Passengers using these services wait in a designated area on Level 1 outside the main terminal.
- Taxis: Operators including Magic Taxi and Music City Cab offer dedicated airport service at flat rates without surge pricing.
- Hotel shuttles: Some hotels offer free airport shuttles, so it is worth checking in advance.
BNA is a hub for Southwest Airlines, with nonstop flights to numerous domestic destinations plus international service to Canadian cities, several Latin American destinations, Dublin, Reykjavik, and London–Heathrow. Two general aviation airports also serve the area: John C. Tune Airport and Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport.
Driving and Parking
The primary mode of transportation in Nashville is the private car. The city is a nexus of several interstate highways — I-65, I-40, and I-24 — with easy access to Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, and Louisville, among others. Be aware that the highways sometimes merge and split without the typical exit-offramp design, so consult maps before navigating the area. Highway speeds range from 55 to 70 mph but are usually much slower due to congestion; city streets are generally 25–45 mph unless otherwise posted. All major national car rental agencies operate in the city.
- Parking downtown: Have a clear idea of where you plan to park. Metro-owned facilities managed by the Nashville Downtown Partnership (branded ParkIt Downtown) tend to be the best deal — for example, the Metro Courthouse/Public Square Garage is $3 after 5PM and on weekends, much cheaper than nearby private lots.
- Timing: Avoid driving around 9AM and 5PM, when major routes back up. Titans and Predators games and stadium concerts cause major traffic congestion, so steer clear of those areas before and after events.
- Hotel costs: Most downtown hotels charge parking fees, which is worth factoring into your budget.
Arriving by Intercity Bus
Greyhound serves Nashville from its station on Rep John Lewis Way South, and Vonlane offers luxury coach service from Atlanta, Memphis, and Knoxville. Gray Line Shuttle provides tours and charter buses.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Staying downtown is the best way to avoid renting a car.
- If you do drive, allow extra time for parking, which is usually paid downtown and limited in some neighborhoods.
- Plan around the WeGo bus schedule if you intend to rely on public transit, since service is limited in the evening.
- For early flights, book a taxi in advance rather than counting on surge-free rideshare availability.