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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car hire deals in Nashville. Compare rates and book in one place. Simple. Pick up at Nashville International Airport (BNA) or in the city centre, compare major brands and vehicle types and see transparent pricing with taxes and surcharges included. Filter for unlimited mileage, one-way car hire to Memphis or Knoxville and flexible cancellation to suit your plans.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 539474

Nashville offers several convenient locations to pick up your hire car:

Location Pros Cons
Nashville International Airport (BNA) • All major rental brands on-site
• Consolidated facility within walking distance
• Extended hours (most until 1 AM)
• After-hours key drop available
• Airport fees (approximately $4.50/day facility charge and 3% state surcharge)
• Potentially longer lines during peak times
Nashville City Centre • Potentially lower rates (no airport fees)
• Convenient if staying in the city centre first
• Limited hours (usually 8 AM-6 PM weekdays, shorter on weekends)
• Transport needed from airport

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Nashville?

On average, car rentals in Nashville cost around USD $64 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from USD $28 per day.

Low-cost rental tips
  • Compare airport vs city centre pickup. BNA adds about $4.50 per day plus a 3% state surcharge. City centre locations often price lower, but have shorter hours and limited Sunday service. For 3+ day rentals, the rideshare to the city centre can still come out cheaper overall.

  • Be flexible with dates and times. Try different pickup/return times and weekday vs weekend combos. For CMA Fest, Bonnaroo, football weekends and summer, book 3-6 months ahead. Off-peak, use “Pay Later” and recheck prices as you get closer.

  • Right-size the car. Pick the smallest car that fits your crew and bags. City driving in Nashville is easy in compacts, and they sip less fuel. Verify unlimited mileage is included.

  • Limit extra drivers. Extra drivers often cost $13-$15 per day. Add only who you must. Spouses are frequently free with many suppliers, so compare policies.

  • Skip prepaid fuel. Petrol is usually cheaper in Tennessee. Fill up yourself before returning to avoid refuelling charges.

  • Compare one-way options within Tennessee. Nashville to Memphis or Knoxville can have modest drop fees. Check prices in both directions and on nearby dates to find the sweet spot.

Parking Tips

Finding a spot in Nashville changes by area:

City Centre Options:

  • Metered street spots: enforcement hours change by zone. Check signs and meters for current rules, including evenings and Sundays
  • City-owned car parks (Library Garage, Courthouse Garage): daily and evening/weekend rates available
  • Metro Courthouse Garage: flat-rate pricing may apply on weekends
  • Private car parks near Broadway (main tourist area): rates often increase during events and evenings
  • Hotel valet service: often high nightly rates in city centre hotels

Important Local Driving Rules:

  • Tennessee allows right turns on red after a complete stop (unless posted otherwise)
  • Hands-free mobile phone law: illegal to hold a phone while driving
  • Move Over Law: required to move over a lane or slow significantly when passing emergency vehicles on
  • School zones strictly enforced: speed limits usually 15-20 mph when lights flash

Speed Limits:

  • Interstate highways: 70 mph (113 km/h) outside cities, 55-65 mph in urban areas
  • Secondary divided highways: 65 mph
  • Two-lane roads: 55 mph unless posted otherwise
  • Residential areas: approximately 30 mph (50 km/h)
Why hire a car in Nashville

Hire a car so you can get to:

  • Grand Ole Opry – Opry House

  • Andrew Jackson's Hermitage – museum, grounds

  • Belle Meade Plantation – mansion, grounds

  • Franklin – downtown, Civil War sites

  • Radnor Lake State Park – trails

  • Natchez Trace Parkway – overlooks, trailheads, Meriwether Lewis site

Driving Distances from Nashville

FAQs

What licence do I need to hire a car in Nashville? You can use a valid driver's licence from your home country. The law doesn't require an International Driving Permit, but we recommend getting one if your licence isn't in English.

Are there any toll roads in Nashville or Tennessee? No, Tennessee has no toll roads. You can drive anywhere in the state and won't have to pay tolls.

What's the minimum age to hire a car in Nashville? Most hire companies need you to be at least 21 years old. If you're under 25, they will also charge a young driver fee of about $25-$30 per day.

Is it possible to pick up a hire car in Nashville and drop it off in another city? Yes, you can pick up a car in Nashville and drop it off in another city. If you drop it off somewhere else in Tennessee, like Memphis or Knoxville, the fee is usually small. You'll pay a higher fee if you drop the car off in another state.

Do I need to purchase additional insurance when hiring in Nashville? This depends on the insurance you already have. Your credit card or international travel insurance might already cover you for hire cars, so it's a good idea to check. The hire company will offer you a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI), but you don't have to buy them.

What happens if I encounter severe weather while driving in Tennessee? If there's a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning, you should stop driving and find shelter immediately. In winter, the city clears the main roads first. However, the city doesn't have much snow removal equipment, so you should expect delays.