EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a rental car at Nashville International Airport (BNA) is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers across Tennessee with no reservation fees. Grab your keys steps from baggage claim and reach downtown Nashville in under 20 minutes, or set your GPS for Memphis, Chattanooga or the Great Smoky Mountains while filtering deals by vehicle size, fuel policy and free cancellation.
| Location | Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BNA Airport Rental Facility | • All major companies in one location • Connected to terminal (no shuttle needed) • Extended hours until at least 1:00 AM • After-hours key drop available • Immediate mobility upon arrival |
• Airport fees and surcharges (approximately 15-20% added cost) • Longer lines during peak times • Potential wait during busy periods |
• Rental counters on Level 1 near baggage claim • Cars located in Terminal Garage 1 • Short walk from counter to cars |
| Downtown Nashville Alternatives | • No airport fees • Potentially lower rates • Convenient if staying downtown first |
• Transportation needed from airport • Limited hours (usually 8 AM-6 PM) • Often closed Sundays • Extra taxi/rideshare cost to reach |
• Multiple brands available downtown • Approximately $30 taxi from airport • Consider if not needing car immediately |
| Nearby Suburbs (Brentwood, etc.) | • Sometimes lower rates • May have better availability during shortages • Less crowded than airport |
• Inconvenient location for most travelers • Limited hours similar to downtown • Transportation costs to reach |
• Consider only if airport rentals unavailable • Some offer pickup service • May require advance arrangements |
On average, car rentals at Nashville Airport cost around $58 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $10 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown rates – BNA tacks on 15-20 % in airport fees. If you're hanging around Broadway your first day, grab a $30 rideshare to a downtown branch and pocket the savings.
Lock in "Pay Later" and keep checking – Outside peak weeks like CMA Fest, BNA prices bounce around. Book early, set a weekly reminder, and re-book if you spot a drop.
Join the free express club – Loyalty sign-ups cost $0, let you bypass the Friday 4-7 PM lines, and often score free upgrades that shrink the bill for a bigger car.
Stick with an economy car – Nashville streets are tight and lots charge $20-30/night. Unless you're hauling a band, the smallest class is easiest to park and cheapest to fuel.
While airport parking isn't relevant for renters, understanding local rules will help once you leave BNA:
Downtown Nashville Parking:
Important Local Driving Rules:
Speed Limits:
Book a rental car to easily:
Downtown Nashville – Broadway, Ryman Auditorium, Music Row
Opryland area – Grand Ole Opry, Opry Mills, Gaylord Opryland Resort gardens
Franklin – Main Street, battlefields
Lynchburg – Jack Daniel's Distillery
Percy Priest Lake & Radnor Lake – parks
Great Smoky Mountains – Gatlinburg
How long does it take to pick up a rental car at BNA?
When it's not busy, it usually takes you 15-30 minutes to get your car. When it's busy, like on Friday evenings or Monday mornings, you can expect to wait 30-60 minutes. You can get your car much faster if you join the rental company's loyalty program.
What's the minimum age to rent a car at BNA?
Most companies ask that you be at least 21 years old. They also charge an extra "young driver" fee of about $25-$30 per day for drivers who are 21 to 24.
Can I use a debit card for my rental at BNA?
Yes, most rental counters at the airport take debit cards. But they usually put a larger hold on your account, often $500 instead of $200 for credit cards. They might also ask for proof you have a flight home or run a credit check. It's usually easier to use a credit card.
Are there any toll roads around Nashville?
No, Tennessee does not have any toll roads right now. You can drive all over the state and won't have to pay any tolls, which makes it easier to plan your budget.
What happens if my flight is delayed and I arrive after the rental counter closes?
The major rental companies at BNA stay open until the last flights of the day have landed. If you are on a scheduled flight, they will usually wait for you. If you know you'll be arriving very late, between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM, you should call your rental company ahead of time to make a plan.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support