Do you need a car in Nashville? Here’s how to navigate Music City

When it comes to getting around, Nashville has pros and cons. It’s a fundamentally car-oriented place, with limited public transit. While you’ll usually need some kind of wheels to navigate between neighborhoods, the areas themselves are easily walkable once you get there.

Here are our top tips for getting around Nashville easily and safely.

Can you go to Nashville without a car?

Yes, you can enjoy Nashville without a car, especially if you plan to stay in central areas. Nashville’s downtown and main neighborhoods offer a range of transportation options, from rideshares and bikes to public buses and scooters, making it easy to explore without a vehicle. While a car may be helpful for outlying areas, it isn’t strictly necessary for a Nashville city getaway.

Do as the locals do: Book a rideshare

Rideshares are far and away the most popular form of transportation when it comes to navigating Nashville, especially if you plan on indulging in an alcoholic beverage or two. Both Lyft and Uber are active in the city. Generally, the only time you’ll have trouble finding a ride is during major events like NFL games and Bridgestone Arena concerts.

Pro tip: if you’re trying to get a ride from downtown at the end of the night, prices tend to surge at closing time, especially if you’re all the way in the city center. Save a few bucks (and the headache of trying to find your ride) by walking to thoroughfares like Korean Veterans Boulevard or Rosa L Parks Ave/8th Ave and calling from there.

Is Nashville a walkable city for tourists?

While Nashville’s neighborhoods are spread out, areas like downtown, The Gulch, and 12 South are easily walkable. Once you arrive in these neighborhoods, you’ll find it easy to navigate on foot. Downtown, in particular, is designed with tourists in mind, with well-connected sidewalks, pedestrian crossings and attractions clustered within walking distance.

Should you rent a car when visiting Nashville?

Renting a car can be a convenient option if you’re looking to explore areas beyond Nashville’s city center, such as nearby state parks, scenic spots or iconic attractions like the Grand Ole Opry. Rental car services are available at Nashville International Airport and various locations throughout the city. 

If you plan to stay primarily in downtown Nashville, rideshares, public transit and walking are often more cost-effective and can save you from dealing with parking fees.

What are the parking conditions like in downtown Nashville?

Parking in downtown Nashville is widely available but can be costly. Rates range from $20 to $40 for an evening, so it’s a good idea to check rideshare prices to see if leaving the car behind is cheaper. Parking is generally more affordable outside the downtown core, and some areas offer free or low-cost parking. East Nashville, for example, has limited parking on weekends, so plan accordingly.

What is the best way to get around in downtown Nashville?

Downtown Nashville is best explored by a mix of walking and public transit. For tourists, the Nashville Trolley provides a convenient way to see the major attractions while learning about the city’s history. You can hop on and off to explore spots like the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Ryman Auditorium with a day pass. Walking is also an excellent option downtown, as many key sights are only a few blocks apart.

What are the public transportation options available in Nashville?

Nashville’s public transportation system, WeGo, connects most neighborhoods, providing an affordable way to travel. Although buses run only every 30 to 60 minutes, WeGo’s daytime service can help you reach popular areas without the cost of a rental. However, keep in mind that the buses stop running early, making them better suited for daytime travel.

Take in the skyline on Nashville’s BCycles

Historically, Nashville has not been the most bike-friendly destination, but this is changing as the city institutes more protected bike lanes as part of the most recent transportation plan (the newest addition is the corridor along 12 South Ave.).

The city’s public bike system, BCycle, has parking stations in most major neighborhoods. Riders can snag e-bikes for varying rates depending on pass type and ride length. At the time of writing, riders are permitted to use these bikes on greenways and in parks.

Check out the local nonprofit Walk Bike Nashville for news regarding pedestrian and cycling developments, bike route maps and special events.

Let’s talk about scooters

Ah, the electric two-wheel scooter. Many major US cities have them these days, and they do offer a quick solution for immediate transport needs across distances that are too long to walk but feel too short for a car. Nashville is no exception – you’ll find scooters in most neighborhoods, from the usual companies like Lime, Lyft and Bird. That said, it’s essential to ride smart on these and to skip them altogether if you’ve been drinking; accidents are common.

Accessible transportation in Nashville

Unfortunately, Nashville has a lot of work to do to become an accessible city – sidewalks are notoriously damaged, blocked or nonexistent, and wheelchair-accessible motorized transport is limited. That said, WeGo buses are wheelchair accessible, as are the Old Town Trolleys. Music City Taxi offers wheelchair-accessible transportation, but these must be booked in advance and are often limited in availability. 

Keep planning your trip to Nashville

Best times to visit Nashville
Plan a fun weekend in Nashville
Guide to your bachelorette trip in Nashville
Free things to do in Nashville