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

21.01.2025 - 00:03 / lonelyplanet.com

Jan 20, 2025 • 4 min read

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Downtown Nashville is best explored by a mix of walking and public transit.