Getting around in Nashville – Lonely Planet

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.

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 Avenue/8th Avenue and calling from there.

For maximum flexibility, rent a car

If you need to go where you want when you want, a rental car is probably the thing for you; this is an especially convenient option if you want to explore some of the neighboring state parks. All major rental car companies are available at the airport and many outposts around the city.

Be smart about parking

This is where it pays to be a bit savvy. Parking is plentiful downtown but it can be expensive, ranging anywhere from $20 to $40 for an evening. Check rideshare prices before you go: you may save some cash by leaving the car at home.

Outside of downtown, you won’t have much difficulty finding cheap or free parking, though East Nashville can get a bit crowded on weekends and you might have to walk a while to and from your parking spot.

Sightsee downtown with the Nashville Trolley

If you want to learn a bit about Music City while you get around, book a day of Old Town Trolley access. For $47 you’ll get a day of unlimited hop-on-hop-off access around downtown’s biggest sights – the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, and more – plus insights from the driver/historian.

Make the most of your budget with Nashville’s WeGo…