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Nashville is easy to navigate once you know three things: the airport has no rail link to downtown, Broadway is walkable but parking is expensive, and tipping mirrors the rest of the US. This page answers the practical questions most first-timers ask, from airport transfers to safety. For dates and pricing, see the best time to visit Nashville guide.
Nashville Travel Tips: Getting There and Getting Around
Nashville International Airport (BNA) sits 8 miles (13 km) east of downtown. There is no train, so your options are a rideshare (about 25 to 35 USD to downtown), a taxi (roughly 30 USD flat rate), or the WeGo Public Transit Route 18 bus for 2 USD, which takes about 40 minutes. Once downtown, the free Music City Circuit buses (Routes 60, 61, and 64) loop the core every 10 to 15 minutes. Rideshares within the city center run 8 to 15 USD; parking downtown costs 20 to 40 USD a day. For a full overview of Nashville climate, quick facts, and seasonal highlights, see our Nashville travel guide.
Nashville Travel Tips: Money, Tipping, and Safety
The US dollar is the currency, and cards are accepted everywhere, including honky-tonks. Tipping is 20 percent at restaurants and bars, 2 to 3 USD per drink at a bar, and 2 USD per bag or per night for hotel housekeeping. Broadway and The Gulch are safe and heavily patrolled at night; keep to the main streets after midnight and avoid walking alone through the riverfront park areas. Pickpocketing is rare, but festival crowds make phone theft the most common issue, so use a zipped pocket during CMA Fest.
Nashville Travel Tips: Practical FAQ
Do I need a car in Nashville?
No, if you stay downtown, The Gulch, or Midtown. Broadway, the Ryman, and the Country Music Hall of Fame are all walkable, and rideshares cover the rest. A car helps for Radnor Lake, the Grand Ole Opry, Cheekwood, and Green Hills, but you will pay 20 to 40 USD a day to park downtown. Read the best neighborhoods in Nashville guide for area context.
Can I drink the tap water?
Yes, Nashville tap water is treated and safe to drink, though it has a slightly mineral taste. Bottled water is widely available if you prefer it. See the Nashville events and festivals calendar for dates.
What should I pack?
Pack for heat and humidity in summer (breathable fabrics, a rain layer for afternoon storms) and layers for winter, when highs sit in the 40s and 50s F. Comfortable shoes are essential: downtown blocks are short but you will walk several miles a day. Check the Nashville weather by month guide for exact numbers.
Is Nashville expensive?
Mid-range, by US standards. A downtown hotel runs 250 to 450 USD a night in peak season, a plate of hot chicken costs 12 to 16 USD, and a draft beer on Broadway is 7 to 9 USD. Free entertainment is everywhere, from honky-tonk music to the Parthenon lawn, which keeps the city accessible on a budget.
Suggested Hotels in Nashville
Omni Nashville Hotel
A large luxury hotel at 250 5th Ave S connected to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Music City Center, with a rooftop pool and five restaurants. Best for first-time visitors who want a polished, central base. Check rates and availability
Margaritaville Hotel Nashville
A Jimmy Buffett-themed property at 425 Rep. John Lewis Way S with a rooftop pool and a tiki bar, two blocks from Broadway. Best for groups and casual travelers who want a lively mid-range stay. Check rates and availability
Country Inn and Suites by Radisson Nashville Airport
A budget airport hotel with a free BNA shuttle, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi, about 8 miles from downtown. Best for fly-in travelers and anyone who wants to spend their budget on shows instead of a room. Check rates and availability
For more hotel detail by area, read the where to stay in Nashville guide, and line up your itinerary with the things to do in Nashville list before you arrive.
