Getting to Nashville

Visitors destined for Nashville can choose from a variety of options for getting here, with arriving by air being the most popular means for those coming from abroad. The road network is well-developed, making driving by private or hire car a good option and also providing good conditions for coach services coming from North American cities. The city’s nearest Amtrak railway station is in Memphis.

Nashville’s international airport is a busy facility that provides connections with domestic cities as well as with significant EU and international destinations. The airport is operated by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority and is an efficient facility.

By car

Main routes into Nashville are Highway 40 east from Knoxville and the Appalachian Mountains, and west from Memphis. Highway 65 leads north towards Louisville and Chicago, and south to Birmingham and the Gulf Coast. Highway 24 runs southeast to Chattanooga and northwest to Paducah.

By rail

The nearest railway station to Nashville is in Memphis, 210 miles or 3 hours by road. Memphis’ train station is located on 545 South Main Street and provides connections to and from major US destinations. From Chicago, the journey can be made by train in 10 hours, 30 minutes, while from New Orleans it takes 8 hours, 45 minutes. For more information on schedules and services, visit the rail provider’s website at: www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/HomePage; or call them at: +1 800 872 7245.

By bus

Nashville is connected to the extensive Greyhound coach network, which serves most major US destinations. The main bus terminal is at 200 Eighth Avenue South. Facilities at the terminal are basic. Phone: +1 615 255 3556; website: www.greyhound.com.

By air

Nashville International Airport is located eight miles southeast of the centre of the city and is a modern facility offering daily scheduled flights to and from a large number of US, EU and international destinations. Bus services operating at regular intervals run between the airport and central Nashville. Meanwhile, taxis are on hand, as are car hire companies. The airport offers good passenger facilities including ATMs, bureaux de change and information desks.

Nashville International Airport

Nashville International Airport operates one terminal with three levels, from which all arrivals and departures are dealt with. Level 3 handles departures, while Level 2 handles arrivals. Flights operate daily to cities such as London, Manchester and Paris. ATM and banking facilities can be found on Level 3, while dining facilities are located throughout the airport. Passengers in need of assistance will find an information desk on Level 2 near the Baggage Claim area.

Nashville airport transportation

The Gray Line Airport Express services the downtown and west end hotels of Nashville from Nashville International Airport. Services begin at 05:00 and run until 23:00. Buses depart every 15 to 20 minutes from the airport and every 30 minutes for most hotels.

The Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) has a bus route that serves the airport. Route 18-Elm Hill Pike/Airport has service to downtown Nashville and departs nine times each weekday and four times daily on Saturdays and Sundays. The schedule for this route is available at the Welcome Center, located on the Baggage Claim level.

Taxis, hotel shuttles, limousines and buses all depart from the Ground Transportation Center on Level 1 of the terminal.

By ferry

Several 57-foot vessels travel the Cumberland River each evening, transporting passengers every half hour from the Opryland Hotel to downtown and back. Forget the worries of looking for a parking space or trying to hail a cab and concentrate on touring Music City. The taxis run on a set schedule, from 16:00 to 23:00, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead.