Planning a trip can be chaotic no matter who you are; whether you are traveling solo, with family, or with friends. So, you’ve done your research and picked Nashville as your top destination. A great choice considering the rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant entertainment scene! You’ve also enlisted Walking Tours in Nashville, TN, trip planner services, and developed an amazing itinerary to compliment your travels – look at you!
There are many fun things to do in Nashville, but we often hear people ask; what is the best way to get around? In a growing city like Nashville, it is a very valid question. Would you be better off with a car, Uber, or a car service? Let’s take a glance at each option to help you make an informed choice.
Getting Around Nashville By Car
If you are close to Nashville, you may opt to drive into the city. This can prove cost-effective, convenient, and safe. Another perk of driving is that you can go wherever you want at any moment.
While Nashville is a very driveable city, there are some nuances to keep in mind. Parking can be a hassle. During events like Titans games, parking can easily be $30-$50 and still be a walk to wherever you need to go.
In the off-season, you can find parking $10-$20 in local parking garages – this is what Nashville residents have come to view as “the norm”. Now during weekends and weekdays after work hours, street parking is free. But be careful where you decide to leave your vehicle if opting for street or overnight parking. Just like in any other big city, there is crime. Car break-ins are not uncommon. Be smart, park safe, and whenever possible, opt for a garage or valet.
The bottom line; as you plan your Downtown Nashville experience tour, a car may not be the best means to get around.
Uber or Lyft in Nashville
Ride-sharing is a popular transportation option and in Nashville, we have Uber and Lyft. You can quickly request a ride with a few taps on your phone. Safety is a very minimum concern in the city as both Uber and Lyft screen drivers and offer security options like sharing your ride information.
There are a few downsides. Lyft is by far the most popular choice. However, in busy seasons ans times (like say after 1am Thurs-Sat nights), you will have to wait and there may be a limit on the vehicles available. Nashville is also known to charge an additional fee, they call them “surges” during these high-demand hours. For example, during the Taylor Swift concert and CMA fest, ridesharing hit the $60-$80 mark for what would normally cost $20-$30 (i.e. it tripled)!
The charges vary depending on the distance traveled, time of the day, and ride demand.
A major perk of using Uber or Lyft, and why we actually recommend it as the top way to get around in Nashville, is that the city is busy but condensed. Different areas of downtown are just far enough to be a hassle when walking, but also just close enough that you wouldn’t want to drive and park between each destination. Additionally, you can’t go wrong with a designated driver in Nashville!
The bottom line; ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft are a safe and convenient way to get around in Music City.
Car service
A car service operates more like ride-sharing but with additional benefits. The car selection, for example, is more extensive and includes luxury or personalized options. Ideal companies like Mr. Jones Driver Services have newer fleets that accommodate your unique needs, such as enough room for luggage, more people, wheelchair, and pet-friendly options. The price is pre-determined, meaning you’ll be more in control of your expenditure as you enjoy the thrilling adventure and Van Tours of Nashville, TN. The main downside is that car service costs more than Uber or Lyft.
However, it is not as costly as your car since you’ll only pay the agreed fee. We highly recommend using a car service to and from the airport as these services will also work with you on luggage or deliver it for you for free.
The Final Take
Each option has its pros and cons, uniquely applying to different people. The easiest way to determine the best way to get around Nashville is by considering the following:
- Budget: The most cost-effective option is Uber or Lyft if you are touring the city on a budget. If you arrive early with luggage, you don’t have to drag it all around, which can prove tiring. Plus, you can use services like She’s Got Baggage Nashville to store valuables securely as you explore the city.
- Special needs: If you are traveling with a child, older adult, or a person needing a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, your car or car service is an ideal choice. A car service is more appropriate since you won’t worry about safety, parking, gas, and maintenance costs. The car service alleviates the load allowing you to easily get around and enjoy a memorable driving tour Nashville.
- Traveling companions: When traveling alone, you have the flexibility to take an Uber or Lyft with ease. When traveling as a group, Uber would be inconvenient, especially since you may have to request multiple rides. Your car is also less likely to be accommodative. A car service is the better option for larger groups since they have bigger vehicles, or use of multiple vehicles, that can offer a seamless experience.
Nashville’s well-defined and established road network makes it easier to get around than alot of other big cities. For more information to planning around the quirks of Music City, download our free trip planner. Once you pick a transport that best matches your needs, you’ll be able to create a memorable experience and enjoy a fantastic trip sightseeing all that Music City has to offer.
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