So here's something you might not have expected to hear about during your Nashville trip planning — Elon Musk's company is literally digging tunnels under the city right now.
No, really. I'm not making this up.
According to Fox 17 News, the Boring Company is doing final tests on equipment they'll use to build what they're calling the “Music City Loop.” And unlike their other projects in places like Las Vegas, Nashville is presenting them with a unique challenge.
Turns out, there's harder rock under Nashville's surface than what they found in Vegas. Who knew?
What Exactly Is The Music City Loop?
The plan is pretty ambitious. The Boring Company wants to transport people from Nashville International Airport to downtown in Teslas — underground.
Yes, you read that correctly. Underground Teslas.
The project has been drawing attention from locals and people across the country, and for good reason. It's not every day that someone decides to build a network of tunnels under your city.
Fox 17 News reported that crews will be digging near the state capitol. The boring (that's what they call the actual digging) is expected to start before the end of this year, though they don't have an exact date yet.
Hard Rock Problems Require Hard Rock Solutions
Here's where it gets interesting from a technical standpoint.
The Boring Company has had to develop what they call a “hard rock boring machine” just for Nashville. Their Vegas Loop project went through soft soil, so they could use different equipment. But Nashville's underground is made of tougher stuff.
They're also testing vacuum-like dust removal equipment that will be used during the drilling process. There's already been some blasting and environmental testing — Fox 17 has been on hand to document some of it.
Why Should Nashville Visitors Care?
If you're planning a trip to Nashville, you might be wondering what this means for you. Here's the big takeaway: this could completely change how you get from the airport to your hotel.
Right now, getting from Nashville International Airport to downtown involves either paying for a rideshare, renting a car, or taking a shuttle. The drive is about 15-20 minutes without traffic, but during rush hour? That's a different story.
The Music City Loop could make that trip faster and more predictable. No traffic jams. No waiting for rideshares. Just hop in an underground Tesla and go.
Does This Thing Actually Work?
Fair question. The Boring Company shared some pretty impressive numbers from their Vegas operation last week.
During a convention, they transported 29,755 passengers in one day. In a single hour, they managed more than 1,000 drop-offs.
Those are serious numbers. And if they can pull off something similar in Nashville, it could be a game-changer for tourists trying to navigate the city.
Imagine landing at BNA after a long flight and being able to skip the whole “figuring out transportation” part of your trip. You could be checking into your Broadway hotel while other travelers are still waiting in the rideshare line.
When Will This Be Ready?
That's the million-dollar question that nobody seems to have an answer to yet.
Digging is supposed to start before the end of 2025, but that's just when they break ground. Actually completing the tunnels and getting the system up and running? That's going to take considerably longer.
We're expected to learn more information at the beginning of next month, so stay tuned if you're curious about timeline details.
The Bigger Picture For Nashville Tourism
Nashville has been growing like crazy over the past decade. More tourists, more bachelor parties, more people coming to see the Titans or Predators play. The city's infrastructure has been struggling to keep up.
Adding an underground transportation system could help ease some of that congestion. And for visitors, it could mean one less thing to stress about during your trip.
Plus, let's be honest — how many cities can say they have underground Tesla tunnels? That's pretty cool on its own.
The project has drawn attention from across the country because it represents something new for Nashville. This isn't just another honky-tonk opening on Broadway. This is major infrastructure that could define how the city functions for decades.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or someone who comes to Nashville regularly, keep an eye on this project. It might just change how you experience Music City.
Story credit: Fox 17 News Nashville.
