It’s a common dilemma for Nashville visitors: splurge on a pricey downtown hotel or save some cash by staying near the Grand Ole Opry and relying on shuttles to hit Broadway?
With the rise of shuttle services, savvy travelers are sharing their experiences—and their opinions—on whether this approach strikes the right balance between convenience and cost.
So, let’s dive into what the experts (that is, folks just like you who’ve tried it) have to say.
Save Big, Shuttle Smart
“Huge savings,” says Renee , who always opts to stay near the Opry. For many, the lower room rates in this area make the decision a no-brainer. Hotels like the Hyatt Place Opryland, Best Western, and Comfort Inn are favorites among travelers looking to trim their accommodation budgets while still enjoying easy access to the downtown action.
Julie Morgan raves about Hyatt Place Opryland, noting its spacious rooms and friendly staff: “Great free breakfast options, shuttle works great. Bathroom is tiny but the room is spacious, with a sitting area, couch, and desk.”
Similarly, June Roberts chimes in to confirm: “Stayed at Hyatt Place Opryland—very nice, used the shuttle.”
And it’s not just Hyatt getting love. Brigitte Desilets had a positive experience at Comfort Inn Opryland, mentioning: “Shuttled to Broadway. $10.00 round trip per person.”
Meanwhile, Kathy Corbitt provides a handy roundup of options: “The Hampton and Hyatt Place on Rudy Farm Circle, the Holiday Inn Express on McGavock Pike, and even the Country Inn and Suites next door to Hyatt Place are all nice and reasonably priced. Shuttles are available from all for $10 a person for a round trip.”
🏩Check Prices & Availability on Mentioned Hotels:
- 👉Hyatt Place Opryland
- 👉Comfort Inn Opryland
- 👉 The Hampton Inn Opryland
- 👉Best Western Opryland
- 👉Holiday Inn Express Opryland
The Shuttle Scene: What to Expect
Shuttle services are a popular choice, offering affordable and efficient transport to and from downtown. Most operate for around $10–15 per person round trip, running into the evening (though not necessarily late at night). For instance, Nashville’s Bestie in a Tessie explains: “Those shuttles are $10pp and run into the evening, just not late night.”
Vanessa McKay is a fan of Fiddler’s Inn and its shuttle, sharing: “Every year I stay at Fiddler’s and take the shuttle!” And for larger groups, like Donna Colossi’s family of five, rideshare apps might provide an alternative: “We just stayed at Gaylord Opryland. We took a Lyft and paid $31 each way. Smaller cars were less than $15 each way.”
🏩🚌Hotels Mentioned:
Rideshare or Shuttle?
For some, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are preferred over hotel shuttles. Kerie Blackwell explains: “We always stay out by the Opry and just use Uber or Lyft. They do have a shuttle over there, but me personally, I prefer Uber or Lyft. Typical rides downtown are really not that expensive.”
Shuttle or rideshare? The choice depends on your schedule, group size, and budget. But one thing is clear: staying near the Grand Ole Opry offers flexibility.
Hidden Perks and Pro Tips
Barbara Luke Pode shares a gem for night owls: “Stayed near Scoreboard, and the hotel had a shuttle that ran all day and night until like 2:00 am.” Meanwhile, Taylor Baird opted for a unique stay at KOA, adding: “We stayed at the KOA over there and did the shuttle almost every time!”
For those considering the Wyndham or Holiday Inn Express, Tracey Cee assures: “It’s perfect, and the shuttle system works well.” Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a longer vacation, these well-loved spots ensure comfort and convenience.
Final Thoughts (Without Wrapping It Up)
If you’re weighing your options, staying near the Grand Ole Opry can be a smart move. From budget-friendly hotels to reliable shuttles and rideshares, the possibilities are endless. And as Leslie Roseth Hill aptly asks: “What is the name of the shuttle company and where do we catch it to go to Broadway?”—your adventure downtown might just begin with that very question.