So, you’re headed to Nashville. You’ve got your dates locked in, your nights mapped out—Printer’s Alley, Broadway, East Nashville, the Gulch. And now, you’re staring down the Big Decision: Do we rent a car… or just Uber?
It sounds like a no-brainer until you picture the whole thing: parking fees, downtown traffic, and that “wait, where do we even leave the car?” moment. It’s the kind of question that can mess with your vacation brain before you’ve even packed your boots.
Lucky for you, Nashville’s hive mind has spoken. Loudly. And the general vibe? Skip the car. Seriously.
Parking in Nashville? Welcome to the Upside-Down
Let’s not sugarcoat it: parking in downtown Nashville is a wallet trap wrapped in frustration. Multiple folks mentioned paying $20+ just to park—and that’s before the hourly fees kick in. Some hotel garages charge per day, others per hour, and a few charge both just to keep you on your toes.
One traveler shared that they did rent a car on a previous trip. Know where it spent most of the time? Sitting in the parking garage. They walked or caught a ride everywhere else. Another commented, “We walked almost our entire time. Put on 30 miles in 5 days.” That’s a Nashville workout plan right there.
Uber, Lyft, and Nashville’s Local Driver Scene
Every other comment was practically a glowing Yelp review for Uber and Lyft. They’re everywhere, quick to arrive, and surprisingly affordable compared to downtown parking. As one person put it: “Uber is the way to go. Parking is ridiculous and can be hard to find.”
Others chimed in with their favorites—Bibake with Nashvrovers were highly recommended personal drivers who add some charm to your ride. If you’re looking for that little extra local touch, it might be worth checking out “Rides with TJ” too. A few travelers even said their private driver was cheaper overall than renting a car once you add in parking, gas, and hotel fees.
Pro tip: Always confirm your Uber or Lyft price before the ride. One person mentioned this can save you from unexpected charges. And please, don’t jump into a random taxi or ride-share without checking the cost first. Set the price. Keep your wallet happy.
What About East Nashville?
Ah yes, the one spot on your list that isn’t exactly around the corner.
Several people acknowledged this might be the one day that tempts you to get a car. But even then? It’s just a quick ride across the river. A handful of travelers suggested using that as your Uber day—or even biking. You can rent an electric bike for about $15 an hour, and it's a fun, breezy way to explore.
East Nashville’s more chill than Broadway, so you’re not doing a full-day marathon over there. One person put it perfectly: “It’s not an all-day place.” Pop in, grab a local beer (like East Nashville Beer Works), explore, then bounce back downtown.
Want to Walk It? Pick a Smart Hotel.
Location is everything in a walk-friendly city like Nashville. People raved about hotels like the Drury Plaza Downtown (just three blocks to Broadway!) or LaQuinta near the stadium. The latter is about a mile’s walk across the bridge—totally doable, even with a honky-tonk hangover.
Someone mentioned they always choose hotels with free parking—not to use the car, but just so they’re not shelling out extra for a vehicle that’s not going anywhere. If you do rent one, find a hotel that offers this.
But honestly? Almost everyone agreed that booking a spot close to downtown is the way to go. Saves money. Saves stress. Gets you closer to the music, food, and fun.
TL;DR – The Nashville Car Debate, Wrapped Up
Unless your weekend plans include far-flung spots like the Grand Ole Opry or The Hermitage, you’re better off without a car. Uber, Lyft, electric bikes, and your own two feet will get you where you need to be—without the parking rage.
Want to ride in style with a bit of local flair? Book a personal driver like Jay Belk or Rides with TJ. Want to save even more? Stay downtown, walk everywhere, and soak in the sights.
It’s not just about transportation—it’s about enjoying your vacation without constantly thinking, “Where did we park?”
So lace up your comfiest shoes, charge your phone (for all those Uber calls), and leave the car at home. Nashville’s waiting—and trust us, she’s easier to explore without a steering wheel in the way.