Car Rental at Nashville International Airport (BNA)

Information compiled by David Enrich, aviation and airport guide expert since 1999.

Renting a car at Nashville International Airport is one of the most convenient ways to explore the city and surrounding areas. With limited public transport options, many travelers choose rental cars for flexibility, especially when visiting nearby destinations such as Franklin or the Great Smoky Mountains.

Booking your car in advance is usually cheaper and guarantees availability, especially during peak travel seasons.

Car Rental Companies at BNA

The airport offers a wide range of rental companies, including major international brands:

Enterprise
Hertz
Avis
Budget
Alamo
National
Dollar
Sixt
Payless

More than 20 companies operate at the airport, providing competitive pricing and vehicle options.

Compare several companies online — price differences can be significant.

Location and Pickup Process

Location: On-site Rental Car Facility
Access: Walking distance from baggage claim
Process: Follow “Rental Car Facility” signs after arrival

The facility is located within the airport area, making pickup quick and convenient. :

Allow 15–20 minutes for the full pickup process, including paperwork and vehicle collection.

Prices and Popular Car Types

Economy cars: $30–$50/day
Standard cars: $40–$70/day
SUVs: $50–$90/day
Luxury vehicles: $70–$120/day

Average rental prices are around $50–$60 per day depending on demand and season.

Most popular car types:

SUVs (most common choice)
Premium vehicles
Mid-size and standard cars

SUVs are particularly popular among travelers due to comfort and luggage space.

SUVs are ideal if you plan to explore outside the city or travel with luggage.

Car Rental Insurance Explained

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Covers damage to the rental car
Liability Insurance: Covers damage to third parties
Theft Protection: Covers stolen vehicles
Personal Accident Insurance: Covers passengers

Check if your credit card or travel insurance already includes coverage before purchasing additional insurance.

Popular Destinations by Car

Downtown Nashville – 15–20 minutes
Franklin – 30–40 minutes
Chattanooga – 2 hours
Great Smoky Mountains – 3–4 hours

Renting a car allows easy access to destinations not reachable by public transport.

Car Rental Comparison

Company	Avg. Price / Day	Vehicle Range	Customer Rating
Hertz	$40–$70	Wide range	4.5 / 5
Enterprise	$45–$75	Full range	4.6 / 5
Avis	$45–$80	Premium options	4.4 / 5
Budget	$35–$65	Economy focus	4.3 / 5
Sixt	$50–$90	Premium fleet	4.5 / 5

Estimated Waiting Times

Company	Avg. Wait Time	Service Speed
Enterprise	10–20 min	Fast
Hertz	10–20 min	Fast
Avis	15–25 min	Medium
Budget	15–30 min	Medium
Dollar	20–35 min	Slower peak times

Best Car Type for Your Trip

Travel Type	Recommended Car	Why
Solo / Budget	Economy	Low cost, efficient
Couples	Standard	Comfortable
Families	SUV / Minivan	Space and comfort
Road trips	SUV	Versatility
Business	Premium	Higher comfort

Final Recommendation

Renting a car at BNA is highly recommended for travelers who want flexibility and easy access to Nashville and surrounding areas. With on-site facilities, competitive pricing, and a wide range of vehicles, it remains one of the most practical transport options available.

Book early, choose the right insurance, and select the vehicle that best fits your travel plans for the best experience.