World Travel Guide > Guides > North America > United States of America > Tennessee > Nashville

Local time Nashville

Currency

US$

United States of America Information

Book your flights

Places in Nashville

Travel to Nashville

Flying to Nashville

From Europe, British Airways flies direct from London to Nashville. Alternatively, a number of European and American airlines offering connecting flights via Chicago, New York or Houston. Within the United States, there are many airlines offering domestic flights to Nashville. Prices are slightly cheaper in January and February if you book earlier.

Nashville International Airport(Code: BNA) is about 13km (8 miles) southeast of the city centre.

Flight times

From London - 9 hours

From New York - 2 hours 30 minutes

From Los Angeles - 4 hours

From Sydney - 19 hours (including stopover)

Travel by road

Driving in Tennessee, as anywhere else in the USA, is on the right. The roads in Nashville are generally good, although the city appears to be under a permanent state of road construction.

The speed limit on interstates and freeways is 112kph (70mph), while most other highways have a speed limit of 88kph (55mph). In built-up areas, the speed limit is usually 48kph (30mph).

In Tennessee, the minimum driving age is 16 years. Drivers must carry their national driving licence with them when driving, as well as proof of third-party liability insurance.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) (tel: +1 800 222 1134; www.aaa.com) provides information.

Emergency breakdown services

AAA (tel: +1 800 222 4357).

Routes

The main routes from Nashville are Highway 40 east to Knoxville and the Appalachian Mountains, and west to Memphis. Highway 65 runs north towards Louisville (Kentucky) and Chicago (Illinois), and south to Birmingham (Alabama) and the Gulf Coast. Highway 24 runs southeast to Chattanooga and northwest to Paducah (Kentucky).

Coaches

Greyhound (tel: +1 800 231 2222; www.greyhound.com) operates national bus services from its terminal at 709 Fifth Avenue South, with connections to cities nationwide.

Megabus (tel: +1 877 462 6342; www.megabus.com) runs coaches from Nashillve to Atlanta, Chattanooga, Chicago, Indianapolis and Louisville.

Time to city

From Chattanooga - 2 hours; Louisville - 2 hours 40 minutes; Knoxville - 2 hours 40 minutes; Memphis - 3 hours.

Travel by Rail

Services

Amtrak (tel: +1 800 872 7245; www.amtrak.com) operates the national railway network, but trains do not stop at Nashville, the nearest passenger station being in Memphis. Nashville's historic Union Station handles freight trains only.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Days Inn Vanderbilt/Music Row

The rooms here are at least refurbished every few years to keep this good value motel at least comfortable. The property dates back to the 1960s, giving it kind of a retro cool, and the free local calls and internet don’t hurt the budget. The location is convenient, with Music Row and Vanderbilt University both within easy walking distance.

The Hermitage Hotel

Built in 1910 in the beaux-arts style, this city institution is the grande dame of local hotels. Smiling after an $18million refurbishment, the lobby is gilded plaster and stained glass windows, and the all-suite guest rooms boast Florentine marble bathrooms. Dining at the hotel’s Capitol Grille evokes an elegant wine cellar, and the Oak Bar has ornate woods and plasterwork.

Loews Vanderbilt Plaza Hotel

Boasting one of the most modern looks on the Nashville hotel scene, Loews Vanderbilt Plaza has bedded many celebrities and country music stars. Artwork is a heavy motif, from the tapestries of the lobby to the in-house branch of the Kraus art gallery. The angular guest rooms are softened by plush curtains, and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is well regarded among local carnivores.

The Hutton Hotel

Opened in 2009, this property blends traditional southern touched with Manhattan-esque chic, the lobby a mix of luxuriant woods, abstract sculptures and oversized lampshades. It’s a bold attempt to steer away from the more laboured aspects of the city, and you won’t find country music being piped on repeat. The rooms are trendy but not pretentious, and the 1808 Grille brings a modern twist to down-home cooking.

Union Station

A former railway terminal is the home for this hotel, which dates back to 1900. The architecture is Romanesque-Gothic, and the property enjoyed a $10million facelift in 2007. The station’s main hall becomes a striking lobby, with vaulted stained glass ceilings. While the exterior is a National Historic Landmark, the rooms are contemporary, though light sleepers may want to avoid those that overlook the tracks.

Hilton Downtown Nashville

Another all-suite offering, this new Downtown hotel has plenty of room, with 330 units. The palm-lined atrium lobby lends a touch of sophistication to the hotel, but its main appeal is the location, within walking distance of LP Field and the Country Music Hall of Fame. The suites lend themselves to self-catered living, though there are also 3 restaurants on site.

Introducing Nashville

While you’re there

Plan your trip