Where to rent a car in Nashville

Nashville has rental desks at three airports and scattered throughout downtown and the airport corridor. Nashville International Airport (BNA) is where most visitors pick up cars — all major companies operate there, including Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National. The rental car center is a separate building connected to the terminal by a short walkway; follow signs for "Rental Car Center" after baggage claim.

If you're already in Nashville and don't need an airport location, Enterprise and Budget have downtown offices on Broadway and near the Gulch. Turo, a peer-to-peer rental platform, also operates in Nashville and lets you rent directly from car owners — useful if you want something specific or need a pickup outside standard business hours. Downtown locations typically have shorter wait times than the airport during peak travel seasons (May through September and December).

Rental rates in Nashville vary sharply by season and day of week. Summer weekends and holidays are most expensive; winter weekdays are cheapest. A compact car might run $35 to $50 per day in January but $80 to $120 in July. Booking directly through a company's website often beats calling or using aggregator sites like Kayak or Autoslash, which can add booking fees.

Key Takeaways

  • Nashville International Airport has all major rental companies in a separate building; downtown locations have shorter waits but fewer car choices.
  • Daily rates range from $35 to $120 depending on season, car type, and how far in advance you book.
  • You need a valid driver's license, credit card in your name, and proof of insurance or the option to buy the rental company's coverage.
  • Damage waivers and additional driver fees add $15 to $30 per day; your personal auto insurance or credit card may cover rental cars, so check before paying.
  • One-way rentals cost extra (typically $50 to $200) and are most expensive if you're returning to a different city.

Documents and requirements you'll need

Bring your valid driver's license — a passport alone won't work. If your license is from outside the U.S., bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home country license; some companies require it, others don't, so call ahead if you're unsure. You must be at least 21 years old to rent; drivers under 25 typically pay a daily surcharge of $15 to $25.

You'll need a credit card in your name — debit cards are rarely accepted, and prepaid cards almost never are. The rental company will place a hold on the card for the full rental cost plus a damage deposit (usually $200 to $500). This hold can take several days to release after you return the car, so don't use a card with a low credit limit.

Bring proof of insurance. Your personal auto policy, homeowner's or renter's insurance, or a credit card's rental car coverage all count. If you don't have coverage, the rental company will sell you a damage waiver (called a Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) for $15 to $30 per day. Read what your insurance actually covers before declining the waiver — many policies exclude rental cars or have high deductibles.

Understanding rental car insurance and damage waivers

A Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) shifts responsibility for damage from you to the rental company. Without it, you pay for any dents, scratches, or major damage out of pocket. With it, the rental company absorbs the cost (though you may still owe a deductible, usually $500 to $1,000). The waiver costs $15 to $30 per day and is optional — the rental company cannot force you to buy it.

Before you rent, call your auto insurance company and ask whether your policy covers rental cars. Many do, but some exclude them or require you to pay a higher deductible. Check your credit card benefits too — many premium cards (American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture) include rental car coverage if you charge the full rental to that card. If your coverage is solid, skip the waiver and save $100 to $300 on a week-long rental.

If you decline the waiver and damage occurs, the rental company will photograph the car, document the damage, and bill you. Disputes can take weeks to resolve. If you're uncomfortable with that risk, buy the waiver — it's cheaper than fighting a $2,000 claim later.

Comparing rental companies and booking strategies

The major companies (Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, National) have similar base rates but differ in fees and service. Enterprise and Budget tend to be cheapest; Hertz and Avis are mid-range; National and Alamo are premium. However, a company's loyalty program can swing the deal — if you're an Enterprise Plus member, for example, you skip the counter entirely and go straight to your car, saving 10 to 15 minutes.

Book directly on the company's website rather than through Kayak, Autoslash, or Expedia. Those sites add booking fees and sometimes lock you into non-refundable rates. Booking on the company's site lets you modify or cancel for free up to 24 hours before pickup. If you find a lower rate elsewhere, most companies will match it if you call and ask.

One-way rentals (picking up in Nashville, dropping off elsewhere) cost extra. A one-way to Memphis or Knoxville might add $50 to $100; a one-way to Atlanta or St. Louis could add $150 to $250. If you need a one-way, book it early — availability drops as the rental date approaches, and prices rise.

What happens at pickup and what to inspect

Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your reservation time. You'll check in at the counter, provide your license and credit card, and sign the rental agreement. Read the agreement carefully — it lists the car's condition, mileage, fuel level, and your liability. The agent will ask about the damage waiver again; say yes or no clearly so there's no confusion later.

Before you drive off, walk around the car with the agent or use your phone to photograph every side, the interior, the dashboard, and the odometer. Point out any existing damage — a scratch, a dent, a stain on the seat — and make sure the agent notes it on the agreement. If damage isn't documented at pickup, the rental company may bill you for it at return, claiming you caused it.

Check that the car has a full tank of fuel, working wipers, functioning lights, and a spare tire or repair kit. Test the air conditioning and heating. If anything is broken or missing, tell the agent when ready and ask for a different car. Once you drive off the lot, you're responsible for the car's condition.

Fuel, mileage, and return policies

Most Nashville rentals come with unlimited mileage, meaning you don't pay extra for driving. However, some budget companies (particularly for multi-week rentals) cap mileage at 100 or 150 miles per day and charge $0.25 to $0.50 per mile over that. Check your agreement — it will say "unlimited" or list a mileage allowance.

You must return the car with a full tank of fuel. If you don't, the rental company will fill it and charge you $6 to $8 per gallon — roughly double the pump price. Some companies offer a "fuel prepay" option where you buy a full tank upfront at a set price; this is useful if you're unsure how much you'll drive, but it's usually more expensive than filling up yourself before return.

Return the car during your reserved time window. Late returns are charged by the hour or day depending on the company — typically $15 to $25 for the first hour, then a full day's rate if you're more than an hour late. If you're running behind, call the rental location and ask if they can extend your reservation; some will waive the late fee if you call ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I'm under 25?

Yes, but you'll pay a daily surcharge of $15 to $25 for being under 25. You must be at least 21 and have a valid driver's license. Some companies have higher minimum ages for certain car types (luxury or large SUVs may require 25+), so check when you book.

What if I get in an accident?

Call the rental company when ready — their number is on your agreement. Report the accident to police if anyone is injured or damage is significant. Take photos of all vehicle damage, get the other driver's insurance information, and document witness contact details. The rental company will investigate and may bill you for repairs if you declined the damage waiver.

Can I rent a car with an international driver's license?

Your home country license is required; an International Driving Permit is optional but recommended. Some companies require both, others accept just your home license. Call the rental location before you arrive to confirm what they need.

Is it cheaper to rent at the airport or downtown?

Downtown locations are usually $5 to $15 per day cheaper because they don't pay airport concession fees. However, the airport has more car choices and longer hours. If you're arriving by plane and need the car when ready, the airport is worth the small premium.

What if I need to extend my rental?

Call the rental company as soon as you know you need extra days. If the car is available, they'll extend your reservation and charge you the daily rate for those extra days. If the car is booked, you may need to return it on time and rent a different car for the remaining days.