Car rental at Nashville International Airport (BNA) is available at a consolidated rental car facility located next to the passenger terminal. The main rental companies have their counters on Level 1 of the terminal, while vehicle pickup and return areas are located at the Consolidated Rental Car Facility, next to Terminal Garage 1. Passengers can reach the facility on foot without needing a shuttle bus.
The essentials in 30 seconds- Rental counters: Level 1 of the terminal, accessible from baggage claim.
- Vehicles: Consolidated Rental Car Facility, next to Terminal Garage 1.
- Access: on foot from the terminal, following Rental Cars signs; no shuttle is required.
- Returns: at each rental company’s designated area within the rental car facility, following Rental Car Return signs.
- Refueling: gas stations along Donelson Pike near I-40 Exit 216, including Shell at 580 Donelson Pike.
- Construction: temporary changes may affect access to Terminal Garage 1 and the rental car facilities.
Book in advance
During busy travel periods, booking your rental car in advance is recommended. Check the total price, rental agreement conditions, and your company’s operating hours, especially if you plan to pick up your vehicle early in the morning.
Where to Rent a Car at Nashville Airport
The airport has a Consolidated Rental Car Facility (CONRAC) located next to Terminal Garage 1, opposite the main passenger terminal.
Rental counters are located on Level 1 of the terminal, while vehicle pickup facilities are a short walk away.
- Airport address: 1 Terminal Drive, Nashville, TN 37214, United States.
- Rental counters: Level 1 of the terminal, accessible from baggage claim.
- Vehicle pickup: Consolidated Rental Car Facility, next to Terminal Garage 1.
- Access: Within walking distance of the terminal; no shuttle required.
- Opening hours: Vary by rental company.
The facility allows customers to collect and return their vehicles within the airport complex. It should not be confused with the Ground Transportation Center at Terminal Garage 2, which serves taxis, buses, and other ground transportation services.
How to Get to the Rental Car Facilities
The main rental car companies can be reached on foot from the passenger terminal.
From the Arrivals Terminal
After collecting your baggage, follow the Rental Cars signs and proceed to Level 1 of the terminal.
- From baggage claim, go down to Level 1 of the terminal using the escalators or elevators.
- Find your rental company’s counter and complete the reservation paperwork.
- Exit the terminal on Level 1 and cross Terminal Drive at the marked pedestrian crossing toward Terminal Garage 1.
- Once inside the garage, turn left and follow the Rental Cars signs.
- Continue to the Consolidated Rental Car Facility and proceed to your company’s designated pickup area.
The entire route is walkable and does not require a train or shuttle bus.
Walk to the Rental Car FacilityRental counters are located on Level 1, with vehicle pickup areas next to Terminal Garage 1. Follow the Rental Cars signs to reach the vehicle assigned by your rental company.
Car Rental Companies at BNA Airport
Nashville International Airport has ten main rental car companies listed in its official airport directory.
The availability of compact cars, sedans, SUVs, minivans, and other vehicle categories depends on the company and rental dates.
Vehicle availability, operating hours, and rental conditions vary by company. Some providers offer loyalty programs, expedited pickup, and after-hours return procedures.
For authorized rental companies and contact numbers, visit the official Nashville Airport ground transportation directory.
Check Your Rental CounterBefore traveling, review the location and pickup instructions on your reservation confirmation. Although the main companies operate within the airport, pickup procedures may vary depending on the provider and vehicle category.
Returning Your Rental Car
Rental cars are returned to the designated areas for each company within the airport’s Consolidated Rental Car Facility.
As you approach BNA, follow the Rental Car Return signs and your rental company’s instructions.
- Drive toward Nashville International Airport using the marked access roads.
- Follow the signs for Rental Car Return.
- Enter your rental company’s designated return area.
- Park in the indicated space and complete the vehicle return procedure.
- Remove all personal belongings and keep your return receipt.
- Walk back to the terminal following the pedestrian signs.
Allow enough time to complete the return process and reach the airline check-in counters and security checkpoints.
After-Hours Rental Car Returns
Some rental companies allow vehicles to be returned outside their regular counter hours.
Depending on the provider, the procedure may involve a designated parking area, a key drop box, or special return instructions.
Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and SIXT publish after-hours return procedures for their Nashville Airport locations, although the applicable conditions may vary by reservation.
Before using this service, confirm the instructions and when your responsibility for the vehicle officially ends.
Construction and Changes to Airport Access
Nashville International Airport is carrying out its New Horizon expansion program, which includes the construction of a new rental car facility and additional parking capacity.
Construction work is temporarily affecting certain airport roadways and access points.
Since October 20, 2026, the usual entrance and exit to Terminal Garage 1 have been closed. Public parking garage traffic is routed through Terminal Garage 2, with access to Garage 1 available through internal connections on Levels 2 through 6.
Separately, since September 30, 2026, vehicles exiting the rental car facilities and valet parking areas have used a new signalized intersection providing access toward I-40 and Donelson Pike.
These changes should not be confused with the specific entrance directions for rental car returns, which must follow current airport signage.
Temporary Changes to Airport AccessConstruction may affect airport entry and exit routes. Follow the Rental Car Return signs and your rental company’s instructions, particularly if your navigation system has outdated maps.
Where to Refuel Before Returning Your Rental Car
Many rental companies offer a full-to-full fuel policy, requiring the vehicle to be returned with the agreed fuel level.
To avoid additional charges, it is advisable to find a nearby gas station before entering the rental car return facilities.
Gas Stations on Donelson Pike
Several gas stations along Donelson Pike, near Exit 216 of Interstate 40 (I-40), may be convenient for refueling before returning your vehicle at Nashville Airport.
- Shell: 580 Donelson Pike, Nashville, TN 37214. The official Shell station locator confirms 24-hour fuel service at this location.
- Raceway: 577 Donelson Pike, Nashville, TN 37214. This station appears in recent roadside service directories. Check its current availability before visiting.
- MAPCO: 550 Donelson Pike, Nashville, TN 37214. This station appears in recent roadside service directories. Confirm its opening hours before visiting.
These stations are located near the connection between Donelson Pike and I-40. The most convenient option will depend on your direction of travel and the current access routes to the rental car return facility.
Refuel Before Returning Your CarIf your agreement requires a full tank, refuel before entering the rental car facilities, keep your receipt, and take a photo of the fuel gauge. Check your company’s specific fuel policy as well.
Requirements for Renting a Car in Nashville
To rent a car at Nashville International Airport, drivers must meet the rental company’s documentation, age, and payment requirements.
Generally, these include:
- Driver’s license: Valid throughout the rental period.
- Passport or identification: Required to verify the driver’s identity.
- Payment method: Must be accepted by the company and meet its security deposit requirements.
- Minimum age: Depends on the rental company and vehicle category. Some companies, including Avis and Budget, allow standard rentals from age 21, with possible surcharges for drivers under 25.
- Reservation confirmation: Recommended to verify the booked vehicle, pickup hours, and rental conditions.
Drivers with Foreign Licenses
Tennessee recognizes valid driver’s licenses issued by other countries for nonresident visitors, subject to applicable legal conditions.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) can help clarify the information on a foreign license, especially when it is not written in English, but it does not replace the original license.
Although state law does not impose a general translation requirement for every valid foreign license, rental companies may have additional identification and documentation requirements.
Before booking, confirm that your rental company accepts your license and check which documents you must present.
Can You Rent a Car with a Debit Card?
Some rental companies accept debit cards, but additional conditions may apply.
These may include age restrictions, identity checks, travel itinerary requirements, or limitations on eligible vehicle categories.
Avis and Budget publish specific debit card policies for customers renting at Nashville Airport.
Before booking, check the accepted payment methods and the required security deposit.
Insurance, Deposits, and Additional Charges
Before renting a vehicle at BNA, review the total rental price and the terms of the agreement.
In addition to the base rate, charges may apply for insurance, deposits, airport fees, and optional services.
- Security deposit: The company may require a temporary authorization hold or deposit according to the rental agreement.
- Damage protection: Review which liabilities are covered and whether deductibles or exclusions apply.
- Third-party liability: Check the available coverage and applicable conditions.
- Drivers under 25: Daily young-driver surcharges may apply.
- Additional drivers: Some companies charge a fee for adding another driver, although exceptions may apply.
- Airport fees: Charges associated with the use of airport facilities may be included.
- One-way rentals: Returning a vehicle to another city may involve an additional fee.
- Optional equipment: Child safety seats, navigation devices, and other accessories may incur extra charges.
Check the Final Rental PriceReview the complete price breakdown before confirming your reservation. Check the coverage, taxes, fees, and optional services to avoid unexpected charges when collecting or returning the vehicle.
️ Tolls and Driving in Tennessee
Tennessee currently has no toll roads, so regular journeys from Nashville Airport do not require electronic toll payment systems such as E-ZPass.
However, if you plan to drive your rental car into other states, you may encounter toll roads, bridges, or tunnels.
Some rental companies offer electronic toll billing services that may involve additional administrative fees.
Before traveling across state lines, review your rental company’s driving restrictions and toll billing policies.
Main Highways from the Airport
Nashville International Airport is connected to the regional highway network through Interstate 40 (I-40) and other roads serving the metropolitan area.
Major highways in Nashville include:
- I-40: An east-west route providing access toward Downtown Nashville.
- I-24: Connections toward southeastern Tennessee and other regions.
- I-65: A north-south corridor connecting Nashville with cities in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alabama.
Traffic conditions can vary considerably throughout the day, particularly on major routes leading into Downtown Nashville.
Off-Airport Rental Companies and Shuttle Services
The ten main rental companies at BNA operate within the airport complex, so passengers normally do not need a shuttle bus to collect their vehicles.
However, some independent rental providers may operate from off-airport offices and offer transportation to their facilities.
Shuttle availability, pickup locations, and operating hours depend on the provider.
Do You Need an Additional Shuttle?Before booking with an off-airport company, check whether vehicle pickup takes place at the airport or requires transportation to another office. Confirm the meeting point and shuttle operating hours.
️ Is Renting a Car Worth It for Visiting Nashville?
Having a rental car can be particularly useful for exploring Nashville and its surrounding areas, visiting attractions outside downtown, or taking road trips to other destinations in Tennessee.
Places where a rental car may be convenient include:
- Grand Ole Opry and Opryland: Attractions located outside Downtown Nashville.
- The Hermitage: The historic home of Andrew Jackson in the Nashville area.
- Franklin: A town south of Nashville known for its historic downtown.
- Natchez Trace Parkway: A scenic road suitable for leisurely drives.
- Other Tennessee cities: A car makes it easier to plan trips to destinations such as Chattanooga, Knoxville, or Memphis.
What If You’re Only Visiting Downtown Nashville?
If your stay is mainly focused on Downtown Nashville, Broadway, and nearby attractions, renting a car may not be necessary.
These areas offer alternatives such as walking, public transportation, and app-based ride services.
Parking costs and traffic in busy areas should also be taken into consideration.
The airport is served by WeGo Public Transit, with buses operating from the Ground Transportation Center on Level 1 of Terminal Garage 2.
The best option will depend on your itinerary, hotel location, and how frequently you need to travel outside downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Rental at BNA
️ Official Information
For authorized rental car companies, contact numbers, and directions to the rental counters and pickup areas, visit the official Nashville Airport ground transportation information.
You can also consult the airport parking access changes announced in October 2026 and the New Horizon airport expansion program.