There’s nothing quite like a trip to Music City, but trying to find parking in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee, can be challenging, particularly in the popular downtown area or the Central Business District. Luckily, you can find metered street parking, metered lots, and parking garages throughout the city. Read on to find out how to make parking a breeze in this southern gem of a city.
- Where to find on-street parking in Nashville
- Where and how to find parking garages in Nashville
- Where to access free parking in Nashville
- How to use Park & Ride in Nashville
- Other FAQs
Where to find on-street parking in Nashville
On-street parking in Nashville is metered and there’s plenty of it, with around 1,000 metered parking spaces to choose from. Rates range from $1.75 to $2.25 per hour in the Central Business District. Common areas with public parking in Nashville are as follows:
- Gulch
- Gulch East, including Gleaves Street, Overton Street, 9th Avenue South, Magazine Street, and Old Division Street
- Downtown
- Sobro
- Midtown
- Edgehill
- Hillsboro Village
- Music Row
Bear in mind that parking regulations vary by location and time of day, so it’s important to check the signs and meters carefully before you park to avoid tickets or towing.
Where and how to find parking garages in Nashville
There are plenty of parking garages in Nashville. You will mostly find them around the city, especially near popular tourist attractions. Here are some of the main ones to be aware of:
- The Metro Courthouse Garage is one of the best places for parking in downtown Nashville and is particularly useful if you’re attending an event at Nissan Stadium or Riverfront Park. It’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and only costs $5 on evenings and weekends (except for Titans’ game days and Nissan Stadium events, when it costs $15).
- The Library Garage is a great place to park if you’re visiting the Ryman Auditorium, the Bridgestone Arena, or the Nashville Convention Center, as all are within walking distance. Parking here costs $10 on evenings and weekends, and it’s also open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Still can’t find anywhere to park your car? Then you should definitely try finding a parking spot through ParkWhiz or SpotHero. By using these handy apps, you can look for available parking lots and garages in real time, compare the prices, and book spots in advance, taking the stress and hassle out of trying to find somewhere to park while you’re on the go.
Where to access free parking in Nashville
Finding free parking in Nashville isn’t always easy, but there are some spaces scattered around the city. One good place to hunt for free spaces is within the residential neighborhoods. In this case, it’s best to avoid the business district.
It’s also worth remembering that metered street parking in Nashville is only enforced from 8 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday, which means it’s free to park at any of the 1,000 or so spaces in downtown Nashville in the evenings and all day on Sunday. Also, make sure you check the parking signs for any restrictions, which vary according to the neighborhood.
If you are planning to rent a car with SIXT in Nashville, why not check for hotels in Downtown Nashville with free parking? A couple of hotels in Nashville that offer free parking include the Graduate Nashville and the Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Downtown.
How to use Park & Ride in Nashville
If you’re looking to avoid the heavy traffic in downtown Nashville, Park & Ride can be a great option. It lets you park your vehicle in one place, and then rely on public transportation (shuttle or train) to get wherever you want to go in the city. When using Park & Ride, make sure that you are checking for:
- time restrictions
- fees (in some spots, you will need to pay for parking)
One of the best Park & Ride services in Nashville is the city’s Downtown Shuttle Service – otherwise known as Park It – which runs from Nissan Stadium to downtown and is provided by the Nashville Downtown Partnership. It’s particularly good if you happen to be planning a longer stay in Music City, as the shuttle pass is paid monthly. Some of the stops include Metro Courthouse at 2nd and Union, 4th and Church Street, and 3rd Avenue North and Union Street.
OTHER FAQS
Is parking in Nashville difficult?
Yes, parking in downtown Nashville can be difficult, particularly on weekends when the area is at its busiest. It’s important to be patient when looking for a space, especially in popular areas.
If you can’t find any public parking in Nashville, it’s worth paying a little bit more to leave your car in a parking lot instead. To eliminate stress, use parking apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz so you can book your parking spot in advance.
How much does it cost to park in Nashville?
The cost of parking in Nashville varies by location and time of day.
- Street parking is available, but rates are $2.25 per hour in the Central Business District and are enforced from 8 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday.
- All-day parking rates in garages and lots can cost up to $20, while event, evening, and weekend parking after 5 pm ranges from $5 to $10.
How long can I park on-street in Nashville?
The majority of metered on-street parking spaces in Nashville come with either a 2 or 3-hour limit attached. If you go over this time limit, it is likely that you will get a ticket. Make sure to check the signs before you park, as the time restrictions vary at every location, and some change after 5 pm or 6 pm.
Fines vary based on the violation, but usually cost around $25. There is also a chance of having your vehicle towed if you exceed the parking limit. To avoid any penalties, make sure to set a reminder to move your car in time, whether that’s by setting an alarm on your phone or on your watch.
