Quick Answer
Driving a rental car is the best overall way to travel from Nashville Airport (BNA) to Memphis. The 210-mile journey takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. The total cost for a one-way rental and gas is typically between $80 and $150, offering unbeatable flexibility. The cheapest option is the intercity bus (Greyhound/Megabus), with fares from $15 to $50, but it takes 4.5+ hours. There is no direct train.
Option 1: Driving (The Most Flexible & Recommended Way)
Renting a car at Nashville International Airport (BNA) and driving to Memphis is the most popular and practical choice for most travelers. It provides door-to-door convenience, control over your schedule, and the freedom to explore along the route.
Step-by-Step Guide & Key Considerations:
- Renting the Car: All major rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, etc.) have facilities at BNA. Use aggregate sites like Kayak or RentalCars.com to compare prices. Pro Tip: Book a one-way rental if you're not returning to Nashville; expect a significant drop-off fee ($100-$200). A round-trip rental is often cheaper overall.
- The Route: The primary and fastest route is I-40 West for the entire 210-mile journey. It's a straightforward, well-maintained interstate.
- Travel Time: 3 hours 15 mins minimum. Always add 30-60 minutes for potential traffic around Nashville, Memphis, or construction zones.
- Tolls: There are no tolls on this route.
- Key Rest Stop: Jackson, TN, is roughly the halfway point, with abundant gas stations, fast food, and restaurants.
- Cost Breakdown (One-Way Trip):
- Economy Car Rental (1 day): $50 - $90
- One-Way Drop Fee: $100 - $200 (if applicable)
- Gasoline (210 miles): ~$25 - $35
- Total Estimated Range: $75 - $325
Best For: Families, groups of 2+, travelers with lots of luggage, and anyone wanting maximum flexibility.
Not Ideal For: Solo travelers on a tight budget, those unwilling to drive.
Option 2: Intercity Bus (The Cheapest Public Transport)
For budget-conscious solo travelers, the bus is the most affordable public transportation. However, it requires a transfer from the airport to the downtown Nashville bus station.
Detailed Process & Operator Comparison:
- BNA to Nashville Bus Station: First, take the WeGo Public Bus Route 18 (approx. 45 mins, $2) or a rideshare (20 mins, $25-35) to the downtown bus terminal.
- Choosing a Bus Operator:
Operator Nashville Station Memphis Station Journey Time Advance Fare Range Notes Greyhound Central Bus Terminal Memphis Bus Station 4h 30m - 5h 30m $20 - $55 More schedule options, traditional station facilities. Megabus Curbside (4th Ave N) Curbside (Mud Island) 4h 15m - 5h $15 - $40 Often cheaper, double-decker buses, no terminal (wait outside). - Booking & Tips: Always book online in advance for the lowest fares. Buses have free WiFi and power outlets. Check baggage policies (usually 1 carry-on + 1 checked bag for a fee).
Best For: Solo travelers, ultra-budget travel, those without a driver's license.
Not Ideal For: Anyone in a hurry, travelers with lots of luggage, those needing strict schedule adherence.
Option 3: Domestic Flight (Fastest in Air, Not Door-to-Door)
While a direct flight is short, the total "door-to-door" time and cost often make it less efficient than driving for this medium-distance trip.
Comprehensive Door-to-Door Time Analysis:
- Flight Availability: Airlines like Southwest and Delta offer multiple daily direct flights from BNA to Memphis International Airport (MEM). Flight time is about 1 hour.
- The Hidden Time Sink:
- Pre-Flight at BNA: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure for security.
- Post-Flight at MEM: Deplane, collect baggage (20-30 mins).
- Airport to City Transfer: MEM is 12 miles from downtown. Add 30+ minutes for a taxi/rideshare or shuttle.
- Total "Door-to-Door" Time: 4.5 to 5.5 hoursâoften longer than driving.
- Cost Analysis: One-way fares range from $100 to $300+. When you add airport transfers at both ends ($50+ each way), the total easily surpasses the cost of a rental car for one person and is far more expensive than the bus.
Best For: Business travelers on a tight schedule where the 1-hour flight is crucial, or travelers connecting from a long-haul flight.
Not Ideal For: Leisure travelers, families, or anyone cost-conscious.
Option 5: Taxi (Not Recommended)
Hailing a traditional taxi from BNA for the trip to Memphis is the most expensive and least advised method. The metered fare would be exorbitant ($500+), and you must find a cab company willing to make the trip. This option should be completely avoided in favor of a pre-booked private car service if door-to-door service is absolutely required.
Ticket & Cost Comparison Table
Use this table to quickly compare all options from Nashville Airport to downtown Memphis.
| Transport Method | Approx. Door-to-Door Time | Estimated Cost (One-Way) | Key Advantages | Key Disadvantages | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Car (Drive) | 3.5 - 4 hours | $75 - $150 (round trip) +$150-325 (one-way) |
Flexibility, scenic stops, good for groups | Driving responsibility, parking in Memphis | Most travelers, families, groups |
| Intercity Bus | 5.5 - 7 hours | $15 - $60 | Very cheap, no driving needed | Longest travel time, transfer needed, limited schedule | Solo budget travelers |
| Domestic Flight | 4.5 - 5.5 hours | $150 - $400+ | Fast flight time (1hr), good for connections | High cost, airport hassle, long total time | Time-sensitive business travelers |
| Private Shuttle | 3.5 - 4 hours | $150 - $600+ | Door-to-door, no driving | Very expensive, requires booking | Small groups/Corporate travel |
| Taxi | 3.5 - 4 hours | $500+ | Door-to-door | Extremely expensive, impractical | Not recommended |
Traveler Tips & Local Experience
Insider Advice for a Smooth Journey:
- Book Everything in Advance: Whether it's a rental car, bus ticket, or flight, prices rise as the date approaches, especially for one-way rentals.
- Memphis Parking: If you drive, most downtown hotels charge a nightly parking fee ($20-$40). Look for hotels with included parking or use secure public garages.
- Check I-40 Conditions: Before driving, check the Tennessee DOT website for real-time traffic and construction updates, particularly around the Mississippi River bridge into Memphis.
- Bus Travel Comfort: For the bus, bring snacks, water, a portable charger, and a jacket (buses can be cold). The Wi-Fi is often unreliable for streaming.
- Arrival Time Matters: If you arrive at BNA after 9 PM, your immediate options shrink drastically. Your best bet is to rent a car or stay overnight near the airport.
- Consider the "Blues Highway": If you have extra time and love music, driving the full length of historic U.S. Route 61 from Memphis is a legendary trip, but note it runs north to the Delta, not east to Nashville.
FAQs: Nashville Airport to Memphis Transport
What is the cheapest way to get from Nashville Airport to Memphis?
The cheapest way is by intercity bus (Greyhound or Megabus), with fares as low as $15-$40 one-way if booked in advance.
What is the fastest way to get from Nashville Airport to Memphis?
Driving a rental car is the fastest point-to-point option, taking about 3 hours and 15 minutes. A direct flight is quick (1h) but adds significant airport transit and security time.
Is there a direct train from Nashville to Memphis?
No, there is currently no direct passenger train service connecting Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee.
Can I use a rideshare app (Uber/Lyft) for the entire trip?
Technically yes, but it is extremely expensive ($250+), not guaranteed a driver will accept, and is not practical. A pre-booked private shuttle is a better alternative for door-to-door service.
What's the best option if I arrive at BNA late at night?
Your only reliable same-night options are: 1) Renting a car (counters are open late), or 2) Booking a hotel near BNA and taking a bus or flight the next morning. Most bus services do not depart late at night.
Is it better to fly or drive from Nashville to Memphis?
For most travelers, driving is better. It's faster door-to-door, offers flexibility, and is cost-effective for 2+ people. Flying only makes sense for tight business schedules where the 1-hour flight time outweighs the 3+ hour drive, accepting the higher cost and airport hassle.
Where do buses from Nashville arrive in Memphis?
Greyhound arrives at the Memphis Bus Station downtown. Megabus stops at a curbside location near the Mud Island River Park. Both require a local taxi or rideshare to reach your final hotel.
What is the most scenic route to drive from Nashville to Memphis?
The fastest route via I-40 is direct but not particularly scenic. For a more interesting drive, consider the Music Highway (I-40) detour through Jackson, or the slower but historic Natchez Trace Parkway from the south side of Nashville, though it doesn't go directly to Memphis.