Nashville, known for its vibrant music scene and growing population, is a city where having a car is often considered essential. However, public transportation options do exist for those looking to navigate the city without driving. WeGo Public Transit provides bus and commuter rail services, while rideshare, bike rentals, and scooters offer alternative ways to get around. While the system has its limitations, including infrequent service and a lack of extensive rail options, efforts are underway to improve the transit infrastructure and, eventually, make driving in Nashville unnecessary.

Highlights of Nashville Public Transit

• WeGo Public Transit: Nashville’s main bus system offers affordable citywide service, but routes and schedules are limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
• WeGo Star Commuter Rail: The city’s only train line runs between Lebanon and Downtown Nashville but operates only during rush hours on weekdays.
• Alternative Transit: Rideshares, bike rentals, and electric scooters provide additional ways to navigate the city, especially in areas with limited bus service.
• Airport Transportation: WeGo Route 18 offers a low-cost bus option to and from Nashville International Airport, while taxis, rideshares, and rental cars provide faster alternatives.

WeGo Public Transit Buses

Anyone visiting or living in Nashville and looking to get around town by bus can use WeGo Public Transit, the city's public transportation provider. WeGo operates 26 local routes and nine regional routes, all radiating out from the Riverfront transit stop in Downtown Nashville.

About half of the bus routes are considered connector service, with buses every 30 to 60 minutes. A handful of frequent service routes run every 10–30 minutes, while other express routes only run 1–3 trips per day.

Schedules vary by route, but weekday service generally begins around or slightly before 5:00 a.m. and continues until around midnight. There are later starts and early ends to service on weekends and holidays, not to mention fewer buses overall.

All trips include one free transfer within two hours of boarding. With its varied routes and destinations, WeGo Public Transit is a handy service for visitors and Nashville residents alike.

WeGo Star Commuter Rail

The WeGo Star is the only commuter rail line in Nashville, offering weekday service between Lebanon and Downtown Nashville. Covering approximately 32 miles with seven station stops, the train provides an alternative to the city’s often congested highways. The WeGo Star is especially useful for commuters traveling from the eastern suburbs, offering a more relaxed and predictable ride compared to driving.

However, the service is limited, operating only during weekday rush hours with no weekend or late-night options. Riders must plan accordingly, as schedules are designed primarily for 9-to-5 workers traveling to and from jobs in Nashville. A one-way fare costs $5.25, with discounted monthly passes available.

While the WeGo Star helps ease traffic congestion and offers a comfortable commute, its restricted service hours and limited reach make it less practical for many residents. Future expansion has been discussed, but the rail remains an excellent option for those living along its route.

Stops on the WeGo Star Line

After departing Riverfront Station, the WeGo Star line stops in Nashville's Donelson neighborhood and Hermitage. Then, it proceeds to some of Nashville's best suburbs, including Mt. Juliet, Martha, and Hamilton Springs, before reaching its final stop in Lebanon.

Taxi and Rideshare

Those looking to get around Nashville by taxi and rideshare are lucky to have several options. A variety of traditional taxi companies operate in the area, in addition to services like Uber and Lyft, among other ridesharing options. Fares, of course, will vary depending on trip time, distance, and demand. For a less traditional ride, Nashville is also home to a large fleet of pedicabs. These unique vehicles allow riders to soak in the sights and sounds of downtown without the barriers of a vehicle, with the guidance of a friendly driver pedaling away up front.

Bike and Scooter

Nashville is almost as easy to get around on two wheels as it is on four! In recent years, the city has invested in expanding its bike lane network, and multiple scooter companies also operate for short trips around town. You'll likely see hundreds of scooters as you explore Nashville's downtown neighborhoods.

Nashville's BCycle program allows riders to pick up electric-assist bikes at a network of stations around the city and drop them off at another station near their destination. Single rides cost $5.00 per 30 minutes, while a Guest Pass allows unlimited 120-minute rides over three days for $25.00. Monthly passes allow unlimited 60-minute rides for $20, while an annual pass costs just $120.00. Several traditional bike rental businesses also operate in Nashville.

Thanks to the commitment to improving and expanding bike lanes around the city, Nashville has several highly bikeable neighborhoods. Residents committed to biking and public transit for their transportation needs can target areas like the Germantown neighborhood or the vibrant Belmont-Hillsboro community.

Getting to and From the Airport

Nashville International Airport (BNA) is a major travel hub, and while the city lacks a dedicated rail link, several transportation options make getting to and from the airport convenient. WeGo Public Transit operates Route 18, which provides affordable bus service between Downtown Nashville and the airport. Running every 30 minutes on weekdays and hourly on weekends, the bus is the most budget-friendly option, with fares as low as $2.

For faster and more direct travel, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available, with designated pickup zones at the terminal. Traditional taxis are also an option, with fares averaging $25–$35 to downtown. However, those living in or visiting other communities in Davidson County or Williamson County will likely face significantly higher fares.

Those preferring a private ride can book shuttle services or rent a car from one of the many agencies at BNA. While public transit is limited, these alternatives ensure travelers can reach their destination efficiently, whether heading downtown or beyond.

Get Around With Ease in Nashville

Nashville, TN, offers a wide variety of public transportation options, including traditional options like buses, trains, bikes, and taxis. But the city is also home to many newer or less common options like ridesharing, vanpooling, and scooter rentals. With all these choices, residents of Nashville's best neighborhoods have less of a need for a car than ever before.

If the opportunities of Nashville excite you, contact The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage with Nashville's MLS at (615) 603-3602 to get in touch with local real estate agents who can help find the perfect Nashville home for you today.