Tennessee Car Rentals

I have a discount code

Featured car rental suppliers

Compare from agencies

car suppliers logo

  • protection illustration

    Change your mind

    Penalty-free cancellation on many/select car rentals
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save 10% or more on over 1 million car rentals
    Learn about One Key
  • package illustration

    Shop smart

    Compare car suppliers and package your flight, hotel, and car to save

Top destinations to rent a car in Tennessee

A city skyline at dusk with a prominent bridge spanning a river.
CarsCars

Nashville

Nashville

What you need to know for your Tennessee car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in Tennessee

Renting a car in Tennessee is a great choice for those looking to explore the state's diverse attractions at their own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit key destinations such as Dollywood, located in Pigeon Forge, where outdoor adventures await families and thrill-seekers. The vibrant Broadway in Nashville offers a lively atmosphere perfect for family outings and outdoor experiences, while the historic Graceland provides a glimpse into cultural history. Having a car allows you to efficiently manage your luggage and enjoy flexible travel plans, making it convenient to explore popular cities like Gatlinburg, known for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the scenic Anakeesta. Your itinerary can be tailored to include visits to the Titanic Museum and Opryland Hotel Gardens, enhancing your trip with a mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you seek outdoor scenery, romantic getaways, or family-friendly activities, a rental car gives you the freedom to navigate Tennessee's beautiful landscapes and attractions with ease.

Most popular car rentals in Tennessee

  • Midsize SUV: Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV accommodates 5 travelers along with up to 3 large suitcases. This car type offers a balanced combination of space and comfort, making it perfect for leisurely drives through Tennessee's scenic routes while ensuring that you have ample room for luggage.
  • Standard SUV: The Standard SUV is another popular choice, accommodating 5 travelers and up to 2 medium suitcases. This vehicle is well-suited for couples, families, or groups who need a bit more space without going to the larger sizes. Its versatility allows for a comfortable ride and makes it easy to handle varied terrains you may encounter in Tennessee.
  • Fullsize: If you are traveling with a larger group or have more luggage, the Fullsize car is an excellent option. It accommodates 5 travelers with the capacity for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes the Fullsize particularly ideal for families or groups, allowing everyone to travel comfortably while ensuring that all your belongings are easily stowed away for your journey.

Where to stay in Tennessee

  • Nashville: Nashville is a vibrant metropolis known for its rich cultural scene and family-friendly experiences. Visitors can explore notable attractions such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, perfect for culture enthusiasts, and the Broadway tourist precinct, ideal for outdoor activities. For nature lovers, the Opryland Hotel Gardens offers a beautiful conservatory garden experience. With plenty of shopping areas and dining options, including pubs and distilleries, Nashville is a great base for both adventure and relaxation.
  • Pigeon Forge: Pigeon Forge is a lively city that caters to families and adventure seekers alike. This area features attractions such as the renowned Dollywood amusement park, which is perfect for outdoor fun and adventure. The Island at Pigeon Forge serves as a charming tourist precinct, offering various entertainment options. For those looking to unwind, the nearby wineries and restaurants provide excellent local cuisine and drinks. Pigeon Forge is especially popular during the summer months when outdoor activities are abundant.
  • Gatlinburg: Gatlinburg is a picturesque city nestled near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking scenic beauty. Highlights include Anakeesta, a family-friendly theme park that offers entertainment amidst stunning views. The Gatlinburg Space Needle provides a modern perspective of the city, while the national park invites visitors to explore its breathtaking landscapes. With various restaurants and distilleries, Gatlinburg combines adventure with delightful culinary experiences.

10 tips to save on your car rental in Tennessee

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilizing filters on Expedia can help you discover the perfect option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental car prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles offer a good compromise between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most economical choice. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which can also be convenient; just remember to return the vehicle empty in that case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
  7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. Adding car rental insurance during your Expedia booking is straightforward.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If your plans include long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in Tennessee

The best value period to rent a car in Tennessee is January and February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. These months offer a quiet experience with better rates. March through May sees average prices and demand, making it a decent shoulder period for rentals. However, June and July are slightly high in both price and demand, as travelers flock to the area. Finally, October stands out as the most expensive month, with steady demand for rentals.

Find Tennessee Car Rentals

Expedia.com makes it easy for you to book your next Tennessee car rental. We work with the best car rental companies in Tennessee, bringing you discount car rental rates and a wide variety of car rental classes including economy, compact, midsize, full-size, convertible, van, luxury and SUV rentals. Our partner car rental companies in Tennessee offer different pick-up and drop-off options. If you are ready to book your Tennessee car rental, follow the links on this page to view more information and details on your next short or long term car rental.

Expedia.com offers a wide selection of rental cars in Tennessee to meet nearly every need. If you need any special equipment, like a child seat or ski rack, let us know and we will forward your request on to the rental car company. And what's more, when you choose to rent a car from one of our Tennessee airport car rental partners you'll be dealing with a rental car company that has made a special commitment to provide Expedia customers with great customer service, a wide choice of top quality cars, and competitive total pricing.

Expedia.com offers many Tennessee rental cars pick up locations

Find the best place to get your Tennessee airport rental cars by searching tons of pickup locations with Expedia.com

Frequently asked questions

What are the cheapest car rentals in Tennessee?
You can find cheap car rentals in Tennessee from $10 a day with Routes's midsize suv. Car rentals for exploring Tennessee are picked up at the region's main gateway, Hartsfield Jackson Intl (ATL). From there it's an easy drive to towns like Sevierville and Nashville. Suppliers such as Sixt, Enterprise, and Dollar Rent A Car operate across the region. Rates shift by vehicle type and dates, so compare a few pickup points and dates on Expedia to find a rate that suits your trip. For more options, explore Economy Car Rentals in Tennessee.
What are the best car rentals in Tennessee?
Car rentals across Tennessee offer a full range of vehicle types from providers like Sixt, Enterprise, and Alamo Rent A Car, broadly available in the region's main cities — Sevierville, Nashville, and Gatlinburg. The most common car classes include:
  • Midsize 2 or 4 door
  • Compact SUV
  • Midsize SUV
  • Fullsize 2 or 4 door
  • Standard 2 or 4 door
Choose based on passenger count, luggage, and whether you're driving in the city or exploring the wider region. For more options, explore Minivan Car Rentals in Tennessee.

What are the best car rental companies in Tennessee?
For car rentals across Tennessee, well-rated providers like Sixt, Enterprise, and Alamo Rent A Car offer a strong mix of vehicles and competitive rates, with wide availability in the region's main cities — Sevierville, Nashville, and Gatlinburg. Compare suppliers and pickup points on Expedia to find a great rate and the right vehicle for your trip.
Can I rent a car from Hartsfield Jackson Intl (ATL) for exploring Tennessee?
Yes — you can pick up a rental car right at Hartsfield Jackson Intl (ATL) for exploring Tennessee. Providers including Sixt, Enterprise, and Dollar Rent A Car operate at the airport, with rates from around $13 a day. ATL is the region's main gateway and a convenient base for reaching cities across the area, from Sevierville to Nashville.
Can I rent a car one-way in Tennessee?
Yes, one-way car rentals work well across Tennessee — pick up in one city, such as Sevierville, and drop-off in another, like Nashville, which is ideal for regional road trips, with prices starting from around $11 a day. Providers like Sixt and Enterprise offer flexible one-way options. A one-way drop-off fee may apply, so confirm it when booking on Expedia.
Are there electric or hybrid car rental companies in Tennessee?
Electric and hybrid car rentals are available across Tennessee, including in Sevierville and Nashville. Sixt and Enterprise both offer hybrid options from $10 a day. EVs and hybrids help keep fuel costs low, and charging infrastructure is growing along major routes. Book a few weeks ahead as demand is high, and plan charging stops for longer regional drives.
What are the best luxury car rental companies in Tennessee?
For luxury car rentals across Tennessee, Sixt offers fullsize elite 2 or 4 door cars from $21 a day (and fullsize elite SUV from $28 a day), while Enterprise and Dollar Rent A Car add premium categories — high-end vehicles with extra comfort and space for exploring the region in style. You'll find them in the region's main cities like Sevierville and Nashville. Use Expedia's car-class filters to browse premium options and compare rates before you book. For more options, explore Luxury Car Rentals in Tennessee.
What are the best car rentals in Tennessee for families or groups?
For families or groups exploring Tennessee, SUVs and minivans give you room for passengers, car seats, strollers, and luggage — available across the region's cities, from Sevierville to Nashville:
  • Sixt: midsize SUV from $14 a day — seats up to 5 with room for 3 large suitcases
  • Enterprise: mini passenger van from $27 a day — seats up to 8 with room for 6 large suitcases
  • Alamo Rent A Car: fullsize SUV from $32 a day — seats up to 6 with room for 3 large or 5 medium suitcases
These keep everyone comfortable for both city driving and longer trips into the surrounding area. Book a few weeks ahead, as the larger vehicles can have lower availability during busy periods. For more options, explore SUV Car Rentals in Tennessee.

What are the best car rentals in Tennessee for solo travelers?
The best car rentals in Tennessee for solo travelers are economy and compact classes — small, easy to park, and cheap to run for one person exploring the region at their own pace, available across cities like Sevierville and Nashville:
  • Economy car, from $16 a day — fits up to 5 people and up to 2 medium suitcases, nimble on tight city streets
  • Compact SUV, from $13 a day — fits up to 5 people and up to 3 medium suitcases with a little more room for luggage
Both comfortably fit a solo traveler plus a bag or two. Compare suppliers on Expedia to find the right car for getting around the region. For more options, explore Compact Car Rentals in Tennessee.

What are the best car rentals in Tennessee for couples?
The best car rentals in Tennessee for couples balance comfort and easy handling for two, available across the region's cities like Sevierville and Nashville:
  • Midsize car, from $13 a day — fits up to 5 people and up to 3 large suitcases with smooth cruising for two
  • Compact SUV, from $13 a day — fits up to 5 people and up to 3 medium suitcases with a higher ride for regional day trips
Both give a couple comfortable seating and trunk space without being hard to park. For more options, explore Midsize Car Rentals in Tennessee.

What are the closest airports to Tennessee for car rental pick-up?
Several airports across Tennessee offer car rental pick-up, giving you flexible options close to your arrival point:
  • Hartsfield Jackson Intl (ATL)
  • Nashville International Airport (BNA)
  • McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
Compare rental rates at each airport on Expedia to find a rate that fits your trip.

Which side of the road do you drive on in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, you drive on the right-hand side of the road. Keep to local speed limits and traffic laws for a safe, easy drive while exploring the region's cities and the roads between them. If you're used to driving on the other side, give yourself a little time to adjust — take extra care at intersections and roundabouts, which flow in the opposite direction.
Are there any hidden fees when renting a car on Expedia?
Expedia aims to show the key price and important rental details clearly during booking, so you know what to expect before you reserve. In some cases, car rental companies may apply additional charges at pick-up or during the rental, such as security deposits, tolls, fuel charges, extra driver fees, or local requirements, so it's worth checking the supplier's rental terms before you book.
Are there any long-term car rentals in Tennessee?
Yes, there are several long-term car rental options available in Tennessee. Whether you're planning an extended holiday with the family, relocating temporarily, or simply need a vehicle for several weeks or months, many car rental providers offer flexible long-term rental plans tailored to your needs. Click on our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip information and then book a ride that suits.
Do you need insurance to rent a car in Tennessee?
No, you don't need personal auto insurance to rent a car in most cases. You will, however, be required to purchase some insurance to cover the duration of the rental. Rental companies will offer this insurance when you rent the car. Certain personal car insurance policies can also be applied to rental cars, and travelers can even use non-owner car insurance if they rent cars often but don't have a car of their own. Additionally, some car rentals simply include rental car insurance within the price of the rental.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Tennessee?
Budget car rental in Tennessee can be easy to find, with prices based on rates seen within the past seven days . To find some of the cheapest options, sort your search results by price and use filters to match your budget and travel needs. For added flexibility, it's also worth exploring one-way car rentals.
What are the top car rental deals in Tennessee?
No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Expedia makes it easy to find a great car rental deal in Tennessee. The easiest way to get a good deal on a rental car is to use our filters. At the top of the filter list, you'll find a section featuring our best car rental offers. Check the filter for "Great Deal," and your search results will be filled with specials. Compare offers from trusted rental providers, choose the option that fits your trip, and book with confidence. For even more value, bundle your Tennessee car rental with a hotel or flight to unlock additional savings.
What do I need to rent a car in Tennessee?
To rent a car in Tennessee, a current driver's license and a credit card in the same name are essential. If you're opting out of the company's insurance plan, then you may also need proof of other coverage. Rules may differ between rental companies, so read through your policy.
What happens if I need to cancel my Tennessee car rental?
If you need to cancel your Tennessee car rental, read over the policy to be sure, but almost all prepaid rentals are eligible for a complete refund if you notify us at least six hours prior to the pickup time, though there may be some exclusions so check your itinerary for more information, or just click through to our Customer Service Portal.

Car Rental Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation