Tennessee Car Hire

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Top destinations to hire a car in Tennessee

What you need to know for your Tennessee car rental

Reasons to book a car hire in Tennessee

Renting a car in Tennessee offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the state at your own pace. With a vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create a travel itinerary that suits your interests. Tennessee is rich in attractions, making a rental car an ideal choice for tourists. For families seeking outdoor adventures, you can visit Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, which is less than a 30-minute drive from Gatlinburg, or explore the lively Broadway area in Nashville, known for its vibrant atmosphere and music scene. Culture enthusiasts will appreciate a trip to Graceland, located in Memphis, allowing for an insightful glimpse into music history. Additionally, the convenience of a rental car means you can access key destinations like the scenic Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Titanic Museum, both of which offer stunning views and memorable experiences. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway or a family outing, having a car in Tennessee allows you to embrace all the diverse experiences the state has to offer without the constraints of public transport.

Most popular car hires in Tennessee

  • Standard SUV: This vehicle comfortably accommodates 5 travellers along with up to 2 medium suitcases, making it an excellent choice for couples, families, or groups. Its spacious interior allows for a relaxed travel experience while providing ample room for luggage, perfect for exploring Tennessee at your own pace.
  • Fullsize: Ideal for families or groups, the Fullsize car can fit 5 travellers with the capacity to transport up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option offers generous space and comfort, ensuring that you can manage your luggage easily while enjoying your trip around Tennessee.
  • Midsize SUV: With the ability to carry 5 travellers and up to 3 large suitcases, the Midsize SUV is well-suited for families, couples, or small groups. This vehicle combines comfort with practicality, allowing for a flexible travel experience as you navigate through the diverse attractions Tennessee has to offer.

Where to stay in Tennessee

  • Nashville: A vibrant metropolis, Nashville is ideal for family and business travellers alike. Located near key attractions such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which is a cultural highlight, and Broadway, a bustling tourist precinct, this city offers a diverse experience. With shopping areas and entertainment facilities close at hand, visitors can enjoy local food options in nearby pubs and restaurants. The Opryland Hotel Gardens provides a beautiful outdoor space suitable for family outings.
  • Pigeon Forge: Known for its adventurous spirit, Pigeon Forge is a great choice for families looking for outdoor activities. The Island at Pigeon Forge serves as a family-friendly tourist precinct, while Dollywood amusement park caters to adventure seekers. Close proximity to national state parks enhances the outdoor experience, and various dining options, including local wineries, add to the appeal. The waterpark facilities provide additional entertainment, making it a perfect destination for summer visits.
  • Gatlinburg: For those seeking breathtaking scenery and adventure, Gatlinburg is an excellent option. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers stunning natural views and outdoor activities, while Anakeesta theme park provides family-friendly entertainment. The Gatlinburg Space Needle gives visitors a modern perspective of the city. With a range of local dining options, including distilleries, Gatlinburg is well-equipped for travellers looking to enjoy both adventure and culinary delights.

10 tips to save on your car hire in Tennessee

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for those summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices fluctuate depending on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to obtain more competitive rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This could also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid incurring additional charges. This is often the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling alternatives, which can also be convenient. Just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in this scenario.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports, but this added convenience might justify the cost.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car hire insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extended road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is required to hire a car.

Best time to rent a car in Tennessee

The best time to rent a car in Tennessee is September, when prices tend to be slightly low and demand is moderately high. This month offers great value, making it an ideal choice for travellers. Nearby, February presents slightly low prices and moderately low demand, while October also holds slightly low prices with average demand. In contrast, July is the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and average demand, while June and August follow closely behind with similar patterns.

Renting a car in Tennessee will give you the freedom to really get to the heart of this incredible part of the world. Use your hire car to discover the best that Tennessee has to offer, from its natural beauty to its bustling towns and cities.

With Expedia, booking you Tennessee car hire is easy. Each hire car in Tennessee option offers you competitive rates and a variety of pick-up and drop-off locations around the country to make your life easier. Book your rental car in in Tennessee with confidence through Expedia.

At Expedia, our goal is to offer you a great variety of Tennessee car rental discounts at the best price. When hiring a car in Tennessee with Expedia, you can compare a massive range of vehicles, from compact economy cars with low fuel consumption to luxury or off-road solutions, depending on your preference. Every Tennessee hire car we feature will come fully equipped with the latest amenities and safety features to ensure your trips will be safe and comfortable.

It has never been easier to find a rental car in Tennessee. We offer you competitive prices and up-to-date information, ensuring quality and efficiency for all our visitors, at all times. Rent a car in Tennessee today and enjoy your holiday, or get anywhere in time for your business meetings. At Expedia, we understand that travelling can be a hassle if you are not well organized, which is why we provide a variety of car types to compare and choose from for all types of travellers. In just a few clicks you can hire a car in Tennessee with Expedia.


Frequently asked questions

What happens if I need to cancel my Tennessee car reservation?
There are always times when plans get upended. That's why we give a full refund on the majority of prepaid hires if you advise us a minimum of six hours prior to picking up the car. Don't forget to double-check your hire agreement — sometimes it's not available. Found nothing there? Our Customer Service Portal has more useful information.
What types of cars can I rent in Tennessee?
Not too small and not too big, compact vehicles are the number one choice for many visiting motorists in Tennessee. Offering great fuel mileage and easy parking and manoeuvrability, they're perfect for travelling around the city. A compact car offers slightly more room than an economy vehicle, so you can hit the road in a little extra comfort and style. Prefer something bigger? Browse our intermediate, standard or full-size range.
How do I find the best car hire deals in Tennessee with Expedia?
Score the best deal with Expedia. All you have to do is choose your favourite ride, select your dates and pick-up and drop-off locations, and browse offers from leading rental suppliers. Save even more when you bundle your Tennessee car hire with hotel or flight bookings.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Tennessee?
Usually, the rules are 21 years and over in Tennessee. It should be pointed out that most outlets will charge extra fees for young drivers. Check before you choose your ride, as rules may differ between rental car suppliers. Bear in mind that if you want to rent a specialty ride or a larger car like an SUV, drivers may need to be older than 21.
What do you need to rent a car in Tennessee?
Renting a car in Tennessee is a cinch. Generally, all you'll need is a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. Once you've found a great set of wheels, look up the terms and conditions to make sure there are no additional requirements before pick-up.
Can I hire a car for a month or longer in Tennessee?
Yes, which means you won't have to rebook a hire vehicle in the middle of your holiday. Check out our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip details and book a set of wheels to call your own for however long you want.
Where can I find a Tennessee hire car if I am younger than 25?
Age policies are different between hire companies, so you'll have to do some research. Found a Tennessee outlet that does rent to drivers under the age of 25? Great! Just bear in mind that extra fees often apply to drivers between 21 and 24. The fine print of each rental car you're considering will have all the information you need.
Why should I rent a Tennessee car with Expedia?
With multiple car hire companies to select from in Tennessee, Expedia makes it a cinch to find a set of wheels that suits your style. And when you combine your hire vehicle, hotel and flights into a package, you can save even more on your entire Tennessee trip. From zippy economy models to SUVs and more, Expedia will get you on the road to your next memorable adventure. Plus, when you become a member of our free One Key™ loyalty programme, you can collect OneKeyCash™* and spend it on eligible flights, hotels, activities and more. *OneKeyCash disclaimer - OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia.

Car Hire Information

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