- Best way to get to the Ryman: Walk from a downtown hotel
- Nearest airport: Nashville International Airport (BNA)
- Airport to Ryman: 15-25 minutes by Uber or Lyft
- Typical rideshare cost from BNA: $25-40
- Best parking option: Pre-book through SpotHero
- Biggest mistake: Calling an Uber directly outside the venue after the show
- Venue address: 116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219
Getting to Ryman Auditorium is easy. Getting away after a Saturday night show is where most people get tripped up. The venue sits one block off Broadway, and once doors open you’re sharing the road with half of Nashville’s bachelorette circuit. Plan for that and the whole night runs smoothly.
Best option for most visitors: stay downtown and walk. The Ryman is at 116 5th Ave N, a 5-10 minute walk from most hotels between Broadway and the Gulch. No parking stress, no surge pricing, no post-show wait. Walk out and Broadway is right there.
Flying Into Nashville
Most visitors arrive through Nashville International Airport (BNA), about 8 miles from the Ryman.
Best Airport-to-Ryman Options
Uber or Lyft
- 15-25 minutes
- Usually $25-40
- Most convenient option
Taxi
- 15-25 minutes
- Usually $30-45
- Good backup during surge pricing
WeGo Route 18 Bus
- Around 45 minutes
- $2 fare
- Cheapest option
Rental Car
- Useful if you’re exploring outside Nashville
- Usually unnecessary if you’re staying downtown for a concert weekend
Driving to the Ryman
Driving is workable, but parking is the part that requires planning.
Best Parking Strategy
- Reserve parking through SpotHero before show day.
- Choose a garage within a 5-10 minute walk of the venue.
- Arrive at least 45 minutes before doors open.
Closest Parking Areas
- 5th & Korean Veterans Blvd Garage
- Music City Center Garages
- Downtown Broadway garages
Avoid This Mistake
Don’t leave the garage the second the show ends.
Broadway traffic becomes heavily congested after concerts. Grab a drink, walk Broadway for 20-30 minutes, or wait for traffic to clear before driving out.
Public Transportation Options
Best for: budget travelers staying outside downtown.
- WeGo buses stop near Broadway and 5th Ave.
- Most routes leave you within a short walk of the venue.
- Standard fare is $2.
- Service is limited late at night, so check return schedules before the show.
Important: If your concert ends late, rideshare is usually easier than relying on post-show bus service.
Walking and Biking
The Ryman’s downtown location makes walking a viable option for many visitors. Most downtown hotels sit within 0.5 miles of the venue. The walk from Broadway to the Ryman takes about 5-10 minutes through well-lit, busy streets.
Nashville’s downtown area is generally pedestrian-friendly. Wide sidewalks and numerous crosswalks make navigation easy. However, be cautious during major events when crowds significantly increase pedestrian traffic.
Music City Bikeshare operates throughout downtown Nashville. Stations are located near major hotels, attractions, and music venues. Daily passes cost $5, with 30-minute rides included. Additional time costs extra. This option works well for exploring multiple music venues during your stay.
Live Music Getaway Travel Tips
Planning transportation to Ryman Auditorium requires considering your entire Nashville itinerary. Many visitors combine Ryman shows with visits to other iconic music venues like the Grand Ole Opry, Bluebird Cafe, or Broadway honky-tonks.
Book transportation in advance during major music events. CMA Fest, Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival, and other large events significantly impact transportation availability and pricing. Reserve airport transfers, hotel shuttles, or rideshare services early.
Consider staying multiple nights when traveling for music events. Nashville offers incredible live music experiences beyond the Ryman. One night allows you to catch a Ryman show, while additional nights let you explore Broadway, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, or take a tour of RCA Studio B.
Download transportation apps before arriving in Nashville. Uber, Lyft, and WeGo Transit apps help you navigate the city efficiently. Many visitors also use Google Maps or Waze for driving directions and real-time traffic updates.
Pack comfortable walking shoes regardless of your primary transportation method. Nashville’s music scene often involves walking between venues, exploring Broadway, or standing during shows. Comfortable footwear enhances your overall music venue experience.
Take time to explore the area around the Ryman before or after shows. The Country Music Hall of Fame sits just blocks away. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, a legendary honky-tonk, has served as a Ryman performers’ hangout for decades. These nearby attractions add depth to your music venue experience.
Consider purchasing combination tickets or packages that include transportation and multiple attractions. Some tour companies offer packages specifically designed for music lovers visiting Nashville. These often include transportation between venues, eliminating individual travel planning.
Transportation in Short
How to Get to Ryman Auditorium
- Step 1
Choose where you’re staying
- Step 2
Travel from BNA to downtown Nashville
- Step 3
Walk, rideshare, take transit, or drive to the venue
- Step 4
Arrive 30-45 minutes before showtime
- Step 5
Use a post-show exit strategy
Final Recommendation
For most visitors, the easiest Ryman trip looks like this:
- Fly into BNA
- Stay downtown
- Walk to the venue
- Skip renting a car
- Pre-book parking only if you’re driving in from outside Nashville
The venue’s location is one of its biggest advantages. Unlike many major concert venues, you can easily build an entire Nashville music weekend around walking between your hotel, restaurants, Broadway, and the Ryman.
- Where to Stay Near Ryman Auditorium
- Restaurants Near Ryman Auditorium
- Bars Near Ryman Auditorium
- Things to Do Near Ryman Auditorium
- Ryman Auditorium Venue Guide
FAQ
The easiest option is to reserve a downtown garage before show day. The Ryman does not have a public parking lot, so arriving without a parking plan can mean circling downtown Nashville during peak event traffic. Nearby garages around Fifth Avenue, Broadway, and Rep. John Lewis Way are all within a short walk of the venue. Pre-booking through a parking app is usually the least stressful option.
Yes. If you’re staying in downtown Nashville, walking is usually the best way to get to the Ryman. Most hotels near Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and the Gulch are within a 5 to 15 minute walk. Walking lets you avoid parking fees, rideshare surge pricing, and post-show traffic congestion.
Ryman Auditorium is about 8 miles from Nashville International Airport (BNA). Most Uber, Lyft, or taxi rides take 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. For most visitors, rideshare is the fastest and most convenient way to get from the airport to downtown Nashville.
For most visitors, yes. Uber and Lyft are usually easier than driving because you won’t need to find parking downtown. If you’re staying outside the city center, rideshare is often the simplest option. Driving makes more sense for local residents or travelers staying outside Nashville who already have a car.
The easiest strategy is not to request a rideshare immediately outside the venue. Broadway and the surrounding streets become crowded when shows end, which can lead to long waits and surge pricing. Walk a few blocks away from the venue or spend 20 to 30 minutes enjoying downtown Nashville before requesting a ride. If you’re staying downtown, walking back to your hotel is usually the fastest option.
Music traveler and concert logistics obsessive. 300+ shows across 40 states. Founded LiveMusicGetaways.com to fix the part of concert travel nobody else covers.