Welcome to Music City, ground zero for singers and songwriters spanning decades and genres. Nashville, Tennessee, is famed as the home of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, but it’s much more than its musical reputation gives it credit for.

As Tennessee’s capital and largest city, Nashville boasts countless attractions. Spy the capitol, vast parks, sports venues and a clutch of universities set in the valley carved by the Cumberland River.

Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour in Nashville for an affordable and entertaining combination of guided sightseeing and transportation around town.

Here’s everything you need to know about hop-on hop-off bus tours, one of the most worthwhile sightseeing activities in Nashville.

What are the best hop-on hop-off Nashville bus tours? What are their prices?

Old Town Trolley Tours

Nashville’s long-established Old Town Trolley Tours have perfected the art of what they call “Transportainment.” With engaging live guides, comfortable stadium seating and the tallest vehicles allowed by law, Old Town guarantees 100% satisfaction. Trolleys are also outfitted to run in all weather, making a hop-on hop-off tour comfortable year-round.

Route

Old Town Trolley Tours feature 13 stops that circulate around central Nashville. Not only will you learn about the city’s rich musical history, you’ll pass by parks, museums, government buildings, commercial centers and more.

The full circuit lasts about 1.5 hours, and it’s a great way to get oriented to the city before deciding where you’d like to hop off and explore. Top stops include Broadway, the Farmer’s Market, the Gulch and Capitol View. Besides the 13 official stops, there are scores of tantalizing sites to explore as you ride.

Timetable

Old Town Trolleys’ run from 9:30 AM to 4 PM daily with exceptions on some holidays. Tours start from 201 Broadway Street. However, you can board the bus at any of the 13 stops. Buses pass every 20 to 30 minutes.

Although not a hop-on hop-off tour, Old Time also runs evening trolley sightseeing outings. Take in Nashville lit for the night, and enjoy two to five stops where you can leave the bus for prime photo ops.

Tickets

Prices vary by date. Tickets for a 1-day pass run between around US$50 per person and US$70 per person, depending on the day of the week. Weekend rates are the highest, with the lowest rates usually on Mondays through Wednesdays. Rates for children ages 4 to 12 cost around US$25 per person every day. Children under 4 can ride for free.

Two-day passes cost from US$90 per person to around US$110 per person, depending on the day of the week. The passes are for two consecutive days. Children’s passes cost around US$50 per person every day.

How do hop-on hop-off bus tours in Nashville work? What is included?

Sit back, get your camera ready and discover Nashville’s top sites. Your live guide will wow you with facts as well as fun as you move around the city. The route makes 13 stops, but there are many more sights to be seen. You can board the bus at any stop, but tickets are only available at stop one on Broadway.

If you’re new to Nashville or just want to take a deeper dive into the city you love, stay aboard for the entire 1.5-hour route. A live guide will regale you with facts, legends and even songs as you pass by over 100 points of interest. Get oriented as the bus circles through downtown, and decide which stops you’d like to make once the tour is over.

With your ticket price, you’ll get more than an hour of sightseeing, a hard-copy map and transportation for the duration of your ticket. Comfy seats and weatherproofing keep you cool in the summer, warm in the winter and dry in the rain.

Are hop-on hop-off bus tours included in any Nashville passes?

Circle Nash Pass

Museums, a music studio, Ole Smoky Moonshine tasting plus a guided tour and transportation around Nashville? At only between US$165 per person and US$180 per person (depending on the date), it’s hard to find a better bargain for visiting Nashville’s highlights.

With the Circle Nash Pass, learn the layout of the city mixed with lots of history and trivia on a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Once you’ve gotten your bearings, hop on and off to your heart’s desire, making your way to attractions included in the pass.

Hang out with your favorite stars at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Wander the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Musicians’ Hall of Fame. Choose a visit to RCA Studios or Hatch Show Print Shop before sampling some of Ole Smokey’s powerful potions.

Do note that many of the attractions are not on the hop-on hop-off bus route.

Nashville Fun Pass

Similar to the Circle Nash Pass, the Nashville Fun pass will equip you with all you need for a visit to some of the city’s best sites.

Along with the benefits of a 1-day hop-on hop-off bus ticket, you’ll also gain entry to Madame Tussauds, Ole Smoky Distillery, the Country Music Hall of Fame, Johnny Cash Museum and a choice of an RCA Studio or Hatch Shop tour for only US$160 per person.

Are hop-on hop-off bus tours wheelchair friendly?

Yes, all Nashville hop-on hop-off bus tours are wheelchair friendly. However, in order to make sure that an accessible space is available during your experience, please let your tour provider know of your needs at the time of booking.

Travel tips

Before boarding the bus, take a look at the route map and schedule and plan your day according to the stops you wish to make.
To make the most of your ticket, get started early and maximize your time at each stop.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking, as you'll likely be hopping off the bus to explore various sites.
While there might be plenty of places to eat along the route, have a snack and water on hand to keep you energized and hydrated between stops.
Make sure to listen closely to the on-board guide or audio commentary to learn about Nashville's rich history and culture.
Check the frequency of the trolleys, so you know how long you might have to wait for the next one if you decide to hop off.
Some attractions or food vendors might not accept cards, so it's a good idea to have some cash on you.
Be cautious of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
If you're unsure about something or need recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask the bus staff.
You might encounter live street performances on your route – don’t forget to enjoy the live music that makes Nashville so special.

Hop on Hop off Bus Tours in Nashville, Tennessee