Murfreesboro to Nashville
35 miles | 40 minutes | via I-24 West
Music City is the closest major destination from Murfreesboro, offering world-class entertainment, dining, and culture just a short drive away.
Murfreesboro to Nashville at a Glance
Distance
35 miles
Drive Time
~40 minutes
Best Route
I-24 West
Estimated Gas Cost
$5–8 one way
Route Overview
Primary Route: I-24 West
I-24 West is the fastest and most direct route from Murfreesboro to downtown Nashville, covering 35 miles. The highway heads northwest from Murfreesboro through Smyrna and LaVergne before arriving in Nashville. No route changes are required — I-24 connects directly to downtown Nashville.
Alternative: US-41 (Murfreesboro Road)
US-41, also known as Murfreesboro Road, passes through the communities of Smyrna and LaVergne on the way to Nashville. This route avoids the highway and offers a closer look at the local communities between the two cities, though it adds time to the journey compared to I-24.
Traffic Tips
- ›Weekday rush hours: Avoid I-24 during 7–9 AM westbound and 4–6:30 PM eastbound. Commuter traffic between Murfreesboro and Nashville can add significant time during these windows.
- ›Weekends: Traffic on I-24 is generally clear on weekends, making Saturday and Sunday ideal for a Nashville day trip.
- ›Construction: Construction is common on I-24 between Murfreesboro and Nashville. Check TDOT SmartWay for current advisories before departure.
Stops Along the Way
The corridor between Murfreesboro and Nashville passes through several communities and landmarks that make for convenient stops along the route.
Smyrna
A growing community between Murfreesboro and Nashville, Smyrna is home to Nissan's North American headquarters. The town offers dining and shopping options along the I-24 corridor for travelers looking for a quick stop.
LaVergne
Located along the I-24 corridor between Smyrna and Nashville, LaVergne provides a range of shopping and dining options for travelers passing through.
Percy Priest Lake
A scenic reservoir visible from I-24, Percy Priest Lake is popular for boating and fishing. The lake and its surrounding parks offer a natural break point for those who want to enjoy the outdoors on the way to or from Nashville.
Things to Do in Nashville
Nashville is one of the most visited cities in the United States, known worldwide for live music, history, and a thriving food scene. The following are among the top attractions for day trippers arriving from Murfreesboro.
Broadway & the Honky Tonks
Nashville's famous Lower Broadway is the heart of the city's live music scene. Visitors will find live music on every corner, with honky tonk bars and venues lining both sides of the street. The energy and sound spill onto the sidewalks day and night, making Broadway one of the most distinctive entertainment districts in the country.
Downtown Nashville • Live music daily
Country Music Hall of Fame
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a world-class institution chronicling the history of country music. The museum's permanent and rotating exhibits feature artifacts, costumes, instruments, and interactive displays spanning the genre's origins to the present day. It is located in downtown Nashville near Broadway.
Downtown Nashville • Ticketed admission
The Parthenon
Nashville's Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the original Greek Parthenon, located in Centennial Park on the west side of the city. Originally built for Tennessee's 1897 Centennial Exposition, the structure houses an art gallery and a 42-foot statue of Athena. The surrounding Centennial Park offers open green space, walking paths, and a lake.
Centennial Park • West Nashville
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is a family-friendly zoo located on the southeast side of Nashville, making it one of the first attractions visitors from Murfreesboro encounter when approaching the city. The zoo features a wide range of animal exhibits, a jungle gym playground, and seasonal events throughout the year.
Southeast Nashville • Ticketed admission
Ryman Auditorium
Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman Auditorium is a National Historic Landmark that served as the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974. The venue continues to host live concerts and performances year-round and offers daytime self-guided and backstage tours for visitors.
Downtown Nashville • Tours & live shows
The Gulch & 12South
The Gulch and 12South are two of Nashville's trendiest neighborhoods, each offering a distinct mix of boutique shopping, locally owned restaurants, and street art. The Gulch is located just south of Broadway and features upscale dining and shopping, while 12South is a walkable neighborhood known for its independent shops and cafes.
South of downtown • Shopping & dining districts
Fort Nashborough & Riverfront
The Fort Nashborough site along the Cumberland River marks the location of Nashville's original settlement. The surrounding riverfront area offers walking paths, public art, and views of the Cumberland River. The downtown riverfront connects to Broadway and is a popular starting point for exploring Nashville's historic core.
Downtown Nashville • Cumberland River waterfront
Where to Eat
In Nashville
Nashville's food scene is renowned for hot chicken, Southern comfort food, and an increasingly diverse culinary landscape. The city has developed into one of the South's premier dining destinations, with options ranging from casual neighborhood spots to nationally recognized restaurants.
The Gulch, East Nashville, and Germantown neighborhoods are particularly known for their restaurant scenes. Visitors will find everything from classic Southern fare to international cuisine concentrated in these walkable areas.
Along the Route
Along the route between Murfreesboro and Nashville, the communities of Smyrna and LaVergne offer various dining options for a quick stop. Both towns have a mix of locally owned restaurants and familiar chains near the I-24 interchanges, making them convenient for travelers who prefer to eat before reaching downtown Nashville or on the return trip.
Practical Tips for Your Day Trip
- •Downtown parking can be expensive; consider using a parking garage or rideshare to avoid the hassle and cost of finding street parking near Broadway.
- •Many Broadway honky tonks have no cover charge during the day, making an afternoon visit a cost-effective way to experience Nashville's live music scene.
- •Weekday visits mean fewer crowds at popular attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, and The Parthenon.
- •The Nashville Farmers' Market near the State Capitol is worth a visit for local produce, prepared foods, and artisan goods.
- •Free attractions include Centennial Park, the Tennessee State Capitol grounds, and many live music venues along Broadway that do not charge a cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Murfreesboro from Nashville?
Murfreesboro is approximately 35 miles from downtown Nashville, a drive of about 40 minutes via I-24 West under normal traffic conditions.
What is the best route from Murfreesboro to Nashville?
I-24 West is the fastest route, taking about 40 minutes. US-41 (Murfreesboro Road) through Smyrna and LaVergne is a scenic alternative that avoids the highway.
How long does it take to drive from Murfreesboro to Nashville?
The drive takes approximately 40 minutes without traffic. During weekday rush hours (7 to 9 AM and 4 to 6:30 PM), the drive can take an hour or more.
What is there to do in Nashville for a day trip?
Nashville offers Broadway's live music scene, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, The Parthenon in Centennial Park, the Nashville Zoo, trendy neighborhoods like The Gulch and 12South, and a renowned dining scene.
Is there public transportation from Murfreesboro to Nashville?
Regional transit options connect Murfreesboro and Nashville. Visitors should check current schedules and routes for the most up-to-date service information.
What should I know about parking in Nashville?
Downtown Nashville has metered street parking and several parking garages. Rates vary, with garages near Broadway typically charging premium prices on weekends and event nights. Rideshare services are a popular alternative.