Nashville and Asheville are two of the most beautiful cities in the southeastern United States, and the drive from one to the other is full of gorgeous scenery, historical landmarks, and exciting attractions. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to plan your perfect road trip from Nashville to Asheville, including the distance and drive time, the best driving route, and the top stops along the way.
Hertz
J.D. Power ranks Hertz as the best car rental company in North America, and for good reason. Their focus on customer satisfaction means you’ll have a great time renting from them – from start to finish.
Enterprise
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so they’re bound to have one close by. Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars – from economy to luxury – so you can find the perfect ride for your trip.
Fox Rent-A-Car
Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank.
* With Expedia member prices, you could save 10% or more right now on thousands of cars.
Nashville to Asheville Drive
The distance between Nashville and Asheville is approximately 294.2 miles (473.4 kilometers), and it will take you around 5 hours and 8 minutes to drive from one city to the other. The fastest route is to take I-40 E, which will take you through the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest.
If you’re looking for a more scenic route, you can take the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is a National Parkway that connects Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Blue Ridge Parkway is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the United States, with breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains, forests, and waterfalls. However, keep in mind that the Blue Ridge Parkway is a two-lane road with a speed limit of 45 miles per hour, and it can be quite curvy and steep in some sections, so it might take you longer to get to Asheville.
How far is Nashville from Asheville by plane?
The flight distance between Nashville and Asheville is around 241 miles (387.8 km). The flight time is around 59 minutes, and there are several airlines that operate flights between the two cities, including American Airlines, Delta, and United.
What is the time difference between Nashville and Asheville?
Nashville and Asheville, two of the most beautiful cities in the southeastern United States, share a common time zone which makes travel between them much more convenient.
Both cities are located in the Eastern Time Zone, which means that there is no time difference between them.
This eliminates the need to adjust to a new time zone, and it makes it easier to plan your travel itinerary. Whether you choose to drive, fly or take the bus, you can rest assured that you won’t have to deal with any time differences when traveling between Nashville and Asheville. This is just one of the many benefits of traveling within the United States, and it’s a testament to the ease and convenience of traveling between two incredible destinations.
The Cheapest Way to Get from Nashville to Asheville
If you’re on a budget and don’t want to rent a car or fly, you can also take a bus from Nashville to Asheville. Greyhound and Megabus operate daily routes between the two cities, with prices starting at around $44.99 per person one-way.
However, keep in mind that taking the bus will take longer than driving or flying, and you might have to make connections or stop at several cities along the way.
Nashville to Asheville Drive – Rent A Car In Nashville
If you’re planning to drive from Nashville to Asheville, you’ll need to rent a car. Here are some of the top car rental companies in Nashville:
- Alamo: starts at $60 per day
- Avis: starts at $70 per day
- Budget: starts at $60 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $65 per day
- Hertz: starts at $75 per day
- National: starts at $65 per day
Gas prices will also vary depending on where you fill up, but you can expect to spend around $46 for a full tank. This is based on an average of $3.083 per gallon, and a standard car that holds 15 gallons of gas.
Nashville to Asheville – Driving Stops Along The Way
The drive from Nashville to Asheville is full of great attractions and scenic spots that are worth a stop. Here are some of the top stops along the way:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular national parks in the United States. It’s located along the Tennessee-North Carolina border and offers breathtaking views of the mountains, forests, and wildlife. You can take a scenic drive, go hiking, camping, or fishing, and explore the park’s historic sites and museums.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a charming mountain town located at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It offers a variety of attractions, including museums, amusement parks, shopping, and dining. You can take a ride on the Gatlinburg SkyLift, visit the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or explore the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park.
Cherokee
Cherokee is a historic town located in the heart of the Cherokee National Forest. It’s the ancestral home of the Cherokee Nation and offers a rich cultural heritage, including museums, cultural centers, and traditional crafts. You can also enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, or rafting.
Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate is a magnificent mansion located in Asheville, North Carolina. It’s the largest privately-owned house in the United States and was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 19th century. You can take a guided tour of the mansion, explore the gardens and winery, and enjoy shopping and dining in the estate’s village.
Downtown Asheville
Downtown Asheville is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood full of art galleries, breweries, restaurants, and shops. You can stroll along the streets, admire the architecture, and enjoy the city’s lively music and arts scene. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Asheville Art Museum or the Thomas Wolfe Memorial.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the road trip from Nashville to Asheville is a journey full of stunning scenery, historical landmarks, and exciting attractions. Whether you choose to drive through the Great Smoky Mountains, take the Blue Ridge Parkway, or fly, there are plenty of options to fit any traveler’s needs and preferences. With a distance of approximately 280 miles and a driving time of around 5 hours, this road trip is perfect for a long weekend getaway or a longer vacation. The stops along the way, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Biltmore Estate, and Cherokee National Forest, offer unique experiences and opportunities to explore the beauty of the southeastern United States. No matter how you choose to travel from Nashville to Asheville, it’s sure to be an unforgettable adventure.
