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international travel

Tennessee is a lot closer than you think. Here are some ways to help make your long-distance travel feel more like a nonstop breeze.

GETTING AROUND


Getting around Tennessee is easy, with well-connected highways that offer seamless routes between cities. 

 

A light blue map of Tennessee showing major cities like Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Tri-Cities. Interstates and estimated drive times from Nashville are marked with car icons.
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Travel Facts

What should I know about tipping and tax in Tennessee?

  • A standard tip for good service is 15-20% of the bill.
  • Bars: A tip of $1-$2 per drink is standard.
  • taxis ride-shares: A 15% tip is common.
  • Tennessee has sales tax of 7%, plus local sales taxes that can bring the total up to 9.75% in some areas. This means that when you shop for clothing, souvenirs, or dine at restaurants, the final price will likely be higher than the listed price.

What should I know about tipping and tax in Tennessee?

  • A standard tip for good service is 15-20% of the bill.
  • Bars: A tip of $1-$2 per drink is standard.
  • taxis ride-shares: A 15% tip is common.
  • Tennessee has sales tax of 7%, plus local sales taxes that can bring the total up to 9.75% in some areas. This means that when you shop for clothing, souvenirs, or dine at restaurants, the final price will likely be higher than the listed price.

What should I pack?

  • Packing for Tennessee depends on the season and the part of the state you’re visiting. In general, layers are key—temperatures can vary widely throughout the day. Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring towns, parks, or hiking trails, and lightweight clothing for spring and summer, along with a light jacket or raincoat, as sudden rain showers are common. For fall and winter, pack warmer layers, such as sweaters, a coat, and gloves, especially if visiting the mountains. Don’t forget sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat for outdoor adventures.
  • International travelers should note that the U.S. electrical system operates at 120V. You'll need a travel adapter for your devices, and some appliances may also require a voltage converter to avoid damage.

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What time zone is Tennessee in?

  • Tennessee is divided into two time zones: Central Time Zone (CT) and Eastern Time Zone (ET). The majority of the state, including cities like Nashville, Memphis, and Franklin, observes Central Time. However, the eastern portion of the state—covering cities such as Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Johnson City—operates on Eastern Time. The dividing line between the two zones generally follows the eastern borders of Pickett, Fentress, Cumberland, Bledsoe, Sequatchie and Marion Counties. Like most states, Tennessee observes Daylight Saving Time, moving clocks forward one hour in the spring and back one hour in the fall.

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Bus Transportation

Take in more of your travels without ever taking the wheel. Check out bus transportation options and bus tours throughout Tennessee.

A flight route map showing Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) as a central hub with eight connecting routes: domestically/regionally to Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), Winnipeg (YWG), Calgary (YYC), and Edmonton (YEG) in Canada, and transatlantically to Reykjavik (RKV) in Iceland, Dublin (DUB) in Ireland, and London (LHR) in the United Kingdom. All routes are represented by curved black lines radiating outward from Nashville across a world map background, with each city marked by a blue dot and its IATA airport…

Direct flights to Tennessee