Tennessee, the \"volunteer state,\" is known for its hospitality and southern charm. With a population of just over 6.8 million people, Tennessee is home to several major cities and countless small towns connected by an expansive network of public transportation options. Whether you’re traveling from one side of the state to the other or simply need to get around town, Tennessee has plenty of options for getting around.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) manages a vast public transportation system that includes bus and light rail services in Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga as well as intercity buses that connect many cities in the state. There are also numerous private shuttle services available for those who need more reliable transportation across long distances, such as from Memphis to Nashville or Knoxville to Chattanooga. For those looking to explore rural areas or visit smaller towns, there are several local bus companies scattered across the state with routes winding through some of the most picturesque parts of the country.
Whether you’re planning a day trip in your own backyard or expecting a long journey between two cities, there are plenty of transportation options available in Tennessee that will make it easier than ever to get where you need to go.
The typical American commute has been getting longer each year since 2010. The average one-way commute in Tennessee takes 24.8 minutes. That's shorter than the US average of 26.4 minutes.
How people in Tennessee get to work:
- 83.6% drive their own car alone
- 9.0% carpool with others
- 4.1% work from home
- 0.7% take mass transit