Bus Tours

Bus tours in Tennessee are the go-to for visitors who want to see more in less time, with 136 different options covering Nashville, Memphis, and beyond. Whether you’re after music landmarks, celebrity neighborhoods, or local food, there’s a bus tour for it—17% of all tours sold in the state are by bus, a much larger share than most destinations.

These tours appeal to travelers who want to maximize sightseeing without the hassle of driving or planning routes. With 93% rated 4 stars or better, most visitors come away satisfied, whether they’re looking for a party on wheels, a deep dive into music history, or simply a quick city overview.

With 136 bus tours on offer, Tennessee has more options in this category than almost any other type—only walking and historical tours are more numerous. Prices range widely: 11 tours cost under $30, but nearly half are over $120, with a category median of $125. This is much higher than the overall Tennessee tour median of $63, reflecting the longer durations and more included experiences typical of bus tours.

Compared to walking, food, or cultural tours (all with medians at $63), bus tours are a bigger investment but often cover more ground. Some are short, city-focused rides from $25–$45, while others are full-day excursions to distilleries or national parks, sometimes topping $400 for premium experiences. Most travelers pay between $25 and $140 for a well-rated, half-day or shorter tour.

Choosing the right Tennessee bus tour depends on what you want to see and how much time you have. If you want a quick introduction to Nashville or Memphis, city sightseeing tours start at $35–$49 and cover major landmarks in 1–2 hours. These are ideal for first-timers or anyone short on time. For those after something livelier, party buses like Nashville's Wildest Honky Tonk Public Party Bus (from $25) deliver a high-energy experience, but are strictly 21+ and focus on the social side rather than sightseeing.

If you want a deeper dive, tours with included admissions—like the Discover Nashville City Tour (from $104, with Ryman and Country Music Hall of Fame entry) or the Nashville to Jack Daniel's Distillery Bus Tour (from $140, with tastings)—offer more value for travelers interested in music or spirits. Food-focused options, such as the Taste of Nashville Food & Sightseeing Tour (from $129), combine city views with local flavors and consistently earn high marks for guide quality and variety.

Most of the best-rated tours (4.7★ and above) share a few things: knowledgeable and entertaining guides, well-paced itineraries, and a clear focus—whether it’s music history, celebrity homes, or local eats. However, not every tour suits every traveler. Some reviewers of the “Homes of the Stars” tour found the content repetitive if you already know Nashville, and several city tours received complaints about cancellations without notice or tours feeling rushed or too focused on buildings rather than stories.

The main disappointments noted in reviews are: unexpected cancellations (notably on city sightseeing tours), tours running shorter than advertised (on Memphis city tours), and, for some party buses, issues with music selection or group dynamics. Food tours occasionally draw criticism for small portions. If a specific inclusion or stop matters to you, check the details and recent reviews before booking.