Whether you’re in Nashville for a bachelor or bachelorette party, organizing a family reunion, planning a work event, or simply seeking a good time, Nashville has an abundance of options to keep you entertained. Among the city’s top attractions are its party buses and tours, offering everything from floating party barges to mobile hot tubs. With such a variety of choices, selecting the perfect way to party on Broadway, beyond the Honky Tonk bars, can be a daunting task.
To assist you in your quest for the ultimate party experience, we’ve curated a list of the top party buses and tours in Nashville. In compiling this guide, we prioritized three key attributes: originality, fun factor, and commitment to safety. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the excitement and discover the perfect party bus to kickstart your weekend in Music City!
The Best on Wheels
1. Honky Tonk Party Express
The Honky Tonk Party Express is Nashville’s original party bus in downtown Nashville. This bus offers a capacity of up to 25 passengers with a 2-hour experience down Broadway. The Honky Tonk Party Express is the best in the business when it comes to lively tunes, a track record of safety, and a reasonable price for a private tour. The bus includes LED lighting, a large sound system, a VIP bartender, and an optional shuttle service to the party bus from anywhere in Nashville.
Quick Info:
- Approximate cost is $49 per person
- Catering options not available
- No restroom on board
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2. The Nashville Tractor
The Nashville Tractor is a popular choice for small groups and quick tours of Nashville. These large party bus tractors cruise around Broadway, giving guests the chance to see the sights. They come equipped with a large sound system and a BYOB policy. Tickets are under $40 per person for a 1 hour and 15 minute-long ride. A number of guests have left reviews of canceled tractor rides due to overbooking or no availability, so it’s always good to call and confirm your departure prior to committing. The Nashville Tractor is primarily standing-room only. While on this lively party bus tour, you’ll become part of the Broadway spectacle. We recommend the Nashville Tractor if you are looking to party on a large open-air tractor with amazing views of Broadway.
Quick Info:
- Approximate cost is $40 per person
- No catering options available for private parties
- No restroom on board
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3. The Big Drag Bus
The Big Drag Bus has done a great job creating something distinct and entertaining. What a fun party bus idea for downtown Nashville! It offers a truly unique experience that sets itself apart from other party buses you’ll find here. You’ll enjoy a 90-minute tour of laughs, performances, and games. We recommend the Big Drag Bus for small groups looking for a different type of fun entertainment compared to the typical loud music you’ll hear on Broadway.
Quick Info:
- Approximate cost is $45–$50 per person
- Ideal for groups of 4–24 people
- No restroom on board
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4. Pedal Tavern – Rolling Through Music City
Dive into the heart of Nashville’s bustling streets aboard the Nashville Pedal Tavern, a unique mode of transportation that combines pedal power with pub-hopping fun. What could be more enjoyable than socializing on an oversized bike riding through town? Explore the infamous streets of Music Row and Broadway that have made Music City what it is today. Your driver will provide a curated playlist while you make a pit stop at one of the iconic Honky Tonks for a drink special, followed by a photo opportunity at the end of Broadway.
Quick Info:
- Approximate cost: $49.99–$52.99 per person
- Ideal for groups of 6-15 people
- No restroom on board
5. Nashville Party Barge
While the Nashville Party Barge is an original party barge experience, don’t be fooled. This is not a barge but an extended pickup truck with a large sound system. This operator made our list because they are original to Nashville. Their party barge offers seating for 10–18 people, a driver, and music. Make sure you know what to expect ahead of time, as you are not allowed to stand or dance while this party bus is in motion due to safety concerns. We love that this party barge takes you beyond the main sights of Broadway (unlike many other party buses), including Nissan Stadium and Midtown.
Quick Info:
- Approximate cost is $25–$40 per person
- No catering options are available
- No restroom on board
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6. Upstage Party Bus – Bus on Wheels
Get ready to elevate your night out with the Upstage Party Bus, equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems, LED lights, and room to dance the night away as you cruise through Nashville’s lively streets. The Upstage Party Bus is a two-hour tour of Nashville offering both shared and private tours. Each tour includes a professional DJ and private bartender. The boat is equipped with professional concert lighting and 8 TVs displaying music videos for the most epic party on wheels!
Quick Info:
- Approximate cost $40 per person
- Ideal for groups up to 30
- No restroom on board
The Best on Water
7. Pontoon Saloon
Looking for unique alternatives to a flooded market full of similar party buses? We’ve got you! The Pontoon Saloon offers an original, unique experience. Enjoy a full 2 hours on the water and see downtown Nashville from the Cumberland River. Skip the hot streets of Broadway and catch a fresh breeze, cruising at 10 knots while partying with new friends (or just your crew) on the best party barge in Nashville. Pontoon Saloon allows dancing throughout the cruise, catering options are available for your private events up to 45 people, and some of our cruises even provide live music. If driving, ask about our free, local parking options for large groups. Looking for a shuttle from Opry Land? We have you covered with the Honky Tonk Party Express shuttle.
Quick Info:
- Approximate cost $50-$55 per person
- Ideal for groups with up to 45 guests
- Restroom on board
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8. General Jackson Showboat – Sailing into Entertainment
Step aboard the General Jackson Showboat for a majestic voyage down the Cumberland River, complete with live entertainment, delicious dining, and breathtaking views of Nashville’s skyline. The General Jackson, one of the largest showboats ever constructed, stands as a magnificent example of American innovation. Adorned with a grand design, the boat exudes the brilliance of the American Victorian era.
Quick Info:
- Approximate cost: Adult pricing ranges from $45 to $75 per person
- Ideal for groups:
- Restroom on board
9. River Queen Voyages – Paddle Through Nashville’s Beauty
Experience Nashville from a different perspective with River Queen Voyages, offering guided kayak and paddleboard tours along the city’s scenic waterways. Public options cater to small groups and solo travelers, with kayak experiences and public pontoon cruises for 1-16 people. For larger groups or private experiences, the Pedal Pontoon hosts 16 people and private kayak activities for groups of 20 or more.
Quick Info:
- Approximate cost of $44 per person for kayaking and cruising
- Recommended to use the bathroom before or after
The Best Behind Bars
10. Joyride – Electric Bike Tours
Discover Nashville’s neighborhoods and attractions on an electric bike with Joyride, offering guided tours and rentals for an eco-friendly and exciting adventure. Embark on an exhilarating E-bike tour and pedal past iconic landmarks such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Ryman Auditorium.
Quick Info:
- Approximate cost starts at $99
- Ideal for groups up to 12
Plan Ahead for the Best Nashville Party Bus Experience
When scheduling a party bus or party barge for your desired dates, we recommend making reservations well in advance—at least 25–35 days ahead of time—as availability will be limited. A lot of the open-air party buses use tarps to provide coverage from cold and rainy weather, which may not be ideal for some. Plan accordingly! If you’re booking in the rainy season, which is typically March–May in Nashville, be sure to bring a rain jacket. Our warm season is June–October when the weather is usually perfect for an open-air party bus in Nashville.
Nashville has become a popular destination for tourists as well as people moving to the city. This means roads are busy and traffic is at an all-time high, so give your group plenty of time to arrive and check in for your party bus reservation. You may even want to factor in at least one Uber cancellation due to high demand and low driver supply. Planning ahead will ensure you get to focus on more fun and less stress while visiting Nashville!
