A Group Travel Guide to Franklin, Tennessee's Best Destinations

Located just 20 miles south of Nashville, Franklin, Tennessee, is a city where history, charm, and Southern hospitality converge. For group travelers, Franklin offers a sophisticated yet relaxed alternative to the hustle of Music City. However, navigating the historic streets, managing parking for multiple vehicles during busy festivals, or coordinating a caravan to the rolling hills of Arrington can be a logistical challenge. That is where Charter Bus Rental Company Franklin steps in.

Whether you are planning a corporate retreat, a wedding shuttle service, a senior sightseeing tour, or an educational field trip, renting a charter bus allows your group to experience Franklin’s rich heritage without the stress of navigation. Our fleet ranges from 18-passenger minibuses perfect for maneuvering through Downtown Franklin’s Victorian neighborhoods to 56-passenger motorcoaches designed for long-haul comfort. With amenities like reclining seats, climate control (essential for Tennessee summers), and onboard WiFi, the journey becomes part of the experience.

Below is our curated guide to the best destinations in Franklin, Tennessee, tailored specifically for groups traveling by motorcoach.

A few of the companies we’ve worked with

The Factory at Franklin

Once a stove factory during the industrial boom of the 1920s, The Factory at Franklin has been reimagined as a vibrant mixed-use complex that serves as a cultural hub for the city. For groups, this is an ideal starting point or a midday stop. The complex houses a dozen unique restaurants, artisan boutiques, and performance venues like the Mockingbird Theater. It is large enough to accommodate a busload of people with varying interests—some can grab tacos at Mojo’s, others can grab coffee at Honest Coffee Roasters, and the shoppers can browse through local goods, all under one roof.

The Factory is a sprawling complex, but parking lots fill up rapidly, especially during the Saturday morning Franklin Farmers Market. A charter bus rental allows for a seamless drop-off right at the main entrance near the iconic water tower. Your group can disperse to eat and shop, then meet back at the bus at a designated time, avoiding the need to circle the lot for forty minutes looking for thirty individual parking spots.

230 Franklin Rd, Franklin, TN 37064

Carnton

No trip to Franklin is complete without acknowledging its pivotal role in the American Civil War. Carnton was the home of John and Carrie McGavock and served as the largest field hospital following the Battle of Franklin in 1864. Today, it stands as an impeccably preserved historic site. Groups can tour the house, walk the expansive gardens, and visit the McGavock Confederate Cemetery, the largest private Confederate cemetery in the country.

Carnton is a somber, educational experience best shared as a group. For school field trips or history tour groups, Charter Bus Rental Company Franklin provides the perfect classroom on wheels. Use the onboard PA system to brief your group on the history of the Battle of Franklin before you arrive. The site has designated areas for motorcoach parking, making it an easy-access destination for large groups.

1345 Carnton Ln, Franklin, TN 37064

Historic Downtown Franklin (Main Street)

Often cited as “America’s Favorite Main Street,” Downtown Franklin offers a 16-block National Register district filled with antique shops, art galleries, restored Victorian homes, and brick-and-mortar restaurants. It is the heartbeat of the city. Groups can catch a show at the historic Franklin Theatre, browse the bookshelves at Landmark Booksellers, or enjoy Southern cuisine at Gray’s on Main.

While Downtown Franklin is incredibly walkable, it is not particularly "park-able" for large convoys of cars. Street parking is limited and time-restricted. By booking a minibus or charter bus with Charter Bus Rental Company Franklin, your driver can drop your group off at the visitor center or a designated loading zone. While your group explores the boutiques and grabs ice cream at Kilwins, your driver handles the vehicle. We can coordinate a pickup time later in the evening, ensuring no one has to walk blocks back to their car after a heavy meal.

Main St, Franklin, TN 37064

Arrington Vineyards

Located about 25 minutes east of downtown Franklin among the rolling hills of Williamson County, Arrington Vineyards is often referred to as "Nashville's Wine Country." Co-owned by country music artist Kix Brooks, this award-winning winery offers spectacular views, live music on weekends (Music in the Vines), and plenty of lawn space for picnics. It is a premier destination for bachelorette parties, corporate outings, and family reunions.

Alcohol and driving do not mix. When you rent a charter bus for a winery tour, you automatically secure a designated driver for your entire group. Everyone can enjoy the wine tastings and the frosé without worrying about how they will get back to the hotel safely. Furthermore, Arrington can get crowded on weekends; arriving in a single bus ensures your group stays together rather than getting separated in the overflow parking lots.

6211 Patton Rd, Arrington, TN 37014

Leiper's Fork

For a taste of rural Tennessee charm with a side of world-class artistry, head to the village of Leiper's Fork. This unincorporated village is famous for its front-porch picking sessions, high-end art galleries situated in old cabins, and the legendary Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant. It is a favorite spot for celebrities looking for a quiet retreat and offers a unique, laid-back atmosphere that contrasts with the busier downtown areas.

The drive out to Leiper's Fork involves winding, two-lane country roads that can be intimidating for drivers unfamiliar with the area—especially if you are trying to keep a convoy of five or six cars together. Drivers at Charter Bus Rental Company Franklin know these roads well. A minibus rental is particularly effective here, navigating the tighter turns with ease while your group enjoys the scenic countryside views through panoramic windows.

4150 Old Hillsboro Rd, Franklin, TN 37064

The Carter House

Located just south of downtown, The Carter House was at the very center of the Battle of Franklin. The Carter family hid in the basement while the battle raged around them. Today, the house and its outbuildings still bear the scars of war—specifically, over one thousand bullet holes that are still visible in the structures. It is one of the most significant Civil War sites in the nation.

Many history groups pair The Carter House with Carnton for a full day of historical immersion. Charter Bus Rental Company Franklin can provide a shuttle service between these two sites (which are about 2 miles apart). This is far more efficient than loading and unloading multiple personal vehicles. Our buses offer comfortable storage for any educational materials, backpacks, or bagged lunches your group brings along.

1140 Columbia Ave, Franklin, TN 37064

Natchez Trace Parkway & Double Arch Bridge

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive through three states, and one of its most photogenic highlights is right here in Franklin. The Double Arch Bridge spans Birdsong Hollow and offers breathtaking views of the valley below. It is an engineering marvel and a fantastic spot for photo opportunities, especially during the fall foliage season. The Parkway is strictly regulated (no commercial hauling), but tour buses are permitted. The elevated vantage point from a charter bus seat provides a superior view of the bridge and the surrounding valley compared to a standard passenger car. Your driver can take you to the designated parking area near the northern end of the bridge so your group can disembark comfortably for photos without dangerously pulling off on the shoulder of the highway.

Highway 96 Entrance, Franklin, TN 37064

Lotz House Museum

Situated directly across the street from the Carter House, the Lotz House is another witness to the Battle of Franklin. This home, built by German immigrant Johann Albert Lotz, is famous for its fine woodworking and the damage it sustained during the battle—including a cannonball that crashed through the roof and is still embedded in the floorboards today. It is a museum dedicated to the family's story and fine antiques.

Because the Lotz House is located on Columbia Avenue, a busy thoroughfare, parking can be tricky for multiple cars. A charter bus can drop your group off curbside for your scheduled tour. Afterward, the bus can transport your group to a local restaurant for a debriefing lunch, keeping the schedule tight and organized.

1111 Columbia Ave, Franklin, TN 37064

Plan Your Trip to Historic Franklin Today

Whether you are soaking in the history of the Civil War, sipping wine in Arrington, or shopping along Main Street, Franklin is a destination best experienced together. Charter Bus Rental Company Franklin is ready to handle the logistics so you can focus on the memories. Our reservation specialists are available 24/7/365 to build a custom itinerary just for you. If you’d like a free, personalized quote for your next group trip, we’re ready to help and we’d love to earn your business! You can reach us by calling 812-901-6605.

Frequently Asked Questions About Franklin Group Travel Transportation

Where do charter buses park when visiting Downtown Franklin?

Parking in historic downtown Franklin is limited due to the preservation of its 19th-century layout. Large motorcoaches generally cannot park directly on Main Street. However, your driver can drop your group off at designated loading zones near the public square or the Visitor Center. Once the group is off, the bus will move to a designated staging area or larger lots on the perimeter of downtown (such as near The Factory or Harlinsdale Farm) and return for pickup when you call. We handle these logistics so you don’t have to worry about meters or tickets.

How far in advance should we book a bus for a wedding in Franklin?

Franklin is a premier wedding destination, and weekends in the spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) are extremely busy. We highly recommend booking your wedding shuttle service at least 6 to 9 months in advance to ensure availability of your preferred vehicle type. If your wedding coincides with major local events like the Pilgrimage Music Festival or Pumpkinfest, you should aim to book even earlier, as local inventory sells out quickly.

Do you offer airport transfers from Nashville International Airport (BNA) to Franklin hotels?

Absolutely. While we are based in the Franklin area, we regularly service Nashville International Airport (BNA). We can arrange for a charter bus or minibus to meet your group at the terminal curbside and transport you directly to your hotel in Franklin, Cool Springs, or Brentwood. This is the most efficient way to move large groups with luggage, avoiding the hassle of coordinating dozens of rideshares or renting multiple cars.

What is the cost of renting a charter bus in Franklin?

Charter bus pricing varies based on several factors, including the date of your trip, the duration of the rental, the distance traveled, and the size of the bus you choose. For example, a standard 56-passenger coach rented for a full day during peak season will cost differently than a minibus rented for a few hours on a Tuesday. To get an accurate price, we recommend using our online quote tool or calling us at 812-901-6605. We provide free, no-obligation quotes tailored to your specific itinerary, usually within minutes.