How to Explore Franklin, Tennessee Without a Car
In Franklin, Tennessee, it is more than possible to spend a day vehicle-free! Whether you’re exploring the city on foot, taking advantage of touring opportunities, or curious about public transportation, follow along to see the best ways you can get out and about without a car.
Walkability
Franklin has been praised for its walkability, a contributing factor in community appeal, local health, and environmental sustainability. According to Walk Score, a real estate affiliated site that scores cities based on walkability, Franklin has earned a reputable rating of 73—or very walkable—meaning most errands are within a reasonable distance and can be accomplished on foot. The factors that go into this calculation include easy access to drinks and dining, groceries, shopping, general errands, parks, schools, and entertainment.
It’s not just convenient! Walkability is a huge factor in Franklin’s progress towards environmental sustainability . Being able to get around without a vehicle means a decrease in air pollution emitted from our daily commutes. Likewise, city density decreases the amount of land used for urban infrastructure, making sure farmland and natural spaces remain intact. Being able to walk to accomplish daily tasks is also known to improve physical and mental health. The regular, low-impact physical activity is good for the body and the mind, drastically improving quality of life within a community. Not to mention, walking reduces the amount of money spent on fueling and maintaining your vehicle, a number that adds up quickly!
The collective impact of community walkability makes a big difference in personal and global well-being. Franklin is proud to be a walkable city, and continues to make strides towards improvement through our Sustainability Commission.
Walking Tours
Experience the charm of Franklin—on foot. If you’re interested in the history that has shaped our city, immerse yourself in local stories through the variety of guided tours available through top-rated Franklin Walking Tours. There’s something for everyone: tours of Civil War sites, haunted locations, and historical churches. You can also opt for a private, customizable tour, perfect for special occasions or group outings. There are also special seasonal tours available throughout the year.
As you embark, keep in mind that Franklin’s Walking Tours all take place within the 16-block Downtown Historic District. Dogs are welcome on the tours, though some specific sites may not allow entry with an animal. If this happens, pet owners are encouraged to stay outside with their pet during that portion of the tour.
Though prices vary, walking tours typically range from $25 to $30 per person. They typically begin at Landmark Booksellers, where a guide will be waiting at the designated time wearing a recognizable “Franklin Walking Tours” shirt or nametag.
Landmark Booksellers: 114 East Main St, Franklin, TN 37064
Bike Rentals
If you still think wheels are more your speed, rent an electric bike through Pedego Franklin. Pedego is the leading electric bike retailer in America; Franklin’s store is locally owned and open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You can purchase your very own electric bike at Pedego, but hourly rentals are also available. Bike rentals can range from $25-$125, depending on duration, model, and service fees. You must be at least 14 years old to rent a bike.
Ride past Historic Homes of Franklin, through Historic Downtown, or all the way to Leiper’s Fork and Natchez Trace. Tours are guided and range in time and difficulty. The more leisurely tours are the Historic Homes Tour, which is 1.5 hour long ride through historic downtown, and the Fun Franklin History Tour, which explores local historical sites during a 2.5 hour ride. The more intense Leiper’s Fork and Natchez Trace tours span 3 hours and include more adventurous, backroad bike riding. Though you do not have to be an avid cyclist to participate in any of these tours, being comfortable and confident in your bike riding ability is necessary.
Pedego Electric Bikes Franklin: 248 2nd Ave South, Franklin, TN 37064
Public Transportation
Franklin Transit provides fixed-route public transportation six days a week. Service hours are Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
For the fixed route, transit fares for adults are $1.00, and $0.50 for children under 5 and seniors (65+). Active military personnel and veterans are free, as well as children small enough to ride on their guardian’s lap. Ticket bundles are available on the organization’s website. See the fixed route and pickup/drop-off schedule here. Other regular routes include the Farmers Market Route and the Art Crawl Route.
Transit On Demand (TODD) routes are also available if reservations are made in advance. Pricing for TODD varies based on operation Zones. To make a reservation, Franklin Transit invites you to visit the Franklin Transit Center Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Reservations and requests can also be made over the phone: 615-628-0260
Franklin Public Transit Office: 708 Columbia Ave, Franklin, TN 37064
Trolley Hop
The Franklin Hop is a vintage trolley experience hosted by Gray Line Tennessee. Fully narrated tours are 45 minutes long and depart from Franklin’s Visitor Center at the top of every hour.
There are four stops throughout the tour: The Moore-Morris History and Culture Center, The Factory at Franklin, Carnton, and the Carter/Lotz Houses. Each of these stops are conveniently located, surrounded by 50 points of interest. At any stopping point during the 45 minute tour, guests are able to explore at their leisure, hopping on and off the operating trolley.
Adult tickets are $39 plus fees. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. If you get a late start, keep in mind that the final tour of the day departs from the Visitor Center at 4 p.m.
Franklin Visitor Center: 400 Main St, Suite 130, Franklin, TN 37064
Franklin is full of resources to make sure you can get the most out of your day, even without a personal vehicle. As cities all over our nation continue to pursue alternative means of transportation, take advantage of the strides already made here in Franklin. Whether you’re local or visiting, consider financially, physically, and environmentally responsible modes of transportation. Don’t just drive by! Slow down and experience the charm of Franklin you could otherwise miss.
