Getting to Robertson County Fairgrounds: A Road and Air Guide

Plan your trip to Springfield, Tennessee with practical driving directions, airport options, and where to stay near the Robertson County Fairgrounds.

By Road: Interstates and Local Routes

Driving to Springfield is straightforward via Interstate 24, which runs from Nashville to Clarksville. Take exit 24 for Highway 49 and head east; the fairgrounds are about 3 miles ahead on your right at 4203 Highway 41 North. From downtown Nashville, the trip is roughly 45 miles and takes 50–60 minutes, depending on traffic. From Clarksville, it's a 30-minute drive south on Highway 41A. If you're coming from Louisville, Kentucky, take I-65 South to I-24 West, a 3-hour drive.

Once in Springfield, parking at the fairgrounds is free and plentiful, but arrive early on event days. The main lot fills by mid-morning during the Robertson County Fair in August. Street parking is available along Highway 41, but avoid blocking driveways. If you're staying at a hotel on Tom Austin Highway, you can walk to the fairgrounds in 15–20 minutes via a sidewalk on Highway 41. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are sparse in Springfield, so schedule ahead or have a backup plan.

By Air: Nashville and Clarksville Airports

Nashville International Airport (BNA) is the closest major airport, 50 miles south of Springfield. From BNA, take I-40 West to I-24 West, then exit 24 for Highway 49. The drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes in normal traffic. Rental cars are available on-site, and a one-way taxi or rideshare to Springfield costs around $80–$100. Alternatively, consider Clarksville-Montgomery County Regional Airport (CKV), 25 miles west, which serves private planes and some charter flights; from there, it's a 35-minute drive via Highway 41A.

For commercial flights, BNA offers the most options. If you're flying into Nashville, you could also take a Greyhound bus from the downtown station to Springfield, but service is limited to one daily route and takes 1.5 hours. I'd recommend renting a car at BNA for flexibility. If you're visiting for the fair in August, book your flight and car early—prices spike. The nearest Amtrak station is in Nashville, but no direct train goes to Springfield, so a car is essential.

Where to Stay and When to Visit

Springfield has a handful of chain hotels along Tom Austin Highway (US-41), including Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn Express, with rates from $90 to $130 per night. For a more local experience, the Hampton Inn on Memorial Boulevard is a solid choice, about 2 miles from the fairgrounds. If you prefer staying in Nashville, you'll find a wider range of options, but the 45-minute drive each way can be tedious. I'd book the Hampton Inn for convenience—it's clean, quiet, and close to restaurants like O'Charley's and Cracker Barrel.

The best months to visit are May, June, and September, when the weather is mild and crowds are thin. The Robertson County Fair in August draws large numbers, so book at least a month ahead. Avoid July, when humidity peaks. If you're attending a specific event, check the fairgrounds calendar—there's a tractor pull in June and a craft fair in October. For a quieter trip, weekdays are ideal. Rooms fill up fast during the fair, so secure your reservation early.

Getting Around and What to Skip

A car is the most practical way to get around Springfield. Public transit is minimal—the Springfield Area Transit System runs limited routes on weekdays, but none go directly to the fairgrounds. Bicycling is possible on back roads, but Highway 41 has heavy truck traffic. If you're staying downtown, you can walk to shops and restaurants, but the fairgrounds are outside the walkable core. For a stress-free trip, plan to drive everywhere. Gas stations are plentiful along Highway 41 and Tom Austin Highway.

Skip the idea of relying on taxis; they're nearly nonexistent. Also, don't count on late-night food delivery near the fairgrounds—most restaurants close by 9 p.m. If you're flying into BNA, avoid arriving during rush hour (4–6 p.m.) to prevent delays. And don't book a hotel in Nashville thinking you'll commute easily; the drive can stretch to 90 minutes with traffic. Instead, book a hotel in Springfield and enjoy the town's relaxed pace. The extra savings on gas and time are worth it.

Questions, answered

How far is the Robertson County Fairgrounds from Nashville?

The fairgrounds are about 45 miles north of downtown Nashville via I-24 West. The drive typically takes 50–60 minutes without traffic. Allow extra time during weekday rush hours, especially between 4 and 6 p.m.

Is there public transportation to the fairgrounds?

Public transit options are very limited. The Springfield Area Transit System does not serve the fairgrounds directly. Rideshares are scarce, so driving or renting a car is your best bet for convenient access.

When is the best time to book a hotel for the fair?

For the Robertson County Fair in August, book at least one month in advance. Hotels in Springfield fill quickly. May, June, and September are quieter months with more availability and mild weather.

← Springfield's page