Nashville International Airport
Nashville, US · 8 mi (13 km) southeast of downtown Nashville
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Charter bus and coach services Group transport · By reservation only; schedules customized to group needs | Roughly 15-25 min BNA–downtown by coach in normal traffic | — |
| Groome Transportation Regional shuttle · Several set departures per day in each direction | Approx. 2 hr 15 min Chattanooga–BNA in normal traffic | $50-60 one-way Chattanooga–BNA (varies by stop, per Groome fare table) |
| Hotel shuttles Courtesy hotel buses · Often every 20-30 min during operating hours; varies by hotel | 5-15 min to nearby airport hotels, longer on multi-stop loops | $0 (typically included with room at airport hotels) |
| Lyft Rideshare · On-demand via app; typically a few minutes’ wait off-peak | 15-25 min to downtown | $20-40 to downtown in typical conditions (Lyft standard, before surge) |
Insider notes
Seek out a real taste of Nashville with Hattie B’s in Concourse C or Prince’s Hot Chicken in the C/D connector; they're crowd favorites beyond the city’s borders.
Build in an extra 30–45 minutes to enjoy live music and local beer at Tootsies Orchid Lounge or Ole Red in Concourse C instead of waiting idly at the gate.
Enjoy a Nashville brewery crawl right in the airport with stops at TailGate Brewery and Yazoo Brewing Company available in various concourses.
Welcome
Nashville International Airport (BNA) truly leans into its 'Music City' identity, offering travelers a slice of Nashville's vibrant culture directly within its terminals. Known as a "mini Broadway," BNA presents live performances on multiple stages, boasting local hot chicken spots and outposts of iconic Nashville honky-tonks. It's an immersive experience packed into a compact, walkable space, while recent expansions have modernized its facilities with a distinct art-forward flair. The airport manages to blend the bustling atmosphere of a music venue with the convenience of travel, making it a memorable stop even before leaving for downtown Nashville.
At a glance
Handling around 21.9 million passengers a year, BNA is a hub for Southwest Airlines and operates four runways from its singular Main Terminal, which boasts 59 gates. Located just 8 miles southeast of downtown Nashville, this airport caters to numerous airlines including American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Southwest, ensuring a wide range of connectivity for travelers heading in and out of the city.
Terminals & layout
The Main Terminal at BNA houses everything you might need before a flight, with 59 gates accommodating flights from key airlines. With its layout, travelers find it easy to navigate between concourses, enjoying the food and live music spread throughout. The compact nature of the terminal means less walking and more time enjoying Nashville's local flavors and sounds, whether you’re waiting for a flight at Tootsies Orchid Lounge in Concourse C or grabbing some authentic Nashville hot chicken from Prince's or Hattie B’s.
Getting to and from the city
Multiple convenient transport options ensure a smooth journey to and from Nashville. The WeGo Public Transit Route 18 offers a budget-friendly option at $2, taking 25 to 35 minutes to downtown in normal traffic. Taxis provide a faster service at a cost of $25-$35 for a 15 to 25-minute ride. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft charge $20-$40 under typical conditions. Those driving will find several parking options, from the $45/day valet parking to the more economical off-site hotel parking at $4.99/day. Alternatively, Groome Transportation's regional shuttle serves those traveling to Chattanooga with fares starting from $50-$60.
Traveller essentials
BNA offers vital services for tourists and business travelers alike. Minute Suites provides a private space for rest and work, bookable by the hour and often available through card perks or Priority Pass memberships. For those in need of reliable Wi-Fi, complimentary internet access is available throughout the terminal, ensuring you stay connected for work or to stream your favorite music.
Dining & shopping highlights
Food enthusiasts will find a plethora of choices from local icons like Prince's Hot Chicken and Hattie B's, to mainstream names like Shake Shack and Chick-fil-A. If you prefer caffeine over hot chicken, Barista Parlor and 8th & Roast Coffee Co. are top picks offering superior brews over chain competitors. Shoppers can explore local specialties at Draper James, The Music City Shop, or the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum store, promising a distinctly Nashville shopping experience.
Lounges
For a more relaxed wait, premium lounges like the Delta Sky Club, Admirals Club located in Concourse C, and the USO Lounge are available. Each offers amenities catering to travelers looking for comfort and a quieter atmosphere. The Travelers Post Smoking Lounge is also an option for those needing a smoke break in between flights.
Insider tips
- Insider: Seek out a real taste of Nashville with Hattie B’s in Concourse C or Prince’s Hot Chicken in the C/D connector; they're crowd favorites beyond the city’s borders.
- Time: Build in an extra 30–45 minutes to enjoy live music and local beer at Tootsies Orchid Lounge or Ole Red in Concourse C instead of waiting idly at the gate.
- Local: Enjoy a Nashville brewery crawl right in the airport with stops at TailGate Brewery and Yazoo Brewing Company available in various concourses.
- Avoid: To minimize wait times at popular eateries, opt to grab a meal from Chick-fil-A, Shake Shack, or Burger King just after passing through security.
- Quiet: Minute Suites offers peaceful cabins for rest or work, often bookable through card or Priority Pass perks.
- Money: Use Economy Lots B or C for cheaper parking costs and rely on frequent free shuttles, especially during weekend crowds.
- Insider: The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum store acts as a mini-museum if you don't have time to visit downtown.