A comprehensive guide to Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Quick insights
- Nashville International Airport (BNA) has dozens of non-stop destinations to cities across the U.S. as well as international flights to Canada, Mexico, the U.K., Ireland and others.
- There are two parking garages and three surface parking lots, but spaces cannot be reserved in advance.
- The security checkpoint opens at 3:30 a.m., and the airport opens extra screening lanes during busy travel times.
Nashville International Airport (BNA)Opens overlay serves as a gateway to Music City and the surrounding areas. It’s a busy airport that has continued to grow over the years, which has caused the need for renovations. To accommodate an increasing number of travelers and flights, the airport is undergoing an expansion and remodeling that will continue through 2029.
BNA continues to add new flights and routes to different U.S. cities and international destinations, so you may find yourself passing through at some point. Read on to learn more about the airport and how to get to and around it.
Navigating to and from BNA
BNA is located at One Terminal Drive, which is roughly 10 miles southeast of downtown Nashville. To reach the BNA, take the airport exit off I-40. The drive is roughly 20 minutes from BNA to downtown Nashville, depending on traffic.
The Ground Transportation Center (GTC) at BNA is on the ground level near Terminal Garage 2. Some transportation options at BNA include:
- Rental cars: Rental car companies have service counters located on Level 1 of the terminal. There is a consolidated rental car facility adjacent to Terminal Garage 1.
- Rideshare services and hotel shuttles: Rideshare services operate from the GTC in Terminal Garage 2. Passengers who have arranged for a rideshare pick up or hotel shuttle should head to Terminal Garage 2.
- Taxis: Taxis drop off curbside and pick up in the South Wing pick-up area of the GTC. There is typically a flat rate for taxi service to downtown Nashville and the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.
- Public Transit: The WeGo Public Transit Route18 bus provides service to and from the airport. Travelers can catch the bus to Nashville on Level 1 of the Terminal 2 Garage. A one-way ticket is typically less than $5.
Parking at BNA
There are five parking options at BNA, with a mix of short-term, long-term, economy and valet parking. They include:
- Terminal Garage 1: Directly across from the terminal, this garage has 4,000+ covered spaces and provides short- and long-term parking. It is a short walk to the terminal and provides access via the ground level or 5th floor. The first 30 minutes of parking in this lot are free.
- Terminal Garage 2: This airport-adjacent garage has 2,000+ covered spaces and is a short walk to the terminal via the ground level. It provides short- and long-term parking, but the first 30 minutes are free.
- Lot A: Lot A is the closest surface parking lot located between Terminal Drive and the rental car facility. There is a walking path to the terminal from the lot that is approximately a 9-minute walk. The airport does not provide shuttle service to this lot.
- Economy Lots B and C: Located the furthest from the terminal, these lots provide long-term parking at a lower rate than the garages near the terminal. There is a complimentary shuttle service approximately every 10 mins from the lots to the terminal.
- Cell phone lot: There is a free cell phone waiting lot located at 1415 Murfreesboro Pike for drivers waiting to pick up passengers. The lot features secure fencing, security guard monitoring and real-time flight information monitors, allowing drivers to check the status of incoming flights.
Parking prices and availabilityOpens overlay at BNA are available on its website. You also can calculate an estimate for the cost of parking, but you cannot reserve a spot ahead of time.
BNA terminal and map
BNA has one terminal with four concourses. However, Concourse A is currently under construction with an expected opening date of 2028. Once through the security checkpoint in BNA’s grand lobby, passengers can head to any concourse to catch their departing flight.
The airport has five levels:
- Level 1: International arrivals, rental car counters and access to ground transportation
- Level 2: Domestic arrivals and baggage claim
- Level 3: Ticketing counters; security screening; Concourses B, C and D
- Level 4: A mezzanine level with escalators to the third and fifth floors
- Level 5: The walkway to Terminal Garage 1 and the BNA dog park (will eventually include access to an on-site hotel that is currently under construction)
There is a map of BNAOpens overlay on their site, which includes amenities, dining and shopping locations.
Security at BNA
Most passengers will pass through BNA’s central checkpoint for security screening, which opens daily at 3:30 a.m. BNA also has extra security lanes that can open during peak travel times to help reduce wait times. The airport websiteOpens overlay provides real-time updates on estimated wait times for airport screening.
Typically, early morning and late afternoon are peak travel times at BNA, as well as holidays and spring break. Travelers can expect longer wait times during these periods. Additionally, local events like the CMA Music Festival can bring an influx of travelers to Nashville, which may affect wait times at the airport.
For passengers traveling domestically, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends passengers arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to their departure time. The recommended arrival time is 3 hours prior to departure for international flights.
Getting through airport security faster
Customs and TSA wait times can vary, but there are Trusted Traveler Programs (TTPs) that may help expedite the security and passport screening processes.
TSA PreCheck® allows members to use designated lanes at airport security checkpoints. Passengers in those lanes typically do not need to remove light jackets, shoes, belts or jewelry during screening.
Global Entry allows members to bypass the standard customs line and use a designated kiosk to scan their passport, provide fingerprints and complete a customs declaration. Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck benefits.
Some credit cards offer reimbursement for TTP application fees when the cardmember uses their eligible card to pay the fee.
Things to do at BNA
Nashville’s notoriety for live music and a vibrant art scene carries over to its airport. BNA features a host of live music performances throughout the terminal thanks to the Arts at the Airport program. Arts at the Airport also highlights visual art from local, regional and national artists with rotating art exhibits throughout the airport that include original works in various artistic mediums.
In addition to live music, at BNA travelers can experience a variety of shopping and dining optionsOpens overlay. Whether you're looking for martinis or burgers or the perfect souvenir, there is plenty to choose from throughout the concourses and in the main hall.
For those looking for relaxation, there are massage and spa services available as well as meditation rooms where travelers can stretch and sit in a quiet space. There are also a few airport lounges, but travelers may need to pay a fee or purchase a membership to enter.
In summary
BNA has one terminal with five levels and four concourses. Travelers arriving at the airport will head to the third level for security screening and most gates. Arrivals are on level two.
There are five parking lots and garages at BNA. Terminal Garage 1 and Terminal Garage 2 are the closest to the airport and provide short- and long-term parking. Surface lots located further from the terminal have complimentary shuttle service to the airport. Parking cannot be reserved ahead of time.
The airport website provides real-time estimates on security screening wait times. During peak travel times, additional security screening lanes can open to accommodate more travelers.
