Nashville International Airport (A Local’s Complete Guide)

👉 Jump to:History | Airport Layout | Ground Transportation Options | Where to Stay Nearby | FAQ

Nashville International Airport (BNA) is located in the southern part of Nashville and is the major airport in Middle Tennessee. In fact, with so many people coming to Nashville these days, the airport is undergoing a growth and expansion plan. 

As a Nashville local, I’m well acquainted with the Nashville International Airport and am here to give you the details you need for a smooth arrival and departure in Music City. Whether you’re here to try out all the fun activities in Nashville or just stopping enroute to another destination, this guide contains essential info. Here’s what you need to know!

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Nashville International Airport History

Nashville International Airport first opened in June 1937 and began as an airport called Berry Field.

During World War II, the US military took over the airport as the headquarters for the 4th Ferrying Command and expanded the airport’s size. Then, control of the airport was returned to the city after World War II ended.

In 1961, the airport surpassed half a million yearly passengers for the first time. The airport has since undergone multiple expansions to accommodate the growing traffic. 

It was renamed Nashville International Airport in 1987 when American Airlines began offering international flights to London and nonstop service to many cities. However, the airport’s IATA code (BNA) still stands for Berry Field Nashville.

In the past few years, passenger numbers and flights have increased even more. This is largely because the airport offers nonstop flights to locations across the US, Canada, and many other destinations. BNA is no longer a hub for American Airlines, but instead a major hub for Southwest Airlines.

Two renovation projects at the airport are currently in the works and are expected to continue until 2028: BNA Vision and New Horizons. These updates include a new international arrivals facility, new parking garages, new ticketing and baggage areas, and additional security screening areas.

Part of the update included the Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal, a hotel in the airport that opened in early 2024.

Nashville International Airport Layout

Nashville International Airport has one terminal and four concourses: Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, and Concourse D. 

There’s also a satellite terminal with additional airline gates and an international arrivals facility (IAF).

Terminal

Nashville International Airport’s terminal is the main hub of the airport. The four concourses branch off at each corner so it’s relatively easy to get around.

Services in the terminal include ticketing and baggage areas, shops, restaurants, security checkpoints, arrivals, departures, and ground transportation. 

I really like that the airport reflects Nashville’s culture. There’s an impressive restaurant called the Titan’s Press Box (Nashville’s NFL team) right past security. You’ll also find other Nashville institutions like ACME Feed & Seed in the terminal.

There are airport locations of Parnassus Books, Draper James, and even the Country Music Hall of Fame gift shop if you didn’t get enough time for shopping in Nashville.

International Arrivals Facility

The new international arrivals facility (IAF) is attached to the terminal. The facility was created as part of the BNA Vision renovation project.

This area has 6 gates to accommodate international flights. The current plan is for the gates at the international arrivals facility to also sometimes serve domestic flights as well.

Concourse A

Concourse A has relatively few restaurants and cafes. You will find Arrington Wine Bar and Grill and Kijiji Coffee near the entrance. Arrington Vineyards is one of my favorite day trips from Nashville. Kijiji Coffee is the first African American-owned coffee shop in Nashville.

Concourse B

Restaurants at Concourse B include local Nashville restaurants like Pharmacy Burger and Pig Star by Peg Leg Porker along with chains like Chick-fil-A and Starbucks.

The concourse also has a kid’s play area. It’s rather small, but still a good spot if your kids need a place to get out some energy before getting on a long flight.

Concourse C

Concourse C has the most gates of any of the concourses. It’s important to know that there’s a satellite concourse that also has additional airline gates for C. You have to take a shuttle from the main concourse to reach the satellite concourse. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time before your flight departure to do this.

Restaurants here include a mix of local and chain places to eat. You’ll find spots like Swett’s BBQ and Barista Parlor alongside Shake Shack. Because this is Nashville, bars like Tootsie’s (one of the most famous honky tonks on Broadway) and Ole Red typically have live music. In fact, there are over 700 music events each year in the Nashville airport.

For more live music in Music City, be sure to check out my guide to Nashville’s best music venues.

Concourse D

Concourse D also has relatively few options for food. I recommend Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant or the Southern Steak and Oyster.

Of course, Concourse D is still near all the food and entertainment available in Concourse C and the main terminal.

Ground Transportation from BNA to Nashville

The best option for ground transportation is renting a car in Nashville. However, there are a few other ways to get around Nashville.

Car Rentals

Eleven rental car companies have counters on the first level of the main terminal. Because Nashville is such a popular destination, use Discover Cars to look at all the different options and reserve a car in advance.

A rental car is a good option unless you plan on staying mostly Downtown or in another one of Nashville’s central neighborhoods.

Ride Share Apps

Ride shares pick up at the ground transportation center on level 1 of the Terminal Garage 2. Lyft picks up from Zone A and Uber picks up from Zones B and C.  

Wait time for rideshare apps is usually not too long, and prices shouldn’t be too high since BNA isn’t far from downtown.

Taxis

Taxis pick up at the ground transportation center on level 1 of Terminal Garage 2.

Taxis are good if you’re staying downtown or at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. All of the taxi companies have a fixed price of $30 with an additional $2 per extra passenger to go from BNA to these areas.

Public Transportation

Nashville’s bus routes on WeGo Public Transit are not the most efficient way of getting around Nashville, but they are budget-friendly. A bus ticket costs just $2. 

Route 18 goes from the airport’s ground transportation center to Downtown in 40 minutes. The buses only come once every 45-60 minutes depending on the day’s schedule.

Hotel Shuttles

Some of Nashville’s hotels have their own shuttles for guests. You can find these shuttles at the ground transportation center but you’ll have to book these with your hotel in advance.

Where to Stay Near Nashville International Airport

BNA is fairly close to the center of Nashville, especially compared to other major cities’ airports. That being said, you may want to stay near the airport if you have an especially early or late flight.

Here is a list of the best Nashville hotels near Nashville International Airport:

• Sonesta Nashville Airport – With a complimentary airport shuttle, Sonesta is a great option for busy travelers. The mid-range hotel has its own Starbucks for early mornings and there’s a pool if you have extra time to relax.
• Hampton Inn Nashville Airport Century Place – Hampton Inn has a free shuttle service and a daily buffet breakfast. Additional features include a business center and a fitness center.
• Sheraton Music City Nashville Airport – The Sheraton is an attractive hotel with both a restaurant and a lounge. Other features include a heated indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a business center, and a fitness center.

FAQs About Nashville International Airport

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Thanks for reading my guide to Nashville International Airport (BNA). Before you go, be sure to figure out where to stay in Nashville!