Nashville International Airport (BNA) connects travelers to 114 nonstop destinations across the US and internationally, serving one of the hottest vacation spots in the country. Though no airlines use BNA as a hub, Southwest operates an extensive network here with service to 119 cities, making it a common layover destination. Whether you’re coming for the music, the food or a Titans game, BNA handles the flow efficiently.
Terminal information and tips at BNA
BNA has one terminal with four concourses: A, B, C and D. Concourse C includes a satellite concourse that’s connected via an electric shuttle that runs every three minutes. Each concourse connects to a central hub where you’ll find security, shopping and an expansive food court, plus individual shops and restaurants throughout.
All concourses are connected and walkable, except for the satellite concourse. If you’ve got time before your flight, I recommend exploring beyond your gate. Check the airport map to see what shops or restaurants catch your eye in other concourses.
TSA security lines at BNA
Security screening is typically quick and efficient at BNA – you can check current estimated wait times on the BNA website before you head to the airport. Beyond the general security lanes, you’ll find TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes for expedited screening.
Both are paid programs, but there’s a key difference: TSA PreCheck requires advance registration, while you can sign up for CLEAR on the spot.
How to get to downtown Nashville from BNA
Driving is the most common way to reach downtown Nashville from BNA. You’ve got options: rental cars, taxis or rideshares all work well.
For taxis and rideshares, head across the street to the Ground Transportation Center at Level 1 of Terminal Garage 2. Taxis charge a flat rate of $30 to downtown, while rideshares use app-based pricing – worth knowing when you’re comparing prices.
If you’d like to take public transportation, you can ride the WeGo bus. There are both local and express buses that go downtown - the local typically takes between 30 and 40 minutes, while the express can be as quick as 20 minutes in favorable conditions. The bus stop at BNA is also located at the Ground Transportation Center.
How to get to nearby Nashville destinations and attractions
BNA is conveniently located close to downtown Nashville - it’s typically a quick drive if there’s no traffic. Most main attractions in Nashville are downtown, but here are some helpful details for popular destinations across the city.
Broadway
Broadway is the beating heart of downtown Nashville, home to the famous honky tonks and many hotels. It’s typically a quick taxi or rideshare ride from BNA. If you’re taking the WeGo bus, get off at the Elizabeth R. Duff Transit Center (Central and 4th) – it’s a short walk from there.
Vanderbilt University
Nashville is home to Vanderbilt University and the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. As with Broadway, an easy way to get to campus is by taxi or rideshare. It’s typically a quick drive without traffic. You can also take the public WeGo bus, but you’ll have to connect at the Elizabeth R. Duff Transit Center.
Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is located outside of downtown Nashville, but it’s typically a quick drive from BNA. Take a taxi or a rideshare for convenient transportation. The WeGo bus is cheaper, but you’ll have to connect downtown, making for a much longer journey.
Nissan Stadium
Nissan Stadium is home to the Tennessee Titans NFL football team, as well as the Tennessee State University football team. If you’re coming to town for a game (or a concert), you’re best off taking a taxi or a rideshare from the airport. It’s typically a quick drive, though you should expect traffic on game day. For public transportation, take the WeGo bus - though it’ll take considerably longer.
Bridgestone Arena
Bridgestone Arena is home to the Nashville Predators NHL hockey team. It’s conveniently located in the heart of downtown, just off Broadway. It’s typically a quick drive from BNA via taxi or rideshare, or you can take the WeGo public bus for a longer but cheaper journey. Again, you should expect traffic on game days.
What to do during a layover at BNA
Though BNA is more often a final destination than a layover spot, some airlines do offer itineraries with layovers here, including Southwest. So if you find yourself at BNA for a few hours while waiting for your next flight, here’s what you should do to pass the time.
Less than four hours
If you have less than four hours, leaving the airport probably isn’t feasible unless you just want some fresh air. The good news: there’s plenty to do inside.
Need a nap or a quiet place to work? Book a pod at the Minute Suites in Concourse D near Gate D3 – they’ve got daybeds, desks, Smart TVs and free WiFi.
You can also go on a BNA bar and food crawl – top Nashville restaurants and breweries have outposts here, including spots for the famous hot chicken and local craft beer. Check the airport directory for current dining options.
Want to catch a game while you wait? Head to the Titans Press Box sports bar.
Four to six hours
If you have a longer layover at BNA, you might have just enough time to sneak out to a nearby attraction. But limit yourself to just one. I’d recommend visiting the Grand Ole Opry for a backstage tour - the venue is nearby, and tours run between 45 minutes and an hour.
Or if you’re motivated to experience live music at the honky tonks, make your way down to Broadway. If you’re there during the day, it’ll be less crowded and easier to order a bite to eat, too. If you’re there at night, it’s best to just grab a drink, as wait times can grow long. Need something quick to eat during your honky-tonk hop? There are plenty of quick-service spots along Broadway.
More than six hours
If you have more than six hours, you have plenty of time to visit an attraction or two, especially if they’re close together. Consider a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. Or you can even book a lunch or dinner reservation at a top Nashville restaurant, like Catbird Seat or Mimo at the Four Seasons.
If you have an overnight layover, the Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal is located right outside the main terminal. This pet-friendly hotel has a rooftop pool, a fitness center and on-site dining to make your layover plenty comfortable.
Lounges at BNA
BNA has several lounges despite being a regional airport: a Delta Sky Club, an American Airlines Admirals Club and a USO Center (outside security on the third floor near the security checkpoints). Priority Pass holders can access the Minute Suites in Concourse D. Here’s my take: better food is outside the lounges, though the free food and drinks inside are a nice perk.
Alternative airports to BNA
BNA is the only major airport within 125 miles of Nashville, so it’s pretty much your only option in the area. If you’re looking for a nonstop international flight, and BNA doesn’t offer that route, your next best choice is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), located roughly four hours away by car.
Because BNA is a smaller airport than ATL, it’s far more convenient in terms of security lines, so my personal preference is to take a layover to visit BNA rather than drive to or from ATL. Plus, with the driving time between Atlanta and Nashville, you probably wouldn’t save any overall travel time anyway.
Closer airports include Huntsville International Airport (HSV) in Alabama and Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) in the southeast corner of Tennessee. These airports are roughly two hours from Nashville by car.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
