Nashville International Airport

Airport Features and Highlights

The main "highlight" of the airport is, of course, live music. As part of the "Arts at the Airport" programme, several stages have been set up here where local musicians perform daily, playing everything from classic country to jazz and bluegrass.

The gastronomic component is also top-notch. Travellers can taste the famous Nashville "Hot Chicken", barbecue, and handcrafted beverages from local producers right before departure. Among the popular establishments is a branch of the famous Ole Red venue, owned by country star Blake Shelton.

Following a large-scale reconstruction under the BNA Vision project, the terminal has become even brighter and more convenient, with new relaxation zones and art installations added. Furthermore, the airport is located just a 15–20 minute drive from the city centre, making the journey to your hotel quick and tireless.

If you need to contact representatives of Nashville International Airport, please use the following contact information. We recommend checking the official website for the most current data, as it may change over time.

• Official Website: www.flynashville.com — here you will find the most complete and up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information Desk Phone: +1 (615) 275-1675 (please consider the international code when calling from outside the USA).
• Address: 1 Terminal Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA.
• Email: For most enquiries, the airport suggests using the contact forms available on the official website in the "Contact Us" section.
• Social Media: The airport maintains active pages on popular social networks such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Official account — @FlyNashville.
• Lost & Found: If you have left items in the terminal, please contact the airport's Lost & Found service. If items are missing from checked luggage, you should contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions, you can contact the main phone line or speak to staff at the information desks directly within the terminal building.

Getting to Nashville International Airport (BNA) from the city centre and its surroundings is possible via several convenient methods. The choice depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and comfort preferences. The airport is located approximately 15 kilometres southeast of the centre of Nashville, and the journey usually takes from 15 to 30 minutes, although this time may increase significantly during peak hours.

Public Transport

The most economical way to get to the airport is by bus. Route No. 18 Airport/Downtown Express by WeGo Public Transit runs between the city centre and the airport terminal. Buses run regularly throughout the day. This is an excellent choice for travellers with light luggage and those wishing to save money. The cost of the trip is minimal, but it is worth checking the current schedule on the carrier's website in advance.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services

For greater convenience, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling in a group, you can use a taxi or services popular in the USA such as Uber and Lyft. Special zones for pick-up and drop-off for these services are located right at the terminal. A trip from the city centre will cost approximately 25-35 dollars, but the price may vary depending on demand and the time of day.

Car Rental and Private Transport

If you prefer freedom of movement, a large Rental Car Facility is located at Nashville Airport, where all major companies are represented. You can reach it from the terminal via a free shuttle. For those driving a private vehicle, convenient access roads lead to the airport from the I-40 highway. Several parking options are provided at the airport: short-term parking in immediate proximity to the terminal (Terminal Garage), long-term parking (Economy Lots), and valet parking services. Free shuttle buses run from the remote economy parking lots to the terminal, so please allow extra time for the journey.

Nashville International Airport (BNA) features a well-thought-out structure convenient for passengers. Despite its size and constantly growing passenger traffic, navigating here is quite simple. The airport consists of one main terminal, which is divided into several levels and four concourses (gate zones).

The airport layout is organised as follows:

• Level 1 (Ground Transportation Level): This is the arrivals zone. Here you will find baggage claim carousels, car rental counters, as well as exits to taxis, shuttles, and ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft).
• Level 2 (Ticketing Level): This is the main level for departing passengers. Airline check-in counters and the main security checkpoints leading to the secure zone are located here.
• Level 3 (Concourses/Gates Level): After passing security control, you enter the central hall, which provides access to all four concourses: A, B, C, and D.

A key feature of Nashville Airport is that all four concourses are connected within the sterile zone. This means that after passing screening, you can move freely between any gates, shops, and restaurants in all concourses without going through security control again. This is particularly convenient if you have time before your flight or wish to visit a specific establishment in another concourse.

For check-in and screening, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. During peak hours, especially in the mornings and on days of major events in Nashville, waiting times at security may increase. Always check your concourse and gate number on your boarding pass or information screens, but do not hesitate to explore other parts of the terminal after passing control.

The history of Nashville International Airport (BNA) is a vivid example of the development of aviation in the USA. Its story began at the height of the Great Depression, when in 1937 an airport named Berry Field was opened. It was named in honour of Colonel Harry S. Berry, the project administrator, and became one of the first major municipal airports in the country, immediately beginning to serve American Airlines and Eastern Air Lines flights.

An important stage in the airport's history was World War II. Berry Field was transferred to the command of the US Army Air Corps and served as a vital military base for pilot training and cargo transport. After the war, it returned to civil use, and with the advent of the jet age in 1961, a new, more modern terminal was built here, capable of accepting a growing number of passengers.

A truly turning point came in the 1980s. In 1986, American Airlines chose Nashville as one of its key hubs. This led to massive reconstruction: in 1987, a new passenger terminal was built, which remains the foundation of the airport today. A year later, in 1988, the airport received its modern name — Nashville International Airport, while retaining the historical name Berry Field in its official code (BNA - Berry Field Nashville).

After American Airlines scaled back its hub operations in the mid-1990s, the airport did not stop developing. Its new driving force became Southwest Airlines, which turned Nashville into one of its focus cities. In recent years, the airport has been experiencing another growth boom, implementing the massive BNA Vision modernisation project. Within the framework of this project, new parking facilities have been built, waiting lounges expanded, a modern hotel opened, and an international arrivals zone added, reflecting Nashville's growing status as a popular tourist and business destination.

Nashville International Airport (BNA) offers passengers a high level of service and a wide range of amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. Regardless of the purpose of your trip, you will find everything you need here — from diverse dining options to specialised services for business travellers and families with children.

Located within the airport terminals are numerous restaurants, cafes, and lounges, where you can enjoy both local Tennessee cuisine and familiar international fast-food chains. For those wishing to dedicate time to shopping, there are stores offering souvenirs, books, fashion apparel, and travel essentials.

Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport territory, and numerous charging stations for electronic devices will help you stay connected. For a more comfortable wait, you can utilise the services of premium lounges. Access to these is usually open to business class passengers or available for an additional fee.

To handle financial matters, the airport has ATMs and currency exchange points. In case of necessity, passengers can seek medical assistance at a special station. For travellers with children, nursing rooms are equipped, and for passengers with reduced mobility, all conditions for convenient movement through the terminal are provided, including ramps, elevators, and escort services.

Business travellers can make use of business centres and conference rooms for work or meetings. If you have a long layover or an early flight, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of Nashville Airport, many of which provide complimentary transfers for their guests.

Nashville International Airport (BNA) will pleasantly surprise you with a variety of establishments where you can have a snack or a full meal. The airport's gastronomic scene reflects the culinary traditions of the city of Nashville, offering travellers a unique opportunity to experience local cuisine right before departure. Dining options can be found to suit every taste and budget, from a quick coffee to a leisurely dinner in a restaurant.

The main highlight of the airport is the branches of famous local establishments, located mainly after the security checkpoint (airside), in the main terminal and adjacent concourses. Here you can try the legendary Nashville hot chicken at Hattie B’s, enjoy authentic barbecue at Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q, or immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a musical lounge at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge. These places are ideal for a full lunch and an introduction to the culture of Tennessee.

For those in a hurry, the airport has many cafes and fast-food outlets. You will find both well-known international chains and local coffee shops offering fresh pastries and sandwiches. Such establishments exist both in the general zone before security (landside) and in the departure zones. This is an excellent option to refresh yourself quickly without straying far from your gate.

The price range varies: from budget-friendly fast food to mid-range restaurants. Most establishments open early in the morning and operate until late evening, adjusting to flight schedules. Regarding special dietary needs, many restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes — simply check the menu or ask the staff. Thus, every traveller flying from the music capital of the USA will find a suitable option.

To ensure your journey through Nashville International Airport (BNA) goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of these tips. Proper planning will help avoid stress and save time for more pleasant activities.

Arrival Time at the Airport. Nashville is a popular destination, so the airport can be busy. For domestic flights within the US, it is recommended to arrive 2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 3 hours. This will give you a sufficient buffer of time for check-in, baggage drop, and passing through security without rushing.

Check-in and Security. The fastest way to check in for a flight is to do it online via the airline's website or app. This way, you can immediately receive an electronic boarding pass. The security checkpoint at BNA is centralised, and there may be queues during peak hours. If you have access to the TSA PreCheck programme, you can pass control significantly faster. Always keep your passport (or ID) and boarding pass ready.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane. If you love watching the clouds and landscape, choose a window seat. If you value the ability to stretch your legs and stand up freely, your choice is an aisle seat. For a more informed choice, you can use sites like SeatGuru, which feature aircraft cabin maps of different airlines with reviews of the best and worst seats.

Hand Luggage Rules. Remember the standard rule for liquids: they must all be in containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent resealable bag. Large electronics (laptops, tablets) will need to be removed from your bag for separate scanning. Ensure that there are no prohibited items in your hand luggage (such as sharp objects) and that it complies with your airline's requirements regarding weight and dimensions.

Tips for Transfer Passengers. Nashville Airport is quite compact and easy to understand. If you have a connecting flight, immediately after arrival find information on the monitors regarding the boarding gate for your next flight. During the wait, you can experience the atmosphere of "Music City": the terminal has several stages where musicians perform, as well as many excellent restaurants and cafes.

Customs Control. When arriving from another country, you will need to pass through passport and customs control. Have your passport and completed declaration ready. Be prepared to answer simple questions about the purpose of your visit and the duration of your stay. The process can be expedited if you are a member of the Global Entry programme.

Saving Time and Money. Book parking online in advance — it is often cheaper. Bring an empty reusable bottle with you and fill it with water after passing security to avoid buying drinks. Light snacks brought from home will also help save money. Before leaving the airport, compare prices for taxis and car-hailing apps.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay. In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, follow updates via the airline's app. Ask its representatives about your rights: depending on the situation, you may be provided with vouchers for food or a hotel. Do not be bored: use this time to explore the shops, art objects, or enjoy the live music for which Nashville Airport is famous.