The distance from Nashville International Airport to Downtown Nashville is about 10 miles.
The airport is located on Briley Parkway, which runs north-south and intersects with several major roads that lead into downtown, including Interstate 40 and Highway 24 (Broadway). If you’re driving, it should take about 20 minutes to get from the airport to downtown. There’s also a taxi stand at the airport, and the ride into town will cost around $25.
Where to Park at Nashville Airport?
When looking for parking at Nashville Airport, it is important to know the difference between the long-term and short-term parking lots. The long-term parking lot is located directly in front of the terminal building, while the short-term parking lot is located across from the terminal building.
The long-term parking lot charges a flat rate of $10 per day, while the short-term parking lot charges a fee of $2 for each half hour or fraction thereof, with a maximum daily charge of $16. Please be advised that there is an additional charge assessed for oversized vehicles. For more information on parking rates and regulations, please visit BNA Airport parking
How Much Is It to park at Nashville Airport?
It costs $2 for the first hour and then $1 for each additional hour. The maximum daily rate is $10.
There are two parking garages at Nashville Airport: Garage A and Garage B. Both garages are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is also a surface lot (Lot E) that is open from 6 am to midnight, 7 days a week.
Nashville Airport Information
Airport type | Public |
Owner/Operator | Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) |
Serves | Nashville metropolitan area |
Focus city for | Allegiant Air |
Elevation AMSL | 599 ft / 183 m |
Coordinates | 36°07′36″N 086°40′55″W |
IATA: | BNA |
ICAO: | KBNA |
FAA LID: | BNA |
WMO: | 72327 |
Total passengers | 15,516,601 |
Aircraft operations | 219,427 |
Based aircraft (2021) | 101 |
Why Is Nashville Airport Called BNA?
The airport code for Nashville International Airport is BNA. The code is derived from the airport’s former name, Berry Field, which was named after Col. Harry S. Berry, the first commander of the army airfield during World War II.
Where to Pick Up Passengers at Nashville Airport?

If you’re looking for a specific picking-up service at the Nashville airport, you can easily find one by asking the information desk. There are plenty of reliable and professional companies that offer this service, so you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
When it comes to finding your way around the airport, there are various helpful maps and signage placed throughout to help guide you. You can also ask any of the friendly staff members for directions if needed. To make things even easier, there are complimentary carts available to transport your luggage from point A to point B. Overall, the Nashville airport is a well-organized and user-friendly facility.
How Early Should You Arrive at Nashville Airport?
At the very least, plan to arrive at Nashville Airport (BNA) 2 hours before your domestic flight departure time and 3 hours before your international flight departure time.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight, even if you are not checking any luggage. This is because of the amount of time it takes to go through security and get to your gate can vary depending on how many people are in line, how crowded the airport is, and other factors.
If you are checking luggage, we recommend that you allow even more time than 2 hours. The checked bag screening process can take longer than the security screening process.
Largest Airlines at Nashville Airport (BNA) (April 2021 – March 2021)
Rank | Airline | Passengers | Share |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Southwest Airlines | 9,281,000 | 55.28% |
2 | American Airlines | 1,847,000 | 11.00% |
3 | Delta Air Lines | 1,509,000 | 8.99% |
4 | SkyWest Airlines | 621,000 | 3.70% |
5 | Republic Airways | 839,000 | 5.00% |
6 | Other | 2,691,000 | 16.03% |
How Far Is Nashville Downtown from the Airport?

The drive from Nashville Downtown to Nashville Airport takes about 25 minutes, depending on traffic. The route is pretty straightforward, and there are several ways to get there.
To get to the airport from downtown Nashville, take I-40 east towards Memphis. Take the Briley Parkway exit and stay in the right lane. Take the first exit (Airport Blvd). Turn right on Airport Blvd and continue until you reach the airport terminal.
What to Do around Nashville Airport?

The Nashville Airport is about 20 minutes from downtown. There are a few shuttle services that run between the airport and downtown, or you can take a taxi. If you want to explore the area around the airport, there are a few restaurants and shops within walking distance.
If you have some time before your flight, I would recommend exploring downtown Nashville. There is a lot of great music and food in that area. You can also visit the Grand Ole Opry or go on a river cruise down the Cumberland River.
What to Eat at Nashville Airport?
If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat before your flight, there are plenty of places to choose from at Nashville Airport. Burger King, Auntie Anne’s, Chick-fil-A, and Cinnabon are all located in Concourse C. If you’re in the mood for something different, options in Concourse B include Garcia’s Mexican Food and barbecue from Tennessee Hickory Smokehouse. If you have time for a sit-down meal, head over to Casa Fiesta Cantina in Concourse A for some delicious Mexican fare. No matter what you’re craving, you’ll be able to find it at Nashville Airport!
Where Is the Lyft Waiting Area at Nashville Airport?
The Lyft waiting area at Nashville Airport is located on the Departures level, near Door 2. In order to access the waiting area, you will need to show your Lyft driver a valid airport pick-up tag.
If you are arriving at Nashville Airport and would like to use Lyft to get to your final destination, please follow the green signs that read “Ground Transportation.” Once you have reached the Ground Transportation area, look for the “Lyft” sign, and then proceed to the designated waiting area.
Busiest Domestic Routes from Nashville Airport (BNA) (June 2021 – May 2022)
Rank | City | Passengers | Carriers |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Atlanta, Georgia | 490,000 | Delta, Southwest |
2 | Denver, Colorado | 379,000 | Frontier, Southwest, United |
3 | Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas | 364,000 | American |
4 | Chicago–O’Hare, Illinois | 363,000 | American, Southwest, United |
5 | Orlando, Florida | 318,000 | Frontier, Southwest, Spirit |
6 | New York–La Guardia, New York | 316,000 | American, Delta, Southwest, Spirit |
7 | Charlotte, North Carolina | 308,000 | American, Southwest |
8 | Los Angeles, California | 303,000 | American, Delta, Southwest, Spirit |
9 | Phoenix, Arizona | 237,000 | American, Southwest |
10 | Houston–Intercontinental, Texas | 227,000 | Southwest, United |
Where Is Wright Business Center Located at Nashville Airport?
The Wright Business Center is located in Concourse C at Nashville International Airport. It is a full-service business center, providing a variety of services to help business travelers prepare for their meetings or work on the go. Services include office and meeting space rental, copying and printing, faxing and scanning, and more.