Travellers passing through Nashville International Airport (BNA) can expect a smooth and engaging experience at Tennessee’s busiest airport, located just eight miles southeast of downtown Nashville. With a single terminal and five concourses, the airport handles over 24 million passengers annually, offering a straightforward layout and a taste of Music City’s character.
The passenger experience at BNA is designed for ease and comfort. Clear signage guides travellers through the terminal, with information desks on the arrivals level ready to assist with queries about transport or local attractions. The airport’s compact design means no trams or shuttles are needed, and walking from one end of the terminal to the other takes no more than 15 minutes. For those with mobility needs, the BNA Cares programme provides tailored support, ensuring accessibility throughout the facility.
Getting to and from the city is convenient, with multiple transport options available.
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate from the Ground Transportation Centre on Level 1 of Terminal Garage 2, with fares to downtown averaging £20-£27. The WeGo Public Transit Route 18 bus offers an affordable £1.50 ride to the city centre, while car rentals are easily accessible via a covered walkway to the rental car facility. For those driving, the airport is reachable via Interstate 40, with clear exits for departures and arrivals. Plans for a future underground tunnel system, dubbed the Music City Loop, promise to further streamline the eight-minute journey from downtown to the airport.
The airport’s layout is intuitive, with a central terminal housing check-in, baggage claim, and a main security checkpoint that connects to Concourses A, B, C, D, and the T gates. Recent expansions, including a new eight-gate Satellite Concourse, have added capacity for low-cost carriers like Allegiant and Spirit. The design prioritises pedestrian flow, with escalators and walkways linking all areas efficiently. International travellers will find passport and immigration control on Level 1 near baggage claim, with Global Entry kiosks available for expedited processing.
Delays can occur, particularly during peak travel times from 5-7 AM and 4-6 PM, when security wait times may reach 20-30 minutes. Early mornings, late afternoons, and days around holidays tend to be busier, so travellers are advised to arrive two hours early for domestic flights and 2.5 hours for international ones. Weather, especially severe storms or heavy snow, can disrupt schedules, as can air traffic congestion during high-traffic periods. Checking flight status via the BNA app or airline apps is recommended to stay informed of gate changes or delays.
Dining at BNA reflects Nashville’s culinary scene, with over 30 options spread across the concourses. Travellers can enjoy local flavours at places like Acme Feed & Seed in the Central Marketplace, serving Southern dishes, or Pig Star by Peg Leg Porker on Concourse B, offering Memphis-style barbecue. For a quick bite, 8th & Roast Coffee Co. has locations on Concourses C and D, while Arrington Wine Bar and Grill on Concourse A pairs Tennessee wines with fresh salads. Retail options are equally diverse, with Music City Marketplace on Concourse C offering Nashville-themed souvenirs and Hudson News providing travel essentials across all concourses. Duty-free shopping is available for international travellers on Concourse A.
Facilities at BNA cater to a range of needs. Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the terminal, and charging stations with outlets and USB ports are available at most gates. Lounges, including the Delta Sky Club on Concourse B and American Admirals Club on Concourse C, offer relaxation for eligible passengers, while The Club BNA on Concourse A provides day passes. Families benefit from a children’s play area near Gate C12 and nursing rooms on Concourses A and C. Pet relief areas are located indoors on Concourses B and C, with an outdoor option near the Ground Transportation Centre. For those needing a quiet space, Minute Suites on Concourse D offers private rest areas for £40 per hour.
On-time performance at BNA is generally reliable, with Southwest Airlines, the dominant carrier handling nearly half of all departures, maintaining consistent schedules. Real-time flight information is available on in-terminal displays or through apps like FlightAware for proactive trip planning. Connections are straightforward due to the single-terminal layout, with a minimum connecting time of 35 minutes for domestic flights, though 45 minutes is safer to account for gate distances. International connections require additional time for customs processing, but the compact design keeps transfers manageable.
Potential causes of delay include weather-related disruptions, particularly in winter, and congestion during peak hours. Travellers can mitigate these by opting for mid-morning or late-evening flights on quieter days like Tuesdays or Wednesdays. With ongoing expansions under the New Horizon plan, including concourse upgrades and an improved baggage system, BNA continues to enhance its offerings, ensuring a welcoming and efficient experience for all who pass through Music City’s gateway.
