Nashville International Airport [BNA] — Ultimate Terminal Guide

BY 

Amar Hussain

- UPDATED: June 10, 2021   |    6

1. Travel  / 
2. Airports

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Nashville International Airport (BNA) served over 18 million passengers in 2019 and is one of the fastest-growing airports in the U.S.

BNA Vision is the airport’s growth and expansion plan to increase passenger capacity and the airport recently opened the new Concourse D with 6 more departure gates.

An additional parking garage has created thousands of spaces in front of the terminal, and other developments will include a new international arrivals facility and an on-site hotel by 2023.

Quick Info

Airport: Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Terminals: 2 terminals (North and South) and 4 concourses — A, B, C, and D
Airport Address: 1 Terminal Dr., Nashville, TN 37214
Distance From Downtown Nashville: 8 miles (13 km)
Websites: flynashville.com
Phone Number: 615-275-1675
Annual Passengers: Over 18 million
Daily Departures: 540
Flight Information: Departures and arrivals info can be found here

Airlines Operating From BNA

BNA Airport Terminals

Until 2023, BNA consists of 2 terminals and 4 departure concourses. While construction takes place for the BNA Vision project, the main terminal has been split into a North and South Terminal. To connect between these 2 terminals, passengers will need to exit the building and walk along the sidewalk outside the secure area. Access roads run in front of the terminal across 3 different levels — departures, arrivals, and ground transportation.

Terminal parking is just a short walk from the terminal, and a new parking lot is currently under construction directly opposite the terminal building. All airport facilities, including the rental car center, are on-airport property and can be reached from I-40 and Donelson Pike.

Level 1 — Ground Transportation

Level 1 provides access to the ground transportation area for public transport, taxis, and shuttle buses.

Level 2 — Arrivals

The arrivals area on level 2 is connected between the North and South Terminals and provides access to baggage claim, rental car counters, and curbside access for pick up. There are information counters that can provide assistance with hotels, onward transportation, and general information about exploring Nashville.

The TSA Enrollment Center is also located on this level, near the rental car counters.

Level 3 — North and South Terminal Departures

Level 3 has curbside access for passenger drop-off, leading through to the airline ticketing desks. The North and South Terminals are not connected on the departures level, so check which terminal your airline check-in desks are located in before being dropped off. Both terminals have 1 security checkpoint each, with the North Terminal providing access to Concourses A and B and the South Terminal for Concourses C and D.

Concourse A

Concourse A is located at the north end of the terminal and has 6 gates numbered A1 to A4, A7, and A8. Spirit and United operate from Concourse A, which is also used for international arrivals. There are just a couple of restaurants and shops in Concourse A, with more situated at the entrance.

Concourse B

Concourse B has 11 gates numbered B3 to B13, and airlines such as British Airways, Delta, and JetBlue operate from this concourse. There are a few shops and restaurants along the concourse and a children’s play area towards the far end. More shops and restaurants are near the entrance, as well as a Delta Sky Club.

Concourse C

Concourse C is at the south end of the terminal and is the largest concourse with 20 gates numbered C4 to C22 and C25.

There’s a good selection of shops and restaurants, an Admirals Club, and a USO Lounge near the entrance of the concourse.

Concourse D

The new Concourse D has 6 gates numbered D1 to D6 and is used solely by Southwest Airlines. Concessions are limited at present, but will eventually feature 6 or 7 shops and restaurants. The concourse also has a Minute Suites and a pet relief area.

Inter-Terminal Transport

All areas of the terminal and concourses are accessible by foot, so there are no buses or trains to connect between gates.

If passengers are parking in the economy lots B or C, or the BNA Express Park, they will need to ride a shuttle bus to and from the terminal.

Hot Tip: If you’re looking for some activities after leaving the airport, check out all of these fun things to do in Nashville.

Security and Customs at BNA

BNA has 2 security checkpoints located on level 3 of the North and South Terminals that are open daily from 3:30 a.m. The north checkpoint provides access to Concourses A and B and the south checkpoint provides access to Concourses C and D.

For live waiting times, check the airport’s map and search for the security checkpoint you need.

TSA PreCheck

There are dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at the security checkpoint. Check the TSA website for the schedule as opening hours vary.

BNA has a TSA Enrollment Center located at the north end of level 2 near the rental car counters. The office is open Mondays and Fridays only from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

BNA Airport Lounges

*Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
**Day Pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as N/A only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Priority Pass Access 

Minute Suites accepts Priority Pass holders and offers members 1 hour of free access. You can find Minute Suites in Concourse D near gate D3.

Learn more about how to join Priority Pass (or get membership through a credit card) in our dedicated Priority Pass article.

Hot Tip: Check out these personal and business credit cards for airport lounge access if you want to avoid paying for a lounge day pass at the airport.

Dining and Drinks at BNA

BNA has 30 restaurants, cafes, and grab-and-go food counters, with only a few before security. Concourse C has a large selection of restaurants and the rest are located in the A/B rotunda.

BNA Wi-Fi and Charging Points

BNA provides 5 MB of free Wi-Fi throughout all public areas. Passengers can connect by selecting “BNA_Free_Wi-Fi.” For faster Wi-Fi, a day pass upgrade is available to purchase for $7.95 (10 MB).

BNA Airport Lost and Found

Misplaced items are sent to the information center located on the level 3 baggage claim. Items are kept for 30 days, and you can reach the office at 615-275-1675.

If you lose an item at the security checkpoint, call TSA Lost and Found at 615-354-6733.

If you lose an item on an aircraft, you need to inquire with the relevant airline.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

An information office is located on level 1 near the ground transportation area. Further information areas can be found throughout the arrivals area.

Children’s Play Area

BNA ranks 10th in our study of the most kid-friendly airports in the U.S. An aviation-themed children’s play area is located at the end of Concourse B.

Baby Facilities

A Mamava lactation pod is located at the entrance of Concourse B and a lactation room is located in Concourse D near gate D4.

Traveling With a Pet

BNA has 4 pet relief areas located:

• Outside the terminals at the north and south ends of level 3
• Concourse C outdoor area (an airport escort is required)
• Concourse D across from gate D2

Smoking Areas

Smoking is permitted in designated areas outside the terminal on all 3 levels. A smoking room is also located in the Graycliff Divans Lounge near gate B9.

Money

ATMs are located on the departures and arrivals levels.

Luggage Storage

There are no luggage storage facilities at BNA.

Important BNA Phone Numbers

Customer Service: 615-275-1675

Parking: 615-275-1045

Lost and Found: 615-275-1675

Travel to and From BNA

Transport Options

All commercial transportation services operate from the ground transportation center on level 1 of the terminal garage. Turn right out of the terminal and follow the sidewalk to the terminal garage. Signage will direct you to level 1.

Bus

Bus route 18 operates between BNA and downtown Nashville. The bus route display will state either Route 18 Airport, 18 Airport Express, or 18 Elm Hill. The express route takes 20 minutes to reach downtown, and other services can take up to 45 minutes.

Limousines and Courtesy Cars

Limousine and courtesy cars pick up from the ground transportation area on level 1. The airport recommends these companies.

Taxi

The taxi stand is located in the ground transportation area on level 1. The taxi fare from the airport to downtown Nashville is around $25, not including tip.

Rideshare

Rideshare operators Uber and Lyft are authorized to operate from BNA. Both pick up from the ground transportation area, with Lyft meeting passengers at zone A and Uber at zones B and C.

Directions by Car to BNA

Arriving From Downtown Nashville

Take 1st Avenue N and continue onto Hermitage Avenue. Turn right onto Fairfield Avenue and then left onto Green Street. Merge onto I-24 E/I-40 E and continue on I-40 E. Take exit 216A towards International Airport and continue onto Terminal Drive for access to the terminal.

Arriving From Franklin

Take I-65 N and then exit 80 onto the I-440. Merge onto I-24 W towards Nashville/Knoxville/I-40 E and then take exit 52B to merge onto I-40 E. Take exit 216A towards International Airport and continue onto Terminal Drive for access to the terminal.

BNA Airport Parking Information

Terminal Garages

The terminal garages 1 and 2 have more than 4,000 covered spaces and are just a short walk from the terminal. The daily charge for parking is $13.

Hot Tip: The terminal garages have electric parking stations located on levels 2 and 3, and motorcycle parking is located on every level in the northeast corner

Valet Parking

Valet parking is available on the ground transportation level and costs $16 per day.

Terminal Lot A

Terminal lot A offers uncovered parking further from the terminal, but still within walking distance. The daily charge for parking is $10.

Economy Lots B and C

Economy lots B and C are located around a mile from the terminal and passengers can ride the courtesy shuttle bus that runs every 10 minutes. Lot B’s daily rate is $12 and Lot C charges $10 per day.

BNA Express Park

The BNA Express Park lot is located 2.5 miles from the terminal, and passengers can text 615-275-1418 for an on-demand shuttle service. The shuttle takes just 5 minutes to reach the terminal, and the lot also offers free electric vehicle charging stations. The daily parking rate is $12.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Parking

BNA has 2 cell phone waiting lots, and both are located near economy lot C. Visitors may check real-time flight information monitors and remain with their vehicles until a passenger calls for pick up.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

The cheapest daily parking at BNA is $9, but you can find more cost-effective parking at an external lot.

Daily parking starts from around $6 when booked with airportparkingreservations.com, and many parking lots operate shuttle buses to and from the airport.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Parking for passengers with disabilities is available at all official airport parking lots. Parking is free of charge for those that sign up for the Accessible Parking Program.

Parking Contact Number

General Inquiries: 615-275-1045

Car Rental at BNA Airport

The rental car facility is located near terminal lot A. To reach the facility, passengers can turn left out of the terminal, walk along the sidewalk past the valet drop-off area, and cross Terminal Drive.

The following rental companies are available on-airport property:

Hot Tip: Register for a credit card that includes rental insurance as a benefit and avoid paying expensive insurance fees directly with the rental agency.

BNA Airport Hotels

There are no hotels directly onsite at Nashville International Airport. Passengers can find accommodation located from 0.8 miles away from the terminal.

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

The Holiday Inn Express Nashville Airport is an excellent airport hotel option for any traveler looking for a comfortable stay, along with amenities like a complimentary breakfast buffet, on-site fitness center, laundry facility, and free airport shuttle service. The hotel is also pet-friendly for those traveling along with their 4-legged friends. The IHG Rewards program does not have a set award chart, but you can expect award nights at the hotel to range between 24,000 to 30,000 points per night depending on the season.

At the Embassy Suites Nashville Airport, every morning starts with a free made-to-order breakfast for all guests. As if that weren’t enough, the hotel also offers a nightly free evening reception featuring complimentary small plates and drink options. You’ll also find that standard amenities like a fitness center, indoor pool, and airport shuttle, are offered as well. With Hilton’s dynamic price model towards award nights, you can expect a free night at the hotel to cost between 28,000 to 48,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Located 2 minutes from the airport and 7 minutes from downtown, the Hyatt Place Nashville is a great option for those looking for a comfortable stay. The hotel offers free breakfast each morning, a pool, fitness center, airport shuttle, and is pet-friendly. Better yet, the Hyatt Place is a great cost-effective option as award nights at the hotel start at just 8,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Hot Tip: If you’re looking to top off your points to stay at any of these options, see our guides on the best ways to earn more Hilton Honors points, World of Hyatt points, or IHG Rewards points.

Final Thoughts

With Tennessee’s booming population, it’s no wonder that BNA is thinking about future expansion. The airport is striving to add more nonstop routes, international destinations, and cargo services to its operations, and is considering extensions to one of its runways to help that along.

Southwest Airlines account for over 50% of passengers capacity at BNA, and Spirit, Delta, and Allegiant have already launched more routes, or are planning to, from this growing airport.