Traveling via plane is fun — jet-setting over beautiful blue waters or rolling hills, taking in cloud formations, and landing in a completely different location in a matter of hours is unlike anything else.
The whole navigating the airport part? Less exciting, and sometimes pretty stressful. To help make your time at the Nashville International Airport (BNA) as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from parking and dining to details on the airport’s ~100 nonstop flights.
What to know
- TSA | Security checkpoints open daily at 3:30 a.m.
- Map it out | If you’re like us and need to completely visualize a place before you step foot inside, this map of the entire airport will be your saving grace.
- Food and drink | A slew of local and regional restaurants call BNA home, meaning you can sip on your favorite local cup of joe or enjoy a comfort meal before takeoff. Slim and Husky’s, TailGate Brewery, Bongo Java, and The Titans Press Box are just a few of the local offerings.
- Reminder | By May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID to board commercial flights in the US (see other TSA-approved alternative forms of identification).
- Flight status | While we recommend staying updated via your respective airline, you can also check the airport’s dashboard for your flight status in a pinch.
Current airport updates
To combat traffic congestion and improve the overall airport experience, BNA introduced reduced-rate short-term parking in Terminal Garage 1 and 2. The new addition compliments the existing free cell phone lot on Murfreesboro Pike.
Airport leaders unveiled the International Arrivals Facility and BNA Marketplace — two key aspects of the multibillion dollar BNA Vision — which also marked the completion of the terminal lobby renovation. The airport’s $1.4 billion New Horizon plan, which will be phased in over the next six years with a tentative late 2028 completion, includes improvements to Councourses A and D, a new air freight building, and terminal roadway improvements.
Parking, shuttles, and rideshare
Not everyone has a bestie who will drop everything to pick them up from their 3 a.m. landing. Parking options and rates vary and include:
- Covered parking garages | $30 per day | Terminal Garage 1 and Terminal Garage 2
- Surface lots | $20 per day | Terminal Lot A, Economy Lot B, and Economy Lot C
- Parking services | $40 per day | Valet
Pro tip: BNA’s website includes a complete list of available parking services, including real-time capacity, daily rates, traffic reminders, and a parking cost calculator.
Hate the thought of driving yourself? Try out a shuttle, rideshare, or taxi service. The rideshare pick-up area is located at the Ground Transportation Center (Level 1 of Terminal Garage 2).
Picking someone up from the airport? BNA’s new cell phone waiting area is located at 1415 Murfreesboro Pk. (~3 miles from the airport’s main terminal) and features 240 parking spaces and real-time flight information. The existing cell lots are closed for construction.
Nonstop flights
BNA averages 300 daily departures to 97 nonstop destinations. Here are five nonstop flights to nearby locations.
Bonus: Get lower fares by signing up for Going. You’ll get emailed when flights are 40-90% cheaper than usual. Get a two-week free trial of the Premium plan, which lets you set custom destination flight alerts (score).
Pro tip: Remember that flight times and schedules will often change — you should rely on your respective airline for exact timing and to stay updated on any changes.
- Atlanta, GA | Delta and Southwest
- Austin, TX | American and Southwest
- Charleston, SC | Southwest
- Columbus, OH | Southwest
- Raleigh-Durham, NC | American and Southwest
Food and drink
BNA is a hub of eateries with dozens of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops for fliers to dine before or between flights, like:
- Acme Feed & Seed | Central Marketplace | A downtown staple known for its Southern-influenced food.
- Arrington Wine Bar and Grill | Concourse A | The wine bar and grill offers Tennessee wines by the glass or bottle + a chef-inspired menu for dine-in.
- Voodoo Doughnut | Central Marketplace | The Portland-based donut shop’s first Nashville location features a lineup of well-known favorites like the Bacon Maple Bar, Voodoo Doll, and Homer.
- 8th & Roast Coffee Co. | Concourse C and D | Grabbing a coffee when you’re running to your gate is made easy with two locations to choose from.
- Smashville | Concourse C | The Nashville Predators-branded hangout offers a food and beverage menu, in addition to live music and team merchandise.
- Pig Star by Peg Leg Porker | Concourse B | The concept by local pitmaster Carey Bringle serves up Memphis-style barbecue.
Fly comfortably
While we may not be able to offer solutions for crying babies or unexpected layovers, we do have some tricks up our sleeves for upping your comfort while flying. Browse some of our favorite travel essentials:
- Lights Out Sleep Mask | This eye mask provides optimal comfort and aids restful sleep amidst changing environments and varying light conditions.
- The AirFly Pro | Make sure you can always access in-flight entertainment (while avoiding the wired headphones airlines pass out) by using an AirFly. It plugs into your seat’s headphone jack and connects to your earbuds or headphones via Bluetooth.
- Trtl travel pillow | The Trtl pillow is scientifically designed to provide a better head position when sleeping upright, thanks to an internal support system comfortably cushioned in cozy fleece.
- Leather Dopp Kit | Keep your essentials organized and easily accessible, ensuring hassle-free journeys wherever you go.
- Bose Noise Canceling Headphones | These headphones are tried-and-true traveling companions, beloved for their crisp sound and ability to block exterior noise.
- Cozy Earth joggers | These Oprah-approved joggers are polished enough to navigate the airport in, but comfy and stretchy enough for long flights.
- Snacks | Bringing your own snacks ensures dietary preferences are met — plus, you’ll save time and money while traveling.
- Anti-nausea wristbands | Some simple anti-nausea wristbands might relieve a nervous stomach or sensitivity to turbulence while flying.
