Nashville Intl Airport (BNA) Flights & Flight Status

Nashville is one of the hottest vacation destinations in the United States, not only for music lovers, but also foodies, sports fans and just about everyone in between. Nashville International Airport (BNA) handles the flow of travelers, flying nonstop to more than 100 destinations both domestically and internationally. Though no airlines use BNA as a hub, Southwest has a large number of flights here, making it a common layover destination for those flying on the airline.

Terminal information and tips at BNA

BNA has one terminal with four concourses: Concourses A, B, C and D. Concourse C also has a secondary satellite concourse; it's connected to the main terminal via a shuttle. Except for the satellite concourse, each concourse is attached to a central hub, where you'll find airport security, shopping and an expansive food court, as well as a few gates. The concourses also have their own shops and restaurants.

You can, however, easily walk between all of the concourses. So if you have a bit of time before your flight, check the airport map and see if you'd like to visit a business in a different concourse. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from end to end at BNA, not including the satellite concourse. I recommend at least visiting the main terminal while you wait for your flight.

The best way to get to downtown Nashville from BNA

Driving is by and large the most common way to get to downtown Nashville from BNA. There are rental cars available, but you can also take a taxi or rideshare; head just across the street from the main terminal to get to the Ground Transportation Center found at Level 1 of the Terminal Garage 2. Note that taxis have a flat rate to the downtown area, whereas rideshares are metered.

If you'd like to take public transportation, you can ride the WeGo bus. There are both local and express buses that go downtown; the local takes between 30 and 45 minutes, while the express only takes 20 minutes. The bus stop at BNA is also located at the Ground Transportation Center.

Alternative airports to BNA

BNA is the only major airport within 125 miles of Nashville, so it's pretty much your only option in the area. If you're looking for a nonstop international flight, and BNA doesn't offer that route, your next best choice is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), located about a four-hour drive away.

Because BNA is a smaller airport than ATL, it's far more convenient in terms of security lines, so my personal preference is to take a layover to visit BNA rather than drive to or from ATL. Plus, with the driving time between Atlanta and Nashville, you probably wouldn't save any overall travel time anyway.

Closer airports include Huntsville International Airport (HSV) in Alabama and Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) in the southeast corner of Tennessee. These airports are about a two-hour drive from Nashville.

TSA security lines at BNA

Security screening is typically quick and efficient at BNA; you can see the current estimated wait time on the BNA website. In addition to the general security lanes, there are TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes for expedited screening. Both of those programs are paid membership programs; TSA PreCheck requires advance registration, while you can sign up for CLEAR on the spot.

How to get to nearby Nashville destinations and attractions

BNA is very conveniently located close to downtown Nashville; it's just a 15-minute drive if there's no traffic. Most of Nashville's main attractions are downtown, but here are some helpful details for popular destinations across the city.

Broadway

Broadway is downtown Nashville's beating heart, where you'll find the famous honky tonks and many hotels. The easiest way to get there is by taxi or rideshare; it'll take about 15 minutes. If you take the public WeGo bus, the nearest stop to Broadway is the Elizabeth R. Duff Transit Center, also known as Central and 4th. It's about a 12-minute walk to Broadway.

Vanderbilt University

Nashville is home to Vanderbilt University and the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. As with Broadway, the easiest way to get to campus is by taxi or rideshare. It's about a 15-minute drive without traffic. You can also take the public WeGo bus, but you'll have to connect at the Elizabeth R. Duff Transit Center. Vanderbilt students can ride the bus for free with their student ID, though.

Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry is located outside of downtown Nashville, but it's just a 10-minute drive from BNA. Take a taxi or a rideshare for the most convenient transportation; the WeGo bus is cheaper, but you'll have to connect downtown, and the journey will take anywhere from 90 minutes to two hours.

Nissan Stadium

Nissan Stadium is home to the Tennessee Titans NFL football team, as well as the Tennessee State University football team. If you're coming to town for a game (or a concert), you're best off taking a taxi or a rideshare from the airport. It's only a 10-minute drive, though you should expect traffic on game day. For public transportation, take the WeGo bus; it'll take about an hour.

Bridgestone Arena

Bridgestone Arena is home to the Nashville Predators NHL hockey team. It's conveniently located in the heart of downtown, just off Broadway. It's a 15-minute drive from BNA via taxi or rideshare, or a 45-minute ride on the WeGo public bus. Again, you should expect traffic on game days!

What to do during a layover at BNA

Though BNA is more often a final destination than a layover spot, some airlines do offer itineraries with layovers here, including Southwest. So if you find yourself at BNA for a few hours while waiting for your next flight, here's what you should do to pass the time.

Less than four hours

If you have less than four hours, it's probably not feasible to leave the airport, unless you just want to step outside for some fresh air. On the plus side, there's plenty to do within the airport during your layover. If you need a nap or to get work done in peace and quiet, book a pod at the Minute Suites in Concourse D; they have daybeds, desks, TVs and free WiFi.

But you can also go on a BNA bar and food crawl, as some of Nashville's top restaurants and breweries have outposts here. Some highlights include hot chicken hotspots Hattie Bs and Prince's Hot Chicken; Acme Feed & Seed; Tennessee Brew Works; Tailgate Brewery; and the Pharmacy Burger Parlor. You can also catch games at the Titans Press Box sports bar.

Four to six hours

If you have a longer layover at BNA, you might have just enough time to sneak out to a nearby attraction. But limit yourself to just one. I'd recommend visiting the Grand Ole Opry for a backstage tour; the venue is just a 10-minute ride away, and tours run between 45 minutes and an hour.

Or if you're motivated to experience live music at the honky tonks, make your way down to Broadway. If you're there during the day, it'll be less crowded and easier to order a bite to eat, too. If you're there at night, it's best to just grab a drink, as wait times can grow long. Need something quick to eat during your honky-tonk hop? Stop by Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, located right on Broadway.

More than six hours

If you have more than six hours, you have plenty of time to visit an attraction or two, especially if they're close together. Consider a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. Or you can even book a lunch or dinner reservation at one of Nashville's best restaurants, like Catbird Seat or Mimo at the Four Seasons.

If you have an overnight layover, the Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal is located right outside the main terminal. This pet-friendly hotel has a rooftop pool, a fitness center and on-site dining to make your layover plenty comfortable.

Lounges at BNA

Despite being a regional airport rather than a major hub, BNA has four lounges: a Delta Sky Club, an American Airlines Admirals Club and a USO lounge (located outside security). If you have Priority Pass, you can access the Minute Suites in Concourse D. All this said, I'd argue that the best food is found outside the terminal, though it's worth noting food and drinks are free in the lounges.