Nashville Airport: Visitor Access Rules Explained

Nashville International Airport (BNA) is a bustling regional hub, with more than 15 million people passing through each year. The airport has one main terminal, the Robert C. H. Mathews Jr. Terminal, and three operative concourses: A, B, and C. Visitors can enjoy a variety of amenities, including restaurants, pubs, shops, and free Wi-Fi. The airport also features live music and art exhibits, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Nashville. With its accessibility, easy navigation, and range of facilities, Nashville International Airport offers a unique experience for travellers passing through.

Nashville Airport's main terminal and concourses

Nashville International Airport (BNA) has one central terminal with five concourses: A, B, C, D, and T gates. The terminal is located at 1 Terminal Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37214, about eight miles (13 kilometres) from downtown Nashville. The airport is easily accessible by car, with Terminal Drive directing one-way traffic around the front of the terminal building, looping back around the terminal garages and the rental car facility.

The terminal building has three floors. The third floor is for ticketing and passenger drop-off, the second floor has offices and service space, and the first floor is for baggage claim and passenger pick-up. There is a central security checkpoint in the Grand Lobby on level 3 (departures). After clearing security, passengers can walk freely between all concourses.

Concourse A, located at the north end of the terminal, has six gates (A1 to A4, A7, and A8) and is served by Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United. There are a few restaurants and shops in Concourse A, with more options available at the entrance. A Delta Sky Club is also located near the entrance.

Concourse B has ten gates (B3, B5, and B6 to B13) and is served by Frontier Airlines and JetBlue. Similar to Concourse A, there are a few shops and restaurants along the concourse, with more options near the entrance. Concourse B also features a children's play area towards the far end.

Concourse C, the largest concourse, is located at the south end of the terminal and has 19 gates (C1 to C3 and C12 to C27). It offers a good selection of shops and restaurants, as well as an Admirals Club accessible via a staircase near gate C15. Concourse C also has eight additional gates at a Satellite Terminal, which can be reached by a shuttle bus from gate C13. The satellite terminal offers several shops, restaurants, and a pet relief area.

Concourse D, located at the south end of the terminal, is exclusively used by Southwest Airlines and has six gates (D1 to D6). It features a handful of restaurants and shops, including a Burger King, a Minute Suites, and a pet relief area. As part of the New Horizon expansion plan, Concourse D is being extended to accommodate 11 gates.

The T gates are located just after the security checkpoint and are used by airlines such as Air Canada, British Airways, and WestJet. Passengers departing from the T gates have access to a wide variety of nearby shops and restaurants.

Overall, Nashville International Airport offers a range of amenities and services across its main terminal and five concourses, providing a convenient and accessible experience for travellers passing through the Music City.

Ground transportation and parking

Nashville International Airport (BNA) offers a range of ground transportation options for travellers. For those looking for a convenient and affordable option, Nashville's MTA bus system provides service to and from the airport, with various stops and drop-off locations. The airport is also served by several taxi companies, with fares starting at $7 and an additional charge of $2.10 per mile. Trips to downtown Nashville or the Gaylord Opryland Hotel are available at a flat rate of $25.

For those who prefer a more private option, rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are authorized to operate at the airport and offer competitive rates. Shuttle services are also available, including Super Shuttle Nashville, which offers both one-way and return journeys. These can be easily reserved in advance, taking the stress out of your journey.

When it comes to parking at Nashville International Airport, there are several options to choose from. The airport offers valet service, a parking ramp next to the terminal, and several large parking lots located further out. The Terminal Garage costs $24 per day, while the Economy Lots and Express Park options are $12 per day and include shuttle services. Off-site parking is also available through companies like The Parking Spot, Fly Away Parking, and Park 'n Fly.

The airport's website provides helpful information on parking availability and rates, making it easy for travellers to plan their trip in advance. Additionally, the airport is easily accessible by car, located just off Interstate 40, with connections to Highways 24 and 440.

Ticketing, arrivals, and departures

Ticketing for Nashville International Airport can be found on the third floor of the terminal building, with the airport recommending that travellers arrive at least 1.5 hours before their flight to ensure they have enough time to reach their gates. For short-haul flights, it is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before scheduled departure, and three hours before departure for long-haul flights. TSA PreCheck lines are usually quicker but can often be backed up.

The Robert C. H. Mathews Jr. Terminal features 40+ gates spread out across three individual concourses. A unified security checkpoint is found just past the ticketing counters and serves as the gateway to all of the concourses, with access to restaurants, pubs, shops, and other amenities.

The Nashville International Airport website features a flight tracker to help passengers check the status of their flight, including any delays, and the terminal from which their flight will depart or arrive.

Food, drink, and shopping options

Nashville International Airport offers a variety of food, drink, and shopping options to suit different needs and preferences.

For those looking for a quick bite or something to read on their flight, there is the Hudson News & Booksellers. This typical airport shop offers a range of magazines, snacks, books, and souvenirs, and has multiple locations within the airport, including Terminals A and C.

If you're in the mood for some chocolate, Godiva Chocolatier offers all the usual chocolate selections at standard prices, along with friendly staff to assist you.

For a more unique shopping experience, Spirit of the Red Horse in Terminal C offers a range of western and Indian attire and jewellery. With friendly staff and great discounts, it's a popular choice for those looking for something different.

Nashville Kitchen is another interesting option, offering kitchen-related gifts and specialty items at slightly higher prices.

Lastly, for those looking for a more substantial meal, there is the Nashville Star restaurant. However, reviews suggest that the service may be slow, so it might not be the best choice if you have a tight connection.

Entertainment and amenities

Nashville International Airport (BNA) offers a range of entertainment and amenities for travellers passing through. The airport features several shopping and dining options, including local fare and global choices. BNA also displays several permanent art collections and rotating exhibits, with a nice mix of modern works and pop culture art.

For dining, there are two small food courts within the terminal and several other restaurants, bars, and coffee shops located along each concourse. One food court is midway through Concourse C, and the other serves as the entrance point for both Concourse A and B. Outlets here include fast-food options such as Burger King, Wendy's, Blue Coast Burrito, and Nathan's Hot Dogs.

For something more substantial, travellers can visit Whitts BBQ in Concourse C, which offers sit-down service, drinks, live music, and Tennessee barbecue. Those in Concourse B can head to the Tennessee Tavern, a Jack Daniel's-themed bar with a full menu. Concourse A is home to La Hacienda, which serves traditional Mexican food.

For a quick drink, the airport has two Starbucks, a Vino Volo wine bar, a Yazoo Beer kiosk, and Tennessee Brew Works.

Unique shopping experiences at BNA include Boswell's Music City Harley-Davidson, which offers officially licensed apparel and gear, and Godiva Chocolatier, which sells chocolates and drinks. The Graycliff Cigar Company sells handcrafted cigars and other tobacco products, while Music City Beer & Spirits offers locally made adult beverages. Other shops include Opry Originals, a Life is Good store, and Tennessee Whiskey House, which sells bottled spirits.

For those looking to relax, BNA's Minute Suites, located in Concourse D by Gate D3, are available to rent by the hour and can comfortably sleep up to two people. The airport also features several lounges, including the American Airlines Admiral Club and the Travellers Post Smoking Lounge.

Frequently asked questions