Nashville Airports Travel Guide - Beyond Borders

Nashville Airports Travel Guide

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Cassidy Rush is a writer with a background in careers, business, and education. She covers international finance news and stories for Remitly.

Key Highlights

  • Nashville International Airport (BNA) is the main international airport for this area. It gives you a real Music City feel when you fly in.

  • The airport has seen rapid growth. The New Horizon project will help BNA keep up with more people wanting to travel in and out of Nashville.

  • At BNA, you will find shopping and dining that people love, with many choices from local Nashville brands.

  • There are many big airlines at Nashville International Airport. They give travelers lots of flight options to pick from.

  • Visitors can pick from different ground transportation and parking options for easy trips to and from the main terminal at BNA.

  • Along with BNA, you will also find some smaller airports in the Nashville area for travel inside the country or local flights.

Introduction

Welcome to Nashville! It does not matter if you are here for the lively music city scene or for work, your trip will likely start at one of the airports in Nashville. This guide is here to help you move through the aviation options in this famous part of Tennessee. We will talk about the main international hub and also the smaller airports you can use. You will get all you need to know for a good and easy travel time. Get set to enjoy Nashville, starting as soon as you land.

Overview of Nashville Airports

When you fly into Tennessee, you will see that the Nashville airports system works around one main place. This main airport takes care of almost all flights in the area. It is a big airport in the United States.

The top airport in Nashville is Nashville International Airport. People also call it by its airport code, BNA. This busy airport helps the city stay in touch with the rest of the world. The Federal Aviation Administration is in charge here. The next parts will tell you more about BNA and a few other airports that are nearby.

Nashville International Airport (BNA)

Nashville International Airport (BNA) is the busiest airport you will find in Music City and the area around it. The code BNA comes from its original name, Berry Field Nashville. This is to honor Colonel Harry S. Berry. He was the one in charge of the Works Progress Administration in Tennessee. The original name is still a big part of the airport’s official name.

The nashville international airport is getting bigger as the city grows. BNA is working on a large update called “New Horizon.” It will help improve the main terminal and add more gates. This is happening so the airport can handle more people each year who want to travel in and out of nashville.

This means BNA can give everyone a real Nashville experience, with better service and more room. The nashville international airport is becoming a more important spot for people flying in or out of this busy part of the country, both in the U.S. and other places.

Other Airports Serving Nashville

While BNA is the main airport in Nashville, you may want to know if there are other airports you can use nearby. The answer is yes. There are several airports you can reach by car. These can be good options, based on your travel needs. These airports like Huntsville International Airport and Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport are in the area. They offer flights inside the country. You might find better deals or more choices if you fly from one of them. This is a good idea, too, if you want to rent a car.

Huntsville International Airport, also known as HSV, is in Alabama. It is about 128 miles from BNA. Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, or CHA, is in Tennessee. It is about 137 miles away from BNA. Both of these airports are good for you if you do not mind a drive with nice views to your last stop.

There are also a few smaller airports close by. For example, McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport, or MKL, and Barkley Regional Airport, or PAH, are two more options. If you are a pilot or using a private flight service, you may want to look at a local first municipal airport. Every airport is marked with a special FAA LID, so you can find the one that works for you in or around Nashville, TN.

Airport Codes and Their Significance

You may have seen three-letter codes like BNA. These codes are used to help find and talk about airports. Codes like this are very important in the work of aviation. You see them when you book flights, and also when you check your bags at an international airport.

Most of these airport codes are given out by the International Air Transport Association, or IATA for short. That is why you see them on boarding passes and even on luggage tags. The Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, can give out codes too. Sometimes their codes are just like the IATA codes. These easy-to-use codes help people not mix up one airport for another that might have a name that sounds the same. These airport codes also help keep everything with airports and baggage moving in the right way all over the world. The BNA code for Nashville International Airport comes from the airport’s history.

Here are some examples of codes you might see if you travel in this part of the country:

  • BNA: Nashville International Airport

  • HSV: Huntsville International Airport

  • CHA: Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport

Getting to and From Nashville Airports

When you get to Nashville International Airport, the next thing you have to do is get to your final stop. The airport connects you well to downtown Nashville and also to places around the city. You can pick from many ways to travel, so going from the terminal to the city is easy.

You can use a rental car if you want things to be simple. If you like a ride that goes straight to your place, you can get a taxi. If you want to save money, you can go with public transit. The airport also has a lot of parking if you want to drive your own car there. We will talk about how far it is to get to downtown, your choices for getting around, and what parking is there for you.

Distance from Downtown Nashville

One great thing about flying into Nashville International Airport is how close it is to downtown Nashville. So, how far is the airport from all the things you want to do? BNA sits just a few miles east of the city center. The drive from the terminal to downtown Nashville is fast and easy. You can reach the busy streets of Music City in no time.

Because the airport is close, you can start enjoying Nashville, TN as soon as you land. There’s no need to worry about a long or slow drive after your flight. With this convenience, you can get to your hotel, convention centers, or famous spots like the Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame in just a few minutes.

No matter if you visit for a few days or a whole week, the short trip between Nashville International Airport and downtown Nashville lets you make the most out of your stay. You’ll spend less time in a car and more time enjoying the fun sounds and sights of this amazing city.

Transportation Options (Car, Taxi, Rideshare, Public Transit)

Getting from the airport to where you want to go in Nashville is easy. There are many types of ways to travel. You can pick the one that works best for your budget and how you like to travel. The pickup spots are clear, so it is simple to spot your ride.

If you want more freedom and like to move around at your own speed, you can go with a rental car. But if you want to get straight to your hotel without any trouble, a taxi or rideshare like Uber or Lyft will work well for you. The city bus is also a low-cost choice if you want to get into downtown Nashville.

Here are your main choices for getting around:

  • Rental Car: There are many companies at the airport.

  • Taxi and Rideshare: Services such as Uber and Lyft are easy to find.

  • Public Transit: You can use local bus lines to reach downtown Nashville.

Parking Availability and Services

Are you thinking about driving to nashville international airport? You will be happy to know there is a lot of parking. There are several options for parking. You can pick spots for short trips or long ones. All of the spots are easy to get to and close to the terminal building.

It does not matter if you drop someone off for a flight or want to leave your car at the airport for a longer time. You will find something that fits what you need. The airport has lots and garages at different prices. This way, you can pick the best one for your money. Signs are easy to see, and they will lead you to parking as you drive to the nashville international airport.

Along with good parking, the airport has extra services for you. These are here to make sure things go well and your car is safe during your travel. Parking at the nashville international airport is simple and stress-free. So you can just come in, park your car, and head into the terminal.

Nashville International Airport (BNA) Facilities

The facilities at Nashville International Airport will give you a real Music City feeling as soon as you get there. The main terminal and the concourses are full of things to do and see, and these things show what Nashville is all about. You will find the airport to be easy, nice, and good for everyone.

There is a lot to do at BNA. You can shop at great places, eat good food, and find many choices. This international airport makes every part of the trip new for people who come and go. You can relax, get your phone or laptop full of charge again, and even finish some work before your plane leaves.

In the next sections, you will see more about the different things that help people at nashville international airport. There will also be details about food, shopping, and ways the airport helps all travelers. The focus is on making sure you get the best out of your time in the terminal and concourses at BNA.

Passenger Amenities and Services

Nashville International Airport is dedicated to providing world-class passenger amenities and services. The airport strives to create an enhanced experience with intuitive and interactive options that make travel more efficient and enjoyable. The terminal building is equipped with modern features to meet the needs of every traveler.

This focus on the passenger experience is evident throughout the airport. From digital displays providing real-time information to comfortable waiting areas, every detail is considered. The goal is to make your journey through BNA as seamless and stress-free as possible.

The airport’s amenities reflect its commitment to a superior passenger journey, focusing on Nashville’s unique character.

Amenity Category

Details

Shopping Experience

Awarded #1 in the nation, featuring over 60% local brands.

Dining Program

Ranked 7th for Best Food, offering authentic Nashville flavors.

Digital Integration

Modern technologies for intuitive and interactive passenger engagement.

Passenger Comfort

World-class facilities designed for a relaxing pre-flight experience.

Dining and Shopping Options

Nashville International Airport is a great place to eat and shop. For the last two years, people have picked BNA as the top airport for shopping in all of America. This happened because the airport changed how it does concessions. Now, most of the shops and restaurants are run by local Nashville owners and brands.

The food choices at the airport are also very good. BNA is in the top ten for airports with the best food in America. You can get true Nashville food or pick from popular restaurants you already know. There is something for everyone to enjoy. The airport keeps growing to meet the needs of travelers, and there are more places to shop and eat than before.

Work is still going on with projects like the rebuild of Concourse A. This means you will soon find even more good spots inside. Here is some of what you will get at this international airport:

  • Local Nashville brands and boutiques

  • Real Music City-style restaurants

  • Retailers known all across the nation

  • Fast cafes and snack bars

Nashville International Airport, or BNA, keeps getting better for all who visit.

Accessibility Features and Airport Comfort

Nashville International Airport wants every traveler to feel welcome and comfortable. The team has made accessibility important at every step. This international airport gives many services so passengers with disabilities or those who need extra help can get around the terminal with ease. The goal is to have a place for all, and make sure everyone can enjoy a trip through Nashville International Airport.

There is accessible parking, bathrooms, and signs that make the terminal simple to move through. The airport is made so you can see where to go and get there with no trouble. Staff are there to help, and the airport always tries to make things even better, so you get more comfort when you travel. Their hard work means you get a smooth trip, from when you get out at the curb at BNA, to your gate.

It all comes down to strong design, good help from staff, and care for people first at this airport. If you need some help or just want a spot to take it easy before your flight, the terminal at Nashville International Airport is ready for you. The team works all the time so you get what you need at BNA.

Airlines and Flight Destinations from Nashville

Nashville International Airport has many big airlines. You get to pick from many options for your trip. You can travel for work or fun, and you will find many airlines ready to take you to and from Music City. These flights can take you to other cities in the United States and even around the world.

Some of the top airlines at Nashville International Airport are Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. All of these carriers fly from BNA. Because there is a lot of choice, it is easy to find direct flights to big cities and well-known places to visit.

In the next sections, you will see which airlines fly out of Nashville, the flight choices you have, and some private charter services you can book as well.

Major Airlines Operating at BNA

So, which airlines fly out of Nashville International Airport? You will see that there is a good mix of both domestic and international airlines here. This helps you get more options for both your route and price. Nashville International Airport is a place where a lot of planes take off and land every day, making it a very busy spot in Nashville.

With so many airlines at BNA, you get to pick one that fits your plans. You can choose by which loyalty program you have, what time you want to fly, or your budget. It does not matter if you want a budget seat or something fancier—the airport can give you both. The number of well-known airlines shows that Nashville is now a good spot to visit for many people.

Here are some of the main airlines that offer flights from BNA:

  • Southwest Airlines

  • American Airlines

  • Delta Air Lines

  • United Airlines

Domestic and International Direct Flights

You can find nonstop flights from Nashville International Airport. BNA now has more nonstop options than ever before. This helps you get to your place without stopping in other cities. You can fly straight to big cities in America, like New York and Los Angeles.

Traveling to other countries is also getting better in Nashville. There are now more flights going straight to places outside America. The airport is adding new routes to meet what people want. As an international airport, BNA works to help more people fly around the world.

Having all these nonstop flights is good if you are flying from Nashville. It lets you save time on your trip and makes travel simple. You get to your place feeling better, with less travel stress. Make sure you check the airport’s schedules to see all the nonstop options at Nashville International Airport.

Private and Charter Flight Options

Besides commercial travel, Nashville has options for private flights and charter flights. These are great for people who want more choices, care about privacy, or want something special. They let you travel in a way that fits you. Some might ask if there are private airports in Nashville. BNA does help with some private aviation, but there are other small airports near Nashville that are focused on that.

These smaller airfields work well for pilots or people who book a private jet. For example, Smyrna Airport (MQY) and Lebanon Municipal Airport (M54) are close to Nashville, TN. They focus on general aviation instead of big commercial flights. They offer key services for private planes and help you avoid busy BNA terminal crowds.

Choosing these airports for your private or charter flight can make your trip faster and more private. It is a good choice for business leaders, entertainers, or anyone who wants to travel across America their own way. These airports add a lot to the aviation system in the Nashville area.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can find answers to your usual questions and this can help make your travel better. Nashville International Airport (BNA) is one of the busiest airports the country has. The airport has a lot of flights with big names like Southwest Airlines and American Airlines. If you want to get to downtown Nashville, there are plenty of rental car choices to make your trip to Music City simple. Berry Field is important, too. It was the first municipal airport in the area. If you plan to visit other close cities, being near Huntsville International Airport and Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport helps a lot.

Is Nashville International Airport (BNA) open 24 hours?

The Nashville International Airport (BNA) terminal stays open all day and night, every day of the week. But the ticket counters for each airline, security, and some other services have set times when they work. If you fly very early or late, it is a good idea to ask your airline about its schedule.

Can I book nonstop flights from Nashville?

Yes, you can book many nonstop flights from Nashville International Airport. There are a lot of big airlines that fly straight to places in the country and outside the country. Now, there are more nonstop routes than ever before at BNA. You will find it easy to get a good flight out of any concourse at the Nashville International Airport.

Are there private airports or smaller airfields near Nashville?

Yes, there are a few small airfields close to Nashville. These places are great for private and charter flights. You can choose from spots like Smyrna Airport (FAA LID: MQY) and John C. Tune Airport (FAA LID: JWN). They are well-known in aviation for general flights. This gives people a way to fly in and out of the area without using the big BNA airport.

Conclusion

To sum up, getting around Nashville’s airports can be simple and even fun if you know what to expect. The guide gives you all you need for your trip, from the features at Nashville International Airport (BNA), to things you can do and ways to get there, as well as other airport options close by. No matter if you fly into Nashville for work or for fun, learning what the different places and services offer can make your trip better. So go ahead, pack your bags, and be ready to see the great music and culture Nashville has. If you start planning for your next trip, feel free to ask for tips and help to travel.