Nashville International Airport (BNA) stands as Tennessee’s largest aviation hub, and as of 2025, it reflects the results of an aggressive, multi-phase modernization effort. The completion of the BNA Vision expansion in early 2024 ushered in a new era of streamlined passenger experience, increased capacity, and enhanced amenities. With the New Horizon initiative now underway, travelers can expect even more enhancements in the years ahead.
Situated just 8 miles east of downtown Nashville, BNA serves as a critical gateway to Music City, processing over 24 million passengers annually. The airport operates a single central terminal segmented into five concourses: A, B, C, D, and T gates, all of which are accessible after a single centralized security checkpoint.
Airline Distribution and Concourse Assignments
BNA’s terminal has been structured to optimize airline distribution, minimizing congestion and streamlining boarding experiences. Here’s how carriers are spread across concourses:
- Concourse A: Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines
- Concourse B: Frontier Airlines, JetBlue
- Concourse C: American Airlines, Southwest Airlines
- Concourse D: Southwest Airlines (exclusive use)
- T Gates: British Airways, Air Canada, WestJet, Flair Airlines, Viva Aerobus
- Satellite Concourse (accessed via Concourse C): Allegiant, Avelo, Contour, Spirit, Sun Country
These concourses collectively accommodate nearly 300 daily departures, offering both domestic and limited international service.
Terminal Structure: Navigating the Levels
The three-tiered terminal design ensures clear directional flow and maximizes operational efficiency:
- Level 1 – International Arrivals & Ground Transport: This floor handles international customs, rental car counters, and the TSA PreCheck enrollment center.
- Level 2 – Domestic Arrivals: Houses baggage claim, information counters, and passenger pickup zones.
- Level 3 – Departures: Hosts airline check-in desks, curbside drop-off, a pre-security cafe, pet relief zones, and the expansive Grand Lobby security checkpoint.
All levels connect seamlessly via escalators, elevators, and signage, and the terminal is fully ADA compliant.
Inside the Concourses: Amenities and Access
Each concourse reflects the airport’s commitment to service quality, design, and passenger comfort.
Concourse A
Located at the north end, Concourse A has 6 gates (A1-A4, A7, A8). Travelers flying with Alaska, Delta, or United will find a modest selection of shops and dining outlets, along with the Delta Sky Club positioned at the concourse entrance.
Concourse B
With 10 gates (B3, B5-B13), this concourse supports Frontier and JetBlue. A children’s play area near the far end and a greater density of shops and eateries at the entrance make this a family-friendly zone.
Concourse C
The airport’s largest concourse features 19 gates (C1-C3, C12-C27), used by American and Southwest. Here you’ll find the Admirals Club lounge near gate C15, an extensive food court, and a vibrant retail presence.
Satellite Terminal (Concourse C Extension)
Accessible via shuttle from gate C13, this satellite offers 8 more gates (C4-C11) for carriers such as Allegiant and Spirit. Amenities include restaurants, shopping kiosks, and a pet relief area.
Concourse D
Exclusively occupied by Southwest Airlines, this concourse currently houses 6 gates (D1-D6) and is undergoing expansion to add 5 more. A Burger King, other quick-serve options, a Minute Suites, and a designated pet zone serve both short and long-haul passengers.
T Gates
Positioned immediately past security, the T Gates (T1-T6) are utilized by international and Canadian carriers. These gates are flanked by a wide array of dining establishments and retail shops, making them one of the most traveler-friendly areas.
Interterminal Movement and Accessibility
BNA is one of the few major U.S. airports where all concourses are interconnected post-security, enabling passengers to walk freely between gates without additional screening. The only exception is the Satellite Terminal, which requires a short shuttle bus transfer from Concourse C. Outside the terminal, economy lot users (Lots B and C) and those using BNA Express Park can access the terminal via frequent shuttle service.
Security and Expedited Screening
Security at BNA is centered on Level 3, where the Grand Lobby hosts 24 security lanes, opening at 3:30 a.m. daily. The checkpoint supports:
- TSA PreCheck lanes for expedited screening
- A dedicated CLEAR lane for biometric ID verification
- On-site TSA enrollment office (open Mondays and Fridays) located on Level 1 near rental counters
Real-time wait times are updated live on BNA’s official website.
Lounges and Premium Services
Frequent flyers and premium passengers can enjoy three primary lounges at BNA:
- Admirals Club (Concourse C, gate C15) – Open 4 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; day pass: $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles.
- Delta Sky Club (Concourse B, gate B3) – Offers seating, showers, and bar service; hours vary by day.
- USO Lounge (Concourse D) – Open to active military personnel only; daily hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Priority Pass members gain 1 free hour at Minute Suites (Concourse D, gate D3) and can access discounts at selected eateries like 400 Degrees Hot Chicken.
Dining and Connectivity
Across its concourses, BNA boasts over 50 food and beverage options, from local Tennessee flavors to national favorites. Notably, only one cafe exists pre-security, so passengers are advised to proceed through screening for better options.
Complimentary Wi-Fi (5 Mbps) is available airport-wide under the SSID BNA_Free_Wi-Fi, with paid tiers offering faster speeds.
Facilities, Family Needs, and Accessibility
BNA offers several conveniences tailored for travelers with kids, pets, and special needs:
- Children’s play area: Concourse B (interactive wall and floor games)
- Mamava pod: Concourse A near first restrooms
- Lactation room: Concourse D, near gate D4
- Pet relief zones: Inside Concourse D, plus outdoor areas on Level 3 ends and Terminal Garage 1 pedestrian plaza
Additionally, BNA features information desks, designated smoking areas outside each level, ATMs, and accessible parking with free parking programs for those with disability placards.
Ground Transportation and Arrival Options
BNA offers comprehensive ground transport services, all operating from the Ground Transportation Center at Terminal Garage 2, Level 1:
- Bus: Route 18 (Airport, Airport Express, or Elm Hill) – 20 to 45 mins to downtown
- Taxi: Flat-rate $30 to downtown, +$2 per extra passenger
- Ride-share: Uber (zones B & C), Lyft (zone A)
- Limo/Courtesy vehicles: Available with advance booking
For drivers, Terminal Drive provides split-level vehicle access. Directions from downtown Nashville and Franklin funnel into I-40 E, Exit 216A, leading to the terminal.
Parking Options and Daily Rates
BNA supports multiple parking solutions, all within close or shuttle-based reach:
- Terminal Garages 1 & 2: 6,000+ spaces; $30/day; includes EV charging stations
- Valet: Ground level access; $40/day
- Terminal Lot A: Uncovered, walkable; $20/day
- Economy Lots B & C: Shuttle every 10 mins; $20/day
- Cell Phone Lot: Free waiting zone at 1415 Murfreesboro Pike
- Off-site lots: From $9/day via airportparkingreservations.com
Accessible parking is integrated across all lots. General parking info is available via 615-275-1045.
Car Rentals
Rental car counters are located on Level 1, adjacent to baggage claim and customs. After paperwork, passengers cross Terminal Drive to the Consolidated Rental Car Facility, conveniently located next to Terminal Garage 1.
Hotels Near BNA: On-Site and Nearby Options
Travelers seeking immediate accommodation will appreciate the on-site Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal, directly across from the terminal building. Other nearby hotels (0.8 to 1.9 miles) include:
- Country Inn & Suites
- Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville-Airport
- Holiday Inn Express Nashville Airport
- Radisson Hotel Nashville Airport
- Hyatt Place Nashville Airport
- Embassy Suites Nashville – Airport
All these properties offer free airport shuttles, fitness centers, and varying amenities from pet-friendly policies to complimentary breakfast.
Top Points Redemptions
- Holiday Inn Express: From 23,000 IHG One Rewards points
- Embassy Suites: From 43,000 Hilton Honors points
- Hyatt Place: From 6,500 World of Hyatt points
These properties are ideal for frequent flyers looking to stretch their loyalty rewards.
Looking Ahead: BNA’s Expanding Horizon
Driven by population growth and travel demand, BNA’s ongoing New Horizon expansion will see additional international gates, cargo capabilities, and possible runway extensions. Southwest Airlines, already commanding over 50% of BNA’s passenger traffic, continues to expand, while Spirit, Allegiant, and Delta are rolling out more routes into 2025.
