Nashville Layover Guide (BNA)

What are you looking for in BNA?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Nashville Airport (BNA) is an international airport located in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s situated about 13 km (8 miles) from downtown Nashville. The airport officially opened in 1937. Nashville is the capital of Tennessee and is famously known as the “Music City.” It’s a vibrant cultural hub with a rich musical heritage, thriving arts scene, and southern hospitality. The city also offers diverse dining, live entertainment, and a dynamic economy.

Can you leave Nashville Airport (BNA) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Generally, passengers transiting through BNA on an international itinerary may exit the terminal if they allow sufficient time, adequately clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection, pass security again, and have the necessary entry authorization. Visa Waiver nationals must hold an approved ESTA; other travelers need a valid U.S. entry visa. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum Explore interactive exhibits celebrating country music legends, artifacts, and audio-visual experiences at the iconic museum, featuring rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and live performances. Official site (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 15 minutes or WeGo bus 18 (~40 minutes).)
• Broadway Honky Tonks Immerse yourself in Nashville’s nightlife by hopping between legendary honky tonks along Broadway, enjoying live bands, dancing, and Southern hospitality in vibrant venues offering classic country, rock, and blues nightlife atmosphere. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 15 minutes or WeGo bus 18 (~40 minutes).)
• Ryman Auditorium Tour Take a guided tour of the historic Ryman Auditorium, known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” exploring backstage areas, original architecture, and legendary performances that shaped American music history. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 15 minutes or WeGo bus 18 (~40 minutes).)
• The Parthenon at Centennial Park Visit a remarkable full-scale replica of the Athenian Parthenon nestled in Centennial Park, housing an art gallery, replica statues, and lush grounds perfect for strolling and photography between flights and picnics. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 20 minutes or WeGo bus (~50 minutes).)
• Johnny Cash Museum Discover memorabilia, rare photographs, and personal artifacts chronicling the life and career of Johnny Cash at this dedicated museum, offering immersive exhibits and audio stations celebrating the “Man in Black.” Official site (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 15 minutes or WeGo bus 18 (~40 minutes).)
• Prince’s Hot Chicken Sample famous Nashville hot chicken at Prince’s, savoring fiery, crispy fried chicken served with pickles and white bread in an authentic, no-frills setting beloved by locals and visitors alike for an iconic taste experience. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 15 minutes or WeGo bus (~45 minutes).)
• Frist Art Museum Explore ever-changing art exhibitions in the stunning Art Deco Frist Art Museum, featuring local and international artists, interactive installations, and educational programs housed within a historic downtown landmark setting experience. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 15 minutes or WeGo bus 18 (~40 minutes).)
• Nashville Farmers’ Market Browse vibrant stalls at Nashville Farmers’ Market offering fresh produce, artisan crafts, and global street food, then relax in communal seating areas or explore adjacent parks for socializing. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 15 minutes or WeGo bus (~45 minutes).)

Things to Do in Nashville Airport (BNA)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
The BNA offers two main lounges: the Escape Lounge, accessible via day pass, and the Admirals Club for AA elite. Both provide comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, and showers. Quiet zones with ergonomic chairs and charging ports are available in various concourses for relaxation away from gate crowds. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
BNA’s on-site Hilton with rooftop pool, Conga Lounge bar, and 289 rooms is connected via pedestrian walkway. Nearby, the Renaissance Nashville Hotel offers a complimentary shuttle. Ideal for layovers, amenities include fitness center, restaurant, in-room Wi-Fi, gym, business center, and spa options. Multiple airport-area hotels provide free shuttle and day-use rooms for short stays. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
BNA offers rest spots: designated quiet areas in concourses B and C with recliners and armchairs. Select gates feature extra legroom seating zones. Floor-level power outlets and USB ports are installed throughout terminals. No dedicated sleeping pods; travelers use padded benches near gates. Airport carpeted areas under dimmed lighting aid dozing comfortably.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: BNA provides free unlimited Wi-Fi via Boingo, requiring one-time login to “BNA Free Wi-Fi” using email or social account. Speeds support reliable browsing, streaming, and video calls. Additional Ethernet outlets and USB charging stations are available in lounges and gate areas. Premium in-seat entertainment uses individual airline apps. 24/7 support.

SIM/eSIM Card: Nashville International Airport features self-service vending machines and kiosks in all terminals offering SIM and eSIM packages from major carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon). Prepaid data plans are available with activation support. eSIM options include QR code download. Travel electronics shops sell SIM starter kits. Kiosks operate 24/7 with assistance. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Year-round taxi stands are located curbside outside each terminal’s arrivals level offering 24/7 service and flat-rate fares to downtown Nashville (approximately $25). Vehicles accept cash and major cards. Wheelchair-accessible taxis are available. Pre-booking by phone is possible. Rideshare pickup occurs in designated lots. Expect moderate wait times during peak hours.

Train: Nashville Airport does not have on-site train service. Travelers can take a short taxi or ride-share to Nashville Union Station (1.5 miles away), where Amtrak’s City of New Orleans route connects to Chicago and New Orleans. Station amenities include full-service waiting rooms, ticket office, baggage service, cafe, and accessible restrooms. more info

Bus: The WeGo Transit Route 18 airport shuttle bus circulates between terminals and downtown Nashville every 30 minutes from 5 AM to 11 PM daily. Fares are $2, payable via mobile app or cash onboard. Buses feature luggage racks and are ADA-accessible. Day passes cost $4 with unlimited transfers within two hours. more info

Shuttle: Many airport-area hotels offer free shuttle service. BNA’s courtesy phones near baggage claim connect travelers to hotel shuttles. Vans operate every 15–20 minutes. Shared-ride shuttles to downtown destinations can be pre-booked. Services run 24 hours. Pickup zones are signposted with assistance. Courtesy vehicles feature wifi.

Car rentals: BNA’s on-site consolidated rental car facility is accessible via pedestrian walkway from the terminal arrivals level. Major agencies (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National) maintain counters open daily from 5 AM to midnight. Free shuttle service connects to off-site lots. Pre-book online for best rates. Insurance, GPS, and driver options are available. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Nashville Airport provides multiple parking options: hourly, daily, economy, and long-term garages adjacent to terminals. Rates start at $2 per hour for hourly parking, $20 per day, and $10 for economy lot daily. A free cell phone waiting lot is available. EV charging stations are available. Signage aids navigation clearly.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Nashville Airport has no on-site luggage storage lockers. Baggage services handle lost, found, and delayed items only. Travelers requiring temporary storage can use off-site facilities downtown through third-party providers like BagsVIP, which offer shuttle service. Pack ’n’ Go Express kiosk inside the terminal sells travel bags and offers forwarding services. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Nashville Airport (BNA) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks