Airport Tips & Quick Reference Guide to Nashville Airport (BNA)

Transport Options – Nashville International Airport (BNA)

Information compiled by David Enrich, aviation and airport guide expert since 1999.

This website is an informational guide and is not sponsored by, endorsed by, or affiliated with the Nashville International Airport or MNAA, and that visitors intending to reach the official site should visit flynashville.com. 

Nashville International Airport offers several transport options connecting the terminal with downtown and surrounding areas. While there is no train or metro, road transport is efficient and most journeys to the city center take around 15–25 minutes depending on traffic.

Downtown Nashville is only about 8–10 miles away, so most transport options are relatively fast and affordable.

Buses and Shuttle Services

The main public transport option is the WeGo Transit bus service.

  • Route: Bus 18 (direct to downtown)
  • Location: Ground Transportation Center (Level 1)
  • Price: $2 per trip
  • Duration: ~30–35 minutes
  • Frequency: Every 60 minutes

This is the cheapest way to reach downtown Nashville.

Ideal for budget travelers, but service frequency is limited compared to larger cities.

Shuttle Services

  • Shared shuttle vans and hotel shuttles available
  • Door-to-door service
  • Prices from $18–$30 per person
  • Duration: 25–45 minutes

Shuttles are a good compromise between cost and comfort, especially for groups.

Taxis and Ride-hailing (Uber / Lyft)

  • Location: Ground Transportation area outside arrivals
  • Taxi fare: Flat rate ~$30 to downtown
  • Ride-hailing: ~$35–$50 depending on demand
  • Duration: 12–20 minutes

Taxis operate with a fixed fare between the airport and downtown.

Tip: Uber and Lyft can be cheaper during off-peak hours but may surge during events or weekends.

Train / Metro / Tram

Currently, there is no train, metro, or tram connection to Nashville Airport.

Most travelers rely on road transport, so plan accordingly during peak traffic times.

Car Rental

  • Location: On-site Rental Car Facility (Level 1)
  • Companies: Major brands available
  • Price: ~$40–$100 per day

See more information

Renting a car is the best option if you plan to explore beyond downtown Nashville.

Private Car and Driving

  • Distance to downtown: ~8–10 miles
  • Travel time: 12–20 minutes
  • Estimated fuel cost: $2–$5

The airport is easily accessible via Interstate 40 and other major roads.

Traffic can increase significantly during concerts or major events.

Transport Comparison to Downtown Nashville

Transport Type Duration Price Comfort Best For
Bus (WeGo 18) 30–35 min $2 Low Budget travelers
Taxi 15–20 min ~$30 High Direct travel
Uber / Lyft 15–20 min $35–$50 High Flexible option
Shuttle 25–45 min $18–$30 Medium Groups
Rental Car 15–20 min $40+/day High Flexibility


Typical Destinations from BNA

Destination Distance Travel Time Best Transport
Downtown Nashville 9 miles 15–20 min Taxi / Uber
The Gulch 10 miles 15–20 min Uber
Franklin 25 miles 30–40 min Car rental