How to Get from BNA to Downtown Nashville?

Nashville International Airport (BNA) is located about 8 miles (12.8 km) east of downtown Nashville. The drive time from BNA to downtown is about 15 to 25 minutes in normal traffic. If traveling alone, you can choose from Uber, Lyft, and taxis. These are the most convenient and fastest options to get to downtown from the airport. However, the WeGo Route 18 bus is the most affordable transportation.

If you are traveling in a group or arriving late at BNA Airport, you can consider a pre-booked car or shuttle. These services ensure a direct ride without waiting for other passengers.

How Far is BNA Airport from Downtown Nashville?

Nashville Airport is 8 miles away from downtown. If you drive yourself, the most common route is I-40 West. This route has no tolls. In normal traffic, you can reach popular downtown areas, such as Broadway, the Gulch, or Music City Center, in 15 to 25 minutes.

• Traffic is usually heavier on weekday mornings and late afternoons.
• During these periods, the drive from BNA to downtown can take 10 to 20 minutes longer than usual.

Six Best Transportation Options from BNA to Downtown Nashville

To get from Nashville International Airport to downtown Nashville, there are six main transportation options. These include rideshare apps, taxis, public buses, shuttles, rental cars, and private cars.

Below are these transit modes and their estimated travel times from the airport to downtown.

1. Uber and Lyft

The rideshare apps, Uber and Lyft, are convenient options to get from BNA to downtown. Instead of waiting for a scheduled vehicle, you can request a ride through these apps and receive door-to-door service. Also, the fare is shown before you confirm the ride.

• Approximately, a rideshare from BNA to downtown Nashville costs about $18 to $30 per person.
• Prices can be higher during busy periods or when choosing premium vehicles.
• Airport-related fees may also be included in the fare shown in the app.

How to Book Uber or Lyft at BNA?

To book Uber/Lyft at Nashville Airport, follow the steps below.

1. Collect your luggage before requesting a ride.
2. Open the Uber or Lyft app.
3. Enter your hotel, address, or other destination in Nashville in the app.
4. Choose a vehicle based on your group size and luggage.
5. Check the fare shown in the app before confirming.
6. Prices can change based on demand, destination, and vehicle type.
7. Follow the pickup instructions shown in the app after booking your ride.
8. Before getting in, match the driver’s name, vehicle, and license plate with the details in the app.

2. Taxis

If you prefer an airport transfer without using a rideshare app, taxis can be a good choice. With this service, you do not need to book the ride in advance. At BNA, taxis operate on a flat-rate system for trips to certain destinations in and around Nashville.

• A taxi from Nashville Airport to downtown Nashville costs $30, plus $2 for each additional passenger.
• The same $30 flat rate applies to trips between BNA and Gaylord Opryland Resort.
• You can take a taxi directly from the airport without a reservation.
• If your destination is outside the designated areas, confirm the fare with the driver before starting the trip.

3. WeGo Bus

WeGo Public Transit’s Route 18 Airport is one of the cheapest ways to travel from BNA to downtown Nashville. The route connects Nashville International Airport with the Elizabeth Duff Transit Center at WeGo Central downtown.

4. Private Sedans and Black Car Service

You can book private sedans or black car service at Nashville Airport if your priority is comfort and luxury. With this service, you can get a professional chauffeur at the airport and direct transit to your hotel or other Nashville address.

• These services can be useful for business travelers, families, VIP guests, and groups traveling with extra luggage.
• The price range to book these cars at BNA is between $80 and $210.
• The following types of cars may be available at the airport:
  
  • Luxury sedans
  • Cadillac Escalade and similar luxury SUVs
  • Mercedes-Maybach and Mercedes S-Class vehicles
  • Volkswagen ID.Buzz
  • Mercedes Sprinter
• The pickup service is available at the Ground Transportation Center (GTC) on Level 1 of Terminal Garage 2.

5. BNA Airport Shuttle

You can go with a shuttle at Nashville Airport if you want a pre-arranged ride without paying for a private car. Several shuttle companies serve BNA Airport. They offer both shared and private rides. Based on different services, shared shuttle prices generally start at around $18 per passenger.

Shared shuttles can cost less per passenger, while private shuttles give you a more direct ride. At BNA, both types of shuttles are available. The details of these services are mentioned below.

6. BNA Airport Rental Cars

If you want the freedom to travel around Nashville and nearby areas on your own schedule, a rental car is a useful option. Also, this mode is suitable if you want to explore outside of downtown, such as Franklin, Opryland, etc.

After renting a car from Nashville International Airport to downtown Nashville, you can pick up your rental vehicle at the Consolidated Rental Car (CONRAC) facility.

• Average car rental costs from BNA to Nashville are:
  • Economy/Small cars: $36 to $130
  • Medium/Compact/Sedan: $37 to $110/day
  • SUV/Intermediate SUV: $40 to $155/day
  • Large/Full-Size: $45+/day
  • Vans/Trucks: $43 to $242/day
  • Luxury/Electric: $181/day
• Most rental companies allow drivers to rent from age 21, although age requirements and young-driver fees vary by provider.

To get to downtown Nashville from BNA with rental cars, you can follow the following steps:

• Take I-40 W toward downtown.
• Follow the signs for your specific destination.
• Use a navigation app to select the best downtown exit based on current traffic.

Pickup Location at Nashville International Airport

The pickup location at BNA is the Ground Transportation Center on Level 1 of Terminal Garage 2. In this area, you can find taxis, Uber, Lyft, limousines, hotel shuttles, WeGo buses, taxis, rental cars, and private cars.

After arriving at BNA Airport, you can follow these steps to reach this location.

• Collect your luggage and follow the signs for the Ground Transportation Center.
• Exit the terminal on Level 1, turn right, and use the covered walkway to reach Terminal Garage 2.
• Follow the overhead signs to the correct pickup area.

Final Thoughts

Getting from Nashville International Airport (BNA) to downtown Nashville is easy, with options for every budget and travel style. Rideshare and taxis offer the quickest door-to-door service, while WeGo Route 18 is the most affordable choice. Rental cars provide flexibility for navigating beyond downtown, and shuttles or private cars are good for groups, business travelers, and late arrivals.