So, you’re heading to Nashville. Whether you're flying in for a bachelor party on Broadway or heading home after a long business trip, Nashville International Airport—everyone just calls it BNA—can be a lot to handle. Especially right now. If you haven't been here in a year or two, the place looks totally different. They’ve been spending billions of dollars to turn it into a "world-class" hub, but for the average traveler, that mostly means more walking and a brand-new layout to memorize.
Honestly, the map of nashville airport is a bit of a moving target these days because of the "New Horizon" expansion. But don't sweat it. Most of the massive changes from the "BNA Vision" phase are done, so the central "Grand Lobby" is where everything starts now. It's huge, it’s shiny, and it’s got a roof that supposedly looks like an acoustic guitar from the air.
Finding Your Way Through the BNA Terminals
First thing to know: BNA is basically one giant terminal building. You don't have to hop on a train to get from one terminal to another like you do in Atlanta or Denver. Everything is connected. Once you clear the 24-lane TSA checkpoint in the Grand Lobby, you’re in the "Central Marketplace."
From there, you’ve got five different directions you can head, depending on your airline.
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Concourse T (The International Hub)
Right after security, you’ll see the T Gates. These are technically the newest international arrivals facility (IAF) area. If you’re flying Air Canada, British Airways, or WestJet, you’re likely starting here. It’s super convenient because it’s the closest to the main security area.
Concourse A and B (The North Side)
Here’s where it gets tricky. Concourse A is currently a massive construction zone. As of late 2025 and heading into 2026, they’ve completely closed it down for a total demolition and rebuild. They’re planning to reopen it in 2028 with 16 brand-new gates.
So, where did the airlines go?
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- Delta Air Lines and United have mostly shifted operations.
- Concourse B is still kicking, mostly handling Frontier and JetBlue. It’s got a decent kids' play area if you’re traveling with littles who need to burn off some energy.
Concourse C and the Satellite Terminal
Concourse C is the big dog. It’s the largest and busiest part of the airport, mostly because it’s the home of Southwest Airlines and American Airlines.
But wait—there’s a catch. If your gate is between C4 and C11, you aren't actually in the main Concourse C building. You’re in the Satellite Concourse. To get there, you have to take a shuttle bus from near Gate C13. It only takes a few minutes, but if you’re running late for a flight, that shuttle ride feels like an eternity. Definitely build in an extra 15 minutes if you see a "Satellite" gate on your boarding pass.
Concourse D (The Southwest Expansion)
Concourse D is where you’ll find the rest of the Southwest flights. It was recently extended, so it’s much longer now than it used to be. It’s got a great outdoor terrace where you can watch planes take off while getting some fresh air—kinda rare for an airport.
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Parking and Getting to the Gate
Parking at BNA is a bit of a saga. They just opened more spaces in Lot B, but the demand is still through the roof.
- Terminal Garages 1 & 2: These are right across from the terminal. They’re the most expensive ($30+ per day), but they have a "Park Assist" system that shows you exactly where the open spots are with green lights.
- Economy Lots B & C: These are the budget-friendly options. Shuttles run every 10 minutes, but honestly, give yourself an extra 30 minutes. Nashville traffic doesn't stop at the airport entrance.
- The New Hotel: There is now a Hilton right on-site. If you have a 6:00 AM flight, it’s a lifesaver. You can literally walk from your room to the check-in desk via a pedestrian bridge.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Map
The biggest mistake people make is thinking they can walk from the North side (A/B) to the South side (C/D) in two minutes. BNA has grown. If you’re connecting from a Delta flight (temporarily housed near B) to a Southwest flight in D, you’re looking at a 15-to-20-minute brisk walk.
Also, don't ignore the "Grand Lobby" art. Those huge 12K resolution screens aren't just for show; they often have helpful info, and the hanging gardens are actually modeled after the Natchez Trace Parkway bridge. It's a nice touch of local flavor while you're standing in line.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Flight
- Check the Gate Early: Look at the map of nashville airport on the flynashville.com site or their app before you even leave your house. If you see "Satellite C," you need to arrive earlier.
- Use the Cell Phone Lot: If someone is picking you up, tell them to wait in the free Cell Phone Lot. The curbside at BNA is notoriously aggressive—security will move them along in seconds if they try to idle.
- Eat Local: Skip the generic fast food. Go to Hattie B’s (Concourse C) or Prince’s Hot Chicken (Concourse D). You haven't really been to Nashville if you haven't had the hot chicken, even if it's at a gate.
- Watch for Construction: Since Concourse A is being rebuilt throughout 2026, follow the temporary signage for Delta and United ticketing. It’s moved several times recently.
Keep your boarding pass handy, keep your walking shoes on, and you’ll navigate the BNA layout just fine. The airport is bigger than it’s ever been, but it still manages to keep a bit of that Southern hospitality—even if you have to take a shuttle to get to your plane.