Nashville International Airport introduces free short-term parking in terminal garages

Nashville International Airport to introduce reduced rate short stay parking at terminal garages.

Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) announced plans to implement complementary and reduced-rate short term parking to reduce curb side congestion beginning December 1, 2023. Rates apply to Terminal Garage 1 and Terminal Garage 2, with 85 designated spots for short-term parking in Terminal Garage 1. This free short-term parking provides convenient options to pick-up family and friends.  

“We’ve listened to the traffic concerns, and we are making improvements to eliminate the congestion on the roadway,” said Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of Nashville International Airport. “As we implemented a long-term parking strategy, we are also launching a new short-term parking initiative, complementing our existing free cell phone lot on Murfreesboro Pike. We ask visitors who arrive early to help us ease traffic congestion by either using the terminal garage with complimentary and reduced rates, or our cell phone lot. As Nashville and BNA continue to experience exponential growth, BNA is committed to providing a world-class airport.”

Visitors coming to retrieve family or friends will be offered the choice of complimentary or reduced-rate parking in the terminal garages, with rates varying based on their duration of stay: 

The introduction of these new parking rates aims to eliminate the habit of persistent circling of Terminal Drive, which leads to roadway congestion. 

Beyond the introduction of this new short-term parking option, New Horizon, the current phase in the construction and renovation of Nashville International Airport following BNA® Vision, also integrates long-term roadway improvements.  

Additionally, collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is underway to expedite the realignment of Donelson Pike, which in turn expedites terminal roadway expansion and widens Exit 216A from I-40 to airport property.  

As part of the ongoing long-term roadway improvements to enhance the passenger experience at BNA, residents of Middle Tennessee are urged to enrol in BNA Text Alerts at flynashville.com to receive timely traffic updates and alerts directly from the airport. Avoiding arriving excessively early when picking up loved ones will ensure a smoother traffic flow along Terminal Drive and contribute to a more streamlined and efficient passenger pickup process. 

Alongside the new short-term parking options within the terminal garages, the cell lot located at 1415 Murfreesboro Pike will remain accessible as a free alternative. This designated lot comprises 240 spaces and includes secure fencing, continuous security guard monitoring, and real-time flight information monitors. This setup provides drivers with the convenience of checking the status of incoming flights while taking advantage of a reliable and cost-free parking option.