How Far is a Flight from Atlanta (ATL) to Nashville (BNA)?

The flight distance from Nashville to Atlanta is 215 miles and takes just over an hour.

If you’re interested in flying there, this post will go over your flight options, give you some important airport information, and look at where to stay in both Atlanta and in Nashville.

How Far is Nashville from Atlanta by Plane?

Before embarking on your journey from Nashville to Atlanta, it’s essential to understand the distance between these two bustling cities. So, how far is Nashville from Atlanta by plane?

The route between Nashville, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia, is approximately 215 miles and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Keep in mind, this is the duration of the flight itself. You’ll need to factor in additional time for check-in, security screening, boarding, and getting out of the airport in Nashville. That said, flying is undoubtedly the fastest mode of transportation between these two cities.

Driving Distance

The driving distance is a little further. If you decide to drive, the most direct route will take a little under 4 hours and will cover around 250 miles. It is nearly exactly the same distance as the flight, because the roads take you along nearly the shortest distance possible between the two routes.

The route is pretty straightforward. First, you get on I-75 N in Atlanta. You will ride I-75 N all the way to Chattanooga, where you will get on I-24 W, which takes you all the way into Nashville. Chattanooga is about halfway, and it’s a great place to stop, see the attractions, or just get a cup of coffee and stretch your legs.

Both Greyhound and Flixbus also offer service between Atlanta and Nashville. They are by far the cheapest option, compared to either driving or flying.

Recommended: Free Fuel Cost Calculator

Airport Information

Below, I’ll give you some helpful information on both the Atlanta and Nashville Airports.

The Atlanta Airport

Atlanta Airport Map

The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving over 100 million passengers annually. It is the largest of 9 hubs for Delta Air Lines, which operates out of all seven concourses at the airport.

Many other major airlines fly out of ATL, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and JetBlue Airways. The airport has two terminals, the Domestic Terminal and the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal.

The Domestic Terminal at ATL is divided into North and South sections, with the North Terminal serving Delta and the South Terminal serving all other domestic airlines.

The airport has a wide variety of dining options available, including fast food, cafes, and sit-down restaurants. Some popular options include Chick-fil-A, Bojangles, and Sweetwater Brewery.

The international terminal also has a range of dining options, including a food court with several choices and sit-down restaurants such as One Flew South that offer a more upscale dining experience.

The Nashville Airport

Nashville Airport Map

Located in southeastern Nashville, the Nashville International Airport (BNA is about 8 miles east of downtown. It is very small small compared to Atlanta.

The main terminal is divided into four concourses, with numerous gates for various airlines. Despite its smaller size, Nashville Airport offers a range of amenities, including dining and shopping options, free Wi-Fi, and a business center.

Nashville Airport is well-known for its commitment to showcasing local culture. Be sure to check out their events, including the rotating art exhibits and live music performances.

What Airlines Fly Direct Between Nashville and Atlanta?

Delta and Southwest operate direct flights between Nashville and Atlanta. The best way to find cheap flights is to shop around. Depending on when you’re leaving, the most affordable flight options are going to be with different airlines.

If you book flight on a site like Expedia or Orbitz, that can help you get the lowest price on nonstop flights, regardless of the carrier. They’ve got lots of great deals, especially if you book flights well in advance. Flexible travel dates may get an even better deal.

Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines is the main carrier on this route and offers multiple flights on a daily basis.

The earliest flight depends on the day you’re flying out, but is somewhere between 8AM and 9AM. The last flight runs late into the night, leaving around 10PM or even later.

Delta has about the most international flights of any airline in the world, so if you’re visiting from outside the United States then they may be the way to go. Their hub is Atlanta Hartfield-Jackson, so you can fly into Atlanta and then have a short layer to Nashville.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines also operates direct flights between ATL and BNA. It’s a popular low-cost carrier that often has the cheapest flights.

Like Delta, the earliest departure time depends on the day, but they leave as early as 6AM on some days. The latest flight to BNA also depends on the day but can depart as late as 9:15PM.

One thing, though, is that Southwest offers far fewer direct flights than Delta. They offer 3 direct flights per day.

Southwest is unique in that it is currently the only commercial airline that offers the ability to book and extra seat at the time of booking. Known as their customer of size and extra seat policy, it provides a wider range of customers easy access to their available flights than their competitors.

Other Airlines

There are other airlines that fly to both ATL and BNA, but they don’t offer direct flights. So you would be stuck with a layover, which is very inconvenient considering the short distance between the two cities.

Still, if you’re looking for the lowest fares available and aren’t too concerned about travel time, you may want to look around.

You may see other sites talk about Spirit Airlines, and they are an option. But you would have to layover in a city like Ft. Lauderdale, which is way out of the way. At that point, it is both cheaper and faster to drive.

You can check nonstop destinations, along with the airline that flies there, on the BNA website.

Where to Stay in Nashville

One of the best places to stay in Nashville is in the Broadway area, which is the center of the action. That’s where most of the live music, bars, and honky tonks are. It’s also where you’ll find iconic spots like the Ryman.

You’ll be a little further out from the Grand Ole Opry and Music Row, but ultimately the walkability of the area and plethora of attractions is why it’s such a good place to stay. 

Recommended: What’s the difference between Broadway and Music Row?

There are several great places to stay that will put you within a couple of blocks of Broadway Street.

The Hermitage

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Boasting a unique blend of classical architecture and Southern elegance, The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville is an iconic landmark. Since its opening in 1910, it has been a symbol of refined hospitality, offering guests luxurious accommodations, high-end amenities, and a top-tier dining experience. 

Amenities include free wifi, a full gym with cardio and weights, and an onsite restaurant and bar. There is also an onsite coffee shop and cafe.

Breakfast is available, but you must pay for it and it runs $18-30, according to their site. More than anything, you’re staying here for the ambiance. 

Pet Policy

The Hermitage is a pet friendly hotel. Pets are welcome here for a $150 fee per pet, per stay.

The Bankers Alley Hotel

The Bankers Alley Hotel is an artistic, boutique hotel that offers a unique stay with a contemporary art museum on its premises. Adding to its charm, the hotel also houses a billiard room and a serene garden area. What truly sets this hotel apart, however, is its contemporary art museum.

Amenities include an onsite restaurant, a gym, and sweeping views of Nashville from your stylish balcony in many of the rooms.

Pet Policy

Pets are welcome at the Bankers Alley Hotel for a $75 fee per accommodation per stay. Only dogs and cats weighing up to 50 pounds each. Service animals are welcome and are exempt from fees.

Westin Nashville

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Located a few blocks from Broadway, the Westin Nashville provides modern accommodations with excellent amenities, including a rooftop bar that offers a stunning view of the city.

Amenities here include a pool and an onsite spa. Breakfast is available, but it is not complimentary. There is also an onsite bar and restaurant.

Pet Policy

Westin Nashville is pet friendly. Pets are welcome here for a fee of $50 per accommodation, per night. Service animals are exempt from pet fees.

Where to Stay in Atlanta

Atlanta is one of the largest cities in the U.S., and so of course also has plenty of options for accommodations.

If you’re visiting Atlanta, be sure to check out my post on the Best Hotels Near Truist Park for more great recommendations.

Is there a hotel inside the Atlanta airport?

Not really, no. There are a lot of hotels very close by, many of which offer a free shuttle to and from the airport. But there’s isn’t a true hotel located within the airport itself.

However, there is a place to get some rest. Minute Suites offers the chance to book a quiet, private room to at least get some rest or catch up on some work. There are two locations in the airport, both located in Concourse B. One is near Gate 16 and the other one is near Gate 24.

Most people book these rooms for a few hours only, but you can book them for a full 8 hours and sleep overnight here. It is pricey, but if you really don’t want to leave the airport it may be worth it.

Amenities include free wifi, a business center, and children’s activities. They also have showers here, although that costs extra.Minutes Suites is pet friendly and welcomes your furry friend for a $25 fee.

Luxury option: Four Seasons Hotel

For a grand experience, consider staying at the Four Seasons Hotel located in the heart of Midtown. Their location puts them just a 10 minute walk from Piedmont Park, and a little over a 20 minute drive from the Atlanta International Airport.

Four Seasons offers luxurious rooms, fine dining, and are in proximity to popular attractions like the High Museum of Art and Atlanta Botanical Garden. Amenities include free wifi, a pool, a hot tub, and an onsite bar, restaurant, and spa. 

They are also pet friendly. Pets are welcome for $100 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from pet fees.

If you are traveling with pup, you won’t want to miss out on the Best Dog Parks in Atlanta.

Budget Option: Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown

The Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta-Downtown provides a comfortable stay in a prime location without breaking the bank. They are in a pretty good location, too: an 8 minute walk from the World of Coca Cola, a 15 minute walk to the Mercedes Benz Stadium, and a 20 minute drive to the airport.

Hampton Inn provides basic amenities, including free breakfast, laundry onsite, and free wifi. Coffee and tea is available in the common areas.

Hampton Inn is also pet friendly. Both dogs and cats are welcome for a fee of $75 per accommodation, per stay. You may bring up to 2 total pets, and service animals are exempt from pet fees.

Great Camp Spot: Stone Mountain Park

For the nature lovers, Stone Mountain Park, located on the outskirts of the city, offers both campgrounds and cabins. This allows you to relax and rejuvenate amidst nature after the long drive from Charlotte, while also being just a short drive from all the action in Atlanta.

The Bottom Line

Overall, it is a very short flight from Atlanta to Nashville. If you fly nonstop, it takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes and covers about 215 miles. There are lots of great places to stay in Nashville, but if you stay close to Broadway Street you’ll be walking distance to most of Nashville’s best live music.