Flight Time From Atlanta to Nashville: What to Expect From ATL to BNA ✈️

If you’re in Atlanta and wondering how long a flight from Atlanta to Nashville takes, the good news is: it’s one of the shortest and easiest trips you can make by air from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Most nonstop flights from Atlanta (ATL) to Nashville (BNA) take about:

• In the air:45–60 minutes
• Gate-to-gate (scheduled flight time): usually 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes

Because you’re flying between two major Southern cities that are relatively close together, it’s often quicker to fly than to drive, especially if you’re already near the airport in Atlanta.

How Long Is the Flight From Atlanta to Nashville?

Typical Flight Duration

For a nonstop, direct flight:

• Scheduled flight time: about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
• Actual time in the air: often around 45–55 minutes, depending on weather and air traffic

You’ll usually spend more time boarding, taxiing, and deplaning than you do actually cruising in the air.

Why the Times Vary

Even on such a short route, several factors can change the total time:

• Runway and taxi time at ATL and BNA
• Weather conditions along the route
• Air traffic control delays, especially during peak hours
• Which runway you depart from at ATL, since it’s a very large and busy airport

For planning your day, it’s safer to think of it as about 2.5–3 hours door-to-door from arriving at ATL to stepping out of Nashville International Airport, not counting your trip to and from each airport.

Quick Reference: Atlanta to Nashville Flight Overview

Note: Atlanta is in the Eastern Time Zone, while Nashville is in the Central Time Zone. This means your watch will “go back” one hour when you land, so sometimes your arrival time may look closer to your departure time than you expect.

Flight Time vs. Driving Time From Atlanta to Nashville

If you’re deciding whether to fly or drive from Atlanta to Nashville, the travel time is a big factor.

• Driving distance: roughly 250–280 miles, most commonly via I-75 N and I-24 W
• Driving time: usually around 4–5 hours, depending on traffic (especially leaving Atlanta and near Chattanooga)

When Flying Wins on Time

Flying is usually faster if:

• You’re already near Hartsfield–Jackson or can get there quickly by MARTA or rideshare.
• You want to avoid long stretches of highway driving.
• You have tight plans in Nashville and can’t afford delays from traffic.

When Driving Might Make Sense

Driving can be appealing if:

• You’re traveling with family or a group and want flexibility.
• You’ll need a car in Nashville for several days.
• You live far from ATL (for example, in the outer suburbs or exurbs around metro Atlanta), making the airport drive itself longer than usual.

Understanding Your Route: ATL to BNA

Departure: Atlanta’s Main Airport

Most flights will depart from:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main info line: (800) 897-1910

ATL is a major hub, so flights to Nashville are frequent, especially in the morning and late afternoon.

Arrival: Nashville International Airport (BNA)

You’ll land at:

Nashville International Airport (BNA)
1 Terminal Dr
Nashville, TN 37214

BNA is a relatively easy airport to navigate, which helps keep the deplaning and pickup process quick.

How Early Should You Arrive at ATL for a Flight to Nashville?

Even though the flight itself is short, you should still treat it like any other domestic trip.

For flights from ATL to BNA:

• Aim to be at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure.
• If you’re checking a bag, lean closer to 2 hours.
• If you’re traveling with only a personal item or carry-on and you know ATL well, 1.25–1.5 hours can sometimes be enough, but it’s safer not to cut it close.

TSA and Security at ATL

Security wait times at Hartsfield–Jackson can vary a lot, especially:

• Morning rush: early business flights (around 6–9 a.m.)
• Evening rush: after-work and end-of-day flights (around 4–7 p.m.)
• Holiday periods and major events in Atlanta or Nashville

You can depart for Nashville from:

• The Domestic Terminal (North or South)
• Various concourses (A, B, C, etc.), depending on the airline

If you’re taking MARTA to the airport, it drops you directly at the Domestic Terminal, which often saves time versus driving and parking.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Flying to Nashville

1. Plan for the Whole Journey, Not Just the Flight Time

For people living in or visiting Atlanta, factor in:

• Trip to ATL:
  • By car or rideshare: adjust for I-75/I-85 traffic and construction
  • By MARTA: the Airport Station serves the Domestic Terminal directly
• Security and check-in: 45–60 minutes, depending on crowds
• Boarding and taxiing: 20–30 minutes
• In the air: 45–60 minutes
• Arrival and exit at BNA: 15–30 minutes (longer if you check bags or pick up a rental car)

This is how a 45-minute flight can realistically turn into 3–4 hours of total travel time door-to-door.

2. Consider Time Zone When Looking at Tickets

Because Atlanta (Eastern Time) is one hour ahead of Nashville (Central Time):

• A ticket might show:
  • Depart ATL at 3:00 p.m. ET
  • Arrive BNA at 3:10 p.m. CT
• It looks like only 10 minutes passed, but that’s because the clock shifts back one hour when you land.

Keep this in mind when planning meetings, concerts, or events in Nashville the day you arrive.

3. Packing for a Short Flight

On such a short hop, comfort and convenience matter more than in-flight entertainment:

• A small personal item or backpack is usually enough for short trips.
• Keep ID, phone, charger, and medications handy in your personal item.
• Have a light layer or jacket—airplanes and airports can be chilly even for short flights.

4. Getting To and From ATL Efficiently

If you’re based in Atlanta or staying in-town:

• MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)
  • The Airport Station is at the end of both Red and Gold rail lines.
  • This can help avoid parking fees and I-85 traffic.
• Pickups and drop-offs:
  • Use the signed North or South Terminal areas depending on your airline.
  • Leave extra time during rush hour around downtown and Midtown.

For official transit information, you can contact:

MARTA Customer Information Center
+1 (404) 848-5000

Is It Worth Flying From Atlanta to Nashville?

From an Atlanta traveler’s perspective, flying is often worth it if:

• You value speed and convenience, especially for same-day or overnight trips.
• You’re traveling solo or with one companion, and tickets are reasonably priced.
• You want to avoid potentially heavy traffic on the interstates.

On the other hand, if:

• You’re with a larger group or family
• You plan to make stops along the way (Chattanooga, state parks, etc.)
• You’ll need a car in Nashville anyway

then the 4–5 hour drive from metro Atlanta to Nashville can be a realistic and flexible option.

In summary, a flight from Atlanta to Nashville typically takes about 45–60 minutes in the air, with scheduled times of around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. When planning your trip from Atlanta, think in terms of 2.5–3 hours total travel time from ATL to BNA once you include check-in, security, boarding, and arrival—still much shorter than the drive for many travelers.