Nashville–Atlanta Flights: How to Plan Your Trip From ATL

Flying between Atlanta and Nashville is one of the quickest and easiest regional trips you can make from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Whether you live in Atlanta, you’re visiting, or you’re connecting through the city, understanding how Nashville–Atlanta flights work will help you save time, avoid stress, and pick the right option for your schedule and budget.

How Long Is the Flight From Atlanta to Nashville?

The nonstop flight time between Atlanta and Nashville is typically:

• In the air: about 45–60 minutes
• Gate-to-gate: around 1.5–2 hours, once you factor in boarding, taxi time, and deplaning

Because the route is short, airport logistics in Atlanta often matter more than the time in the air. Getting to ATL, moving through security, and reaching your gate are usually the biggest time factors.

Which Airport Do You Use in Atlanta?

All commercial flights between Atlanta and Nashville depart from and arrive at:

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

Key points for Atlanta travelers:

• Domestic flights to Nashville normally depart from the Domestic Terminal (North or South), not the International Terminal.
• Most major carriers use Concourses A, B, C, D, and T for this route.
• The Plane Train and walkable concourses make it relatively quick to move between gates, but you should still allow time at peak hours.

Which Airport Do You Use in Nashville?

Flights from Atlanta land at:

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

From BNA, you can connect to downtown Nashville, hotels, and surrounding areas by rideshare, taxis, shuttles, or rental cars.

Airlines That Commonly Fly Between Atlanta and Nashville

Multiple airlines often operate the Atlanta–Nashville route, though availability can change. You will typically see:

• Major full-service carriers with multiple daily nonstop flights
• Regional carriers operating under larger airline brands
• Occasional connecting options via other hubs, though these are usually less convenient for such a short route

For most Atlanta-based travelers, nonstop flights are the most time-efficient choice and are widely available throughout the day.

Typical Schedule Patterns for Nashville–Atlanta Flights

While exact times vary by airline and season, Atlanta-based passengers can generally expect:

• Morning flights: Helpful if you’re heading to Nashville for a same-day meeting or event.
• Midday flights: Good for flexible travelers or those connecting through Atlanta.
• Evening flights: Useful for returning to Atlanta after a day in Nashville or flying on to other cities from ATL.

Because ATL is a major hub, Nashville–Atlanta flights are often timed to connect smoothly with:

• West Coast and Northeast departures
• International evening flights from ATL
• Popular leisure destinations that use Atlanta as a connection point

How Far Is Nashville From Atlanta by Air?

• Approximate distance: about 215–250 miles by air, depending on flight path
• Driving time: frequently 3.5–4 hours or more, depending on traffic and stops

This makes flying especially attractive if:

• You want to avoid long stretches of interstate driving
• You’re connecting to another flight from Atlanta
• You’re on a tight business schedule

When to Arrive at ATL for a Nashville Flight

Even for a short regional flight, you should treat the Nashville–Atlanta route like any other domestic trip out of ATL.

General timing tips:

• 2 hours before departure is a reasonable goal for most travelers
• Add extra time if:
  • You’re checking bags
  • You’re traveling at peak times (early morning, late afternoon, holidays)
  • You’re unfamiliar with Atlanta’s airport layout

ATL is large, and it can take time to:

1. Park or get dropped off
2. Clear security
3. Ride the Plane Train or walk to your concourse
4. Reach your specific gate

Ground Transportation in Atlanta for Your Flight

Whether you live in Atlanta or you’re just passing through, plan how you’ll get to ATL for your Nashville flight.

MARTA to ATL

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is a simple option:

• Take a Red or Gold line train to Airport Station
• The station is directly inside the Domestic Terminal
• This can be faster than driving during rush hours and avoids parking fees

MARTA customer information: (404) 848-5000

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving:

• Follow signs to Domestic Terminal North or South
• You can choose from:
  • Hourly and daily parking garages
  • Economy and park-ride lots
  • Nearby private off-airport parking services (shuttles included)

Allow extra time to park, ride shuttles if needed, and walk to the terminal.

Rideshare and Taxi

Rideshare pickups and taxis are widely available throughout metro Atlanta:

• Drop-off is usually at the upper level of the Domestic Terminal
• During busy travel dates or events (sports, concerts, conventions), surge pricing and slower traffic are common, so build that into your timing

What to Expect on a Nashville–Atlanta Flight

Because the route is short, your in-flight experience is usually streamlined:

• Smaller regional jets or standard narrow-body planes are common
• Limited in-flight service: Often just water or light beverages; elaborate food options are less common on such short legs
• Wi-Fi and outlets: Availability varies by airline and aircraft type
• Seat time is short, but you can still:
  • Catch up on emails
  • Review meeting notes
  • Read or relax

If you’re connecting at ATL to a longer flight, pack any connection essentials (medications, chargers, travel documents) in your personal item instead of your checked bag.

Carry-On, Checked Bags, and Short Flights

On the Atlanta–Nashville route, most travelers try to avoid checking bags when possible to keep things efficient. Consider:

• Carry-on only if:
  • You’re taking a quick business or weekend trip
  • You want to avoid baggage claim waits at either airport
• Checked bags if:
  • You’re staying longer in Nashville
  • You’re making an extended trip beyond Atlanta or Nashville
  • You’re traveling with items that aren’t allowed in carry-on

Be sure your carry-on size fits your airline’s rules; some regional jets use smaller overhead bins, which can lead to gate-checking.

Costs and Budgeting for a Nashville–Atlanta Flight

Prices for Nashville–Atlanta flights can vary by:

• Day of the week (weekends and Mondays/Fridays may be higher)
• Time of year (holidays and major events can drive up fares)
• How early you book
• Time of day (very early or late flights can be less expensive)

Ways Atlanta travelers often save money:

• Checking flight times across multiple days if your schedule is flexible
• Considering early morning or late evening departures
• Watching for fare sales on this busy regional route

Because the trip is short, many travelers focus less on upgrades and more on schedule and reliability.

Comparing Flying vs. Driving From Atlanta to Nashville

For anyone living in or staying in Atlanta, choosing between flying and driving is a common decision. Here’s a simple comparison:

*Includes airport arrival, security, and deplaning time, not major delays.

Flying often makes sense if:

• You’re connecting through Atlanta to other destinations
• Time is more important than cost
• You’re not comfortable driving long distances or in heavy interstate traffic

Driving can make sense if:

• You need a car in Nashville for local travel
• You’re carrying items not ideal for air travel
• You prefer flexible timing and can stop along the way

Making a Same-Day Round Trip Between Atlanta and Nashville

Because the two cities are relatively close, same-day round trips are realistic, especially for business travelers.

To make this easier:

• Book an early morning flight from Atlanta and an evening return
• Aim for nonstop flights both ways to reduce the risk of missed connections
• Keep luggage light (carry-on only, if possible)
• Factor in rush-hour traffic in both cities when planning local ground transportation

If your schedule in Nashville is strict (court dates, medical appointments, large events), many travelers build in extra time or an overnight stay to avoid relying on a single same-day flight.

Accessibility and Special Assistance at ATL and BNA

If you or someone you’re traveling with needs mobility or accessibility assistance:

• Most airlines serving the Nashville–Atlanta route offer:
  • Wheelchair assistance
  • Priority boarding
  • Help with navigating gates and connections
• Request assistance when you book or at least 24–48 hours before your flight if possible.
• At ATL, you can also ask for help at:
  • Airline ticket counters
  • Information desks near security

Both airports are designed with accessibility in mind, but advance arrangements usually make the experience smoother, especially for tight connections at ATL.

Tips for a Smooth Nashville–Atlanta Flight From Atlanta

To keep your trip simple and low-stress:

• 🕒 Choose your time wisely
  Avoid the busiest rush periods if you don’t like crowds or tight lines at security.

• 🎒 Pack light and smart
  Use a single carry-on and personal item to speed up boarding and avoid baggage claim.

• 🚆 Consider MARTA
  From many parts of Atlanta, especially in-town neighborhoods, MARTA to the airport can be faster and more predictable than driving.

• 📲 Use mobile boarding passes
  Download your pass and any airline app before you arrive at ATL. This helps with gate changes and timing updates.

• ⏱ Add a time buffer for connections
  If you’re connecting in Atlanta after flying from Nashville, schedule at least 60–90 minutes between flights when possible, especially during busy seasons.

For anyone based in Atlanta, visiting the city, or passing through on a connection, the Nashville–Atlanta flight is a short, practical hop that links two major Southern cities. With a little planning around ATL’s size, transportation options, and your schedule, it can be one of the easiest trips you take in or out of Atlanta.