Nashville International Airport Economy Lot C 2026: Rates & Tips

Quick Answer

Nashville International Airport Economy Lot C costs $24/day with a complimentary shuttle to the terminal every 10 minutes. It's an open-air, self-park lot on BNA's southern perimeter, the most affordable on-airport option and best for multi-day trips.

Back to Long Term Parking at BNA Airport | Complete BNA Airport Parking Guide

Nashville International Airport Economy Lot C is an open-air, self-park lot operated by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) that costs $24 per day, the most affordable on-airport parking option at BNA. The lot runs a complimentary shuttle to the terminal every 10 minutes. If you need budget-friendly, convenient parking without leaving the airport property, Nashville International Airport Economy Lot C is the go-to choice for most multi-day trips.

• Rate: $24/day (checked 13 Oct 2026), per the official Park at BNA page; the first 10 minutes are free
• Shuttle: Complimentary, runs every 10 minutes to the terminal
• Savings vs. Terminal Garages: Save $12/day compared to the $36/day garage rate
• Savings vs. Valet: Save $24/day compared to BNA's $48/day valet option
• Cashless: Parking at BNA has been cashless since 1 July 2026
• Construction impact: Terminal Lot A has been closed since 1 July 2026 for construction of the new rental car facility and parking garage
• Best for: Multi-day trips, budget travelers, and anyone who doesn't need to park steps from the terminal

Ready to compare BNA parking options before you book? Economy Lot C is paid to the airport, not booked on Triply. Compare off-site BNA lots on Triply, from about $10/day with a shuttle (about $5/day at Southwestern Airport Parking, which has no shuttle). Off-site rates are for a 7-day stay booked ahead and change by date.

What Is Nashville Airport Economy Lot C and Where Is It Located?

Economy Lot C is one of two open-air economy lots at Nashville International Airport. It sits on the southern perimeter of the airport property, beyond the terminal garages. You reach it by following signs for Economy Parking from the main airport access roads — including Donelson Pike, Briley Parkway (SR-155), and Terminal Drive.

From the major interstates, the approach is straightforward. Off Interstate 40, take the Donelson Pike exit and follow airport signage toward Economy Parking. From Interstate 65 or Interstate 24, merge onto Briley Parkway and follow the airport loop. Note that Donelson Pike is currently being realigned as part of BNA's $1.4 billion New Horizon expansion — allow extra travel time and watch for posted detour signs in 2026.

Economy Lot C is separate from Terminal Garage 1 (serving Concourses A and B) and Terminal Garage 2 (serving Concourses C, D, and T Gates). Because it's farther from the terminal building, a free shuttle bridges the gap. For a visual breakdown of all lot positions, the Nashville International Airport parking map guide shows exactly where each lot sits relative to each concourse.

How Much Does Economy Lot C Parking at BNA Cost?

Economy Lot C charges $24 per day, with the first 10 minutes free. It's designed for overnight and multi-day stays. According to BNA's official parking page, this is the same daily rate shared by Economy Lot B. Both lots are the cheapest on-airport options by a significant margin.

Parking a week in Economy Lot C costs around $168 total (the $24 daily rate times seven; no weekly rate is posted). That's 33% less than the same week in a terminal garage ($252). For a quick sense of how all BNA on-site and off-site rates stack up, see the full Nashville International Airport parking rates guide.

Parking at BNA has been cashless since 1 July 2026, so plan to pay by card at the economy lot pay stations. Cash-to-card machines are available in the terminal if you only have cash.

How Does the Economy Lot C Shuttle Work at Nashville Airport?

The Economy Lot C shuttle is complimentary and runs every 10 minutes. Buses circulate between Lot C, Economy Lot B, and the terminal. There is no need to schedule a pickup or call ahead. For shuttle questions, call 615-360-0010.

Here's how the shuttle process works, step by step:

1. Park your car in Economy Lot C and note your section or row number.
2. Walk to the designated shuttle pickup area within the lot (look for posted shuttle stop signs).
3. Board the next arriving bus. Shuttles run every 10 minutes.
4. The shuttle drops you at the terminal. Allow 10-20 minutes total from your car to the check-in counters.
5. On return, head to the Arrivals Level (Level 2) and follow the signs for Lots B & C to the shuttle pickup.
6. The shuttle returns you to Lot C, with the same 10-minute frequency.

The shuttle is accessible for travelers with mobility needs. If you need step-free boarding or additional assistance, flag down the driver or contact the BNA ground transportation team. For a deeper look at how BNA's economy lot shuttle compares to off-site lot shuttles — including wait times and coverage — the BNA long term parking shuttle guide breaks it all down.

How Does Economy Lot C Compare to Economy Lot B and Other BNA Parking Options?

Economy Lot B and Economy Lot C charge the same $24/day rate and share the same complimentary shuttle, which runs every 10 minutes. The main practical difference is physical position on the airport property. Both are solid choices for budget-conscious multi-day parkers.

Here's how the economy lots stack up against each key alternative:

• Economy Lot C vs. Economy Lot B: Same rate, same shuttle frequency. Lot C may fill faster during peak periods because of its position, so if one is full, use the other.
• Economy Lot C vs. Terminal Garages: You save $12/day in Lot C ($24 vs. $36). The tradeoff is a shuttle ride instead of a walk. For a multi-day trip, that's real money.
• Economy Lot C vs. Valet: Valet costs $48/day, twice as much. The convenience factor is high, but for most trips it's hard to justify the premium.
• Economy Lot C vs. Off-Site Lots: Lots Triply sells near BNA are cheaper per day than Economy Lot C. GLō Best Western Nashville Airport and Holiday Inn Express Nashville Airport run about $10/day, and Fly Away Airport Parking (valet, 4-day minimum) is about $11/day with a 24/7 shuttle. Southwestern Airport Parking is about $5/day but has no shuttle, so budget for Uber or Lyft both ways. The difference is that Lot C is on airport property, which some travelers prefer for simplicity.

For a side-by-side look at how BNA's on-site economy parking compares to off-site competitors, including specific lot details, the BNA airport economy parking guide covers every option in one place.

Is Economy Lot C at Nashville Airport Safe and Secure?

Economy Lot C is managed directly by MNAA, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, which maintains security standards across all on-airport parking facilities. The lot features security cameras and perimeter fencing consistent with on-airport infrastructure.

Because Lot C is part of the official BNA complex, it benefits from airport-wide security oversight. That said, it is an open-air surface lot — your car is exposed to weather. If you're parking for an extended trip during summer heat or winter ice storms, factor that in. Many frequent Nashville flyers consider on-airport economy lots a safe, reliable option for week-long trips.

Before you head out, a few practical safety tips:

• Note your parking section and row — take a photo on your phone.
• Don't leave valuables visible in your car.
• Use well-lit areas near shuttle stops when arriving after dark.
• Check your flight's status before heading back using FlightAware's BNA live tracker so you don't rush unnecessarily.

How Do You Reserve or Pay for Economy Lot C Parking at BNA?

Economy Lot C is primarily a walk-up lot — most travelers drive in, take a ticket at the entrance gate, and pay at the exit pay station. You do not need a reservation to use it.

However, during peak travel periods (Thanksgiving, spring break, summer weekends, and major Nashville events) the lot can fill. Triply doesn't sell Economy Lot C, so you pay the airport directly. If you want to reserve a space ahead of time, Triply sells off-site lots near BNA with free cancellation with a full refund up to 24 hours before check-in. Compare off-site BNA parking on Triply to see which fits your flight times.

Payment at the exit pay stations is cashless, a change in effect since 1 July 2026, so bring a card; cash-to-card machines are in the terminal. If you lose your parking ticket, report it to the exit booth attendant. A lost ticket fee applies, so keep your ticket safe.

What Are the Best Tips for Parking in Economy Lot C During Busy Travel Periods?

During Nashville's busiest travel windows, Economy Lot C can fill quickly. A little preparation goes a long way.

• Reserve an off-site lot if you want certainty: Economy Lot C is a walk-up lot paid to the airport, while off-site lots you book on Triply hold your space ahead of time, with free cancellation with a full refund up to 24 hours before check-in.
• Arrive with extra time: Add 30-40 minutes to your usual airport arrival window during peak weeks. The shuttle adds time, and security lines grow. Enrolling in TSA PreCheck helps you move through security faster once you're inside.
• Check road conditions: The Donelson Pike relocation project (completion scheduled 2026) may create detours on the primary airport access road. Before you leave home, check real-time traffic on Waze or your preferred navigation app.
• Have a backup plan: If Lot C is full on arrival, Economy Lot B is the next option. If both are full, the terminal garages at $36/day are always open.
• Note your spot: Take a photo of your parking section sign before boarding the shuttle. After a long trip, it's easy to forget where you parked.
• Concourse A is closed through July 2028: Airlines have relocated to other concourses. Confirm your terminal before you go so you board the right shuttle drop-off.

For a detailed schedule of peak travel dates and advance booking strategies at BNA, the BNA airport parking reservations guide covers exactly when to book and how far ahead.

Are There Cheaper Alternatives to Nashville International Airport Economy Lot C?

Yes. Off-site lots Triply sells near BNA run from about $5 to $12 per day, roughly 52% to 78% less than Economy Lot C's $24/day. Southwestern Airport Parking is the cheapest at about $5/day, but it has no shuttle. For lots with a shuttle, rates start at about $10/day, around 56% less than Economy Lot C. Shuttle hours and booking rules differ by lot, so check them below.

The biggest advantage of off-site lots is price. The biggest risk is shuttle hours. The Cambria Hotel Nashville Airport, for example, runs no shuttle between midnight and 4 AM, and the GLō Best Western has none from 12:10 AM to 4:10 AM and needs a call at least 12 hours ahead. If you have an early morning or late-night flight, verify shuttle hours before booking. Fly Away Airport Parking is the strongest off-site pick for early departures: its complimentary shuttle runs 24/7 every 10 minutes, though it's a valet lot where you leave your keys and it has a 4-day minimum. Holiday Inn Express also runs 24 hours, but you must call to schedule the outbound ride 24 hours ahead.

A week at the GLō Best Western at about $10/day costs about $73 total versus $168 at Economy Lot C, a saving of about $95 for a single trip. Real 7-night checkouts (8 billed days, including any tax) run about $84 to $105 for the shuttle lots, still well under a week in Economy. For frequent flyers, that adds up fast. For the full off-site rundown with more detail on each lot, see the off-airport parking at BNA guide.

Ready to Park in BNA Economy Lot C?

Nashville International Airport Economy Lot C gives you reliable, on-airport parking at $24/day, backed by a complimentary shuttle that runs every 10 minutes. It's the smart middle ground between the $36/day terminal garages and the limited shuttle hours of some off-site hotel lots. If you want to compare whether an off-site lot saves you more, the best move is to check current rates before you commit.

Compare off-site BNA parking on Triply, from about $10/day with a shuttle (about $5/day with no shuttle), and book ahead for busy travel periods.

Compare BNA parking rates. Off-site lots with a shuttle that Triply sells near Nashville International Airport cost about 68% to 71% less per day than the airport's $36/day terminal garages.