Overview
Nashville, the capital of Tennessee and the undisputed home of country music, has become one of the American South's most popular city breaks for UK travellers. "Music City" pairs honky-tonk bars and world-class recording history with Southern cooking, bourbon and a compact, walkable downtown. It also makes a natural starting point for a wider road trip through Tennessee, Kentucky or the Deep South. Searches for cheap flights to Nashville have grown steadily since non-stop services began, and there are now plenty of ways to reach BNA from the UK.
Best time to fly to Nashville
Spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to October) bring warm, comfortable days and the best chance of lower fares. Summers are hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms, while winters are mild but can turn briefly cold. Prices tend to climb around major events such as CMA Fest in June and the summer school holidays, so check the When to book chart above to see how fares move through the year and pick quieter dates.
Airlines and routes
British Airways operates the only non-stop service from the UK, flying from London Heathrow to Nashville; the flight takes roughly nine hours westbound and a little under eight on the way home. This route is often seasonal, with the widest availability from spring to autumn. One-stop options run all year with American Airlines, Delta, United, Virgin Atlantic, KLM, Lufthansa and Aer Lingus, connecting through hubs such as Charlotte, Atlanta, New York, Amsterdam or Dublin. Allow around 12 to 15 hours in total for a connecting itinerary from London, and a little longer from regional airports.
Things to do in Nashville
Nashville rewards anyone who loves live music, but there is plenty to enjoy beyond the stage.
- Grand Ole Opry: The world's longest-running radio show, with a nightly line-up of country stars.
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: The definitive collection of costumes, instruments and recordings.
- Ryman Auditorium: The atmospheric "Mother Church of Country Music" in the heart of downtown.
- Lower Broadway: A neon strip of honky-tonks with free live music from late morning until the early hours.
- Centennial Park and the Parthenon: A full-scale replica of the Athens original, set in a leafy city park.
At Nashville International Airport (BNA)
BNA sits about 8 miles (13 km) south-east of downtown, typically a 15 to 20 minute drive. WeGo Public Transit route 18 runs to the city centre for the equivalent of a pound or two, while taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft wait outside arrivals. Car hire desks are in the terminal if you plan to explore Tennessee more widely.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Nashville
- Book transatlantic economy roughly two to four months ahead; last-minute fares to Nashville are rarely a bargain.
- Fly midweek where you can, as Tuesday and Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
- Travel in the shoulder seasons and steer clear of June's festival crowds and the peak summer holidays.
- Compare the non-stop British Airways fare against one-stop airlines using the price charts on this page; a connection can cost noticeably less.
Travel essentials
Most UK travellers visit visa-free under the Visa Waiver Programme but must hold an approved ESTA before departure, linked to a passport valid for the length of the stay. The currency is the US dollar; cards are accepted almost everywhere, and tipping is expected in restaurants and bars. No specific vaccinations are required, but travel insurance with generous medical cover is essential given the cost of US healthcare. Nashville runs on Central Time, six hours behind the UK.
