When you’re planning a trip, airfare, hotels, and rental cars usually take center stage. But one cost many travelers forget to factor in is airport parking — and it can add up fast. If you’re flying out of Nashville, you might be wondering: When is the cheapest time to book airport parking?
The timing of when you book can have a huge impact on how much you pay. In this guide, we’ll break down how pricing works for airport parking in Nashville, TN, how far in advance to book to lock in lower rates, and how off-site parking can save you even more — especially for long term parking at BNA.
Understanding Parking Costs at BNA Airport
Before discussing timing, it’s helpful to understand how much parking at BNA typically costs. Nashville International Airport offers several official parking options with varying daily rates:
- Terminal Garage 1 & 2: These are the closest and most convenient options, usually costing around $26 per day.
- Terminal Lot A: Still close to the terminal, this lot averages $20 per day.
- Economy Lots B & C: Designed for long-term parking, these lots offer shuttle service and typically charge $16 per day.
- BNA Express Park: Slightly off-site but run by the airport, this service is about $18 per day.
For travelers taking a week-long trip, those numbers add up quickly. Even using the economy lots, a 10-day trip could cost around $160 just in parking. That’s why it pays — literally — to think strategically about when and where you book.
How Timing Affects Airport Parking Prices
Like flights and hotels, parking at BNA Airport operates on a supply-and-demand model. When demand is high, prices rise; when demand is low, prices drop. Booking too early or too late can mean paying more than you need to.
Here’s how timing can affect your costs:
- Booking Early: Generally, booking parking two to four weeks in advance gives you access to lower rates and better availability, especially if you’re traveling during a busy season.
- Last-Minute Booking: If you wait until the day of your trip to find parking, you risk lots being full or paying higher drive-up rates.
- Seasonal Peaks: Prices usually spike during holidays, spring break, and summer vacation season. Booking early during these periods is essential.
So, the cheapest time to book is typically as soon as you know your travel dates, but not more than a couple months out. This sweet spot lets you secure a lower rate before demand surges.
Why Off-Site Parking Can Save You More
Even with early booking, on-site parking near BNA can still be expensive. This is where off-site parking providers like Airport Park Fly come in.
Off-site parking lots usually offer:
- Lower daily rates: Sometimes as low as $8–$12 per day compared to $16–$26 at on-site lots.
- Online discounts: Many off-site lots give extra savings for booking ahead.
- Free shuttle service: Convenient transportation to and from the terminal so you don’t have to haul your luggage long distances.
Because off-site lots aren’t tied to airport-operated pricing structures, they can offer consistently lower prices year-round. And by booking early online, you can lock in those lower rates and avoid the stress of full lots on travel day.
Best Booking Windows by Trip Type
To help you save the most, here’s a quick look at the ideal times to book parking depending on your trip:
Short Weekend Trips:
- Book about 1–2 weeks in advance.
- Demand is lower, so you might find last-minute deals, but it’s safer to book early.
One- to Two-Week Vacations:
- Book 2–4 weeks in advance for the best balance of price and availability.
- This is especially true during summer, spring break, or holiday periods when demand spikes.
Peak Holiday Travel:
- Book 4–6 weeks in advance or as soon as you confirm your travel dates.
- Parking near BNA fills up fast during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.
Business Trips:
- If your trip comes up last minute, choose an off-site lot where rates stay more consistent and you can still reserve a spot online.
Booking in these time frames can help you find the best deals on long term parking at BNA, whether you’re gone for a weekend or a few weeks.
How Much You Can Save by Booking Early
Let’s look at an example of how advance booking can affect your bottom line.
Imagine you’re going on a 10-day trip:
- BNA Economy Lot (at $16/day): $160
- BNA Terminal Garage (at $26/day): $260
- Off-site lot (at $9/day booked early): $90
That’s a savings of $70–$170 just for booking early and choosing an off-site lot. If you waited until the last minute, you might end up paying drive-up rates or getting stuck in a more expensive garage if the economy lots are full.
This is why timing is crucial — the sooner you book, the more likely you are to get the lowest rates.
Tips for Finding the Best Deals on Airport Parking
Here are a few extra tips to help you keep your airport parking Nashville TN costs low:
- Compare multiple lots: Look at both on-site and off-site parking near BNA to find the best rate.
- Use online booking platforms: Many parking providers offer lower rates for online reservations than for drive-up customers.
- Look for promo codes or loyalty discounts: Some off-site lots offer coupon codes or rewards for frequent travelers.
- Avoid peak travel days: If your travel dates are flexible, avoiding Fridays and Sundays can help you save.
- Check cancellation policies: Choose a lot that offers free cancellations so you can rebook if you find a better deal later.
Combining these strategies with early booking can help you cut your parking BNA Airport costs dramatically.
The Bottom Line: Book Early, Save More
So, what is the cheapest time to book airport parking?
In most cases, booking two to four weeks before your trip gives you the best chance to lock in low rates, especially if you choose an off-site parking provider. Waiting until the last minute can mean higher prices, fewer available spots, and extra stress before your trip.
With parking rates at BNA rising during peak travel times, planning ahead is one of the simplest ways to protect your travel budget.
Save on BNA Parking with Airport Park Fly
If you want to avoid the stress and high costs of last-minute parking, Airport Park Fly makes it easy. We offer secure, affordable long term parking at BNA just minutes from the terminal — at a fraction of the price of on-site lots.
Reserve online ahead of time to lock in a low daily rate, and enjoy free 24/7 shuttle service that gets you to the terminal quickly and comfortably.