Pittsburgh to Nashville Flights: How to Find the Best Deals with FaresMatch

Planning a quick escape from the Steel City to Music City? Pittsburgh to Nashville flights are an easy hop that open the door to hot chicken, honky-tonks, and a thriving creative scene. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend of live music on Broadway, a conference at Music City Center, or a family trip to the Grand Ole Opry, this guide from FaresMatch shows you how to find the right flight at the right price—without the stress.

Why This Route Works for Weekend Getaways

Nonstop Pittsburgh to Nashville flights typically clock in at about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, which makes it ideal for a Friday–Sunday escape. Even with one short connection, total travel time often stays under 4–5 hours. That balance of speed and convenience means you can land, check in, and be strolling Broadway before dinner.

Airports at a glance:

Departure: Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
Arrival: Nashville International Airport (BNA)

PIT is simple to navigate, with efficient security and a good range of dining options. BNA has expanded in recent years with more gates, local food stalls, and live music moments that set the tone the minute you arrive.

When to Book for the Best Price

Airfares shift based on demand, season, and events. Use these rules of thumb to keep your budget in tune:

Book 3–6 weeks out for typical weekend trips. For major events (CMA Fest, SEC football weekends, popular concerts), lock in 6–10 weeks ahead.
Travel Tuesday/Wednesday/Saturday when you can—these days often bring lighter crowds and lower fares.
Watch the shoulder seasons (late January–March and late August–early October). You’ll often see friendlier prices than the peak holiday months or summer breaks.
Fly early or late. First departures and late-night returns tend to price better and are less prone to delays.

On FaresMatch, set up fare tracking (price alerts) for your target dates and be notified when prices dip. If your dates are flexible, run a month-view search to spot cheaper days in seconds.

Nonstop vs. Connecting: What’s Worth It?

Nonstop Pittsburgh to Nashville flights save the most time and frustration—great for short trips and business travel.
One-stop options can cut the fare, but check your connection time. A layover sweet spot is typically 50–90 minutes: enough buffer without burning your day.

If you’re checking bags, nonstop is the easiest play; it reduces the chance of luggage hiccups and helps you head straight to the fun in Nashville.

Seat, Bag, and Perk Strategy

Basic economy can look tempting on the search results page, but double-check what’s included:

Baggage: Some basic fares exclude carry-ons or charge for overhead bin access. If you’re bringing more than a backpack, compare the total trip cost after bag fees.
Seat selection: Want a window seat or to sit together? Standard economy or bundled fares often include this.
Boarding and changes: If you value flexibility, a mid-tier fare with free changes or same-day standby can be worth it.

Pro tip from FaresMatch: When comparing two close prices, pick the fare that includes a carry-on and seat selection. The comfort and predictability usually outweigh a small savings.

The Best Time to Visit Nashville (and How It Affects Fares)

Spring (March–May): Mild weather and blooming city parks. Prices rise around major events and spring breaks.
Summer (June–August): Peak tourism and festival season—more flights, bigger crowds, higher fares.
Fall (September–November): Arguably prime time. Pleasant temps, football weekends, and lively patios. Book early for popular dates.
Winter (December–February): Lower fares outside the holidays. Great for budget travelers and intimate music venues.

If your priority is lower airfare, aim for late January to early March or late August to early October (excluding big event weekends).

PIT and BNA: Smooth Moves at the Airport

At PIT (Pittsburgh):

Arrive 90 minutes before domestic departures, a touch earlier during peak holidays.
TSA PreCheck can be a time-saver, but early morning flights often glide through security.
Grab a bite before you board—PIT has reliable local and national options.

At BNA (Nashville):

BNA’s rideshare pickup is well signed—follow the ground transportation markers after baggage claim.
Expect music. The airport often features live performances, which is a fun first impression (and a hint of what’s to come downtown).
If you’re renting a car, book early during event weeks; inventory tightens quickly.

Booking Tips That Actually Work

Search incognito and on mobile + desktop. Prices shouldn’t change just because you looked twice, but it never hurts to compare platforms.
Bundle and save. On FaresMatch, packaging your flight with a hotel can unlock extra savings—especially for weekend stays.
Play the date-swap game. Shift your departure or return by a day to see price swings. A Thursday arrival and Monday return can be cheaper than a Fri–Sun window.
Consider nearby airports—carefully. PIT alternatives are limited, but on the Nashville side, BNA is the clear winner for convenience and frequency.
Use points strategically. If you have bank travel points or airline miles, short-haul routes can be a great redemption value.

What to Do After You Land

Make the most of your quick trip:

Broadway & Honky-Tonks: Iconic live music, seven nights a week.
East Nashville: Coffee shops, murals, indie eateries—great for brunch and photos.
The Gulch & 12South: Trendy boutiques, craft cocktails, and dessert stops.
Ryman Auditorium & the Opry: Book ahead for tours or shows.
Hot Chicken Taste Test: Try a couple of spots to find your perfect heat level.

Short stays benefit from central hotels. Booking your Pittsburgh to Nashville flights and a downtown hotel together on FaresMatch helps you cut transit time and maximize the fun.

Sample Weekend Timeline (Fri–Sun)

Friday: Early nonstop PIT → BNA, check in, lunch in The Gulch, sunset on a rooftop, live music on Broadway.
Saturday: Brunch in 12South, afternoon museum or Ryman tour, dinner + show.
Sunday: Coffee, stroll the pedestrian bridge for skyline views, late flight back to PIT.

Why Book with FaresMatch

Transparent pricing: See the real total with bags and seats before you pay.
Smart filters: Sort by nonstop first, shortest travel time, baggage included, and change-friendly fares.
Deal alerts: Get notified when Pittsburgh to Nashville flights drop in price for your dates.
Bundle savings: Add hotel or car and often save more than booking each piece separately.

FAQs: Pittsburgh to Nashville Flights

How long is the flight from Pittsburgh to Nashville?
Nonstop flights typically take about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. With one connection, plan for 3–5 hours total depending on the layover.

What’s the best day to fly for cheaper fares?
Midweek—especially Tuesday or Wednesday—often produces the best prices. Saturdays can also be reasonable depending on the season.

How far in advance should I book?
For standard weekends, 3–6 weeks is a reliable window. For big events or holidays, aim for 6–10 weeks ahead.

Which airports serve this route?
You’ll depart from Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and arrive at Nashville International Airport (BNA).

Are there baggage fees on the cheapest fares?
Often, yes. Basic economy may charge for carry-ons or seat selection. Use FaresMatch filters to compare the total trip cost, not just the headline fare.

Is it worth paying more for a nonstop?
For short trips, yes. A nonstop flight saves time, reduces the chance of delays or missed connections, and gets you into Nashville faster.

Final Take

Pittsburgh to Nashville flights are quick, convenient, and perfect for a weekend or short business trip. To land the best deal, shop smart: search early, stay flexible by a day or two, and compare fare types to avoid surprise fees. On FaresMatch, you can set alerts, filter for nonstop, and bundle your hotel to save even more—so your budget goes to hot chicken and live music, not airline add-ons.