Exploring Gatlinburg: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a popular tourist destination. While it is within a day's drive of a large chunk of the US population, it is also accessible by plane, with several airports located within a few hours' drive. So, what are the best airport options for travellers heading to Gatlinburg?

McGhee Tyson Airport: the closest airport to Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the globe. While the city is within a day's drive of a large portion of the US population, those travelling from further afield can opt to fly into McGhee Tyson Airport, located just 40-45 miles from downtown Gatlinburg.

A Convenient Gateway to the Smokies

McGhee Tyson Airport is the closest commercial airport to Gatlinburg, situated in Alcoa, Tennessee, just 12 miles south of Knoxville. Its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains makes it an ideal gateway for those visiting the national park. The drive from the airport to Gatlinburg takes approximately 1 hour, depending on traffic.

Laid-Back and Easy to Navigate

The airport is served by five major airlines: Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and United Airlines. Despite being a small airport, it offers a laid-back experience, with short security lines and easy navigation. The terminal boasts a range of concessions, including Ruby Tuesday and Starbucks, as well as shops like Tennessee Marketplace, where travellers can browse local artwork.

Getting to Gatlinburg from the Airport

Travellers can choose from multiple routes to get from the airport to Gatlinburg. Two routes are approximately 41 miles long: one involves taking US-129 north from the airport to TN-168, then to US-441, and onto the Parkway. The other option is to head south on US-129 to US-321, then east on 441 past Maryville.

For a more scenic drive, a third option is to take US-129 to US-321, following this route through Townsend, Tennessee, into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park via Line Springs and Little River Roads, before reaching the Parkway. This route is about 43 miles in total.

Car Rentals and Other Transport Options

For those who plan to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas, renting a car is highly recommended. Fortunately, several car rental companies, such as Hertz and Enterprise, have offices right at McGhee Tyson Airport.

For those who prefer not to drive, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are available at the airport, as well as taxi services.

Asheville Regional Airport: a popular choice for accessing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Asheville Regional Airport is a great option for travellers looking to access the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located in Fletcher, North Carolina, the airport is approximately 90 miles from the town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, which serves as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The drive from the airport to Gatlinburg takes around two hours, making it a convenient choice for those looking to explore the park.

Airlines

The airport is served by several major commercial airlines, including Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, Sun Country, and United. These airlines offer connections to larger cities such as Atlanta and Charlotte, making it easy for travellers to access the region.

Car Rentals

For those who wish to rent a car, the airport offers a variety of options, including Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, National, Alamo, Dollar, and Thrifty. Having a car is especially convenient for those planning to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as it provides flexibility and easy access to the park's scenic drives and destinations.

Other Amenities

In addition to its convenient location and transportation options, the Asheville Regional Airport also boasts a good selection of dining and shopping options. With a range of concessions and shops, passengers can enjoy a meal or grab a quick bite before their flight. The airport also features local artwork on display, adding to the traveller's experience.

Proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Asheville Regional Airport is an excellent choice for those looking to access the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The airport is about 60 miles from the Cherokee entrance to the park, making it a popular choice for travellers looking to explore the park's North Carolina side, including destinations such as Cherokee, Maggie Valley, Cataloochee, and Oconaluftee.

Comparison to Other Airports

When compared to other airports in the region, the Asheville Regional Airport offers a good balance between convenience and cost. While it may not be the closest airport to Gatlinburg, it is still within a reasonable driving distance and offers a variety of carriers to choose from. Additionally, the airport is a good alternative to the nearby Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, providing travellers with more options for flight times and carriers.

Tri-Cities Airport: located in northeastern Tennessee, about 100 miles from Gatlinburg

While Gatlinburg, Tennessee does not have its own commercial airport, there are several airports within a few hours' drive of the city. One of these is Tri-Cities Airport, located in northeastern Tennessee in Blountville, about 100 miles from Gatlinburg. This equates to about a two-hour drive.

Tri-Cities Airport is served by Allegiant, American, and Delta airlines. It is a good option for those looking to visit Gatlinburg, as well as those looking to visit the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The closest commercial airport to Gatlinburg is McGhee Tyson Airport, located in Alcoa, just 12 miles south of Knoxville, and about 40 miles from downtown Gatlinburg. This small and friendly airport is easy to navigate and is served by several major airlines, including Delta, United, American, and Allegiant. The drive from McGhee Tyson to Gatlinburg takes about an hour, depending on traffic.

For those looking to fly into a private airfield, the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport near Sevierville is an option. This airport is located about 14 miles north of Gatlinburg and offers car rentals, as well as taxi and limo services.

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport: around two and a half hours from Gatlinburg

Although Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is within a day's drive of 60% of the U.S. population, there are several airports in the region for those who prefer to fly. The closest commercial airport to Gatlinburg is McGhee Tyson Airport in Alcoa, Tennessee, just 12 miles south of Knoxville. This small, friendly airport is roughly 40 miles from downtown Gatlinburg, which equates to around an hour's drive.

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is another option for those travelling to Gatlinburg. It is around two and a half hours from Gatlinburg and is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The airport is served by several airlines, including Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, Sun Country Airlines, and United. Chattanooga itself is a great city to visit, with attractions such as the Tennessee Aquarium and the Chattanooga Choo Choo.

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is a good option for those who don't mind a slightly longer drive to reach Gatlinburg. The airport is easily accessible and offers a range of amenities for travellers. Its website provides information on the airlines operating from the airport, as well as contact details and a rating based on Google Maps reviews.

For those travelling to Gatlinburg, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport offers a convenient gateway to the city and the surrounding area. The drive from the airport to Gatlinburg takes travellers through some of Tennessee's scenic landscapes, offering a glimpse of the state's natural beauty.

When planning a trip to Gatlinburg, it is worth considering the various airport options in the region. While McGhee Tyson Airport is the closest, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport provides a good alternative, especially for those who want to explore Chattanooga or are looking for a different travel experience.

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport: about three hours from Gatlinburg

Although Gatlinburg, Tennessee does not have its own airport, there are several airports within a few hours' drive of the city. One such option is Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, which is about three hours from Gatlinburg.

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) is located near Greer, South Carolina, midway between Greenville and Spartanburg, the major cities of the Upstate region of South Carolina. The airport covers 3,500 acres and has one runway. The airport is mostly in Spartanburg County, with a portion in Greenville County, and it is in an unincorporated area adjacent to sections of Greer.

GSP is served by seven passenger airlines and their regional affiliates, including Avelo Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Silver Airways, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. The airport offers nonstop flights to 20 destinations, including Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, and New York, and connecting flights to over 200 cities worldwide.

GSP has one terminal building with two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. The check-in level is the same for all passengers. The airport offers a variety of dining, shopping, and amenity options, and it was named one of the 2023 Best Places to Work in South Carolina.

To get from GSP to Gatlinburg, you can rent a car or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. The drive from GSP to Gatlinburg is approximately 150 miles, and there are multiple routes you can take to get there.

Frequently asked questions