Exploring Gatlinburg, Tn: Airport Accessibility And Convenience

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a popular tourist destination. With 60% of the nation's population within a day's drive, it is easily accessible by road. But for those travelling from further afield, flying is a convenient option. So, does Gatlinburg have an airport?

McGhee Tyson Airport: Knoxville's small, friendly airport, 40 miles from Gatlinburg

Overview

McGhee Tyson Airport (IATA: TYS) is a public/military airport located in Alcoa, Tennessee, just 12 miles south of Knoxville and around 40 miles from Gatlinburg. The airport is named after United States Navy pilot Charles McGhee Tyson, who was killed in World War I.

History

The original McGhee Tyson Airport opened on August 1, 1930, and was built on 60 acres of land in West Knoxville. In 1935, the city purchased an additional 351 acres in Blount County for the current airport site. The airport has undergone numerous expansions and improvements over the years, including the addition of new runways, terminals, and cargo facilities.

Services and Amenities

McGhee Tyson Airport offers nonstop flights to over 30 destinations through several major airlines, including Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. The airport provides a seamless and accommodating experience for all travellers, with services designed to meet the needs of those with accessibility and mobility requirements. Free Wi-Fi and convenient plug-in stations are available throughout the terminal.

Transportation

The airport is easily accessible and offers various transportation options, including rental car companies, ride-sharing services, taxis, charters, and hotel shuttles. It is also just a 30-minute drive to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it a convenient gateway to the region's natural attractions.

Future Plans

To meet the growing demands of the region, McGhee Tyson Airport has announced plans for a six-gate expansion to the terminal, with a target completion date of 2028. Additionally, a project is underway to expand the long-term parking lot and the current garage to accommodate more parking spots.

Asheville Regional Airport: A two-hour drive from Gatlinburg

Although Gatlinburg, Tennessee is within a day's drive of a large portion of the U.S. population, the city is also accessible to those travelling by plane, albeit with a little extra road time. The closest commercial airport to Gatlinburg is McGhee Tyson Airport in Alcoa, Tennessee, just 12 miles south of Knoxville. This small and friendly airport is roughly 40 miles from downtown Gatlinburg, translating to a little over an hour's drive.

However, if you're looking for an airport that is a little further out but still accessible, consider Asheville Regional Airport. Located about 90 miles from Gatlinburg, it's a two-hour drive away and a popular choice for those heading to the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The airport is served by several major airlines, including Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, Sun Country Airlines, and United.

Asheville Regional Airport offers a convenient alternative for those willing to embark on a slightly longer journey to reach Gatlinburg. With a range of airlines serving the airport, it provides travellers with options for both convenience and cost-effectiveness. The airport is also a great option for those looking to explore the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering easy access to the park's scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and entertainment.

When travelling to Gatlinburg from Asheville Regional Airport, you can take advantage of the multiple companies offering car rentals, providing flexibility for your journey. Alternatively, for those looking to spend most of their time in downtown Gatlinburg, utilising rideshare services or taxis can also be a convenient option.

In summary, while McGhee Tyson Airport is the closest and most convenient option for travellers to Gatlinburg, Asheville Regional Airport, a two-hour drive away, offers a great alternative with a range of airlines and accessibility to the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Tri-Cities Airport: Two hours from Gatlinburg, located in Blountville, Tennessee

The Tri-Cities Airport is located in Blountville, Tennessee, about 100 miles from Gatlinburg. This convenient airport is just a two-hour drive from Gatlinburg, making it a great option for those travelling to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The Tri-Cities Airport is served by major airlines such as Allegiant, American, and Delta, offering visitors a range of flight options. It is also easily accessible from Gatlinburg by car, with a straightforward drive along major roads.

For visitors planning to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, renting a car is highly recommended. The park is known for its scenic drives and breathtaking destinations like Cades Cove and Kuwohi, which are best accessed with a vehicle. Fortunately, car rental services are readily available at the Tri-Cities Airport, as well as at other nearby airports.

When travelling to Gatlinburg, it is worth considering the various airport options in the area. While the Tri-Cities Airport is a convenient choice, other airports such as McGhee Tyson Airport, Asheville Regional Airport, and Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport are also within a two-hour drive of Gatlinburg. Each airport has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of flight options, distance, and convenience.

In addition to the regional airports, there are several major international airports within a four-hour drive of Gatlinburg, including Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Nashville International Airport. These larger airports may offer more flight options but are further away, requiring a longer drive upon arrival.

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport: Two-and-a-half hours from Gatlinburg

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is a good option for those looking to visit Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The airport is located about two-and-a-half hours away from the city, making it a convenient choice for those who want to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding areas.

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport offers a range of amenities and services to meet the needs of travellers. The airport is served by several major airlines, providing visitors with a variety of flight options to choose from. While the airport does not offer direct flights from Phoenix, it is easily accessible from other major airports in the region.

For those travelling to Gatlinburg, renting a car is highly recommended, especially if you plan to spend a significant amount of time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park offers numerous scenic drives and breathtaking destinations that are best accessed by car. Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is likely to have several car rental companies on-site or nearby, making it convenient for visitors to rent a vehicle upon their arrival.

In addition to car rentals, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport also provides other transportation options such as ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, as well as taxi services. These alternatives can be especially useful for those who do not plan to venture far outside of downtown Gatlinburg, where most attractions, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance.

When travelling from the airport to Gatlinburg, there are several routes to choose from. These routes may vary depending on traffic conditions, particularly around Knoxville, so it is advisable to check for updates before embarking on your journey. The scenic route through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also an option, adding to the overall experience of your trip.

In conclusion, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is a viable choice for those travelling to Gatlinburg, offering a balance between convenience and affordability. With its range of amenities and transportation options, visitors can easily access the city and surrounding areas, making the most of their time in this charming destination nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport: Three hours from Gatlinburg

The Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is located between the towns of Greenville and Spartanburg in the Upstate region of South Carolina, United States. It is approximately a three-hour drive from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, making it a convenient option for those travelling to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

History

Before the construction of Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, the two cities had separate airports and competed for airline service. In the mid-1950s, Roger Milliken, a textile heir and industrialist, worked with other business leaders to propose a shared airport. The proposal was approved in 1958, and the airport opened on October 15, 1962, becoming the primary airline destination in the region.

Facilities and Services

The airport covers 3,500 acres and features one runway, measuring 11,001 feet by 150 feet. It has a single terminal building with two concourses: Concourse A (gates A1–A9) and Concourse B (gates B1–B4). The check-in process is streamlined, with the same area serving all passengers.

A four-year, $102 million terminal improvement program began in 2012 to modernise the facilities, improve passenger flow, and prepare for future expansion. Future plans include the possibility of expanding the terminal and adding a second runway.

Airlines and Destinations

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is served by seven passenger airlines and their regional affiliates, offering domestic flights to various destinations across the United States. These include:

• Fort Lauderdale
• Orlando/Sanford
• St. Petersburg/Clearwater
• Charlotte
• Dallas/Fort Worth
• Chicago–O'Hare
• Miami
• New York–LaGuardia
• Washington–National

Transportation to Gatlinburg

The airport offers convenient transportation options for travellers heading to Gatlinburg. Official car rental services are available at the airport, providing a direct and flexible option for reaching Gatlinburg. Additionally, taxi and limo services are also accessible for added convenience.

Frequently asked questions