Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a charming town nestled among stunning mountains, offering an array of breathtaking views and outdoor activities. If you’re planning a visit, knowing the nearest airport can make your trip easier. The closest airport to Gatlinburg is McGhee Tyson Airport, offering a convenient gateway to this picturesque destination. For those coming from other parts of the same country, domestic options include Tri-Cities Regional Airport and Asheville Regional Airport. International travelers can fly to/from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which is the nearest international airport to the city. This guide will help you choose the best airport for your journey to Gatlinburg, whether you’re flying domestically or internationally to ensure a smooth start to your adventure.
An Overview of the Closest Airport to Gatlinburg, TN
The nearest airport to Gatlinburg, TN, is McGhee Tyson Airport, which is located in Knoxville. The distance between the airport and Gatlinburg is about 41.3 miles or 66.4 kilometers. If you’re driving from the airport to Gatlinburg, it usually takes around 1 hour. This makes McGhee Tyson Airport a convenient option if you are planning to visit Gatlinburg, as it offers a simple route to this beautiful mountain town.
| Airport Name | McGhee Tyson Airport |
| Address | 2055 Alcoa Hwy, Alcoa, TN 37701, United States |
| IATA Code | TYS |
| Phone Number | +1 865-342-3000 |
| Area | 2250 acres |
| Airlines | 9 |
| Official Website | flyknoxville.com |
Major Airlines Operating at McGhee Tyson Airport
McGhee Tyson Airport serves as a hub for various major airlines, connecting travelers to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, from destinations within the United States. Below is a list of some of the major airlines operating at McGhee Tyson Airport:
- Frontier Airlines
- Allegiant Air
- Delta Airlines
- American Airlines
- United Airlines
- American Eagle
How to reach McGhee Tyson Airport from Gatlinburg, TN?
Reaching McGhee Tyson Airport from Gatlinburg, TN, is simple, with approximately 1 hour of driving covering around 41 miles. Whether you’re wrapping up your visit to the scenic town or just starting your adventure, several transportation options are available to ensure a smooth journey to the airport. Here are the most convenient ways to travel:
Car Rentals
Renting a car offers flexibility and convenience, allowing you to travel at your own pace and on your own schedule. Several car rental agencies are available to travel between the airport and Gatlinburg. A few rental companies operating at McGhee Tyson Airport are as follows:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Hertz
Ride Sharing
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are popular options if you are looking for a hassle-free way to reach McGhee Tyson Airport from Gatlinburg. With just a few taps on your smartphone, you can arrange for a ride to pick you up from your location in Gatlinburg and drop you off right at the airport terminal.
Taxis
Taxis are a reliable and traditional method of transportation. Available throughout Gatlinburg, taxis can take you directly to McGhee Tyson Airport. It’s advisable to book your taxi in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak travel times.
The Taxi companies available at the McGhee Tyson Airport are mentioned below:
| 1-n-Only Airport Taxi | (865) 740-8026 |
| AAA Taxi | (865) 970-0016 |
| America Cab | (865) 771-8088 |
| Benchmark Taxi | (865) 310-7047 |
Other Airports Near Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Besides McGhee Tyson Airport, there are several other airports close to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, that offer convenient access to this picturesque mountain town. These include both domestic and international airports, providing options if you are coming from various locations. Each airport offers a unique distance and travel time to Gatlinburg, ensuring flexibility and convenience when you are planning your trip.
Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI)
Tri-Cities Regional Airport serves as one of the nearest domestic airports to Gatlinburg, TN. It is located in Blountiville, TN at a distance of 102.2 miles/164.4 kilometers, away from Gatlinburg. If you are coming from within the country, you can opt to land at this airport and reach Gatlinburg via ground transportation. The journey from Tri-Cities Regional Airport to Gatlinburg typically takes about 2 hours by car.
- Tri-Cities Regional Airport is a small airfield covering an area of 1250 acres.
- The airlines operating at Tri-Cities Regional Airport are:
- Delta Connection
- Allegiant Air
- American Eagle
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
Asheville Regional Airport, located in North Carolina, USA, is one of the nearest commercial airports to Gatlinburg, TN. With a distance of approximately 91 miles via I-40, you can reach Gatlinburg in about 2 hours. Because of this short distance, it is a convenient option for those within the United States looking to visit the scenic town.
- This airport is known as the operation base for Allegiant Air.
- AVL is located in an area of 900 acres.
- A few major airlines that serve Asheville Regional Airport are:
- American Eagle
- Allegiant Air
- United Express
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Charlotte Douglas International Airport, situated in North Carolina, United States, is the nearest international airport to Gatlinburg, TN. It is located approximately 194.8 miles, or 313.5 kilometers, away from Gatlinburg. You can expect a journey of around 3 hours and 34 minutes by car to reach Gatlinburg from this airport. This makes Charlotte Douglas International Airport a viable option for international visitors planning to explore Gatlinburg.
- CLT or Charlotte Douglas International Airport covers an area of 5558 acres.
- It has 4 runways and 5 concourses with 115 Gates.
- This airport stands as a hub for American Airlines.
- The major operating airlines at CLT include the following:
- American Eagle
- Frontier Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- American Airlines
- United Airlines
- Air Canada Express
PRO TIP: You check out the list of other airports near you if you are planning to visit from any location around the world.
Conclusion
When you’re going to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, it’s important to know the best airport to fly to. The nearest airport to Gatlinburg is the McGhee Tyson Airport, just about an hour’s drive away. If you’re coming from another place in the country, you might also use Tri-Cities Regional Airport or Asheville Regional Airport. For people coming from outside the U.S., Charlotte Douglas International Airport is the nearest international option. You can drive, take a taxi, or use a ride-sharing app to travel between these airports and Gatlinburg, TN.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest major airport to Gatlinburg TN?
The major airport closest to Gatlinburg, TN, is McGhee Tyson Airport, located about an hour’s drive away.
What airport do you fly into for the Smoky Mountains?
To visit the Smoky Mountains, you can fly into McGhee Tyson Airport, which is the nearest major airport to Gatlinburg, TN, and the gateway to the Smoky Mountains.
What airlines fly into the Gatlinburg Airport?
Airlines that operate at McGhee Tyson Airport, the nearest airport to Gatlinburg, include Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines.
Which airport is closer to Gatlinburg Memphis or Nashville?
Nashville’s Airport is closer to Gatlinburg than Memphis. However, the major airport nearest to Gatlinburg is McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, which is closer than both Memphis and Nashville.
What is the closest international airport to Gatlinburg, TN?
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is the closest international airport to Gatlinburg, TN. It is located within 200 miles of Gatlinburg.
Is there any commercial airport near Gatlinburg?
Yes, Asheville Regional Airport is the nearest commercial airport, located approx 91 miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Gatlinburg Other Locations
Tags: Gatlinburg, Nearest Airport, Airport
