The most convenient and closest commercial airport to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is McGhee Tyson Airport near Knoxville. The Smoky Mountains are huge attractions that bring in more than 10 million visitors each year throughout all seasons. Transportation in and out of the destination is a priority for any tourist who wants a convenient way to move about.
Most visitors opt to travel by car; either rental, taxi, Uber, or personal vehicle. The road gives them the chance to enjoy more of the natural scenery and get to know new places around the tourist towns. Combining an air flight and road trip will make the whole adventure more conducive but you need to know where to visit.
This article will take you through the best two commercial airports you can go to to visit Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. You can take a look at how far the airports are from each town and get to choose the most convenient flight for you.
The 2 Closest Commercial Airports to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Closest commercial airports to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge map:
1. McGhee Tyson Airport
Details:
- Address: 2055 Alcoa Hwy Alcoa, TN 37701
- Website: McGhee Tyson
- Telephone Number: 865-342-3000
McGhee Tyson Airport is the closest commercial airport to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. It is about a 1 hour and 10 minutes drive from Gatlinburg. The distance between the McGhee Tyson Airport and Pigeon Forge is approximately 33.9 miles which is about a 53-minute drive.
The small airport is situated 12 miles south of Knoxville where there is less traffic compared to other close airports. The airport is the premier air facility in East Tennessee and supports thousands of airport-related jobs. Moreover, the airport now serves over 3 million passengers each year with over 100,000 aircraft operations.
Several airlines service McGhee Tyson Airport, including Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. McGhee offers nonstop flights to various parts of the United States like Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Newark, Orlando, Phoenix, Philadelphia, and more, with routes changing by season and airline. Check their nonstop air flights page on the company website for more options.
There are two levels at the McGhee Tyson airport where the top-level houses the gates, shops, restaurants, ticket counters, and security. A Smoky Mountain theme décor is applied throughout the level with wood carvings and faux waterfalls.
Car rentals, offices, and baggage claims are at the bottom level. This is where you will find transportation means using Lyft, as well as Uber, or taxis. Car rentals are the best option since it is difficult to get ride shares when going to the Smoky Mountains. The rental companies in the area include options such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.
There are several offerings when it comes to food at the McGhee Airport. Check out current options such as Quiznos Subs past the TSA security checkpoint and Starbucks, but airport dining hours can vary by location and flight schedule.
2. Asheville Regional Airport
Details:
- Address: 61 Terminal Drive, Suite 1, Fletcher, NC 28732
- Website: Asheville Airport
- Telephone Number: 828-684-2226
Asheville Regional Airport is the second-best option for close commercial airports to both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. It is located at a distance that is about two hours from both regions. It now serves over 2 million passengers each year. The airport is smaller than McGhee Tyson Airport covering an approximate area of 900 acres.
Aircraft types and seat counts can vary by airline and route, but regional jets and Airbus/Boeing narrow-body aircraft are common at Asheville Regional Airport.
Asheville Regional Airport is the best airport to use if you are looking to explore the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains. Biltmore is approximately 15 miles away from the airport and Downtown Asheville is about 14 miles away if you use I-26 and I-240.
The airport is served by airlines including Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines. You can easily get nonstop flights from several destinations like Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Florida cities, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, and many more, with routes changing by season and airline. Feel free to check out their website for more offerings.
Rental cars are available at the exit from agencies like Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar Rent a Car, Enterprise, Hertz, and National Car Rental. The South 3 route provides public transportation to the passengers through the Asheville Rides Transit system. Fares and schedules can change, so check current route and fare information before planning around the bus.
You won’t lack refreshments at the airport since it has a sizeable option of restaurants and bars like the Blue Ridge Trading + Tavern, which serves locally brewed beer. Hours can vary by location and flight schedule.
Other Airports to Consider
- Tri-Cities Airport – This airport specifically serves Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City but is around a two-hour drive from Gatlinburg. The primary commercial service airport covers an area of 1250 acres and has two asphalt runways. Current passenger airlines include Allegiant Air, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
- Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport – This is a municipal general aviation airport in Sevier County, Tennessee that is north of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. It does not offer scheduled commercial airline service, but it can be useful for private and charter flights. Ground transportation options are more limited than at the commercial airports, so arrange a rental car or other transportation ahead of time. The airport is small and accommodates small airplanes and smaller groups of passengers which makes for a great personal experience.
- Chattanooga Airport – The airport is about two and half hour drive from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge if you use I-40 W and I-75. Available airline services come from Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Southwest Airport is Closest to Gatlinburg?
McGhee Tyson Airport is the closest airport to Gatlinburg with Southwest Airlines service. It is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes’ drive from the location which makes it the best option for those looking forward to traveling by air from the region. Other commercial options include Asheville Regional Airport and Tri-Cities Airport, but they are farther away.
2. What Airport Do you Fly Into for the Smoky Mountains?
There are a few commercial airports near the Smoky Mountains that will get you nonstop flights from various destinations around the country. You can get to travel from far regions like Las Vegas, Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, and Denver to airports near the Smoky Mountains like McGhee Tyson Airport or Asheville Regional Airport.