McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville is located approximately 19 km from the city center.
Gateway to Knoxville, Tennessee, and gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States.
How to get to McGhee Tyson Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to TYS
Parking near McGhee Tyson Airport
Parking, spanning multiple levels, is located directly next to the terminal.
Garage: 22 USD/day. Terminal Parking: 16 USD/day. Economy Lot C and G (more economical, from July 1, 2026): 13 USD/day (increased from 11 USD).
How to get to Knoxville from TYS
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at McGhee Tyson Airport
Several car rental companies have desks in the terminal.
Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card in the driver's name; useful for reaching Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Hotels near McGhee Tyson Airport
Downtown Knoxville
About 25-30 minutes by car or taxi from the airport, along Alcoa Highway (20 km).
Best for: Travelers who want to visit Market Square, the historic center and the university area on foot.
- Walking distance from Market Square, Gay Street and the riverfront
- Lively area in the evening with restaurants and bars
- No property is close to the terminal: a car or taxi is always needed
- Parking almost always paid
Recommended hotels
- Hyatt Place Knoxville/Downtown In a Beaux-Arts building on Gay Street, among the bars and restaurants of the historic center. View availability
- Courtyard by Marriott Knoxville Downtown A riverfront hotel near the Tennessee Theatre, with a rooftop terrace. View availability
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Knoxville Downtown Two-room suites with breakfast included, among the most highly rated downtown. View availability
Cedar Bluff
About 20-25 minutes by car from the airport, along Pellissippi Parkway.
Best for: Travelers arriving by car who want a base along the interstates, halfway between the airport and downtown.
- More free parking than downtown
- Close to shopping centers and chain restaurants
- A car is needed for almost every trip
- The historic center remains 20-25 minutes away
Recommended hotels
Turkey Creek / Farragut
About 25-30 minutes by car from the airport, along Interstate 40 heading west.
Best for: Travelers with family who want shops and restaurants a few steps from the hotel.
- A few steps from the shops and restaurants of Turkey Creek Shopping Center
- Residential area, quiet at night
- Further from the historic center than Cedar Bluff
- A car is needed for every trip
Recommended hotels
- Hampton Inn & Suites Knoxville-Turkey Creek/Farragut A few steps from the Turkey Creek Shopping Center, among the best-reviewed hotels in the area. View availability
- Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Knoxville Turkey Creek Breakfast included and an indoor pool, two miles from the same shopping center. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The sole terminal handles domestic connections, with heavier traffic during Great Smoky Mountains National Park tourist season.
It's wise to plan 2–2.5 hours buffer for flights.
Map of McGhee Tyson Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is there a public bus from McGhee Tyson Airport to downtown Knoxville?
No, there's no direct connection; only some large hotels offer a courtesy shuttle.
Q. Is McGhee Tyson Airport close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Yes, it's the main reference airport for reaching the most visited national park in the United States.
Q. Who is Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport named after?
Charles McGhee Tyson, a US Navy aviator from the area, who went missing during World War I: his family later donated the land for the airport's construction.
Q. Is it worth renting a car in Knoxville?
Yes, especially for reaching the national park, given the lack of direct public transport from the airport.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights