McGhee Tyson Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

Knoxville's airport, McGhee Tyson, is about twenty minutes south of the city, in an area with no verifiable hotels of its own: travelers therefore choose downtown Knoxville or the districts to the west along the interstates, both twenty to thirty minutes by car or taxi from the terminal. Those who want to visit Market Square, the historic center and the university area prefer downtown, lively in the evening. Those arriving by car or looking for more choice among chains and restaurants can stay in Cedar Bluff or in the Turkey Creek area, both along the interstates west of the city.

Downtown Knoxville

City centre · 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.

Pros

Walking distance from Market Square, Gay Street and the riverfront
Lively area in the evening with restaurants and bars

Cons

No property is close to the terminal: a car or taxi is always needed
Parking almost always paid

Recommended hotels in this area

Hyatt Place Knoxville/Downtown: In a Beaux-Arts building on Gay Street, among the bars and restaurants of the historic center.
Courtyard by Marriott Knoxville Downtown: A riverfront hotel near the Tennessee Theatre, with a rooftop terrace.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Knoxville Downtown: Two-room suites with breakfast included, among the most highly rated downtown.

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Cedar Bluff

Neighbourhood · 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.

Pros

More free parking than downtown
Close to shopping centers and chain restaurants

Cons

A car is needed for almost every trip
The historic center remains 20-25 minutes away

Recommended hotels in this area

Hilton Garden Inn Knoxville West/Cedar Bluff: An indoor and outdoor pool, among the best-reviewed hotels in the west side of town.
Residence Inn by Marriott Knoxville Cedar Bluff: Rooms with a kitchen, convenient for longer stays outside downtown.

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Turkey Creek / Farragut

Neighbourhood · 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.

Pros

A few steps from the shops and restaurants of Turkey Creek Shopping Center
Residential area, quiet at night

Cons

Further from the historic center than Cedar Bluff
A car is needed for every trip

Recommended hotels in this area

Hampton Inn & Suites Knoxville-Turkey Creek/Farragut: A few steps from the Turkey Creek Shopping Center, among the best-reviewed hotels in the area.
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Knoxville Turkey Creek: Breakfast included and an indoor pool, two miles from the same shopping center.

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