Tri Cities Regional Tn Va Airport: where to stay, areas and…

Tri-Cities Airport is in Blountville, about 20 minutes by car from Bristol, and roughly halfway to Kingsport and Johnson City as well: there's no direct train or bus, so it's always best to rent a car or book a taxi. Travelers staying over for just a flight find practical options along Interstate 81, near the exits. Those coming instead for the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino or for the history of country music, with the Tennessee-Virginia state line running along State Street, find more atmosphere by sleeping downtown, paying a slightly longer transfer to the terminal.

Historic Center (State Street)

City centre · About 20-25 minutes by car from the terminal, along Interstate 81.

Best for: Travelers who want the new Hard Rock Casino, the history of country music or the venues of State Street.

Pros

In the heart of State Street, where modern country music was born in 1927
Walking distance from Bristol's restaurants and evening venues

Cons

Transfer from the terminal longer than in the area near I-81
Busier and more in demand on weekends with events or races at Bristol Motor Speedway

Recommended hotels in this area

The Sessions Hotel, Bristol, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel: A boutique hotel dedicated to the 1927 Bristol Sessions, right on State Street, with a rooftop bar and spa.
The Bristol Hotel: A restored 1925 building, one block from State Street, with a rooftop bar and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol: A resort opened in 2024 with a casino, the Hard Rock Live concert hall and five restaurants; the largest in the city.

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Linden Drive (Virginia)

Neighbourhood · About 20 minutes by car from the terminal, near the I-81 exit on the Virginia side.

Best for: Travelers on business or attending a trade show at the Bristol Convention Center, near the I-81 exit.

Pros

Recent or renovated hotels, a stone's throw from the I-81 exit
Meeting rooms and a convention center for those in town on business

Cons

Commercial area, a car is needed to reach State Street
Less atmosphere than the historic center

Recommended hotels in this area

Courtyard by Marriott Bristol: On Linden Drive near I-81, with an indoor pool and The Bistro restaurant.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Bristol: A convention center of over 1,800 sqm on the same Linden Drive, useful for those in town for a trade show.

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Along I-81

Neighbourhood · About 15-20 minutes by car from the terminal, a direct exit off I-81.

Best for: Travelers arriving by car who want direct highway access, a few minutes from the terminal.

Pros

Direct exit off I-81, convenient for those arriving or leaving by car
Close to the Ballad Health Bristol Regional Medical Center and the Hard Rock Casino

Cons

Commercial area along the highway, not very suited to an evening stroll
Further from State Street and the historic center

Recommended hotels in this area

Hampton Inn Bristol: At exit 74A off I-81 on the Tennessee side, two miles from the Hard Rock Casino.
Hilton Garden Inn Bristol: At exit 7 off I-81 on the Virginia side, with an indoor pool and a restaurant open for dinner.

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