Dreaming of a serene mountain retreat? Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is the perfect vacation destination. With breathtaking nature views and bustling nightlife, this charming town offers something for everyone.
If you’re flying into town, the closest airport to Gatlinburg, TN, for commercial travelers is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), which is about 40 miles away by car. McGhee Tyson Airport is the closest major airport to Gatlinburg, offering easy access to both the Smoky Mountains and downtown Gatlinburg. Most travelers choose McGhee Tyson Airport for its easy access and convenience when visiting the area. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape for two or a weekend getaway with friends, knowing multiple ways to reach this city can come in handy, considering flight availability from different states.
Here’s a closer look at the top 10 airports near Gatlinburg, TN, in order of proximity to help you prepare for your travels.
Airport | Miles From Gatlinburg | Time To Reach Gatlinburg | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
13.4 | 26 minutes | Municipal, private | |
43.1 | 1 hour, 27 minutes | Regional, military | |
45.3 | 1 hour, 5 minutes | Municipal, private | |
91 | 2 hours, 8 minutes | Regional | |
111 | 2 hours | Regional | |
146 | 2 hours, 48 minutes | Regional | |
153 | 3 hours, 8 minutes | International | |
194 | 3 hours, 51 minutes | International | |
206 | 3 hours, 57 minutes | International | |
213 | 3 hours, 22 minutes | International |
The Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT) is actually the closest airport to Gatlinburg; it’s just not generally open to commercial flights. Instead, it primarily serves as a general aviation airport. It’s also home to over 100 aircraft, 50 hangars, the Tennessee Museum of Aviation, and the Tennessee Hall of Fame.
If you’re flying into this airport on a private plane, you don’t have to choose between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The cities are roughly 8 miles apart, allowing you to enjoy the attractions and activities both have to offer during your stay.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Closet to Gatlinburg | Not generally open to commercial flights |
Friendly and professional customer service | Lack of amenities |
Modern and clean facilities |
From this airport to Gatlinburg, you’ll follow Air Museum Way to Dolly Parton Parkway. It’ll lead you straight to TN-73 to Gatlinburg in less than half an hour. For a fun pit stop, check out the Titanic MuseumDollywood theme park on the way.
For ground transportation, Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport offers car rentals as well as partnerships with local taxis, limos, and shuttle services.
If you’re looking for the quickest route to your mountain cabin, McGhee Tyson Airport is your best bet. As Knoxville’s airport, it is the closest commercial airport to Gatlinburg compared to other regional airports like Asheville Regional and Tri-Cities, making it the preferred and most convenient option for travelers. It also offers easy and direct access to downtown Gatlinburg, so you can get to the heart of the city with minimal hassle. While TYS might not be as large and bustling as international airports, it has its perks.
As a regional airport, TYS offers shorter lines and faster check-ins, perfect for a stress-free journey. Plus, TYS has over 25+ nonstop destinations from major U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Houston, and Miami.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Easy to find and navigate | Limited passenger pickup access |
Quick check-ins and short lines | Low staff/slow baggage claim during night arrivals |
Convenient rental car pickup/drop-off garage access |
The fastest way to get from this airport to Gatlinburg is the U.S. Route 441 South. You’ll take this highway toward Sevier County to TN-73. Foothills Parkway is a nice scenic drive through the Smokies. You can also check out the McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture for a fun stop along the way.
For ground transportation, McGhee Tyson Airport offers several car rental brands, taxis, hotel shuttle services, and a ridesharing pickup area.
Downtown Island Airport is a historic landmark located in the heart of Knoxville, Tennessee, on Dickinson Island. As the first commercial air service in Knoxville, DKX was used for general aviation, flight training, and even farming over the years.
Today, DKX is a fixed-based operator, providing full services for privately owned aircraft and their passengers. The airport is also home to several flight training schools, including the Knoxville Flight Training Academy, an aircraft repair company, and over 40 T-hangar rental spaces for aircraft storage.
Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
Second-closest airport to Gatlinburg | Only allows private planes |
Lobby and business center with WiFi, snacks, and other amenities | Temporary Flight Restriction during Univerity of Tennesse home football games |
First-come, first-service courtesy vehicles |
Gatlinburg is about a one-hour drive from DKX, taking I-40 East or U.S.-441 South. For ground transportation, DKX airport offers courtesy vehicles on a first-come, first-served basis for up to two hours of use. You can contact the airport directly to reserve a ride or use ridesharing services like Lyft and Uber.
While DKX isn’t accessible to general travelers, it’s a hub for aviation aficionados and pilots in training. If you’re flying into Knoxville on a private plane, there are plenty of local eateries and museums you can check out on your way to our luxury cabin rentals in Gatlinburg. The charming town also boasts beautiful hiking trails and sparkling rivers for kayaking.
Asheville Regional Airport is another option for reaching Gatlinburg. Located about a two hour drive from Gatlinburg, it has a strong focus on community connection, offering multiple programs, including art galleries and musical performances, to enhance passengers’ experiences. For example, Paws for Passengers allows passengers and visitors to interact with therapy pets.
While it’s a bit farther than TYS airport, AVL is a small airport not to overlook. In 2023, the airport launched its new project, AVL Forward, which will expand the facility from seven gates to 12.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Interactive volunteer program to walk airport “comfort pets” | Daily parking lot and garage are usually full (at least 80% capacity) |
Upcoming expansion | Currently small and easily packed |
Easy entering and leaving airport property |
The quickest route from this airport to Gatlinburg is Interstate 40, passing Waynesville toward TN-73. Looking for a few attractions to add to your trip itinerary? Asheville is among the best Smoky Mountain towns for foodies and art lovers — stop at the River Arts District along the way to check out local artists’ galleries and studios.
For ground transportation, Asheville Regional Airport partners with local taxis, hotel shuttles, and car services. Rideshare pickups and public transit are also available in the city of Asheville.
Tri-Cities Airport is ideal if you’re traveling from the Northeast or Midwest. While it’s two hours from Gatlinburg by car, it is approximately a two hour drive from Gatlinburg, making it a convenient regional option. It often has more affordable flight options than the other options on this list. As a small regional airport, you can expect shorter security lines and quicker check-in times. That said, you’ll want to plan ahead for the lengthy ride, such as booking flights early in the day.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Nonstop flights to five major U.S. cities | Limited airlines |
Interactive science exhibit for child passengers | Not many food options |
Easy to navigate |
If you’re driving from TRI to Gatlinburg, you can take I-81 South in Kingsport toward Sevierville. This is the quickest route, not to mention a great opportunity to squeeze in a day trip at one of Blountville’s captivating campgrounds. Appalachian Caverns, for example, is the largest show cave in the state, offering guided tours for all ages.
As for ground transportation, Tri-Cities Airport offers several rental car counters, taxi companies, and rideshare pickup locations.
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is another small regional airport to reach Gatlinburg’s cozy mountain cabins. This airport has a rich aviation history, originally servicing airmail in the early 1900s before opening for passengers in the mid-1930s. Now, CHA leads other airports in solar energy and sustainability, with solar farms that provide nearly 90% of the airport’s electricity.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
New business center with free high-speed Wi-Fi | Limited airline carriers |
Cell phone lot waiting area for passenger pickup | Frequent flight delays |
Honor system library for adults and children’s books |
To reach Gatlinburg from this airport, take I-75 North toward Winfield Dunn Parkway. By car, it takes a little over two and a half hours, so take advantage of a few stops or sights along the way. You’ll pass several family-friendly attractions, including The Lost Sea Adventure cave network for guided boat tours on an underground lake!
The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport has several ground transportation options for getting to and from the airport, including car rentals, taxis, and limousine services. There are also bus routes to the airport and ridesharing services for drop-off and pickup.
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is the closest international airport to Gatlinburg, TN. Here, travelers can experience a taste of the South, with escape lounges and several dining options to indulge in the local cuisine. GSP is also designed with the working traveler in mind, offering business workstations, a convenient conference center, and CLEAR identity verification for faster TSA security check-ins.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Business workstations with free Wi-Fi | Slow shuttle service |
Well-designed facility with an outdoor park | Poor parking reservation system |
Free shuttles from parking lots |
The quickest route to take from this airport to Gatlinburg is I-85 North. This will lead you toward Cherokee City, where you’ll merge onto U.S.-441 North into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you’re flying in on a weekend, check out NOMA Square, Greenville’s largest downtown plaza known for hosting live music and free community events.
For ground transportation, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport partners with local taxi, limo, and hotel shuttle services. It also offers car rental services and rideshare pickup areas.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the busiest airports — in fact, Airports Council International ranked it the seventh busiest in the world in 2023. With nonstop service to over 180 global destinations, it makes sense (just make sure you get there early!).
The upside is its amenities, offering full-service dining, shopping, and parking reservations. CLT also shares real-time updates of its security checkpoints, allowing you to plan ahead for wait times.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Option to book parking in advance | One of the busiest airports in the U.S. |
Dozens of quality dining areas | Quickly overcrowded and not enough seating |
Nonstop air service for global destinations |
The fastest route from this airport to Gatlinburg is U.S.-70 West toward Asheville. From there, follow U.S.-441 North into Gatlinburg. As another long trip into town, it’s a great opportunity for sightseeing while you’re there. A few fun attractions near CLT are the NASCAR Hall of Fame museumCarowinds amusement park.
For ground transportation, Charlotte Douglas International Airport partners with taxi, limo, and shuttle services. It also has designated rideshare pickup locations and bus routes for public transportation.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is another one of the world’s busiest and largest airports. ATL can be hard to navigate to and from, considering the usual traffic and its expansive terminals. Fortunately, it has two metro trains and bus shuttles to help you get around the property and to your flight quickly.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Free shuttles and metro train transportation | Busy and expansive property, often heavy traffic |
Award-winning concessions program for shopping, dining, and services | Occasionally has limited and understaffed TSA precheck |
Well-designed and organized layout |
The fastest route from ATL to Gatlinburg is U.S.-23 North. This will lead you toward TN-73. As a nearly four-hour ride to our luxury cabins, you’ll pass through Cherokee, NC, one of the three main entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You could add hiking one of the Smoky Mountain backpacking trails to your itinerary as a fun day trip.
Despite its hustle and bustle, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport offers plenty of ground transportation options to accommodate its size. You can take local public transit, hotel shuttles, shared-ride shuttles, and rental cars. There are also new rideshare pick-up zones for Uber and Lyft users.
If you’re traveling from Nashville to Gatlinburg, Nashville International Airport is your best option. A lot goes on at this large, bustling airport. As the gateway to Nashville, BNA often has live music performances for travelers to experience a taste of the “Country Music Capital of the World.”
BNA has also significantly expanded in recent years, opening a new Satellite Concourse featuring eight new gates and several shopping and dining options. While traffic and crowds can be difficult, the airport recently launched a new initiative offering free parking in terminal garages.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Live music and entertainment | Expansive and busy property with traffic |
Free parking areas | Frequently full, poorly managed parking lots |
Wide selection of restaurants and shopping outlets with 20% military discount |
The best way to get to Gatlinburg from BNA is by taking I-40 East. It’s nearly a straight ride to TN-66 South. As for fun attractions along the way, you can’t leave Music City without stopping by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. It’s one of the world’s largest museums and research centers, offering tours and interactive workshops for all ages.
If you need ground transportation, Nashville International Airport offers rental cars, taxi and limo services, and bus and hotel shuttles. There are also convenient pick-up zones for travelers using ridesharing apps.
Gatlinburg is famous not just for its lively downtown and cozy cabins, but also for the breathtaking scenic beauty that surrounds it. No matter which airport you choose—whether it’s the closest commercial airport, McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), or other regional airports like Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), or Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)—the drive to Gatlinburg is part of the adventure.
If you’re flying into Asheville Regional Airport, you’re in for a treat. The route from AVL to Gatlinburg winds through the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering panoramic views and charming stops in nearby towns. Along the way, you can explore Asheville’s vibrant River Arts District or take a detour to the iconic Biltmore Estate before heading west. As you approach the Tennessee border, the landscape transforms into rolling hills and lush forests, setting the stage for your arrival in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Travelers landing at McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), the most convenient commercial airport for Gatlinburg, will find themselves just a short drive from the national park’s entrance. The journey from TYS to Gatlinburg takes you through Sevier County, with opportunities to visit the Tennessee Museum of Aviation or enjoy a scenic drive along Foothills Parkway. The route is dotted with picturesque valleys and mountain vistas, making it a perfect introduction to the Smoky Mountains.
For those arriving at Nashville International Airport (BNA), the drive to Gatlinburg is longer but equally rewarding. The route meanders through the scenic Cumberland Plateau and eventually leads you into the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Along the way, you can stop at legendary attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame or the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, turning your airport-to-Gatlinburg journey into a memorable road trip.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport also offer scenic routes to Gatlinburg, each with their own unique charm. From CLT, you’ll pass through the rolling foothills of North Carolina before reaching the Smokies, while the drive from GSP takes you through the scenic upstate of South Carolina and into the national park.
No matter which airport you choose, you’ll find plenty of ground transportation options to suit your travel style. Car rentals are available at all major airports, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. If you prefer to sit back and enjoy the views, shuttle services, taxi and limo services, and even guided tours are available from many airports and nearby towns.
Whether you’re coming from Asheville Regional Airport AVL, McGhee Tyson Airport TYS, or one of the other airports near Gatlinburg, the journey is filled with opportunities to soak in the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Choose the route and transportation option that fits your plans, and get ready for an unforgettable drive to one of Tennessee’s most beloved destinations.
As for getting around Gatlinburg once you arrive, the quaint town has a free trolley that runs 365 days a year. Gatlinburg also has an aerial tramway that carries visitors from downtown up to the Ober Mountain Adventure Park. If you’d rather hop in a car to explore the city on your own time, there are always car rentals available for about $75 per day. During peak travel seasons, it’s important to book car rentals in advance due to high demand. Jeep rentals are the most popular, and since the area around Gatlinburg features winding mountain roads, choosing a suitable vehicle is important for sightseeing and safe travel.
When it comes down to it, the best airport for your trip to Gatlinburg will depend on your departure city, flight prices, and the time of year you’re traveling. While McGhee Tyson Airport is the closest airport to Gatlinburg, TN, other airports like Asheville Regional Airport may have more convenient flight options with better deals.
Whichever airport you choose, we’ve got you covered. Book your next cozy cabin getaway with Elk Springs Resort and experience luxury at an affordable price.
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