Flying Into Knoxville: Airport Guide and New Nonstop Routes

Flying to the Smokies just got easier. McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville — the closest major airport to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge — has been one of the fastest-growing airports in the country, and its route map keeps expanding, most notably with the March 2026 arrival of Southwest Airlines. If you're planning to fly in for a Smoky Mountain cabin trip, here's everything you need to know about the airport, the airlines, and the new nonstop routes that make getting here simpler than ever.

Why fly into Knoxville for a Smoky Mountain trip

TYS is the closest full-service commercial airport to the Smokies — roughly 45 minutes from the cabins of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, compared with a two-to-three-hour drive from larger airports like Nashville, Atlanta, or Charlotte. For most visitors, that shorter final leg is worth more than a marginally cheaper fare into a distant hub.

It's also refreshingly easy to use. As a mid-sized airport, TYS skips much of the stress of major hubs — shorter security lines, a compact terminal you can actually navigate, quick baggage claim, and rental-car counters right there. You can land and be on the road toward your cabin faster than you'd clear the terminal at a big-city airport.

The big news: Southwest Airlines is now at TYS

After more than a decade of the airport authority working to land a major low-cost national carrier, Southwest Airlines launched service at McGhee Tyson in March 2026 — a genuine milestone that expanded affordable, nonstop access to the Smokies. Southwest's initial Knoxville nonstop routes connect TYS to:

• Nashville (BNA)
• Baltimore/Washington (BWI)
• Dallas Love Field (DAL)
• Orlando (MCO)

For travelers in Southwest's vast network — and those who value its no-change-fee, two-free-bags model — this opened a new door to East Tennessee that previously required driving to Nashville or another hub to reach. Baltimore and Dallas in particular function as connection points to much of the rest of Southwest's map.

Other recent route growth

Southwest is the headline, but it's part of a broader expansion at TYS:

• Allegiant has been adding nonstop leisure routes steadily, including service to Philadelphia and recent additions like Memphis, Key West, Sarasota, Gulf Shores, and the Washington, D.C. area. Allegiant uses TYS as an operating base, so its Knoxville map is extensive and value-focused.
• Legacy carriers — American, Delta, and United — provide nonstop service to their major hubs (Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta, Chicago, Washington, New York, and more), connecting TYS to essentially anywhere in the world through one stop.
• Frontier adds additional low-cost nonstop options to destinations like Denver and Florida markets.

Between the six carriers, TYS now offers 30+ nonstop destinations — a remarkable range for an airport this size, and one that keeps growing.

Getting from TYS to your cabin

Rental car (recommended)

A rental car is the best option for a Smoky Mountain trip — you'll want one to reach the national park, Cades Cove, restaurants, and attractions, all of which are spread out and not walkable from cabins. Major rental companies operate right at the airport, so you can pick up your car on arrival and drive straight to your cabin. The drive to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge is a straightforward 45 minutes to an hour, mostly via US-129 and the Parkway corridor.

Rideshare and shuttles

Rideshare (Uber and Lyft) operates at TYS and can get you to your cabin, though the 45-minute-plus fare adds up and you'll likely want a vehicle once you're here anyway. Some private shuttle and car services also serve the airport-to-Smokies route — a reasonable choice if you don't plan to leave your cabin area much, but for most visitors a rental car pays for itself in flexibility.

Tip: If your cabin is your main destination and you'll mostly stay in one area, a shuttle or rideshare can work — but if the national park, Cades Cove, or multiple towns are on your list (and they should be), rent a car. The Smokies reward having your own wheels.

Practical airport tips

• Free Wi-Fi and charging are available throughout the terminal.
• Parking options range from economy to garage; check flyknoxville.com for current lots and rates if you're driving to the airport rather than flying in.
• Give yourself a cushion during construction. The airport is in an active growth-and-improvement phase, so allow a little extra time and check for any roadway or parking-access changes before you go.
• Book early for peak seasons. Summer and October foliage season are peak travel windows to the Smokies — fares and availability into TYS are best when booked well ahead.

Land, drive, unwind

The beauty of flying into Knoxville is how quickly the trip goes from airport to mountain. Land at an easy mid-sized airport, pick up your rental car, and under an hour later you're pulling up to a cabin with a hot tub on the deck and the Smokies out the window. Compared with the long drives from farther-flung airports, TYS lets your vacation start almost the moment you touch down.

For more on airport options and directions, see our guide to the closest airport to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

Frequently asked questions

What is the closest airport to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge?

McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Alcoa, near Knoxville, is the closest major commercial airport — about 45 minutes to an hour's drive from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. It's far closer than airports in Nashville, Atlanta, or Charlotte.

Does Southwest Airlines fly to Knoxville?

Yes — Southwest Airlines began service at McGhee Tyson Airport in March 2026, with nonstop routes to Nashville, Baltimore/Washington, Dallas Love Field, and Orlando. Check Southwest.com for current routes and schedules, as service can expand or change.

How far is the Knoxville airport from the Smoky Mountains?

TYS is roughly 45 minutes to an hour from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge by car, and about 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville. A rental car is the recommended way to get from the airport to your cabin and around the area.

What airlines fly into McGhee Tyson Airport?

Six carriers serve TYS, including Southwest, American, Delta, United, Allegiant, and Frontier, offering 30+ nonstop destinations. Check flyknoxville.com for the current airline and route lineup on your travel dates.

Do I need a rental car when flying into Knoxville for the Smokies?

For most visitors, yes. Cabins, the national park, Cades Cove, restaurants, and attractions are spread out and not walkable, so a rental car (available right at the airport) gives you the flexibility the Smokies reward. Rideshare and shuttles exist but are best only if you plan to stay near your cabin.