Published Updated 3 min readGetting there
Knoxville Airport (TYS) and Getting to Your Smokies Rental
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is the commercial airport that serves Knoxville and East Tennessee. It is run by the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority at 2055 Alcoa Hwy, Alcoa, (865) 342-3000. This guide sums up the airport’s home page, nonstop flights page, car rentals page, Uber and Lyft page and taxis page, all checked on October 18, 2026. Airline routes change and some are seasonal, so treat these lists as a starting point and confirm on the airline’s site before you book.
Quick answer
The airport says it is 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville and offers nonstop flights to more than 30 destinations on six airlines. It does not give a drive time to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge or the national park, so plan that leg with your map app. Rental car counters are on the lower level near baggage claim. The airport recommends booking taxis, Uber and Lyft in advance. BnB Search is a rental directory, so nothing here is ranked or rated.
Airlines and nonstop cities listed by the airport
- Allegiant Air: Austin, Boston, Chicago (Midway), Denver, Destin–Fort Walton Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Houston (Hobby), Jacksonville, Key West, Las Vegas, Newark, Orlando (International), Orlando (Sanford), Philadelphia, Phoenix, Punta Gorda, Sarasota/Bradenton, St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay and Washington (Dulles).
- American Airlines: Charlotte, Chicago (O’Hare), Dallas–Fort Worth, Miami, Philadelphia and Washington (Reagan National).
- Delta Air Lines: Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis–Saint Paul and New York (LaGuardia).
- Southwest Airlines: Baltimore, Dallas (Love Field), Denver, Nashville, Orlando (International) and Tampa. The airport says Southwest service began in March 2026.
- United Airlines: Chicago (O’Hare), Denver, Houston (Bush) and Washington (Dulles).
- Avelo Airlines: New Haven.
Rental cars, rideshare and taxis
- Rental cars: counters for Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Dollar and Payless are on the lower level near baggage claim. Hours vary by company, and returns are on the first floor of the parking garage, reached from Airport Loop Road.
- Uber and Lyft: pickup is outside on the lower level, directly to the right as you leave the building. The airport warns that rides may not be available during off-peak hours and recommends scheduling in advance.
- Taxis: pickup is outside on the north side of the terminal, reached from baggage claim. The airport lists ten licensed taxi companies and encourages reservations.
Tips
- Airport details were checked on October 18, 2026. Check the airport and airline pages the week you fly.
- Ask your host about the driveway and parking before you pick a rental car.
- If you land late, line up your ride before you fly; the airport says rideshare may not be available off-peak.
FAQ
What airport do you fly into for the Smoky Mountains?
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Alcoa, which the airport says is 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville.
Does Southwest fly to Knoxville?
Yes. The airport says Southwest service began in March 2026, and its nonstop list shows Southwest to Baltimore, Dallas (Love Field), Denver, Nashville, Orlando and Tampa.
Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at TYS?
Outside on the lower level, directly to the right as you leave the building.