Flying into Knoxville is usually a pretty easy airport experience compared to larger airports where you end up walking 14 miles just to find baggage claim. This Knoxville Airport Guide covers what to expect when flying through McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), including parking, TSA, rental cars, food, and the things I’ve learned after flying through this airport over 100 times.
If you’re flying into Knoxville for the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Dollywood, a University of Tennessee football game, or just visiting East Tennessee in general, here’s what you should know before you go.
McGhee Tyson Airport is located in Alcoa, Tennessee, about:
Even though everyone calls it the Knoxville airport, it is technically located in Alcoa.
Address:
2055 Alcoa Highway, Alcoa, TN 37701
If you are heading into the Smokies after landing, my Gatlinburg and Sevierville Itinerary: The Perfect 7-Day Smoky Mountain Vacation is a good place to start planning.
The major airlines that currently fly out of Knoxville Airport include:
Personally, I fly Allegiant the most because they offer direct flights to a lot of nearby destinations I travel to regularly. For international trips and some domestic flights, I usually fly American Airlines. I do occasionally fly United or Delta as well, but it mostly depends on where I’m going and the flight options available.
All international trips from Knoxville will require a connection through another airport first.
Knoxville is a very small airport, which I love, so it is pretty easy to navigate.
If you are getting dropped off, you will see all of the ticket counters in one area. You will either go left or right to get to your ticket counter, then proceed down the middle to go through security.
Once you are through security, there are only 12 gates as of 2026. They do plan on adding more, but for now once you are through security you can go left or right and you are at your gate in less than 5 minutes. It is super simple and a very short walk no matter what gate you are at.
The airport is usually quiet and has plenty of seating. They recently updated it with stand-up areas and tables for laptops. As the flight gets closer to departing, the gate area will fill up, but we’ve never had trouble finding a seat.
They do have charging stations and if you needed to work, I’d say it is usually pretty quiet, but I always bring my headphones. The airport also has free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. There are also plug-in spots underneath some of the seating areas, which is genuinely helpful because somehow everyone’s phone is always at 12% while traveling.
There are bathrooms nearby all of the gates and a water fill station. If you travel a lot, this Brita Water Bottle is the one I use most often because I refill it constantly at airports and I like that it tastes just as good as my water at home.
No trains, no giant terminals, and no accidentally getting in 14,000 steps before breakfast.
TSA is usually pretty fast at Knoxville Airport, but I’d still arrive at least 2 hours before your domestic flight (as this isn’t an international airport no need to arrive 3 hours early even if you are going international). If you’re nervous about connection timing, my How Tight Is Too Tight for a Layover? guide may help.
Out of the 100+ times I’ve flown in and out of Knoxville Airport, it has personally never taken me more than 30 minutes to get through security. That doesn’t mean it has never happened there, but for me it has always been a very quick process.
Lately I have TSA PreCheck, so I am usually in and out of security in less than 10 minutes.
I also haven’t really seen much difference between morning flights and afternoon flights when it comes to security lines. It usually runs about the same.
Most of the delays I’ve had weren’t actually caused by Knoxville Airport itself. Usually it was because the plane coming in from another airport was delayed because of weather or staffing issues.
I personally try to book flights in the morning because they seem to have much fewer issues than afternoon flights. If you are nervous about flying or airport logistics, my First Time Flying? Essential Tips for Your First Flight (Step-by-Step Guide).
There is also a free Phone & Wait Lot behind the Hilton Knoxville Airport if you are picking someone up and don’t want to circle the airport over and over.
This is a small airport, but luckily they do have food.
I have been to smaller airports with only a few gates and absolutely no food, so I’m always thankful Knoxville at least has options.
Some of the main food options include:
I will sometimes grab a sub from Quiznos or get Starbucks, and if I am there with enough time I’ll sit and eat at Ruby Tuesday.
These are not show-stopper meals, but they will definitely get the job done if you are hungry.
They also have a little convenience store that sells snacks. You may have to give your first born child to pay for some of these snacks. Okay, that is being a bit dramatic, but the pricing is definitely more than you would pay at a grocery store. But sometimes you just need a family-size bag of peanut M&Ms to get you through the flight and honestly we’ve all been there.
If possible, I try to eat before the airport, but that doesn’t always work out and I’m a hungry girl.
Save this for later on Pinterest so you don’t forget it.
If you are visiting Knoxville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or the Smoky Mountains area, I highly recommend renting a car. Most major rental car companies operate at Knoxville Airport, including Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, and Alamo.
As someone who lives in Tennessee, I’ve only personally rented a car there once because I needed a van for friends coming into town, but the process was very easy.
The rental counters are all located directly inside the airport and you do not need to shuttle somewhere else to get your car, which is really nice compared to larger airports where picking up your rental car can feel like entering a scavenger hunt.
If you are staying in the area, you will definitely need a car unless you plan to get a cabin in Gatlinburg, unplug, and stay there for your entire vacation.
I love to use Discover Cars to compare rental car prices and get the best deal.
If you are planning to spend time around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge after landing, my Weekend in Gatlinburg: The Perfect 2-Day Smoky Mountain Itinerary and The Ultimate Guide: Best Things to Do in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge may help you plan the rest of your trip.
I personally have never taken an Uber or taxi from Knoxville Airport, but I see lots of people doing so and it seems very easy. They have a waiting area for Ubers directly outside the door as you exit baggage claim.
East Tennessee is not exactly New York City when it comes to ride availability at 1 a.m., though, so keep that in mind if you are arriving super late.
The easiest way to get from the airport to downtown Knoxville, Gatlinburg, or surrounding areas is definitely having your own car.
As you arrive in Knoxville, you will exit your plane and head toward the middle of the airport near security to get to baggage claim.
You will walk straight toward the escalators downstairs and there are only three baggage claim areas, so it is very easy to navigate.
Baggage claim is usually pretty fast in my experience and normally takes around 15–30 minutes.
From baggage claim you will either:
A very convenient hotel to stay at if you are visiting for business or have an early flight the next day is the Hilton Knoxville Airport Hotel.
It is located directly at the airport, which makes early morning flights significantly easier.
You can check rates for the Hilton Knoxville Airport Hotel here for great deals.
Honestly, Knoxville Airport is one of the easiest airports I fly through regularly, and that’s a huge reason why I like it.
It is small, easy to navigate, rarely feels chaotic, and doesn’t require endless walking just to get to your gate. Security is usually quick, baggage claim is simple, and overall the airport feels far less stressful than many larger airports.
I’ve never flown from Knoxville to Nashville because honestly I think it is much easier just to drive there than deal with another airport.
For East Tennessee trips, Smoky Mountain vacations, or quick domestic flights, I genuinely think Knoxville Airport is one of the easiest regional airports to fly through.
YES is always the answer... ✈️
I’m Wendy, and yes, I travel for a living (still pinching myself). After 15 years teaching middle school math, I traded the whiteboard for a passport and never looked back. Knoxville is home base, but Arizona sunsets are on another level, and if it’s been sitting on your list, this is your sign to finally say yes and book it. City guides, hotel reviews, and foodie spots are all on the blog. So glad you’re here 🌵☀️
A café, bakery, market, and wine shop all in one Phoenix stop 🍊
At La Grande Orange, order the crepes first, they’re the thing I’d go back for. The chicken salad sandwich is perfect if someone wants lunch while you’re still on breakfast, and the red velvet mini cupcake and a chai latte round it out. The sea salt chocolate chip cookie is heartier than gooey, so it’s best for dunkers. It’s counter service with easy parking, and the market has quirky gifts you won’t find elsewhere. Leave time to browse, because you’ll stay longer than planned.
Save this for your Phoenix trip ☀️
“Outside Terminal 3” is not a pickup location at PHX.
Before your driver pulls in, text them four things: your terminal, north or south side, door number, and inner or outer curb. Grab your bags first, then call them in. Drivers can wait free in the cell phone lot instead of circling. Getting through security is easy; getting picked up is the hard part.
Save this for your Phoenix trip ✈️
Come for the architecture, stay for the view.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross has been built into Sedona’s red rocks since 1956. The outside overlooks get busy, but inside is quiet, with huge windows framing the rocks. It’s free, takes 30-45 minutes, and has a paved, wheelchair-accessible ramp. Make sure to bring water in summer.
Save this for your trip planning!
Order it well done. Trust me.🍑🍕
Peach & Pancetta Pizza at Hideaway House in Sedona: roasted peaches, salty pancetta, ricotta, basil, extra-crispy crust. Split the house salad, grab a prickly pear lemonade, and get a patio table facing the red rocks. Skip the bread if you want room for another slice.
Save this for your Sedona trip✈️
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
