Gatlinburg, Tennessee, nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a haven for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those seeking a tranquil escape. Planning your trip to this beautiful destination involves considering the best airport to fly into for a smooth and stress-free journey. While Gatlinburg doesn't have its own airport, several nearby airports offer convenient access. Choosing the right one depends on your budget, preferred mode of transportation, and the time you're willing to spend traveling to your final destination.
What are the Closest Airports to Gatlinburg?
Several airports serve the Gatlinburg area, each offering unique advantages and disadvantages. Let's explore the most popular choices:
1. McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville:
This is generally considered the most convenient airport for Gatlinburg. It's a medium-sized airport with a good selection of airlines and flight options, often offering more competitive prices than larger hubs.
- Pros: Usually offers the most affordable flight options, decent selection of airlines and flights, relatively close to Gatlinburg.
- Cons: Still requires a ground transfer to Gatlinburg, adding travel time.
2. Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) in Asheville, North Carolina:
Asheville is another popular option, especially for those who enjoy a scenic drive through the mountains. This airport boasts a more charming, smaller-town feel.
- Pros: Beautiful scenic drive to Gatlinburg, often offers a unique travel experience.
- Cons: Further from Gatlinburg than Knoxville, potentially leading to increased travel time and cost. May have fewer flight options and higher fares.
3. Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) in Blountville, Tennessee:
Tri-Cities Airport serves the northeastern Tennessee and southwestern Virginia area. It’s a viable option but typically requires a longer drive to Gatlinburg.
- Pros: Can offer competitive fares, especially during off-peak seasons.
- Cons: Significant travel time to Gatlinburg, making it less convenient than Knoxville or Asheville.
What's the Best Way to Get From the Airport to Gatlinburg?
Once you've chosen your airport, you'll need to arrange transportation to Gatlinburg. Several options are available:
- Rental Car: Offers the most flexibility for exploring the area at your own pace. However, mountain driving can be challenging for some, and parking in Gatlinburg can be expensive.
- Ride-Sharing Services (Uber/Lyft): Convenient and readily available, but can be more costly than other options, especially during peak season.
- Shuttle Services: Several shuttle companies offer transportation directly from the airports to Gatlinburg. This is a cost-effective option, especially for groups.
- Taxi: While available, taxis can be significantly more expensive than other transportation methods.
Which Airport is Cheapest to Fly Into for Gatlinburg?
The cheapest airport to fly into varies depending on your origin city, time of year, and airline promotions. Generally, McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville tends to offer the most competitive fares. However, it's crucial to compare prices across all three airports mentioned above using flight comparison websites to find the best deal for your specific travel dates.
How Far is Each Airport From Gatlinburg?
- McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS): Approximately 40-50 miles (1-hour to 1.5-hour drive).
- Asheville Regional Airport (AVL): Approximately 60-70 miles (1.5-hour to 2-hour drive).
- Tri-Cities Airport (TRI): Approximately 100 miles (2-hour to 2.5-hour drive).
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Airport?
This information is summarized earlier in the article, but a quick recap is: Knoxville offers convenience and affordability, Asheville scenic beauty but longer travel time, and Tri-Cities the potential for cheaper flights but a much longer drive. The best choice depends on your priorities.
Choosing the right airport significantly impacts your Gatlinburg trip. Careful consideration of factors like flight costs, travel time, and preferred transportation methods ensures a seamless journey to this stunning mountain destination. Remember to book flights and transportation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
