Knoxville’s closest major airport is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), located 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee.
Does Southwest fly into Knoxville TN?
Yes, Southwest Airlines flies into Knoxville (TYS) from multiple U.S. cities, including seasonal routes to destinations like Orlando and Fort Lauderdale
They fly nothing but Boeing 737s, so their schedule is easy to find on their website under TYS. Right now, you can hop on nonstop flights to Nashville, Atlanta, Dallas, and Chicago. For the latest routes, check their route map—just be aware seasonal routes can change.
What airport do you fly into for Knoxville TN?
Fly into McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), Knoxville’s primary commercial airport, located 12 miles south of downtown in Alcoa, Tennessee
Run by the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, TYS is the main hub for passenger flights around here. It’s the most convenient choice whether you’re visiting Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, or Gatlinburg. Once you land, you’ll find taxis, rideshares, and rental cars ready to go.
Are there two airports in Knoxville?
Yes, Knoxville has two airports operated by the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) for commercial flights and Knoxville Downtown Island Airport (DKX) for general aviation
TYS handles all the commercial flights, while DKX is strictly for private and corporate planes. It’s just 5 miles from downtown but doesn’t have any commercial service. For more details, swing by the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority website.
Is Knoxville a major airport?
Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is a medium-hub airport, not classified as a major hub, handling over 1.5 million passengers annually as of 2024 data
| Attribute | McGhee Tyson Airport | Note |
|---|
| Type | Public/Military | Hosts Tennessee Air National Guard |
| Annual Passengers (2024) | ~1.5 million | TSA |
| Runways | 3 (7,200–9,000 ft) | Supports Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 |
| Nonstop Destinations | 21 | Includes Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Orlando |
Which is better Nashville or Knoxville?
Knoxville is generally more affordable than Nashville, while Nashville offers a larger city experience with more attractions
Nashville’s got the bigger job market and cultural scene, but living costs there are higher. Knoxville, on the other hand, gives you a lower cost of living, easy access to outdoor adventures like the Great Smoky Mountains, and a growing food and arts scene. If you’re watching your budget, Knoxville’s the smarter pick.
Is there a shuttle from Knoxville to Gatlinburg?
There is no direct shuttle from Knoxville to Gatlinburg; travelers typically use a combination of bus and taxi or drive directly
Public transit here is pretty limited. Most people just grab a taxi or rideshare from Knoxville to Gatlinburg—it’s a 45–60 minute trip via I-40 and US-441. Some tour companies do offer shuttle services from Knoxville hotels to Gatlinburg, but you’ll need to book ahead. For private shuttles, check out American Transportation Systems.
Where does Southwest fly in TN?
Southwest Airlines flies into three airports in Tennessee: Nashville (BNA), Memphis (MEM), and Knoxville (TYS)
| City | Airport | Southwest Destinations |
|---|
| Nashville | BNA | Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Orlando, Phoenix, Dallas |
| Memphis | MEM | Dallas, Chicago, Houston |
| Knoxville | TYS | Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Orlando (seasonal) |
Is Memphis or Nashville closer to Knoxville?
Nashville is closer to Knoxville than Memphis—Nashville is 179 miles away, while Memphis is 388 miles away
Driving from Nashville to Knoxville takes about 2 hours 44 minutes via I-40 E. From Memphis, it’s roughly 5 hours 45 minutes on the same route. Nashville’s also better connected by air and rail, making it the more practical hub if you’re heading to Knoxville.
Does Southwest fly into Tennessee?
Yes, Southwest Airlines flies into multiple airports in Tennessee, including Nashville (BNA), Memphis (MEM), and Knoxville (TYS)
They’ve got a solid presence in these three cities, giving you easy access to Nashville’s music scene and Knoxville’s gateway to the Smokies. For the latest routes and schedules, check out Southwest’s airport guide.
How far apart is Nashville and Knoxville?
Nashville and Knoxville are approximately 180 miles apart, with a driving time of about 2 hours and 40 minutes via I-40 E
The distance stays pretty consistent no matter the route, but I-40 is the fastest way. If you prefer trains, Amtrak’s City of New Orleans route connects the two cities with a transfer in Birmingham or Chicago.
How far is Pigeon Forge from airport?
Pigeon Forge is about 35 miles from McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), a 45–60 minute drive via US-321 S and US-441
Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT) is closer at 7 miles, but it only handles private and charter flights. For public transit, you can grab a taxi or rideshare, or rent a car at TYS for the most freedom. If you’re looking for shuttle services, check out Koa’s shuttle service for seasonal options.
Is Knoxville a base for Allegiant?
Yes, Knoxville (TYS) is an Allegiant Air aircraft base, making it a focus city for the airline’s operations in East Tennessee
As of 2025, Allegiant has 15 aircraft stationed here, opening up nonstop routes to fun spots like Destin, Myrtle Beach, and Punta Gorda. That base status means more flight options for travelers coming in and out of Knoxville. For current routes, see Allegiant’s route map.
Is Allegiant safe?
Allegiant Air is considered safe by the FAA and industry standards, with a safety record comparable to other U.S. airlines
They’ve had some scrutiny in the past over their older fleet and higher-than-average emergency landing rates, but they’ve stepped up maintenance and operations lately. The FAA holds all U.S. airlines to the same standards, and Allegiant’s safety record has improved in recent years. For deeper safety ratings, visit AirlineRatings.com.
How early should I get to Knoxville airport?
Arrive at Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 2.5 hours before international departures
TYS suggests this timing to cover security, parking, and any unexpected delays. The TSA checkpoint usually moves pretty quickly, but lines can get long during peak times—holidays and weekends are especially busy. For real-time wait times, check TSA’s website.
Does Knoxville tornado?
Knoxville has a low risk of tornadoes compared to the Tennessee and U.S. averages, with an average of 1–2 tornadoes per decade
The local geography and climate keep tornado activity pretty low around here. That said, tornadoes can still happen, especially during severe thunderstorms. Knoxville sits on the eastern edge of Tornado Alley, so it’s smart to keep an eye on local weather alerts from the National Weather Service and have a shelter plan ready.
Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.
