What Is The Closest International Airport To Gatlinburg, TN | An Airport Travel Guide

Jan 22, 2025

Last Updated on: Jul 8, 2025

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McGhee-Tyson Airport in Knoxville is the closest international airport to Gatlinburg, TN. It offers general, commercial, and military aviation services. Further, six airlines operate here, and they have flight services to as many as 25 destinations. 

The airport is equipped with the following modern-day amenities.

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power Plug-In Sports
  • SmartCart
  • Service Animal Relief Area
  • Lactation Station
  • ATMs
  • Food & Retail
  • Information Booth
  • Free Phone & Wait Parking
  • Classic Shoe Shine
  • Customer Service

Furthermore, the airport promotes the artwork of regional artists in its Art in the Airport Exhibit section on the right of the TSA Security checkpoint. Moreover, the airport is compliant with ADA or the American Disability Act. 

So you will get wheelchair assistance at the airport, and for the same, you must contact customer service at (865) 342-3180.

Where Is The Closest International Airport To Gatlinburg, TN?

Where Is The Closest International Airport To Gatlinburg, TN

The Closest International Airport To Gatlinburg, TN, McGhee-Tyson Airport is located at a 12 miles distance from downtown Knoxville. The airport is south of downtown.

Further, the distance between the McGhee-Tyson Airport and Gatlinburg is 40 miles. 

It is a premium air service connecting East Tennessee to other parts of the world. Its complete address is 2055 Alcoa Highway, Alcoa, TN 37701. 

Need A Ride At The Closest International Airport To Gatlinburg, TN?

Need A Ride At The Closest International Airport To Gatlinburg, TN

McGhee-Tyson Airport has dedicated car rental counters. These counters are near the baggage claim of the airport terminal building’s lower level. 

You will get taxis, hotel shuttles, charters, car rentals, and ride shares from these counters. Uber and Lyft offer ride-share services here. 

Further, the car rental companies include:

  • Alamo (Reservation: 1 (800) 342-3210)
  • Avis (Reservation: 1 (800) 342-3210)
  • Budget (Reservation: 1 (800) 342-3210)
  • Enterprise (Reservation: 1 (800) 342-3210)
  • Dollar Car Rental (Reservation: 1 (800) 342-3210)
  • Car Rental Payless (Reservation: 1 (800) 342-3210)
  • National (Reservation: 1 (800) 342-3210)
  • Hertz (Reservation: 1 (800) 342-3210)

Moreover, the taxi services here are Sunday Taxi ((865) 518-1223), Tennessee Transportation ((865) 242-9719), and Discount Taxi ((865) 317-0554). 

In addition, Fairfield Inn & Suites ((865) 409-5950), Hilton Knoxville Airport ((865) 970-4300), etc., are some hotel shuttle services available at the airport. 

Economic Importance Of The Closest International Airport To Gatlinburg, TN

McGhee-Tyson Airport, the closest international airport to Gatlinburg, TN, is crucial for local tourism and the entire tourism scenario of East Tennessee. It keeps Gatlinburg and East Tennessee connected to other states of the USA and the rest of the world. 

Further, this airport has a significant economic impact on East Tennessee. At least 2,700 people work here, and the annual benefit of the airport is around $1 billion. Moreover, it indirectly supports the local economy through commercial aviation services. 

In addition, there are several tourist attractions near McGhee-Tyson Airport. You can visit them to learn more about East Tennessee.

Places To Visit Near McGhee-Tyson Airport

Along with being the closest international airport to Gatlinburg, TN, McGhee-Tyson Airport is also near a lot of tourist places. 

So, if you are planning a day out, you can visit the following places. 

1. Bicentennial Greenbelt Park

Address: 122 McCammon Ave, Maryville

Distance from McGhee-Tyson Airport: 6.3 Kms

The Bicentennial Greenbelt Park will be your go-to place if you want to explore Maryville-Alcoa Greenway. In the heart of downtown Maryville, this park is an oasis of tranquility.

This park has wide-open areas and benches to sit and talk with your friends. Further, this park houses the Greenbelt Lake Loop and Maryville-Alcoa Greenway.

2. Louisville Mercantile

Address: 2940 Topside Road, Louisville

Contact Number: 8657243195

Hours Open: 10 AM to 5 PM (Monday-Friday). 10 AM to 4 PM (Saturday), Sunday Closed

Distance from McGhee-Tyson Airport: Around 3.3 Kms

If shopping is the therapy you need and you are near the closest international airport to Gatlinburg, TN, you must visit Louisville Mercantile. 

Here, you can buy the best jams, jellies, gift items, and recycled paper.

3. Lakeshore Park

Address: 5930 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville

Contact Number: +1 865-215-1722

Hours Open: 6 AM to 10 PM

Distance from McGhee-Tyson Airport: Around 12 Kms

Lakeshore Park, with the tagline “It’s Your Park,” is a go-to spot for a family day out. Here, you can enjoy the tranquility of a marshland with more than 1000 trees and birds chirping around. 

Further, it has many sports and fitness facilities like baseball, practice lawns, soccer grounds and fitness centers. Very soon, the park is going to have pickleball and basketball amenities. 

However, the best activity here is taking a walk down the miles of trails here. You can get the best view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Tennessee River from here. 

Moreover, you can take your furry friends on a walk at Lakeshore Park. Having said that, you have to ensure that your pet is on the leash and you are leaving no trace behind after their walk. 

4. Maryville Farmers Market

Address: 306 E Broadway Avenue, Maryville

Contact Number: +1 865-268-9614

Hours Open: 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Distance from McGhee-Tyson Airport: Around 7 Kms

With the concept of farm-to-table cuisine becoming more popular, places like the Maryville Farmers Market are growing in importance. Here, the producers, or the farmers, grow crops, vegetables, and other produce, bringing those straight to you. 

It is a great initiative to boost sales and improve the livelihood of local farmers. Further, it helps to throw light on the agricultural traditions of Tennessee through a direct farmer and consumer relationship. 

Moreover, when you get fresh produce from the farmers, the essentials have better nutritional value, flavors, and taste.

5. Capitol Theatre

Address: 127 W Broadway Avenue, Maryville

Contact Number: +1 865-980-1966

Hours Open: 1-9 PM (Monday to Thursday), 1-10 PM (Friday-Saturday), Sunday Closed

Distance from McGhee-Tyson Airport: 6.6 Kms

Capitol Theatre, near the closest international airport to Gatlinburg, TN, is a premium entertainment spot in Maryville. The history of this place goes back to 1934. Further, it was completely renovated in 2008.

The ambiance here exudes the quintessential old Hollywood vibe. Moreover, it is used as a venue for corporate events, weddings, and other celebrations today. 

Are you looking for more attractions near the McGhee-Tyson Airport? Visit the Blount County Historical Museum, Brackins Blues Club, Resurrected Relics, etc. 

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Sibashree is a travel, culture, and leisure writer who has been writing since the age of 12 and professionally since 2014. With more than a decade of travel writing experience and journeys across India and several parts of the world, she brings a deeply personal and thoughtful perspective to her work. A student of English Literature and Mass Communication, Sibashree has always viewed travel as more than movement — for her, it has been a way of understanding people, cultures, and herself. Her passion for spiritual exploration has also led her to many unusual and meaningful destinations over the years. Outside of writing, Sibashree enjoys watching European cinema, reading about global politics, and reflecting on the stories hidden within everyday places.

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READ MORE When can navigation rules be overlooked

When Can Navigation Rules Be Overlooked?

BY  Mashum Jan 5, 2023

If the question arises of when can navigation rules be overlooked, then the answer is that they should never be overlooked. However, there are moments when you only have the option to ignore these rules. Certain situations and groups can ignore and overlook these rules whenever they want. To know them, too, scroll down below. What Do You Mean By Navigation Rules? For every water vessel traveling through water bodies, specific rules are enforced to see their safe travel. These rules are like the traffic rules, but except for roads, they are for the waterways and waterbodies. These navigation rules ensure the safety of the vessel and the passengers onboard from dangerous rocks, shallow waters, and reefs. When Can Navigation Rules Be Overlooked? The navigation rules are set in place to ensure safe and secure travel on water, but there are moments when these rules need to be followed sometimes. So the situations that can force the sailors to ignore the navigation rules are as follows. Crossing Dangerous Waters When you are crossing turbulent and dangerous waters, with the people on board being unsafe, the navigation rules can be overlooked; their priority is to protect the passengers. When it comes to sailors, during storms and dangerous turbulent waters, they are not bound to follow the navigation rules. They can easily overlook them. To Avoid Immediate Danger Who may depart from the navigation rules? The operators may need to depart from the navigation rules while trying to mitigate imminent dangers. While traveling over waters, danger can happen anywhere, and at any point, so paying proper attention to the navigators is essential. They are trained for any sudden changes in water and air direction. So if travelers and navigators predict something dangerous, they can ignore all the navigation rules. This is how they can keep the onboard passengers safe. When A Vessel Has Little Maneuverability If the captain and crew feel like the vessel is going through a little maneuverability, then they are allowed to overlook all the navigation rules for boats. It is more important to keep the passengers safe than to travel in a hazardous environment. When The Sailor Is Inexperienced It is important that navigators and sailors should know how to navigate their way around the water. That way, they don't end up endangering the lives of others on the vessel. To save time, these inexperienced sailors sometimes disregard all the maritime navigation rules that are in place. When can navigation rules be overlooked? – if you are a navigator or sailor, look back to your novice years. Sailing In Poor Visibility When a sailor is sailing in a situation with poor visibility, then the rules of navigation are ignored. If the radar is not working properly, then the navigation rules can be ignored. When climatic situations make it difficult to see, and visibility becomes a big issue, navigation rules are entirely ignored. That is when experience and intuition come into action. What Are The Basic Rules Of Navigation? The "rules of the road at sea," or navigation regulations, apply to all boats. These regulations clearly indicate when to pass, approach, yield, and overtake other boats. The International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea (ColRegs) and the fundamental rules of the water should be familiarized with by all boaters, regardless of the size of their vessel. For other masters to see your intentions, you should always move in a clear and deliberate manner. Never assume that the captain of a different boat will follow the rules; always be ready to prevent a collision. To prevent collisions with other boats, the Colregs provide clear signals for passing, approaching, giving way, and overtaking. These are the rules for boat traffic. Rules: Here are some of the basic rules of navigation that you need to be aware of when at sea: When navigating a river or channel, a boat must always operate on the starboard (right) side. You have the right of way when a boat approaches from your starboard (right) side. You have right of way if you approach another boat from the starboard side. However, you must act to avoid collision if the other boat does not yield. Each boat changes course to port (left) and changes course to port (right). Always assume that this is the case. You have the option of overtaking a boat from either side of the one you want to pass. But you have to stay far away from the boat you're passing. This is true for sailboats as well as powerboats. The sailing boat with the wind on the port side must give way when there are two boats with wind on opposite sides. The boat to windward must yield to the boat to leeward when both boats are facing the same direction. Sail usually triumphs over power. However, this isn't always the case. Due to their size, larger vessels, like ferries and container ships, are difficult to maneuver. By giving larger vessels a wide berth, masters of other boats, including sailboats, should always use common sense and good seamanship. What Are The Consequences Of Overlooking Navigation Rules? For those asking, "when can navigation rules are overlooked," it is essential for you to know that there are severe consequences for not following the rules. And some of the effects that may befall you if you overlook the navigation rules are listed below. They are endangering the environment. The ship and its onboard passengers can get lost at sea. With overlooking the navigation rules, a shipwreck is a strong possibility. A hazardous environment on the ship can create a dangerous place for the people onboard. This can lead to health issues and even death. The vessel and passengers can face legal trouble for not following the navigation rules. Read More: What Are The Different Types Of Cruises (And How To Choose The Right One For You)? Who May Depart From The Navigation Rules? The navigation rules are set up for everyone's safety and security, so not following them can be risky. However, some people ignore these rules to stay safe and do their work. Please scroll down to see who these people are, who can overlook the navigation rules whenever they want. Pirates And Illegal Fishermen For pirates, the rules of navigation don't apply. They are beyond any rules, which is why they are pirates. They do this so that law enforcement can't catch them, and they can run away free. That is the same for fishermen who are fishing illegally. Those In Imminent Danger The recent enforcement requires maritime law that the answer to the question of when navigation rules are overlooked is during imminent danger. Escaping a dangerous situation is much more important than abiding by the law. 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READ MORE things to do in bowral

Learn About the Exciting Things to Do in Bowral 

BY  Aritra Bose Mar 27, 2025

Are you planning to visit Bowral Southern Highlands NSW next month? Have you identified the places that you want to visit? Read the article to get an idea about the town, its high altitude and how the flora and fauna are beautiful on display.   Let's not forget the art and creative culture of the area which you can further check out from the exhibitions and museums. With vibrant colors all around, be it for flowers or leaves, you should visit Bowral to make memories of a lifetime.   One of the exotic places to travel, Bowral will make you an outdoor person if you are not one already. There are also several places where you can visit that will encourage your passion for photography.   Learn About the Exciting Things to Do in Bowral   There are plenty of things to do whether with family or with friends or solo. You have to spend some time in Bowral because it will make sure you experience the diverse outdoors. 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Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.

READ MORE best cruises from florida

Go on Some of the best cruises from Florida in 2025! 

BY  Mashum Mar 5, 2025

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