How to Get to Great Smoky Mountains. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Closest Airports

Two regional airports offer convenient access to the Great Smoky Mountains.

Main Access Points

McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS): Knoxville, TN. Approx. 45-60 min drive to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge.
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL): Asheville, NC. Approx. 75-90 min drive to Cherokee, NC entrance.
Major Hubs: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) & Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) are 3-4 hours drive.

Airlines & Transfers

These airports are served by major U.S. Airlines, mostly connecting through larger hubs.

Carrier & Ground Options

Airlines: TYS and AVL are served by Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit, United. ATL & CLT offer wider networks.
Seasonal Pricing: Prices increase during peak seasons (summer, fall foliage) and holidays. Book 3-6 months ahead for best rates.
Transfers: Rental cars (DiscoverCars.com) are the recommended method. Shuttles/taxis/ride-shares are costly and do not serve the park.

McGhee Tyson TYS

Closest and most convenient for Tennessee side of the park.

Asheville Regional AVL

Serves the North Carolina side, near the Cherokee entrance.

International Hubs

ATL (Atlanta) and CLT (Charlotte) offer wider flight options, but a longer drive.

Flight Planning Tips

Booking & Savings

Book flights well in advance (3-6 months) for better rates, especially during peak season.
Flexibility with travel dates often leads to savings.
Check Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.
Use flight comparison sites like Skyscanner.

Airport Experience

TYS and AVL are smaller, straightforward airports with standard facilities.
ATL and CLT are large international hubs with extensive dining and retail options.
Rental cars at airports are the most practical transport to the park.
Ride-sharing to the park is costly and limited.

Border Crossing & Customs

Domestic Travel

For travel within the United States to the Great Smoky Mountains, no border crossing information applies.

International Entry

International visitors follow standard U.S. Entry procedures at their first port of entry, typically a major airport.

Customs & Immigration

Customs forms are usually completed before arrival or digitally. Be prepared for immigration questions.

Land Transportation

Driving in the Smokies

Self-driving is the most flexible and practical way to explore the Great Smoky Mountains region, offering access to its widespread attractions.

Vehicle Travel Insights

Main Mode of Transport: A personal car is necessary for exploring the large national park and its numerous trailheads.
Requirements: Valid U.S. Driver's license, or international license plus International Driving Permit (IDP) for foreign visitors.
Navigation: GPS is useful, but download offline maps due to spotty cell service in the park. Carry physical maps.

Train & Bus Access

While not direct, train and bus options connect to nearby cities, serving as initial points of entry before further ground travel.

Public Transport Links

Train Connections: No direct Amtrak service. Closest stations are in Knoxville, TN, or Asheville, NC. Further ground transport is needed.
Long-distance Bus: Greyhound serves Knoxville, TN, and Asheville, NC. An affordable option to reach a nearby city, not ideal for direct park access.
Border Crossing: Not applicable for travel within the United States.

Road Conditions & Safety

Familiarity with local road conditions and safety measures protects all travelers in the mountainous terrain.

Navigating Mountain Roads

Park Roads: Mix of well-maintained paved roads (Newfound Gap Road) and unpaved gravel roads (Cataloochee Road).
Mountain Driving: Roads are winding, steep, and have sharp curves. Reduce speed and stay alert, especially in adverse conditions.
Winter Closures: High-elevation roads close seasonally due to snow/ice (late Nov/early Dec to late March/early Apr). Check park website for status.

Wildlife & Traffic

On the Road

Wildlife: Deer, bears, wild turkeys are common on roads, especially at dawn and dusk. Drive slowly.
Traffic: Heavy traffic is common on Newfound Gap Road and Cades Cove Loop Road during peak season (Oct) and weekends. Allow ample time.
Driving Laws: Standard U.S. Driving laws apply. Drive on the right. Seatbelt use is mandatory. Speed limits are enforced.

Important Driving Alerts

Be prepared to stop suddenly for wildlife crossing roads.
Check park's website for current road statuses before departure.
Avoid distracted driving at all times.

Traffic can significantly slow travel within the park during busy periods.
Many park roads are narrow and winding; exercise caution.
Fog can quickly reduce visibility on mountain roads.

Sea/River Arrivals

Water Transport for Park Access

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is landlocked. Direct sea or river arrivals for public transportation are not applicable for access to the park itself.

No Direct Water Routes

Ferry services and cruise ports: Not applicable.
River transportation options: Rivers within or near the park are for recreational activities (fishing, tubing), not public transportation.
Immigration procedures at seaports: Not applicable, as there are no seaports for direct park access.

Recreational Water Activities

While not for arrival, the park's waterways offer popular recreational pursuits for visitors.

Enjoying the Rivers

Fishing: Popular in park streams with a valid Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license.
Tubing: Available on rivers like the Little River and Deep Creek, with local rental businesses.
Kayaking/Canoeing: Possible on some larger bodies of water outside park boundaries, but not within the park's rivers themselves for transportation.

Angling

Enjoy trout fishing in the park's pristine streams.

Tubing Fun

Float down the Little River or Deep Creek for a refreshing experience.

Cool Off

The park's waterways offer a cool escape during warmer months.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures & Timing

Plan your departure with care, especially if flying, to account for potential delays and airport procedures. No separate departure taxes or fees apply for flights.

Flight Departures

Domestic Flights: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before scheduled departure.
International Flights: Arrive at least 3 hours before scheduled departure.
TSA Guidelines: Check Transportation Security Administration website for current security screening.

Road Travel & Airport Facilities

Allow sufficient time for road travel, specifically during busy periods, to reach your departure point without rush.

Ground & Airport Services

Road Travel: Allow ample time for driving, especially during peak season, weekends, or holidays, due to traffic.
Airport Facilities: TYS, AVL, ATL, CLT offer check-in, security, dining, and retail for departing travelers.
Bus/Train Stations: Knoxville and Asheville stations provide basic waiting areas and restrooms.

Departure Checklist

Documentation

Have passports, IDs, and boarding passes ready.

Luggage

Ensure luggage meets airline size/weight limits.

Transport

Confirm rental car return or shuttle times.

Smooth Exit

Consider returning your rental car the evening before your flight if staying near the airport. This avoids one item from your morning rush, allowing a stress-free departure.

How to Get to Great Smoky Mountains