Getting There & Away: Chattanooga

Air Travel

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport CHA

CHA is the main airport for Chattanooga, approximately 12 miles east of downtown. It provides a comfortable and functional experience for travelers.

Airlines & Routes

Airlines: Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Allegiant Air.
Direct flights connect to major U.S. Hubs like Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Orlando (SFB), St. Petersburg/Clearwater (PIE), and Washington D.C. (DCA).
No direct international flights. International travelers connect through major U.S. Hubs.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

CHA offers standard amenities including car rental agencies, dining options, retail shops, free Wi-Fi, and ground transportation services.

Transfer Options to City/Accommodation

Ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft): Fares to downtown average $20-$30. Taxis: Fares to downtown average $25-$35.
Rental Cars: Major companies have counters at CHA. Pre-booking is wise.
Hotel Shuttles: Some hotels offer complimentary shuttle services.

Seasonal Flight Pricing

Flight prices increase during peak travel seasons (spring, fall, holidays) and decrease in winter. Booking in advance is generally recommended for better rates.

Flight Search Tools

Use Dollar Flight Club for deal alerts and Skyscanner for broad flight comparisons.

Airport Operations

For domestic flights, arrive at least 90 minutes before departure. CHA is smaller, but TSA lines vary. For connecting international flights, allow ample time at your connecting hub.

Ground Transportation Options

Train & Bus Services

Amtrak: Chattanooga has no direct Amtrak passenger rail service. Closest stations are in Atlanta, GA (approx. 2 hours south) or Birmingham, AL (approx. 2.5 hours west).
Long-distance Bus: Greyhound operates a station in Chattanooga (1915 E 23rd St). FlixBus also offers intercity bus service.
Connections from Amtrak cities to Chattanooga need a bus or car.
FlixBus often features more comfortable amenities.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Highways: Chattanooga is a major intersection for Interstates I-75 (north-south), I-24 (east-west), and I-59 (southwest).
Requirements: A valid driver's license is necessary. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Road Conditions: Roads are generally well-maintained. Traffic can be heavy during peak commute hours.
Safety: Drive with standard safety practices. Be aware of weather, especially in winter (ice) or summer (heavy rain).

Rental Car Options

Major Rental Companies

Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, National, Alamo are available at CHA and some downtown locations. Book in advance for best rates.

Rental Requirements

A valid driver's license, minimum age of 21 (fees may apply for under 25), and a major credit card are necessary. Inspect the vehicle before accepting.

Booking Platforms

Compare prices and options through DiscoverCars.com for good deals.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry & Cruise Ports

Chattanooga is an inland city. Sea or large river vessel arrivals are not applicable for getting there or away.

No Passenger Services

No passenger ferry services exist for arrival into the city.
Commercial barges use the river for freight transport only.
Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable to Chattanooga.

River Transportation

While the Tennessee River is a central feature of the city, river transportation options are mainly for leisure and sightseeing, not for arrival or departure.

Leisure Options

Southern Belle Riverboat: It offers scenic cruises on the Tennessee River, a popular activity.
Chattanooga Paddleboards & Kayaks: Rentals are available for self-guided river exploration.
These are recreational activities and not means of transport to or from the city.

Departure Information

Plan your departure from Chattanooga with these practical details. Know about any fees and suggested timing for a smooth exit.

Exit Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied when departing from Chattanooga. Standard airline and airport taxes are typically included in the ticket price.
For domestic flights from CHA, arrive at least 90 minutes before departure.
For bus travel, arrive at the station at least 30-45 minutes before scheduled departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) offers amenities to support departing travelers, contributing to a comfortable wait for flights.

CHA Amenities

Check-in counters and security screening points.
Gate areas with seating, restrooms, and limited dining/shopping options.
Free Wi-Fi for passenger convenience.

Departure Checklist

Documents

Confirm all travel documents (passport, ID, boarding pass) are secure and accessible.

Luggage

Weigh luggage to avoid excess baggage fees. Ensure all valuables are in carry-on bags.

Connectivity

Remove local SIM cards if using, or turn off roaming. Download any necessary offline maps or boarding passes.

Departure Reminder

Allow extra time during peak holiday seasons or inclement weather. Check your flight status before heading to the airport.

Getting There & Away