Getting to Gatlinburg & Getting Around
Facts checked October 18, 2026
Gatlinburg is a mountain town at the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You’ll fly into Knoxville, and you’ll almost certainly want a car.
Flying in
| Code | Airport | Distance / link to town (source) |
|---|---|---|
| TYS | McGhee Tyson (Knoxville) | About 45 miles west of the park’s Gatlinburg entrance (NPS) |
| AVL | Asheville Regional (NC) | About 60 miles east of the park’s Cherokee entrance, on the far side of the park (NPS) |
We don’t quote fares; they change by the hour. The search buttons open a live flight search to McGhee Tyson (Knoxville) (TYS); change the dates and origin there.
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Do you need a car?
Yes, in practice. The National Park Service says: “There is no public transportation to the national park from major cities in the area,” though local businesses offer transport from Knoxville and Asheville.
In town you can park it. Gatlinburg’s trolleys run daily, and the town says “There are no fares or fees to ride the Gatlinburg Trolleys.” For Cades Cove, Newfound Gap or the trailheads, you need a car or a tour (see our Smokies tours guide).
Renting a car
If you do rent, compare the airport desks in one search rather than booking the first brand you see, and check what the rate includes (tolls, extra drivers, mileage) before you pay.
Schedules, routes and coverage change; confirm on the official page before you travel.