If you’re planning a trip for the first time, you may be wondering how to get to Gatlinburg, TN. This Gatlinburg vacation guide has everything you need to know for planning your route.
Whether you’re driving from out of town or flying in, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!
There are several ways to get to Gatlinburg, and we’ve listed them all out below so that you can choose the best option for your needs. Be sure to check out all of the details before your next visit!
How to get to Gatlinburg, TN via Airport
There are a few airports near Gatlinburg, TN, including;
McGhee Tyson Airport (Most convenient airport near Gatlinburg)
The closest airport to Gatlinburg and is located in Alcoa, TN. This airport is just 12 miles south of Knoxville and is a small, laid back, and easy-to-navigate airport. It is about 40 miles from downtown Gatlinburg and takes about an hour to drive or more, depending on traffic.
Asheville Regional Airport
Asheville Regional Airport, located in Asheville, North Carolina, is about 90 miles and a two-hour drive from Gatlinburg. While it’s more famous for visitors trying to get to the North Carolina side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it is still possible to travel from Asheville across the Smoky Mountain divide into Gatlinburg.
Tri-Cities Airport
The Tri-Cities Airport, located in Blountville, TN, is approximately 100 miles and two hours away from Gatlinburg.
Closest International Airports
Some of the major airports that are within a couple of hours drive from Gatlinburg are the following;
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport- about 190 miles away
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – about 200 miles away
- Nashville International Airport- about 215 miles away
These are a few of your options from the airport to Gatlinburg, but we recommend renting a car. It will likely be cheaper than taking a taxi, Uber, or Lyft- especially if you’re coming in from one of the farther airports.
Driving Directions To Gatlinburg, Tennessee
McGhee Tyson Airport to Gatlinburg
You can either;
- Take US-129 north from the airport to TN-168, then to US-441, and then onto the Parkway.
- Go south on US-129 to US-321, then follow US-441 N/Parkway to your destination in Gatlinburg
- Take US-129 to US-321, then following that through Townsend, TN into Great Smoky Mountains National Park via Line Springs and Little River roads to reach the Parkway
Asheville Regional Airport to Gatlinburg
Get on I-26 W/US-74 W then take I-40 W to Big Creek Rd in Hartford, take exit 447 from I-40 W. Take TN-32 N and US-321 S to your destination in Gatlinburg.
Tri-Cities Airport To Gatlinburg
Get on I-81 S in Kingsport from TN-357/Airport Pkwy, then Continue on I-81 S to Cocke County. Take exit 440 from I-40 E. Follow US-321 S to your destination in Gatlinburg.
How Do You Get Around Gatlinburg Without A Car?
The best way to experience Gatlinburg is to have your own car or ATV to get around especially if you plan to tour the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, there are other ways to get around Gatlinburg without a car.
Gatlinburg offers a free trolley service that will take you to most of the attractions downtown, as well as to the Arts and Crafts Community, and sights in nearby Pigeon Forge, TN.
Another option is to walk. If you are staying near downtown, you can reach most of the town’s attractions by foot.
Finally, you can also take a taxi or ride share services like Uber and Lyft if you need to get somewhere that’s further away.
Road Trip Directions to Gatlinburg
Here are a few of the most common driving routes to Gatlinburg, TN:
From the North: Take I-40 East from Knoxville to Exit 407, turn right onto State Route 66, continue until first major intersection in Sevierville and turn left onto U.S. 411, follow U.S. 411 to State Route 416, turn right onto State Route 416 and follow until reaching U.S. 321, turn right onto U.S. 321 and continue until you reach Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg.
From the East: Consider I-40 West to Foothills Parkway Exit 443, turn onto U.S. 321 and continue until you reach Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg.
From the Southeast: Consider I-26 to I-40 West to Foothills Parkway Exit 443, turn left onto U.S. 321 and continue until you reach Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg.
Memphis or Nashville: Consider I-40 East to Exit 364 at State Route 95, then U.S. 321 East continuing through Maryville and Townsend, then Highway 73 to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg.
Tampa, Montgomery, Birmingham, Macon, Atlanta or Chattanooga: Consider I-75 to exit 81 at State Route 95, then Highway 321 East continuing through Maryville and Townsend, then Highway 73 to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg.
Where To Stay In Gatlinburg?
Located just a few minutes away from downtown Gatlinburg, GSM Family Vacations offer a 5BR/5BA cabin rental that is close to everything yet feels a million miles away!
Get This FREE Smoky Mountains Checklist Now!
Recommended Gatlinburg Vacation Resources
- Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg in March
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
More Related Resources
Now after you arrive at Gatlinburg, what do you do? If weren’t able to plan ahead, then our list of the Best Things to do in Gatlinburg is what you need!
To make yourtrip more fun and interesting, check out this National Park photo scavenger hunt idea that you can do while exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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