Airports nearest to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitors have several airports to choose from when planning their trip. The closest airport is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Alcoa, Tennessee, situated approximately 30 miles away from the park. This airport is an excellent option for those intending to stay on the Tennessee side of the park.
For those seeking alternative options, other nearby airports include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), and Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA).
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is the most advantageous due to its proximity to the park and the variety of direct flights offered from several U.S. cities. Travelers can select flights from major cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Chicago, New York, Denver, and Washington, D.C. The airport serves American Airlines, Delta, United, Allegiant, and Frontier. Car rental companies such as Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, and National are also available at TYS.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), situated around 90 miles away from the park, is the closest major airport. With extensive flight options from domestic and international destinations, ATL often offers the cheapest fares due to the high volume of flights. However, the longer drive (3-4 hours) and large, crowded airport may pose challenges for some travelers.
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), which is around 55 miles east of the Cherokee entrance to the park on the North Carolina side, is another popular choice. AVL offers direct flights to several major hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, and Dallas, making it convenient for reaching the park's eastern areas. Car rentals are available for the roughly 1.5-hour drive to the park.
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), located about 65 miles south of Asheville and roughly 90 miles from the park, is a larger airport with more flight options from American, Delta, Southwest, and other airlines. Although it's farther away, it offers a modern facility and good amenities, and car rentals are available. The drive from GSP to the park area takes around one hour and 15 minutes.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), around 125 miles (approximately 2 hours) east of Asheville and the Smokies region, is a major international airport with extensive domestic and international connections. Despite the extended driving time, it may be a good choice for travelers coming from afar or looking for flexible flight options. Car rentals are available at CLT as well.
In conclusion, McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is the closest airport to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering direct flights from major U.S. cities and a range of car rental options. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) provide alternative gateways to the park, with the choice of airport depending on travelers' route and preferred region of the park.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park has several airports for travelers to choose from, including McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).
- McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is advantageously positioned for visitors intending to stay on the Tennessee side of the park, offering direct flights from cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Chicago, New York, Denver, and Washington, D.C.
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), located around 90 miles from the park, offers cheap fares due to the high volume of flights, but the long drive and crowded airport can pose challenges for some travelers.
- Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), 55 miles east of the Cherokee entrance on the North Carolina side, provides direct flights to several major hubs, making it convenient for reaching the park's eastern areas.
- Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) offers more flight options and a modern facility, although it's located farther from the park, making for a longer drive.
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), around 125 miles (2 hours) east of Asheville and the Smokies region, offers extensive domestic and international connections, but the extended driving time may be a consideration for some travelers.
- In home-and-garden and lifestyle magazines, it is often recommended to consider the parks, national destinations, and rugged mountains when planning travel itineraries, with the choice of airport depending on the traveler's route and preferred region of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
