Closest Airport to Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge TN

There are three airports close to the Great Smoky Mountains. One is a very small airport while the others are regional airports. The most popular airport is McGhee Tyson Airport, which is the regional airport. It is just 12 miles south of Knoxville, Tennessee, and the drive is just over an hour.

Do I Need to Rent a Car to Get Around the Great Smoky Mountains?

There is no public transportation between the Great Smoky Mountains and any of the airports that service the area. Therefore, you will need to rent a car to get to both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Once in the area, there is no public transportation in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This means you will want a car available to see the sights within the park.

There is a free trolley service in Gatlinburg that will take visitors to Sugarlands Visitor Center, Laurel Falls parking area and the Elkmont Campground. The trolley also transports people throughout the city of Gatlinburg.