Fly & Drive guide
Fly into TYS, drive to Gatlinburg
Your route
TYS
McGhee Tyson Airport
Gatlinburg
About 1 h 20 min · 49 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
01Flights to TYS
Compare fares into McGhee Tyson Airport.
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02Car at TYS
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Gatlinburg. Compare rental companies in one search.
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03Store extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
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04 · First night near Gatlinburg
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
04Hotels near Gatlinburg
Compare hotels and lodges on the way in, with free-cancellation filters.
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04Cabins & homes near Gatlinburg
Whole homes and cabins for families or groups who want a kitchen and space.
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Before you land
Reservations
Great Smoky Mountains Parking Tag and Activity Reservations
A valid parking tag is required for all vehicles stopping for more than 15 minutes within the national park. While entry to the park is not ticketed, popular activities like Mount Le Conte lodging or backcountry camping require separate permits. Check the official NPS site for the latest parking fee structures and seasonal road status, as systems are subject to change.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
April – May, September – October
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Gatlinburg?
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from TYS to Gatlinburg?
Roughly 1 h 20 min (about 49 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Gatlinburg?
A valid parking tag is required for all vehicles stopping for more than 15 minutes within the national park. While entry to the park is not ticketed, popular activities like Mount Le Conte lodging or backcountry camping require separate permits. Check the official NPS site for the latest parking fee structures and seasonal road status, as systems are subject to change.
