Closest Airport To Dollywood: Distance, Travel Time, And Best Options
Are you a lover of thrilling rides, country music, southern foods, and seasonal festivals? Is this why you want to visit Dollywood, a theme park where you will get everything you love under a single roof? If yes, then your travel plan must begin with finding the closest airport to Dollywood- so you can enjoy your time to the fullest, without stressing about flight routes and travel delays.
Located in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood is an internationally famous tourist attraction, with millions of visitors each year. Whether someone is planning a short weekend ride or a long vacation, they must know how to reach the area, which is answered in this blog. So, to kick start your journey, here is all the information you require. Keep scrolling.
Which Is The Nearest Airport To Dollywood?
The closest airport to Dollywood, a world-famous theme park in Pigeon Forge, is McGhee Tyson Airport. It is located in Alcoa, near Knoxville. The distance between TYS Airport and Dollywood is approximately 35 miles, which is about a 45-60 minute drive. Tourists visiting the internationally renowned amusement park will be able to book nonstop flights with several domestic airlines available at the TYS Airport. Below is a summary of the McGhee Tyson Airport.
| Airport’s Name | McGhee Tyson Airport |
| Airport’s Location | 2055 Alcoa Hwy, Alcoa, TN 37701, United States |
| IATA Code | TYS |
| Contact Number | +1 865-342-3000 |
| Number of Terminals | 1 (Main Passenger Terminal) |
Airlines Serving McGhee Tyson Airport
Many domestic airlines serve McGhee Tyson Airport, making it easier and stress-free for travelers visiting Dollywood. The air carriers operate from major US cities and therefore offer reliable connectivity to TYS Airport. The following is a comprehensive list of airlines that operate to and from the airport, along with their destinations. So, scroll down and take a closer look.
| Airlines | Destinations |
| Allegiant Air | Austin, Destin–Ft. Walton Beach, Jacksonville, Punta Gorda. Boston, Gulf Shores/ Orange Beach, Washington D.C.–Dulles, Chicago–Midway, Orlando–International, Sarasota/ Bradenton, Denver, St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay, Key West, Phoenix, Houston–Hobby, Las Vegas, Orlando–Sanford, Newark, and Fort Lauderdale. |
| Avelo Airlines | New Haven (Seasonal) |
| Delta Air Lines | Detroit, New York–LaGuardia, Atlanta, and Minneapolis/St. Paul. |
| Frontier Airlines | Denver |
| Southwest Airlines | Baltimore, Denver, Tampa, Dallas-Love Field, Orlando–International, and Nashville. |
| United Airlines | Chicago-O’Hare, Washington D.C.–Dulles, Denver, and Houston–George Bush. |
How To Reach Dollywood From The TYS Airport?
As the distance between Dollywood theme park and McGhee Tyson Airport is not a standard walking distance, passengers will be required to travel by ground transportation. For that, one will have many options at the TYS Airport itself, making it easier to book a ride immediately after landing. The land transportation available at the airport includes rental cars, Uber, Lyft, hotel shuttles, taxis, and charters.
In the following table, you will find the locations of ground transportation services at McGhee Tyson Airport, along with the estimated charges. So, review the details with complete attention.
| Ground Transportation | Location | Fees |
| Car Rentals | The counters for car rentals are located on the lower level of the main passenger terminal, near baggage claim. The major car rental companies at the airport include Alamo, AVIS, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Dollar, and Payless. | The transportation cost of car rental varies from company to company. So, ensure to speak with the executive for accurate pricing. Passengers must make reservations in advance to ensure a smooth experience. |
| Ride-Sharing Services | The ride-sharing services available at the TYS Airport are Uber and Lyft. The facility’s pick-up location is outside the lower level of the terminal. Individuals will also find directional boards to reach the area. | Both the ride-sharing companies at the airport will cost around $60-$90. The final chargers will be subject to traffic and demands. To make sure you do not end up worrying at the last minute, visit the airport’s website and reserve a ride-sharing service in advance. |
| Taxis and Charters | To access the Taxi or charter service at the McGhee Tyson Airport, walk outside the north side of the terminal. The area is accessible from the baggage claim. The taxi companies available at the airport are N-Only Airport Taxi, AAA Taxi, America Cab, Benchmark Taxi, Lightning Taxi, OB’s Taxi, Omega Taxi, Royal Taxi, Sunday Taxi, and Tennessee Transportation. The available charter options are A Elite Limos, Olympus Car & Coach, Chariots of Hire, VanArsale Transportation Services, and Ride Safe With Us. | The fees for taxis and charters are much higher than for other modes of transport. On average, it can cost $150–$180 per individual. While the hourly taxi fare is higher, the service is reliable, and hence it is one of the most commonly chosen modes of transportation. |
| Hotel Shuttles | There are several hotels near McGhee Tyson Airport that offer shuttle services to passengers. The shuttle pick-up area is situated outside the north end of the terminal and is easily reachable via baggage claim. | The fees for airport shuttles vary by hotel. But, in general, the cost of the facility will be between $100 – $160, which is lower than taxis and charters. |
Are There Alternative Airports Near Dollywood?
While the best airport to fly to visit Dollywood is McGhee Tyson Airport, passengers can use other airports in case of flight shortages. In addition, if you live in other areas that do not have a direct connection to the TYS Airport, you can book your flight tickets to other nearby airports and continue the journey by road. The alternative airports near Dollywood are-
- Ashville Regional Airport (AVL)- The best alternative option for passengers visiting Dollywood is Ashville Regional Airport. It is located in Fletcher, North Carolina, and is around 80 miles from the international amusement park. The drive from the initial to the final destination is scenic, with mountains, and will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA)- The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is situated approximately 130-150 miles from Dollywood, which means a 2.5- 3 hours ride. Because of this, it is also one of the most convenient options for travelers planning to fly to Dollywood, whether for a short vacation or a long holiday. While the airport is small, it has everything to deliver a hassle-free travel experience.
- Nashville International Airport (BNA)- Travelers heading to Dollywood have another better option, which is the Nashville International Airport. It is around 200 miles from Gatlinburg and 190 miles from Pigeon Forge. The drive time from the airport to Dollywood is 3.5 hours. The airport is quite far from the theme park, but it offers many flight options at lower prices.
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Dollywood?
Dollywood, a famous tourist attraction in Pigeon Forge, is generally open year-round, making it accessible in all seasons and months. However, that does not mean it will be less crowded. During peak times, it is mostly full of tourists from different corners of the world. Therefore, it is important to carefully plan your visit to the theme park, especially in those months when the crowds are smaller. Here are the best times to visit Dollywood:
- April to May- During this time, Dollywood celebrates the Food and Flowers festival, which is wonderfully organized amid the mild weather. So, before the summer crowd gathers, one can visit the area then and enjoy the experience to the fullest.
- Early December- As the school vacation begins after mid-December, Dollywood gets really crowded. That is why travelers can plan a visit in early December to enjoy the pre-Christmas magic in the Smoky Mountains.
- September and October- The months of September and October witness harvest festivals and Great Pumpkin Luminights. Visitors can go to Dollywood during this time, as there won’t be any unnecessary summer icewood, and the weather will also be pleasant.
- August End- During August, schools reopen. It directly means less crowd and more fun. So, one can plan a visit anytime in August, even on the weekends.
Closest Airport To Dollywood: Final Thoughts
You are now well aware that the nearest airport to Dollywood is McGhee Tyson Airport. For a hassle-free, convenient journey to the theme park, the airport offers several services, including the best ground transportation options. In addition, the TYS Airport is served by many domestic airlines, making it well-connected with other major cities.
However, depending on your route preferences and other travel factors, other alternative airports are also worth considering. So, keep your requirements in mind and choose wisely for a stress-free journey.
Often Raised Queries!
The nearest airport to Dollywood is McGhee Tyson Airport, approximately 35 miles away, and served by many major airlines.
Yes. Travelers can travel by public transport from McGhee Tyson Airport to Dollywood. However, the options are limited, and hence, using airport transportation is recommended.
The least crowded days at Dollywood are Tuesdays and Wednesdays, especially in May, September, November, and December.
The closest major city to Dollywood is Knoxville, Tennessee. It serves as the primary gateway for travelers visiting the theme park.
If you want to experience Dollywood without much expense, you can buy multi-day tickets, reducing the per-day cost, or purchase a seasonal pass, which allows unlimited visits.
Yes. Certain items, like drugs, weapons, alcohol, and pets (excluding service animals), are restricted at Dollywood.
People can surely visit Dollywood during a weekend. However, it is not recommended as the crowd will be huge. So, the best time to visit would be on a weekday.
Latest Posts