Gatlinburg Travel Essentials

• Gatlinburg has a humid continental climate with mild winters and hot summers. Average temperatures range between 36°F in January and 74°F in August.
• Rain falls evenly throughout the year. You can expect around 12 rainy days per month between December and July and 9 wet days per month from August to November.
• Summer is both the warmest time of the year and the busiest season in Gatlinburg. The Christmas holiday also draws many visitors.
• Although not as warm as summer, the March–May and September–November periods are the best times visit Gatlinburg. Spring and autumn allow you to enjoy outdoor activities and to have fun at the theme parks in the area. These periods also usually feature smaller crowds and offer better hotel rates.

• Plug type: A and B
• Electricity: 120 V
• Currency: United States Dollar (US$)
• International dialling code: +1 865
• Emergency telephone number: 911

The main airport for getting into Gatlinburg is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville. It’s a domestic airport served by many international airports throughout the country. There’s also the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT), which is a civil airport mostly served by small aircraft.

Amtrak trains do not serve the state of Tennessee, but you can get to Gatlinburg by bus. The Greyhound bus station is, like the airport, found in Knoxville.

McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)

McGhee Tyson Airport is 10 miles south of downtown Knoxville, and 28 miles west-northwest of Gatlinburg. Despite its small size, this domestic airport is home to an excellent choice of dining and shopping options. Free Wi-Fi is available terminal wide.

Driving time from the airport to Gatlinburg is about 65 minutes. Ground transport that can take you to Gatlinburg, depending on your budget, are as follows:

• You can book a light plane to fly to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge Airport.
• There are a dozen licensed taxi companies at the airport. You can find them outside the baggage claim area.
• The Uber and Lyft pick-up area is outside, on the lower level of the terminal. Simply follow the signs to get there. 
• From Hertz to Budget, a handful of major car rental agencies are available at McGhee Tyson Airport. Their desks are near the baggage claim area.

If you fly to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge Airport, transport services at hand to get to your hotel include taxis, car rentals, and limo services. 

Knoxville Greyhound bus station

The Greyhound bus station is on East Magnolia Avenue, just north of downtown Knoxville. To continue your journey towards Gatlinburg, you can rent a car a few hundred metres south of the bus station, grab a taxi or use ridesharing apps.

There’s no direct public bus route from Knoxville to Gatlinburg. The best you can do to save money for your transfer is to take the line 41 bus to Mountain Grove SB before Majestic Grove, then take a taxi to Gatlinburg.

Travel tips

Walking is the best way of exploring Gatlinburg’s city centre. Along the Parkway, you’ll find a large range of entertainment places such as Gatlinburg Space Needle, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, and many other places of interest. There’s also an astounding choice of dining, shopping, and nightlife entertainment options. The River Walk along Little Pigeon River also offers a very pleasant, easy stroll.

Beyond downtown, the options for exploring Gatlinburg and its surrounding areas include trolley, taxi, and car rentals.

How does the trolley system work?

Gatlinburg Mass Transit is among the largest rural transit systems in the state of Tennessee. It’s the cheapest way to get around. Established in 1980, the service runs 20 trolleys, covering almost 50 miles on 7 routes in and around Gatlinburg. The system features over 100 stops and is linked to Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.

Trolleys operating schedules vary by season:

• Between May and October: from 8.30 am through midnight
• March–April and on winter weekends: from 10.30 am to 10 pm
• November–February: weekdays from 10.30 am to 6 pm

One-way tickets and all-day passes are available. You can buy single tickets on the trolley, while day passes are available at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center and Mass Transit Center, right next to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.

Taking a taxi in Gatlinburg

You’ll easily find taxis in Gatlinburg. Available are Funkmaster V's Uptown Cabs of Renown (+1 865-384-7589), Mountain View Taxi (+1 865-809-9186), Benz-Taxi (+1 865-202-0690), and many more. You can also often find taxi ranks in front of hotels and major attractions.

The usual tipping for taxis is around 15-20% of the fare. Most taxi drivers accept credit cards, sometimes reluctantly. Note that, price-wise, a taxi is not the most recommended choice for getting around Gatlinburg. Both Uber and Lyft rideshare services are available.

Renting a car in Gatlinburg

Renting a car is a good option if you plan to visit the many natural attractions and national parks around Gatlinburg. Some places are unreachable by trolley.

If you haven’t already rented a vehicle at the airport or in Knoxville, many car rental companies, most of them local, offer jeeps, scooters, and big bikes ready for you to explore the city and the Smoky Mountains.

Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair

• July and October
• Held twice a year, this craftsmen’s fair features 200 booths showcasing North American artisans’ and craftsmen’s skill and talent. From leather to pottery to jewellery, it’s a celebration of handmade products.
• Where: Gatlinburg Convention Center

Festival of Nations at Dollywood

• March
• The major entertainment centre in nearby Pigeon Forge hosts an annual multi-cultural event featuring highlights from all around the world. This family-friendly festival lets you discover various cultures through colourful stage performances and delicious food.
• Where: Dollywood Park, Pigeon Forge

Bloomin’ Barbecue and Bluegrass Festival

• May
• This homely festival blends foot-tapping bluegrass music and yummy barbecued meats. BBQ cook teams from all around the country and first-class musicians give you a taste of the true, traditional American way of life.
• Where: Downtown Sevierville

Gatlinburg Space Needle

A 410-ft-high tower that offers a panoramic view of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. Located in the town centre, it features an observation deck, a video arcade, and a pizzeria.

Cades Cove

A remote valley 20 miles west of Gatlinburg, part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It features early 18th-century settlements and abundant wildlife throughout a splendid natural environment.

Historic Ogle Cabin

This historic cabin dates back to the late 1880s and is 3 miles southeast of Gatlinburg. Alongside the cabin, it features a barn and a tub mill. It’s a great witness of the settlers’ rough conditions of life.

Elkmont Ghost Town

Get goosebumps by visiting the 19 restored historical houses 6 miles southeast of Gatlinburg. Founded in the 1840s, the town was abandoned in 1934, after the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.