Knoxville airport (TYS)

Official Website: flyknoxville.com

Phone: +1 865 342 3000

Social Media:

Terminals

The airport features a single two-level passenger terminal: the lower level houses arrivals, baggage claim, and car rental counters, while the upper level accommodates airline ticket counters, the central TSA security checkpoint, and passenger boarding concourses. The terminal building is open 24 hours a day.

Annual Passenger Traffic (2025): 3.6 million passengers.

Information Desks

The passenger Information Booth is located on the lower level near the baggage claim area, operating daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Additionally, airport Ambassadors (volunteer staff) circulate throughout the terminal to guide travelers.

 Location

The airport is located 12 miles (19 km) south of Knoxville, in the city of Alcoa, Blount County, Tennessee.

What services does Knoxville airport (TYS) offer?

The passenger terminal provides a comprehensive range of dining, shopping, and convenience amenities for travelers.

Finance & Connectivity

• ATMs: Cash machines are situated in both landside areas and inside the secure departure concourse.
• Wi-Fi: Free high-speed wireless internet access is available throughout the entire terminal.
• Device Charging: Power outlets and USB stations are installed beneath gate waiting seats and at dedicated charging kiosks.

Dining

Past the TSA checkpoint, food and beverage options include Starbucks, Ruby Tuesday, Quiznos Subs, Cinnabon, and Express by Uno.

Shopping

Post-security retail shops include Tennessee Marketplace and Smoky Mountain Travel Mart, stocking news, books, gifts, regional goods, and travel sundries. Duty-free shopping is not offered as the airport does not handle scheduled international customs traffic.

Luggage & Lost Property

• Baggage Carts: SmartCart dispensers are located in the baggage claim hall.
• Luggage Storage: Lockers and left-luggage storage facilities are not available due to TSA security regulations.
• Lost and Found: The airport lost property office handles inquiries by phone at +1 865 342 3009 for items misplaced within terminal common areas.

Other Services

• Service Animal Relief Areas: One outdoor relief area is situated on the ground floor near the Hilton hotel walkway, with an additional post-security indoor pet relief station inside the concourse.
• Shoe Shine: Dedicated shoe shine stand available in the departures concourse.

Public and private transportation

The airport is situated roughly 20 to 25 minutes from Downtown Knoxville via Alcoa Highway (US-129).

Rideshare (Uber & Lyft)

Both Uber and Lyft provide authorized service at the airport. The designated pickup zone is located directly outside the lower level (Arrivals / Baggage Claim), exiting immediately to the right. Travelers arriving late at night or early in the morning are encouraged to book rides in advance.

Taxis and Private Transfers

Metered taxis and scheduled private shuttles board passengers along the marked curb outside the lower level arrivals area.

Hotel Shuttles

Several local hotels across Alcoa and Knoxville operate courtesy shuttles for their registered guests. Courtesy vehicles load at the north exterior curb on the lower level.

Public Transit

McGhee Tyson Airport does not offer regular direct city bus lines nor off-property airport-run shuttle transfers.

Car rental agencies

McGhee Tyson Airport hosts on-site rental counters for major car hire companies on the lower level adjacent to baggage claim. Vehicle collection and returns take place on the first floor of the covered Parking Garage, accessible via posted signs on Airport Loop Road.

On-site Agencies

• Alamo
• Avis
• Budget
• Dollar
• Enterprise
• Hertz
• National
• Payless
• Thrifty

Parking services at Knoxville airport (TYS)

Parking facilities at McGhee Tyson Airport are managed by Republic Parking, providing 24-hour surveillance across covered and open-air lots.

Parking Facilities

• Garage Parking (Covered): Multi-level facility connected to the terminal (clearance 7' 2"). Rate: USD 1.00 per 20 minutes, up to a daily maximum of USD 22.00.
• Terminal Parking: Open-air surface lot directly adjacent to the building (clearance 7' 10"). Daily rate of USD 16.00.
• Economy Parking (Lots C & G): Budget open-air option. Rate: USD 1.00 per 20 minutes, up to a daily maximum of USD 13.00. Includes continuous free 24-hour ADA-accessible shuttle service departing every 15 minutes.

Key Information

Phone & Wait Lot: Free 24-hour waiting area located behind the Airport Hilton, allowing drivers to wait in their vehicles until arriving passengers retrieve their luggage and call for curbside pickup.

Official Parking Rates & Space Availability

Facilities for passengers with special needs

McGhee Tyson Airport is fully equipped to assist travelers with disabilities and special travel requirements.

Special Assistance Requests

Wheelchair assistance and terminal escort services must be arranged through your airline at least 48 hours in advance. For parking area mobility assistance, airport staff can be contacted at (865) 342-3180 (daily from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM).

Infrastructure & Accessibility

Terminal infrastructure includes access ramps, elevators, family accessible restrooms across both levels, and designated accessible parking stalls in all parking facilities. Visual paging and translation coordination are provided through the Information Booth.

Nursing Facilities

Private Mamava lactation suites are installed in the secure boarding concourse past the TSA security checkpoint.

Security Checkpoint Assistance (TSA Cares)

Passengers with medical conditions, mobility challenges, or assistive devices can request screening coordination via the TSA Cares helpline prior to travel.

Unaccompanied Minors

Escort policies, age brackets, and supervision fees for children traveling alone are determined and managed exclusively by each individual airline.