Passenger terminalSingle terminal
2055 Alcoa Highway, Alcoa, TN 37701FAA rank #80 · Small hub
TYSKnoxville
McGhee Tyson
Guide reviewed September 1, 2026
The short answer
TYS is simple, but peak Smokies and football weekends are real. Economy is $13 with a shuttle; pay $22 for the garage when convenience wins.
Arrival planner
When should I be at TYS?
Enter the departure time shown on your ticket.
Recommended airport arrival—:—
Enter your departure time
We’ll work backward from the airport’s recommendation.
2 hours before departure
This is your airport arrival time—not the time to leave home. Airline check-in and bag-drop cutoffs still apply.
Security peakApproximately 4:30–8 AM, fall football weekends, summer vacations, and holidays
01
Security
What you’re walking into
TYS has a central checkpoint with TSA PreCheck. Early morning leisure flights and peak Smokies/University of Tennessee weekends create the longest queues.
Check live security wait times before leaving ↗TSA PreCheck● Yes
CLEAR● No
Global Entry● No
Mobile Passport● No
02
Official parking
What it costs
Economy Lots C/G$13/day24/7 accessible shuttle about every 15 minutes
Terminal Parking$16/dayWalkable terminal-area parking
Garage$22/dayCovered and closest
03
Ground transportation
Don’t stand at the wrong curb
Uber and Lyft use the designated pickup area outside baggage claim; follow airport signs and the app's pickup point.
Rental-car counters are on the lower level near baggage claim, with vehicles in the adjacent garage area.
TYS has one terminal with connected concourses beyond the checkpoint; no terminal shuttle is required.
TYS Phone & Wait LotBehind the Airport Hilton; open 24 hoursMcGhee Tyson Airport Phone and Wait Lot, Alcoa, TN 37701
The free Phone & Wait Lot is behind the Airport Hilton; remain with the vehicle until the passenger is ready.
04
Airport hotels
Sleep close. Leave the car.
Hilton Knoxville Airport is directly connected to TYS by a covered walkway, making it the airport's true terminal hotel.
Inside or airport-connected
1 optionsHilton Knoxville Airport
Covered walkway directly to the passenger terminal
Find current hotel page ↗Park-and-fly
Confirm terms before bookingHilton Knoxville Airport
- Airport ride
- No shuttle needed for terminal access
- Parking
- Extended parking is available only with eligible package rates
Courtyard Knoxville Airport Alcoa
- Airport ride
- Complimentary airport shuttle; confirm current hours
- Parking
- Trip parking requires a qualifying hotel-and-parking package
Hampton Inn Knoxville-Airport
- Airport ride
- Complimentary airport shuttle; verify pickup instructions
- Parking
- Package parking duration is shown for the selected dates
Hotel information reviewed September 2, 2026. Confirm current shuttle hours, parking terms, and package availability before booking.
05
Airport essentials
Everything else worth knowing
Free Wi-Fi● Yes
USO lounge● No
Pet relief● Yes
EV chargingCharging is available in designated terminal parking areas; confirm availability before arrival.
SmokingSmoking and vaping are prohibited inside the terminal.
OvernightThe terminal supports early departures, but overnight amenities and checkpoint access are limited.
Sources & freshness
Trust the facts. Check the source.
Guide information reviewed September 1, 2026. For today’s operations, rates, and hours, use the live links and official sources below.
TYS current parking map and rates↗TYS passenger FAQs↗TYS amenities and pickup↗TYS airport guide↗