McGhee Tyson Airport, Knoxville, TN
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McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS, KTYS) is a towered public field approximately 10 miles south of the city center of Knoxville, Tennessee, in the city of Alcoa. There are two runways as follows:
| Designation | Dimentions | Surface | Condition |
| 5L/23R | 10,000′ x 150′ | Concrete (grooved) | Good |
| 5R/23L | 9,000′ x 150′ | Asphalt | Poor |
This tower is attended 24/7.
Signature Flight Support is the full-service FBO here. AvGas, Jet-A, hangars, tiedowns, GPU, oxygen, and maintenance support are just some of the amenities they offer. They can also provide catering, concierge services, water service, and they have a kitchen.
Transportation
There is no crew or courtesy car listed here, but the FBO does partner with gorentals.com. Rideshare Uber and Lyft, as well as taxis, are all available. Taxi pickup is outside the north side of the terminal, accessible from the baggage claim area. Carla Car Rental will compare all available car rental sites to find you the best deal if you want to do it yourself.
Many local Knoxville hotels also offer free or low-cost shuttle service to and from the airport.
Where To Stay Near McGhee Tyson Airport
The closest and most convenient is the Hilton Knoxville Airport. It is actually connected to the terminal. Also within a mile of the airport are the La Quinta Inn & Suites, the Hampton Inn Knoxville, the Best Western Knoxville Airport/Alcoa, the Comfort Suites Knoxville Airport, and the Courtyard Knoxville Airport Alcoa. For extended stays, the Home2 Suites or the Candlewood Suites Knoxville Airport are not far.
Listed above are the nearest places to stay as of Dec. 13, 2025. However, prices and names frequently change. For current prices, amenities, and new owner re-brands, check Expedia.com or Hotels.com. VRBO.com is also a good choice here.
Where To Eat And Drink
Located in the Hilton Knoxville Airport, Cooper’s Restaurant is well reviewed for an airport- connected restaurant.
Just minutes from the airport are Ruby Tuesday, El Sazon Mexicano Restaurant, the Blackhorse Pub & Brewery, Alcoa, and Texas Roadhouse.
Everything is as you’d expect, name-wise. The Blackhorse Pub & Brewery is one of the strongest options; it’s highly rated, serving craft beer, pizzas, burgers, and has a great atmosphere.
Things To Do
A short drive up Alcoa Highway, you will find Fort Dickerson Park. It’s a great scenic stop with Civil War earthworks and a great overlook of downtown.
Nature lovers should visit Ijams Nature Center, with ten miles of trails and boardwalks. Bike and canoe rentals are available.
For the kids, there’s Sir Goony’s Family Fun Center, arcade-style entertainment with mini-golf and go-karts. Not far from here is the Sky Zone Trampoline Park, a great kid-friendly destination.
One of the famed attractions here is the Sunsphere. Built for the 1982 World’s Fair and located downtown in World’s Fair Park, the fourth floor will give you a 360-degree view of the city, plus the Tennessee River, the University of Tennessee Campus, and the Smoky Mountains in the background.
There is a cluster of attractions that includes: Zoo Knoxville, Muse Knoxville, and the Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center.
About 30-minutes NW of the airport, you can have a unique underground experience in the Historic Cherokee Caverns. They have special events and light shows throughout the year. Check their calendar with the link.
Why Fly Here
Knoxville is a gateway to East Tennessee. Land at TSY and you’re minutes from the Tennessee River, downtown Knoxville’s food and music scene, and some of the region’s best outdoor escapes. The McGhee Tyson Airport puts you close to the Sunsphere, the trails and quarries of Ijams Nature Center, the historic charm of Fort Dickerson Park, and the Historic Cherokee Caverns (400 million years in the making). It’s a friendly stop with fast access to both city energy and Smoky Mountain scenery. Not to mention, you might catch a Volunteers game.
Safe travels
jo@jettreks