EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare car rental prices from top providers in Knoxville, Tennessee with Road Genius. From affordable cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Grab a car at McGhee Tyson Airport or a downtown branch and be on I-40 or US-441 in minutes, heading to the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood or a Volunteers game.
Knoxville offers several convenient locations to pick up your rental car:
| Location | Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) | • All major rental brands on-site • Easy counter-to-car process • Longer operating hours • After-hours key drop available |
• Slightly higher rates due to airport fees • Approximately 12 miles (19 km) from downtown |
• Rental counters on lower level near baggage claim • Cars located in connected parking garage • Easy 1-minute walk from terminal • Wait times: 10-15 minutes |
| Downtown Knoxville | • Lower rates (no airport fees) • Convenient if already in the city |
• Limited hours (often 8 AM-5/6 PM weekdays, shorter on Sat, closed Sun) • May need transportation to reach office |
• Several locations along main commercial corridors • Enterprise on Henley St (downtown) • Avis/Budget on Kingston Pike • Some offer free pickup service |
Peak Rental Periods: University of Tennessee events (especially football home games from September-November) and graduation weekends can create high demand. Fall foliage season (October) also sees increased rentals as visitors use Knoxville as a gateway to the Smoky Mountains.
On average, car rentals in Knoxville cost around $57 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $28 per day.
Compare TYS Airport vs downtown pickups – downtown offices skip the 11% airport concession fee and $3-4/day facility charge. A quick rideshare from the terminal can still leave you ahead.
Book early only for UT football weekends or mid-Oct foliage – those dates sell out fast. For all other times, set price alerts and rebook if rates dip.
Shift your pickup/return by a day or a few hours – starting on a Tue/Wed or matching 24-hour blocks often knocks $10-$20 off the total.
Skip the SUV unless snow is in the forecast – Smoky Mountain roads are paved; a standard sedan costs less and sips gas.
Fill up away from Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge – fuel in Knoxville is usually 20-30¢ cheaper, saving a few bucks before you drop the car.
Flip your one-way search – Knoxville→Nashville fees can differ from Nashville→Knoxville; pick the direction with the lower drop charge.
Finding a Spot in Knoxville:
Meters: Rates vary; enforcement generally runs during standard weekday business hours
University Area: Restricted during weekdays (visitor permits required); use Volunteer Hall Garage or Circle Park metered areas
Old City/Market Square: Street spots fill up on weekend evenings; garages usually have space
Free Knoxville Trolley: Connects downtown and UT area, useful for leaving your car and exploring
Local Driving Rules:
Speed Limits:
Get a rental car to get to:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Gatlinburg entrance, Cades Cove Loop
Foothills Parkway – viewpoints
Dollywood and Pigeon Forge – theme parks, dinner shows
Tail of the Dragon – US-129 curves
Chattanooga – Tennessee Aquarium, riverfront
Asheville NC – Biltmore Estate, craft breweries
What license do I need to rent a car in Knoxville?
You can use a valid driver's license from your home country. If your license isn't in English, some rental companies will ask for an English translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP), so it's a good idea to get one before you travel.
Are snow chains needed for winter driving in the Smoky Mountains?
Rental companies usually don't give you snow chains. The National Park Service will close roads if they're unsafe, rather than ask you to use chains. If you're visiting in winter, keep an eye on park road conditions and think about getting an AWD vehicle if snow is possible.
Can I pick up a car in Knoxville and drop it off in another city?
Yes, you can do a one-way rental. Many people drive from Knoxville to Nashville or to other cities like Asheville, NC or Atlanta, GA. Dropping the car off in the same state usually has a small fee, while leaving it in another state can cost more.
What's the best vehicle type for visiting the Great Smoky Mountains?
Any standard car is fine for the main park roads because they are kept in good condition. An SUV can give you a more comfortable ride on curvy mountain roads and has higher clearance, which helps on some gravel pull-offs. In winter, think about an AWD vehicle if it might snow.
How early should I book my rental car for fall foliage season?
You should book your car at least 2–3 months ahead for an October trip. That's a very popular time because of tourists coming to see the fall leaves. You should also book that far in advance for University of Tennessee home football game weekends.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support