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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare car rental prices from leading companies at Knoxville TYS Airport with Road Genius. From small economy cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Pick up your car near baggage claim and be in downtown Knoxville in 20 minutes or driving toward the Great Smoky Mountains in about an hour, while avoiding surprise fees by comparing on-airport and city rates in one place.
TYS offers several rental options along with distinct advantages and disadvantages:
| Location | Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) | • All major brands in one location • Rental counters steps from baggage claim • Easy walk to cars in connected garage • Hours align with flight schedules • After-hours key drop available |
• Airport fees add approximately 11-15% to cost • Located 12 miles (19 km) from downtown Knoxville • Higher base rates than city locations |
• Rental counters on lower level near baggage claim • Cars located in attached parking garage • Wait time only 10-15 minutes • Most counters stay open for last flight |
| Downtown Knoxville Locations | • No airport fees • Potentially lower rates • Convenient if already in downtown |
• Limited hours (often 8 AM-5 PM weekdays, shorter on Saturday, closed Sunday) • Transportation needed from airport ($25-30 taxi/rideshare) • Smaller vehicle selection |
• Enterprise on Henley St (downtown) • Several other brands along Kingston Pike • Some offer free pickup service • Must plan around business hours |
| West Knoxville/Cedar Bluff Area | • Sometimes better availability during peak periods • No airport fees • Near shopping areas |
• Far from airport • Similar limited hours to downtown • Transportation needed to reach |
• Several agencies in commercial areas • Consider only if staying in West Knoxville • Limited benefit for most travelers |
Peak Rental Periods: University of Tennessee football home games (September-November), graduation weekends and fall foliage season (October) create high demand. Book well in advance for these periods.
On average, car rentals at McGhee Tyson Airport cost around $58 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $28 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown rates: Airport pickups add ~11-15 % in fees but save a $25-30 rideshare. Get quotes for both then do the math based on your schedule and hotel location.
Peak dates = book early, other times = watch & rebook: Lock in 2-3 months ahead for UT football weekends or mid-October leaf season. For winter or spring trips, set free price alerts and re-reserve if rates dip.
Pick the smallest car that fits your crew: Smoky Mountain roads and Knoxville garages are paved and tight. Economy/compact classes are cheaper and sip less gas.
Shorten the rental period: Hang in downtown with the free Knoxville Trolley, then collect wheels only for your mountain days. Cutting even one day can save $50-$80.
Knoxville Area Parking:
University Area: Restricted during weekdays; visitor permits required or use designated visitor lots
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Now requires a tag for stays longer than 15 minutes
Important Local Driving Rules:
Speed Limits:
A rental car lets you explore East Tennessee and neighboring states at your own pace.
Book a rental car to drive to:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – trails, Cades Cove, Newfound Gap
Pigeon Forge and Dollywood – theme park, outlet malls, dinner shows
Downtown Knoxville – Market Square, Tennessee Riverfront, museums
University of Tennessee – Neyland Stadium, campus events, sports venues
Chattanooga – Tennessee Aquarium, Lookout Mountain, riverfront
Asheville, North Carolina – Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, arts district
How long does it take to pick up a rental car at TYS?
Travelers usually get their car in 10-15 minutes once they're at the rental desk. TYS is a smaller airport, so you'll find it runs smoothly and has shorter lines than bigger airports.
What's the best vehicle type for visiting the Great Smoky Mountains?
A standard car is good enough for the main park roads because they are kept in good shape. An SUV gives you more comfort on curvy roads and sits higher off the ground for some gravel pull-offs. In winter, you might want an AWD vehicle if there's a chance of snow.
Can I take a one-way rental from TYS to another city?
Yes, many people rent a car one-way, especially to go between Knoxville and Nashville or to nearby cities like Asheville, NC. You'll usually pay small fees for dropping the car off in the same state. Dropping it off in another state may cost more.
How early should I book my rental car for fall foliage season?
You should book your car at least 2-3 months early for an October trip. That's the busiest time because many tourists come to see the fall colors. You should also book that far ahead for University of Tennessee home football game weekends.
Are snow chains needed for winter driving in the Smoky Mountains?
Rental companies usually don't offer snow chains. Instead of requiring chains, the park service will close roads they think are unsafe. If you visit in winter, you should check for road closures in the park. An AWD vehicle is a good idea if snow is possible.
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