$49 Cheap Flights to Gatlinburg, TN

Flights to Gatlinburg at a glance

Traveling to Gatlinburg is easy; you can choose from various full-service or budget airlines. Compare travel times and find the best option that fits your budget and schedule, all while planning to discover the city's well-known attractions and vibrant neighborhoods. Look for cheap flights to Gatlinburg to save even more!

• Major airports near Gatlinburg: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
• Closest (typical) airport to Gatlinburg: McGhee Tyson Airport, TYS (around 27 miles)
• Flights per week: 3,200+ flights arriving across Gatlinburg airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Gatlinburg: around 15+ carriers

Popular airports near Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is an exciting city perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, offering stunning scenery and a variety of outdoor activities. It's a popular destination for families and those looking for entertainment. Travelers can conveniently reach Gatlinburg via two major airports: Tyson Airport and TYS Airport.

• McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS): Situated in Blount County, Tennessee, approximately 27 miles from Gatlinburg, this airport offers both domestic and international flights, connecting to over 185 domestic cities and more than 30 international locations. Travelers have the option to enhance their journey with premium economy and first-class seating for greater comfort, depending on the specific airline and route. Major airlines operating here include American Airlines, Delta, and United.
• Asheville Regional Airport (AVL): Found in Buncombe County, North Carolina, about 58 miles from Gatlinburg, this airport provides access to both domestic and international routes, linking to around 140 domestic cities and over 15 international destinations. Passengers can opt for first-class and premium economy seating for a more comfortable travel experience, depending on the airline and route. Key airlines that serve this airport include American Airlines, Delta, and United.

Top routes to Gatlinburg

• New York (JFK/LGA) to Gatlinburg (TYS/AVL), with one-way fares starting at around $90
• Chicago (ORD/MDW) to Gatlinburg (TYS/AVL), with one-way flight options from around $95
• Denver (DEN) to Gatlinburg (TYS/AVL), with one-way flights starting at around $65
• Houston (IAH/HOU) to Gatlinburg (TYS/AVL), with one-way flight options from around $100
• Boston (BOS) to Gatlinburg (TYS/AVL), with one-way tickets available from around $90

Cheapest routes to Gatlinburg

• Denver (DEN) to Gatlinburg (TYS/AVL), with cheap one-way fares from around $65
• Minneapolis (MSP) to Gatlinburg (TYS/AVL), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $65
• Miami (MIA) to Gatlinburg (TYS/AVL), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $80
• Boston (BOS) to Gatlinburg (TYS/AVL), with low one-way fares from around $90
• New York (JFK/LGA) to Gatlinburg (TYS/AVL), with cheap one-way fares from around $90

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Gatlinburg

• American Airlines: Operating flights to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), this carrier represents roughly 51% of Gatlinburg's arrivals. The typical one-way fare is about $260, with first-class service available on certain routes.
• Delta: With routes to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), Delta accounts for around 28% of the arrivals in Gatlinburg. The average one-way ticket price is approximately $270, featuring options for premium economy and first class based on the route.
• United: Serving McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), United provides about 18% of Gatlinburg's incoming flights. Average fares for one-way trips are around $290, with first-class service available on select routes.
• Frontier Airlines: Offering flights to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), Frontier Airlines handles about 1% of arrivals in Gatlinburg. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of approximately $190, making it a budget-friendly choice.
• Southwest Airlines: Flying into McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), Southwest Airlines contributes roughly 1% of arrivals to Gatlinburg. The average fare for a one-way journey is around $250, appealing to many travelers seeking value.

Best time to fly to Gatlinburg

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Gatlinburg are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Gatlinburg can reach up to 55.8°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 67.3°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $226, roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? September, July, and February offer average one-way fares of around $240, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Gatlinburg

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Gatlinburg is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Gatlinburg hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Gatlinburg flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Gatlinburg efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Gatlinburg, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Gatlinburg is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Gatlinburg on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay in and around Gatlinburg

• Pigeon Forge: Located 6 miles drive away from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge is a vibrant city known for its family-friendly adventures and outdoor experiences. Visitors flock here for attractions that include the thrilling Dollywood amusement park, the scenic Island at Pigeon Forge, and the educational Titanic Museum. Whether you're looking to enjoy a fun-filled day at a water park or explore the nearby national state park, Pigeon Forge offers a variety of activities that cater to all ages.
• Wears Valley: Wears Valley is located 8 miles drive away from Gatlinburg and is an ideal neighborhood for those seeking outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenery. This area is perfect for hiking, exploring the national park, or simply enjoying the stunning mountain views. Key highlights include The Island at Pigeon Forge for family fun, the Titanic Museum for a cultural experience, and the versatile LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge for events and conferences.
• Chalet Village: Chalet Village is located around the area of Gatlinburg, offering a unique blend of adventure and natural beauty. This picturesque neighborhood is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with easy access to skiing and water parks. Notable attractions nearby include the majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park, ideal for scenic hikes, the Gatlinburg Convention Center for business gatherings, and Anakeesta, a family-friendly theme park that promises a delightful experience in a charming setting.

Tips for short-haul flights to Gatlinburg

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Maximize space by using mini toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and coordinating outfits effectively. This also allows you to bypass waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights might not provide in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself occupied. Be sure to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it’s advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Gatlinburg

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often provide free seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours prior to your flight. Some airlines allow you to select your seat even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to be at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you have spare time, explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Gatlinburg

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Gatlinburg on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

September is the cheapest month to fly to Gatlinburg. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Gatlinburg. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Gatlinburg, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Gatlinburg

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Gatlinburg in 2026 starts from $83, while one-way tickets start from from $49. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Gatlinburg. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Gatlinburg

Allegiant Air, Delta, United, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Gatlinburg. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Gatlinburg and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Gatlinburg, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Gatlinburg. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Gatlinburg plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Gatlinburg

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Gatlinburg.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Gatlinburg are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Gatlinburg. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Gatlinburg for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Gatlinburg. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Gatlinburg flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Gatlinburg. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.