What's the closest airport to Dollywood? Be prepared for a Smoky Mountain road trip

Dollywood is one of the most popular theme parks in the country, and its location plays a big role in drawing visitors.

Thanks to the famous Exit 407 near Pigeon Forge along Interstate 40, Dollywood is easily accessible for millions of people in the South and along the East Coast. Families from Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati and other nearby major cities who are looking for a quick getaway flock to the park. And a road trip through the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains is just a bonus.

But for folks further out north and west, flying in is the more efficient option to enjoy all the fun Dollywood offers. So, which airport do you need to book your ticket for?

Where is Dollywood located?

Dollywood, along with its two resorts and water park, is in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The theme park honoring Dolly Parton is nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, just a few miles from where Parton was born and raised in Sevierville.

It was Parton’s dream to build a theme park in East Tennessee to honor her parents and all the people who live in the Smokies.

“I'm proud to be a Smoky Mountain girl,” Parton told Knox News in 2023. “Home is in my heart. These mountains, I’ve always cared (about them).”

What’s the nearest airport to Dollywood?

The nearest commercial airport to Dollywood with flights from across the country is not in the Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg area. It’s over 35 miles away from the park, near Knoxville. More specifically, the airport is in Alcoa.

The nearest airport to Dollywood is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Alcoa. The hub serves the East Tennessee region with flights via American Airlines, Delta, United, and budget airlines Allegiant, Avelo and Frontier.

McGhee Tyson has over 25 nonstop flights to and from major cities including Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, New York and Phoenix.

How to get from the airport to Dollywood?

Dollywood is about 37-47 miles away from McGhee Tyson depending on the route you take. Ground transportation is needed to get to the theme park from the airport. And because the drive is from the Tennessee Valley into the mountains, the ride can be around one hour.

Rental cars, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available from McGhee Tyson Airport. Dollywood does not have a shuttle service connected to the airport, but shuttles and trollies are available to and from Dollywood resorts, theme park and water park.

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Dollywood: What airport do you fly into for a Pigeon Forge adventure?