Uber and Lyft use the designated pickup area outside baggage claim; follow airport signs and the app's pickup point.
FAA rank #80 · Small hub
TYSKnoxville
McGhee Tyson
Verified September 1, 2026
The short answer
TYS is simple, but peak Smokies and football weekends are real. Economy is $13 with a shuttle; pay $22 for the garage when convenience wins.
Arrival planner
When should I be at TYS?
Enter the departure time shown on your ticket.
Recommended airport arrival—:—
Enter your departure time
We’ll work backward from the airport’s recommendation.
2 hours before departure
This is your airport arrival time—not the time to leave home. Airline check-in and bag-drop cutoffs still apply.
Security peakApproximately 4:30–8 AM, fall football weekends, summer vacations, and holidays
01
Security
What you’re walking into
TYS has a central checkpoint with TSA PreCheck. Early morning leisure flights and peak Smokies/University of Tennessee weekends create the longest queues.
Check live security wait times before leaving ↗TSA PreCheck● Yes
CLEAR● No
Global Entry● No
Mobile Passport● No
02
Official parking
What it costs
Economy Lots C/G$13/day24/7 accessible shuttle about every 15 minutes
Terminal Parking$16/dayWalkable terminal-area parking
Garage$22/dayCovered and closest
03
Ground transportation
Don’t stand at the wrong curb
Rental-car counters are on the lower level near baggage claim, with vehicles in the adjacent garage area.
TYS has one terminal with connected concourses beyond the checkpoint; no terminal shuttle is required.
The free Phone & Wait Lot is behind the Airport Hilton; remain with the vehicle until the passenger is ready.
04
Airport essentials
Everything else worth knowing
Free Wi-Fi● Yes
USO lounge● No
Pet relief● Yes
EV chargingCharging is available in designated terminal parking areas; confirm availability before arrival.
SmokingSmoking and vaping are prohibited inside the terminal.
OvernightThe terminal supports early departures, but overnight amenities and checkpoint access are limited.
Sources & freshness
Trust the facts. Check the source.
Verified September 1, 2026. Time-sensitive details can change without notice.
TYS current parking map and rates↗TYS passenger FAQs↗TYS amenities and pickup↗TYS airport guide↗