How to get to Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park from the airports
The nearest major commercial airport for Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville; plan on about a 1-hour to 80-minute drive by car or taxi. Small local flights use Gatlinburg‑Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT) for general aviation, and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is an alternate; rental cars, rideshares/taxis, and the free Gatlinburg Trolley are the usual ways to reach the resort.
In this guide
Where the resort is and the nearest airports
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park is at 915 Westgate Resort Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738. The property sits on a hillside a short drive from downtown Gatlinburg and Wild Bear Falls Water Park.
For most travelers the closest large commercial airport is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville. Gatlinburg‑Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT) is nearby but serves limited general aviation and scenic flights; Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is a regional alternate.
- Address: 915 Westgate Resort Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Nearest major commercial airport: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), Knoxville
- Local/general aviation: Gatlinburg‑Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT)
- Alternate regional airport: Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
| Airport | Type | Typical travel option to resort |
|---|---|---|
| McGhee Tyson (TYS) | Major commercial | Rental car, taxi/rideshare, private transfer |
| Gatlinburg‑Pigeon Forge (GKT) | General aviation / limited flights | Taxi or rental car |
| Asheville Regional (AVL) | Regional commercial | Rental car or longer taxi/rideshare |
From McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) — typical route
Driving from McGhee Tyson Airport to Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park is the most common option. The drive time varies with traffic and route choice; public sources list roughly a one hour to 80‑minute drive.
There is no resort-operated airport shuttle service listed; travelers usually use rental cars, taxi or rideshare services from the airport.
- If you rent a car: follow I‑40 east toward Sevierville/Pigeon Forge and then take local roads into Gatlinburg (routes vary by GPS).
- Taxi or rideshare: commonly available at TYS; expect a direct trip to the resort (no public shuttle from the property).
- No on-site airport shuttle provided by Westgate — confirm any third‑party transfer when booking.
| Option | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Rental car | Flexible; free self-parking available at the resort |
| Taxi / Rideshare | Direct but subject to airport availability and surge pricing |
| Private transfer | Book ahead for fixed price and luggage assistance |
From Gatlinburg‑Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT)
Gatlinburg‑Pigeon Forge Airport is the closest by air distance but primarily handles general aviation and limited commercial/scenic flights. It does not offer the same commercial flight options as McGhee Tyson.
Ground options from GKT are typically taxi or rental car. Because service is limited, check flight schedules and transfer availability before relying on GKT for a commercial arrival.
- Taxi or local car service from GKT to the resort is the practical option.
- If you rent a car at GKT you’ll have the same convenience and free self-parking at the resort.
- Confirm arrival and departure services in advance since GKT has fewer scheduled commercial flights.
| Transport | Notes |
|---|---|
| Taxi / Car service | Usually available; book ahead when possible |
| Rental car | Good option if you plan to sightsee around the Smokies |
| Commercial flight options | Limited — verify schedules before booking |
From Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
Asheville (AVL) is a regional alternative for travelers who find better connections there. Driving from AVL to Gatlinburg is a longer trip than from Knoxville and typically requires a rental car or prearranged ground transfer.
If you land at AVL, factor in extra travel time and possible mountain driving; rental cars give the most flexibility for stops or scenic detours.
- Best used when flight schedules or fares at AVL are preferable.
- Rent a car at AVL for the most direct route to Gatlinburg and to use free self-parking at the resort.
- Check estimated drive time with GPS before travel — AVL is significantly farther than TYS.
| Why choose AVL | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Better flight options or fares | Longer ground time to Gatlinburg; plan accordingly |
| Scenic drive | Allows stops in western NC / park areas en route |
| No direct resort shuttle | Use rental car or private transfer |
Ground transport tips once you arrive in Gatlinburg
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park offers free self-parking for guests, which makes renting a car practical if you plan to visit multiple attractions around Gatlinburg and the national park. The resort is built into a hillside; check your reservation or call the resort if mobility or parking close to your building is a concern.
If you prefer not to drive around Gatlinburg, the free Gatlinburg Trolley serves the area and stops at Westgate Resorts (Purple Route). The trolley is fare-free year-round and runs on color-coded routes that link the Parkway and nearby attractions.
- Free self-parking is available at the resort (no on-site airport shuttle).
- Gatlinburg Trolley: free to ride; Purple Route stops at Westgate — good for short trips along the Parkway.
- If using rideshare or taxi within Gatlinburg, services are commonly used but can vary by time of day and season.
| Local option | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Rental car | If you want flexibility to visit Great Smoky Mountains NP, Pigeon Forge, or Dollywood |
| Gatlinburg Trolley | For short rides on the Parkway and to avoid parking downtown |
| Taxi / Rideshare | When you prefer door‑to‑door service without renting a car |
Arrival notes for your stay
Check-in at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park starts at 4:00 P.M.; the reservation holder must be at least 21 years old with a matching photo ID and credit card for check‑in. Check-out is at 10:00 A.M.
Keep in mind Wild Bear Falls Water Park admission is generally sold separately from most room reservations, so budget for water-park tickets if that is a reason for your visit. If you need help arranging ground transfers, the resort concierge can advise on local options.
- Check-in time: 4:00 P.M.; check-out: 10:00 A.M.
- Reservation holder must be 21+ with matching photo ID and credit card to check in.
- Water park admission (Wild Bear Falls) is usually not included and must be purchased separately for most stays.
| Useful contacts | Why call |
|---|---|
| Westgate reservations / BookResorts agents | Questions about arrival, room type, or assistance — +1 (888) 605-1350 |
| Resort concierge | Ground-transport recommendations and local schedules |
| Car rental desks | Arrange pickup at airport for a direct drive to the resort |
