Getting around Gatlinburg and the resort (trolley, car, rideshare)
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park sits on a steep Gatlinburg hillside with a free Gatlinburg Trolley stop on property (Purple Route) for easy trips to the Parkway. Many guests still choose to drive—there is free self-parking—or use local taxis/rideshares for point-to-point trips and airport transfers.
In this guide
On-site Gatlinburg Trolley stop
Westgate has a Gatlinburg Trolley stop on the resort property served by the town's color-coded routes; the Purple Route connects the Gatlinburg Welcome Center, Westgate Resorts, and the Parkway between Traffic Lights 1 and 5. The trolley is free to ride with no fare or passes required.
Service frequency and hours vary seasonally (winter hours are shorter than summer); expect less frequent service in colder months and more frequent/later service in summer. Check local trolley schedules for exact stop times on the day you travel.
- Free to ride, no fare or ticket required
- Purple Route serves Westgate and the Gatlinburg Parkway
- Good option for short trips to downtown attractions and shops
| What it’s good for | Notes |
|---|---|
| Parkway shopping, Ripley’s Aquarium, Space Needle | Direct access via Purple Route |
| Anakeesta / Ober Gatlinburg | May require a short walk or transfer depending on route |
| Late-night return | Service windows vary seasonally—confirm times |
Driving and parking at the resort
Westgate offers free self-parking for guests; there is no internal resort shuttle. The resort is built into a steep hillside, so some parking/paths involve steps or ramps between lodges and amenities.
A rental car is a common choice for visitors who plan multiple drives into the national park, Dollywood, or Pigeon Forge. Driving times vary by destination and traffic—many downtown Gatlinburg Parkway attractions are only a few minutes away by car.
- Free self-parking and accessible parking available
- No on-site guest shuttle—plan for walking up/down slopes between buildings
- Rental cars are widely used and convenient for day trips
| Destination | Typical drive |
|---|---|
| Downtown Gatlinburg / Parkway attractions | A few minutes by car |
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park (park entrance) | Roughly a short drive; check route for exact time |
| McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) | About 1 hour to 80 minutes by car |
Taxis and rideshare (Uber / Lyft)
Taxis and rideshare services operate in the Gatlinburg area and are commonly used for airport transfers and direct trips around town. There is no guaranteed hotel-arranged rideshare; hail through the app or call a local taxi company.
Expect typical wait times for pick-up to vary by time of day and season—summer and weekends will be busiest. Rideshare is a practical option if you don’t want to park downtown or during peak Parkway traffic.
- Useful for airport transfers from McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
- Good for door-to-door travel when trolley routing doesn’t match your plan
- Costs vary by distance, demand, and time of day
| Best use | When to choose |
|---|---|
| Short, direct trips (late-night, odd hours) | When trolley isn’t running or you have luggage |
| Airport runs | When you prefer a single direct trip rather than transfers |
| Families with gear | If you have strollers, coolers, or many bags |
Getting to Wild Bear Falls Water Park and resort venues
Wild Bear Falls Water Park is a short walk from the Westgate villas; guests should expect to follow resort paths rather than an internal shuttle. Water park admission is sold separately for most reservations, so plan to buy tickets if you want entry.
On-site dining areas (Southern Comfort, The Marketplace, Mountain Pizza, Roaring Fork) and the Mountain Top Pool Bar are all within the resort grounds and reachable on foot from most rooms and villas.
- Wild Bear Falls: short walk from the villas; tickets usually purchased separately
- Roaring Fork Snack Bar is inside the water park (second floor)
- The Marketplace is located across from the water park for grab-and-go items
| Venue | How to get there from rooms |
|---|---|
| Wild Bear Falls Water Park | Short walk on resort paths |
| Southern Comfort / Lobby Bar | Walk to the main lodge lobby area |
| Mountain Top Pool Bar | Walk to the Mountain Top pool deck |
Accessibility, luggage, and walking on the hillside
The resort provides accessible routes to many facilities and a pool lift for mobility-impaired guests, but the property is built on a steep hillside. Ask the front desk about accessible parking, ramped pathways, and the best route to your specific building.
If you have heavy luggage or mobility concerns, request assistance at check-in. The Glass Room meeting facility and main lobby are on flatter ground near guest services, which can simplify drop-offs.
- Accessible ramps and pool lift available—ask front desk for details
- Resort terrain includes hills; expect stairs or sloped walks between buildings
- Front desk can assist with luggage or advise closest parking for your Villa, 1 Bedroom or other room type
| Room types (example) | Notes on access |
|---|---|
| Villa, 1 Bedroom | Walking distance to main amenities varies by building |
| Deluxe Villa, 1 Bedroom (King) | May be on different elevations—confirm at check-in |
| Room (Resort Select) | Closer to main lodge areas in some cases—ask for specifics |
Planning transfers from airports and nearby towns
There is no direct hotel shuttle from McGhee Tyson Airport; many travelers take a taxi or rideshare for the 1–1.5 hour drive. If you plan to fly into Asheville Regional (AVL) or use private aviation at Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT), check vehicle options in advance.
If you’ll be visiting multiple nearby sights—Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, or multiple trailheads—consider renting a car for flexibility and to avoid relying on variable local transit schedules.
- No official airport shuttle—use rideshare, taxi, or rental car
- McGhee Tyson Airport is the main commercial option (about 1 hour+ drive)
- Rental cars are practical for multi-destination days
| Airport | Typical ground option |
|---|---|
| McGhee Tyson (TYS) | Rideshare/taxi or rental car (1–80 minutes drive) |
| Asheville Regional (AVL) | Longer drive; rental car recommended |
| Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge (GKT) | Limited general aviation service; check ground transport options |
