Atlanta to Knoxville Flights: How to Get From ATL to TYS Smoothly
If you’re in Atlanta and need to fly to Knoxville, Tennessee, you’re looking at one of the quicker, easier regional trips in the Southeast. Whether you live in Atlanta, are flying through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), or are planning a round-trip from Atlanta to Knoxville and back, understanding your options can save time, money, and stress.
This guide walks you through airline options, flight times, booking tips, airport logistics, and alternatives—all with an Atlanta-first perspective.
Key Facts About Atlanta–Knoxville Flights
Route basics:
- Departure: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Arrival: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) – just south of Knoxville, TN
- Nonstop flight time: Usually about 45–60 minutes in the air
- Total door-to-door time: Often 3–4 hours once you factor in airport arrival, security, and ground travel
Typical Airlines and Flight Frequency
From Atlanta, major domestic carriers may operate this short hop, most commonly:
- Full-service airlines with regional jets connecting ATL to TYS
- Occasional seasonal or schedule-adjusted service depending on demand
Because Hartsfield-Jackson is a major hub, Atlanta often has:
- Multiple daily departures to Knoxville on busy travel days
- Early morning and evening options that work well for same-day round trips for business or events
Schedules and carriers can change, so it’s best to:
- Check directly with airlines that serve ATL
- Use a flight search tool to compare nonstop vs. one-stop options if nonstop service is limited on certain dates
How Long Is the Flight From Atlanta to Knoxville?
The air distance between Atlanta and Knoxville is relatively short, so you’ll spend less than an hour in the air on a nonstop flight.
What to expect time-wise:
- Boarding and taxi time: 20–40 minutes
- Flight time: Roughly 45–60 minutes gate-to-gate on a direct flight
- Airport processes:
- Arrive at ATL 90 minutes to 2 hours before departure for domestic flights
- On arrival at TYS, allow 20–30 minutes for deplaning and baggage claim
For most Atlanta travelers, the time at the airport is longer than the time in the sky, so planning your ground transportation and timing at ATL is just as important as the flight itself.
Best Time to Book Atlanta–Knoxville Flights
Because Atlanta–Knoxville is a short regional route, prices can move quickly with demand, especially around:
- University of Tennessee home games and events in Knoxville
- Holidays and long weekends
- Major conferences, concerts, and festivals in either city
General patterns Atlanta travelers often find useful:
- Book early if you know your dates—regional flights can fill up quickly
- Look at midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday) for more consistent pricing
- Early morning or late evening flights are sometimes less expensive than peak mid-day options
If you’re flying from Atlanta for a same-day trip to Knoxville (for business, court, or a game), aim for:
- The earliest morning departure
- A flexible or changeable return ticket, in case your plans run long
What Atlanta Travelers Should Know About ATL for This Flight
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main information line: (800) 897-1910
Terminals and Check-In
Most flights from Atlanta to Knoxville leave from the Domestic Terminal:
- North Terminal or South Terminal check-in, depending on your airline
- After check-in and security, you’ll use the Plane Train to reach your departure concourse (A, B, C, D, E, or F for domestic flights)
Tips for Atlanta-based travelers:
- If you live in-town, give yourself extra time for traffic on I-75/I-85 or Camp Creek Parkway
- MARTA’s Airport Station drops you inside the Domestic Terminal—useful if you’re coming from Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or Sandy Springs
- Parking options at ATL include:
- Park-Ride lots (economy)
- North and South Daily parking decks
- Off-airport private parking near Virginia Avenue and surrounding areas
Security Considerations
Because ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world, security lines can be unpredictable:
- Plan for 30–45 minutes at security, longer during morning rush (6–9 a.m.) and Sunday evenings
- Programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are available at ATL and can significantly reduce wait times for frequent flyers
What to Expect at McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
2055 Alcoa Hwy
Alcoa, TN 37701
Main information line: (865) 342-3000
From Atlanta, arriving at TYS is usually low-stress compared to ATL:
- Compact terminal – short walking distances from gate to exit
- Baggage claim is close to the arrivals area
- Rental car counters and ground transportation are inside or directly outside the terminal
Ground transportation from TYS into Knoxville:
- Drive time: Approximately 20–25 minutes to downtown Knoxville
- Options often include:
- Airport rental cars
- Taxis and rideshare services
- Some hotel shuttles (check directly with your Knoxville hotel)
For Atlanta-based travelers, this setup makes it reasonable to:
- Land in TYS, pick up a rental car, and drive to UT Knoxville, downtown, or surrounding areas quite quickly
- Fly up and back in a single day if you only need a few hours on the ground
Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights From Atlanta to Knoxville
When flying from Atlanta, you may see two main options:
1. Nonstop Flights (Preferred for Most Travelers)
Pros:
- Fastest total travel time
- Fewer opportunities for delays or missed connections
- Better for tight schedules, business trips, or same-day round-trips
Cons:
- Limited seat availability compared to major trunk routes
- Fewer flight time choices on some dates
2. Connecting Flights (Usually Not Necessary – But Possible)
Occasionally, itineraries may route you through another city if direct options are limited or sold out.
Pros:
- More options if nonstop flights are full or not operating that day
- Potentially lower fare in rare cases, depending on sales and demand
Cons:
- Can more than double your travel time
- Higher risk of delays and missed connections
- Less appealing given the short distance between Atlanta and Knoxville
For most people living in or visiting Atlanta, a nonstop ATL–TYS flight is the most practical choice when available.
Cost-Saving Strategies for Atlanta–Knoxville Flights
For Atlanta consumers, especially frequent regional travelers, a few habits can help keep costs manageable:
- Be flexible with times: Early morning or late evening flights may cost less than prime mid-day departures
- Consider off-peak days: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday often see more stable fares
- Watch for major events: Check if Knoxville has a big event (e.g., football, festivals) when you plan to travel—booking earlier can help
- Compare round-trip vs. one-way fares: Sometimes a round-trip from ATL prices better than two one-way tickets
- Use ATL’s hub advantage: You may find more competition and route options from Atlanta compared to smaller originating cities
If you’re based in Metro Atlanta—say in Marietta, Decatur, Alpharetta, or College Park—factor in your ground travel cost and time as part of your total trip budget.
Packing and Timing Tips for a Short Regional Flight
Because the Atlanta–Knoxville route is short, small changes can make your trip much smoother.
Packing
- If possible, use a carry-on only to skip baggage claim on arrival in Knoxville
- Keep essentials (ID, phone, charger, medication, itinerary) in a small personal item
- Weather between Atlanta and Knoxville is often similar, but Knoxville can be slightly cooler—pack a light layer if traveling in fall or winter
Timing From Atlanta
From in-town Atlanta (Downtown/Midtown):
- Plan 35–60 minutes to reach ATL in normal traffic via car or rideshare
- MARTA is often more predictable during rush hours
From suburbs (Alpharetta, Marietta, Peachtree City, etc.):
- Give yourself extra buffer for I-285 and I-75/I-85 congestion
- For very early flights, consider staying at an airport-area hotel near Virginia Avenue or Camp Creek Parkway the night before
When Driving Might Compete With Flying
Some Atlanta residents debate whether to fly or drive to Knoxville.
- Driving distance: Around 3.5–4 hours by car from Atlanta to Knoxville, depending on traffic and route
- Consider driving if:
- You’re traveling with family and want to avoid multiple tickets
- You’ll need a car extensively in Knoxville and prefer to avoid a separate rental
- You prefer to avoid airport security and wait times
Flying from ATL to TYS can still be worthwhile if:
- You’re already at ATL as part of a connecting itinerary
- You need to minimize time on the road
- You have status or perks that make air travel more efficient (priority security, lounge access, etc.)
Practical Next Steps for Atlanta Travelers
If you’re planning an Atlanta–Knoxville flight, a simple step-by-step approach:
- Confirm your dates and time flexibility (especially around events in Knoxville).
- Check airlines that operate from ATL for nonstop ATL–TYS options.
- Compare departure times from ATL and arrival times at TYS based on when you need to be in Knoxville.
- Plan your transport to ATL (MARTA, rideshare, or parking) with realistic traffic expectations.
- Decide whether you’ll check a bag or carry on based on the length of stay.
- If needed, arrange ground transportation from TYS (rental car, taxi, or rideshare) ahead of time.
For Atlanta-based consumers, this route is one of the more manageable short flights: quick in the air, reasonable on the ground, and well-supported by both Hartsfield-Jackson and McGhee Tyson Airport. With a bit of planning around flight times and transportation, it can be a very efficient way to get between Atlanta and Knoxville.