Knoxville Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Knoxville Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

they had this funny idea a while back to put an entire row of dozens and dozens of rocking chairs by the huge open glass window in the center of the terminal – wc

TYS Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport.

What to expect

Knoxville Airport (code: TYS) has a small but quaint two-level terminal with several eateries and shops. All restaurants and shops are closed between 7:00 PM and 4:30 AM, so plan accordingly if you plan to stay overnight. WiFi is available to help pass the time. There are no private lounges at this airport.

Sleeping in Knoxville Airport

After security checkpoints close for the night, all passengers are restricted to the landside areas, and security must be re-cleared the next day when the checkpoints open. There are padded, armrest-free benches located throughout the terminal that may be conducive to sleep. One reviewer found quiet, semi-private, carpeted nooks underneath the stairwells in the baggage claim area. For uninterrupted sleep, an airport hotel is linked to the terminal by a covered walkway. Other hotels are within a quick shuttle ride of the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Knoxville Airport Guide.

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Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in Knoxville airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near the airport:

Hotel at the Airport

Hilton Knoxville Airport – Connected to the airport via a covered walkway.

Nearby Hotels with Airport Shuttles

Courtyard Knoxville Airport Alcoa (0.5 mi)
Tru by Hilton Alcoa Knoxville Airport (0.5 mi)
La Quinta Inn & Suites Knoxville Airport (0.6 mi)
Fairfield Inn & Suites Knoxville Airport Alcoa (0.6 mi)

Best Western Knoxville Airport/Alcoa (0.6 mi)
Candlewood Suites Knoxville Airport Alcoa by IHG (0.7 mi)
Hampton Inn Knoxville Airport (0.9 mi)

Airport Lounges

There are no pay-per-use lounges at the airport.

Drinking Water

A reader tells us there are multiple filtered water stations with fountains and bottle-filling. (June 2025)

Food & Drinks

Food concessions generally open early in the morning and close in the evening, with many operating roughly 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM, though hours may vary depending on flight schedules. Dining options include: Cinnabon • Express by Uno • Quiznos Subs • Ruby Tuesday • Starbucks.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

Charging stations and power outlets are available throughout the terminal.

Showers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at Knoxville Airport.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Art in the Airport – Art exhibits are displayed throughout the terminal.
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limits if travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside • Airside, near Ruby Tuesday.
Baby Care Facilities – Mamava nursing pods are available for mothers who need a private space to breastfeed or pump. Location: Airside.
Currency Exchange – Not available.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is not available. A small convenience shop selling snacks, drinks, and reading materials is available landside and airside. Hours: 4:30 AM – 8:00 PM.
Information Desk – Have questions? Visit the airport information desk for assistance. Location: Lower Level, Arrivals Hall, near Baggage Claim. Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Airlines

Knoxville Airport is served by the following airlines: Allegiant Airlines • American Airlines • Delta Air Lines • Frontier Airlines • United Airlines.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Car Rentals

The following car rental agencies are available on-site: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Payless. Location: on the lower level near the baggage claim.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Taxi

Metered taxis are readily available in the ground transportation area.

Last updated: 2026-03-04

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.