UT Knoxville: fly or drive?
Should you fly or drive to visit UT Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee? The nearest airport is TYS (Knoxville McGhee Tyson, 20 min from campus). Here's how to decide based on where you're coming from.
Fri, Sep 11 → Sun, Sep 13, 2026 · 2 nights · 2 adults
2 nights
2 adults
The short answer
It depends. Drive if you're under 4 hours away; fly if over 7. Between 4 and 7 hours, drive for two colleges (the car's flexibility wins) and fly for one (the time savings wins).
Nearest airport
Airport
TYS
Knoxville McGhee Tyson
Drive to campus
20 min
without traffic
Backup airport
—
none nearby
Fly-in program
No
standard visit
Drive times from major metros
| From | Distance | Drive time | Recommend |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 742 mi | 15 h 09 m | Fly |
| Chicago, IL | 537 mi | 10 h 57 m | Either |
| Atlanta, GA | 183 mi | 3 h 44 m | Drive |
| Dallas, TX | 904 mi | 18 h 27 m | Fly |
| Los Angeles, CA | 2286 mi | 46 h 39 m | Fly |
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Hotels in Knoxville
14 hotels within 3 mi of UT Knoxville
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Flights to TYS
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