Getting to Margaritaville Island Hotel from nearby airports
The nearest major airport to Margaritaville Island Hotel is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) — plan on about a 55-minute drive. For private or small-plane arrivals, Gatlinburg–Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT) is the closest general aviation field (around 4–5 miles).
In this guide
Which airports serve Pigeon Forge
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is the nearest major commercial airport used by most visitors to Margaritaville Island Hotel. Sources list it at roughly 32–36 miles from the hotel, which is commonly a drive of about 55 minutes in normal traffic.
Gatlinburg–Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT) is a small general aviation field about 4.6 miles from the hotel and suits private aircraft or charter flights. Other regional alternatives sometimes listed include Asheville Regional Airport and Moore-Murrell Airport (Morristown).
- McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS): nearest major commercial airport
- Gatlinburg–Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT): nearest general aviation field
- Asheville Regional Airport and Moore-Murrell (Morristown) listed sometimes as regional options
| Airport | Type | Approx. distance / typical drive |
|---|---|---|
| McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) | Major commercial | About 32–36 miles / ~55 minutes |
| Gatlinburg–Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT) | General aviation | About 4.6 miles / short drive |
| Asheville Regional / Moore-Murrell | Regional alternatives | Varies; listed as options by some sources |
Driving from McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
Most travelers rent a car at TYS or use a taxi/ride-share. Expect roughly a 55-minute drive under light traffic conditions; travel times can increase during peak tourist season or local events.
The hotel address to use for GPS is 131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, 37863. Margaritaville Island Hotel offers on-site self-parking and valet parking for a surcharge; parking policies and fees may vary, so confirm current rates with the front desk.
- Route: follow airport exit toward I‑40 East / I‑75 South, then follow regional directions toward Pigeon Forge — check current navigation for the best route.
- Parking: on-site self-parking and valet are available (fees vary).
- If you plan to rent a car, confirm vehicle drop-off/pick-up hours with the rental company.
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Rental car | Most flexible option; parking at hotel is available for a surcharge |
| Taxi / ride-share | Direct door-to-door; fares vary by provider and time of day |
| Private shuttle / limo | Can be arranged in advance with local providers; hotel does not provide complimentary airport transport |
If you’re flying into Gatlinburg–Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT)
GKT is a small field primarily used by private pilots and charters and sits only a few miles from the hotel. Ground transport options are more limited than at a major commercial airport, so confirm arrangements in advance.
Because GKT is close, many private pilots or small-group charters will arrange a short shuttle, taxi, or a pre-booked transfer to Margaritaville Island Hotel.
- Distance: about 4.6 miles (short drive).
- Confirm ground transport availability with your charter operator or local taxi service before arrival.
- If you intend to hire a car, check rental availability at the field or pick up at a nearby larger airport.
| Transport from GKT | Practical tip |
|---|---|
| Pre-arranged shuttle / charter transfer | Best when arranged ahead with your operator |
| Taxi / local car service | Short ride; availability can be limited at certain times |
| Rental car from nearby location | May require a short drive to a rental office |
Public transport, shuttles, and ride-shares
The hotel does not provide complimentary airport transfers; travelers should arrange private shuttles, taxis, or ride-share services as needed. Local shuttle and limo companies operate in the Sevier County area and can be booked in advance.
Pigeon Forge also has a local trolley/tram system with stops near The Island complex, useful for getting around town once you’re here, but it is not an airport link.
- Pre-book a private shuttle or airport transfer if you prefer a driver waiting on arrival.
- Ride-share apps typically work between TYS and Pigeon Forge; fares vary by time and demand.
- Local trolley: convenient for short trips around Pigeon Forge and stops near The Island — not a direct airport option.
| Service | Best use |
|---|---|
| Private shuttle / limo | Groups, door-to-door service from airport |
| Taxi / ride-share | Solo travelers or small groups without luggage constraints |
| City trolley | Easy town travel once you’re at The Island; not an airport transfer |
Arriving at Margaritaville Island Hotel — what to expect
Use 131 The Island Drive for your GPS and follow signs to The Island complex in Pigeon Forge. The hotel is located inside The Island entertainment and retail complex, a short walk from the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel and The Island’s fountain plaza.
Check-in at Margaritaville Island Hotel begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM. The property requires the guest making the reservation and checking in to be at least 21 years old and to present valid photo ID at arrival.
- Address: 131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.
- Check-in/check-out: 4:00 PM check-in; 11:00 AM check-out.
- Minimum check-in age: 21 for the person making the reservation.
| Facility / feature | Guest note |
|---|---|
| Rooms | Two room types: Deluxe Room (1 King Bed) and Standard Room (2 Queen Beds) |
| Resort fee | An Island Destination Fee is applied to reservations and covers Wi‑Fi, pool and fitness access, bell service, live entertainment and two welcome margaritas at the Chill Bar |
| Parking | Self-parking and valet are available for a surcharge; confirm current fees |
Practical tips for airport arrivals
If you plan to rent a car, confirm drop-off instructions for your return trip and allow extra time for drive‑time when traveling to the airport. Peak tourist seasons can add travel time between Pigeon Forge and regional airports.
If you’re arriving late at night, verify taxi and ride-share availability ahead of time. For travelers with small planes or charters, coordinate ground transport pickup at GKT in advance.
- Confirm parking and shuttle details with the hotel before arrival if you plan to use valet or long‑term parking.
- Have the hotel phone number handy: BookResorts agents (24/7) +1 (888) 605-1350 for booking support — the hotel’s front desk can confirm current local transport options.
- Keep proof of ID for the minimum check-in age requirement (21+).
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Arriving by commercial flight (TYS) | Rent a car or pre-book a private transfer; allow ~55 minutes to drive |
| Flying private into GKT | Arrange a short ground transfer in advance |
| Visiting during peak season | Expect longer drive times; plan pickups and returns with buffer time |
