Getting around Pigeon Forge and The Island — public transit and driving tips
If you’re staying at Margaritaville Island Hotel, driving is the most flexible option (the hotel offers on-site self-parking and valet for a surcharge); The Island entertainment complex and many restaurants and attractions are within easy walking distance. Pigeon Forge also runs a local trolley/tram system with nearby stops for longer routes, and rideshare/taxis serve the area when you want door-to-door service.
In this guide
- Getting to Pigeon Forge and the hotel
- Driving and parking at Margaritaville Island Hotel
- Walking around The Island and accessing the hotel on foot
- Using public transit: trolley, tram and shuttle options
- Rideshare, taxis and local shuttles
- Driving to nearby attractions (Dollywood, Great Smoky Mountains)
- Practical tips and accessibility
Getting to Pigeon Forge and the hotel
The nearest major commercial airport is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) near Knoxville; travel time to Margaritaville Island Hotel is commonly listed at roughly 55 minutes by car depending on traffic. There is no complimentary airport shuttle from the hotel listed in the hotel facts.
If you’re arriving by small or private aircraft, Gatlinburg–Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT) is about 4–5 miles away. From either airport, rental cars, taxis, and rideshare services are the usual options to reach the hotel.
- Hotel address to give drivers or navigation: 131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.
- BookResorts agents (24/7) can be reached at +1 (888) 605-1350 for booking help or questions about arrival.
- Confirm current traffic and route times before you leave—drive times vary by season and events in Pigeon Forge.
| Airport | Typical drive time |
|---|---|
| McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) | About 55 minutes (varies with traffic) |
| Gatlinburg–Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT) | About 10–20 minutes |
Driving and parking at Margaritaville Island Hotel
Margaritaville Island Hotel offers self-parking and valet parking on site; both are listed as available for a surcharge and include in/out privileges. Third-party sites vary in how they describe parking, so confirm current fees and options with the front desk on arrival.
The hotel is located on The Island complex, so expect pedestrian traffic and short, slow-moving streets nearby. If you have heavy luggage, porter/bellhop service is available to help with bags.
- Self-parking: on-site (surcharge reported on third-party sites).
- Valet parking: available (surcharge reported with in/out privileges).
- EV charging stations: available on site according to property facts.
- If you plan to leave and return frequently, ask about in/out privileges to avoid repeated charges.
| Parking option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Self-parking | On-site; listed as a paid option with in/out privileges (confirm rate) |
| Valet | Available for a separate fee with in/out privileges (confirm rate) |
| EV charging | Stations available on site |
Walking around The Island and accessing the hotel on foot
Margaritaville Island Hotel sits steps from The Island entertainment complex, so many shops, restaurants, the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel and family attractions are within a very short walk.
Walkways around The Island can be busy, especially evening and weekends when fountains, live music and dining draw crowds. Plan extra time if you’re moving between the hotel and attractions during peak periods.
- The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel and The Island Show Fountain are immediate walking destinations.
- Nearby attractions within a short walk include Alcatraz East Crime Museum and many shops and restaurants on The Island.
- If you have mobility needs, ask the hotel about accessible routes and elevator access; the property is ADA compliant.
| Nearby on foot | Approximate walk |
|---|---|
| The Island promenade & shops | Steps from hotel |
| Great Smoky Mountain Wheel | A minute or two |
| Alcatraz East Crime Museum | Within The Island complex |
Using public transit: trolley, tram and shuttle options
Pigeon Forge operates a local trolley/tram system with stops near major shopping and outlet stops; the hotel area is served by a nearby Tram/Trolley stop. This is a low-cost option for getting to outlet malls and other points along the Parkway.
Schedules and exact stop locations can change seasonally—check the local trolley/tram website or ask the concierge for current routes, fares, and the closest stop to Margaritaville Island Hotel.
- Trolley/tram stops serve Tanger Outlets, Shops at Christmas Place and other shopping areas.
- Ask the hotel concierge for the nearest stop name and current timetable.
- Trolley is useful for avoiding busy Parkway parking during peak season.
| Transit | Typical use |
|---|---|
| City trolley/tram | Shopping and Parkway stops (check local schedule) |
| Hotel concierge | Can provide current stop/timetable and ticket info |
Rideshare, taxis and local shuttles
Rideshare services and local taxis operate in Pigeon Forge; they’re convenient for short trips, nights out, or when you don’t want to look for parking. Availability can be limited after late evening events, so plan ahead for return trips.
Some nearby attractions and tour operators offer shuttle services—ask the concierge at Margaritaville Island Hotel about reservations, schedules, or bundled transportation options where available.
- Rideshare/taxi: good for point-to-point travel when you want door-to-door service.
- Hotel concierge can book local taxis or give guidance on shuttle providers and tour pick-up points.
- During major events and holidays, book rides in advance when possible.
| Option | Best when |
|---|---|
| Rideshare / taxi | Direct trips; evenings or when parking is difficult |
| Tour shuttle / operator shuttle | Day trips or attraction transfers (ask concierge) |
Driving to nearby attractions (Dollywood, Great Smoky Mountains)
Dollywood is commonly cited at about a 5-mile drive from the Island area; driving is the simplest way to reach theme parks and trailheads, but expect heavier traffic during summer and holiday seasons.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park access (via the Parkway/US-441 toward Gatlinburg) is generally a short drive—typical travel times vary from about 15 minutes in light traffic to up to 45 minutes during peak periods. Always allow extra time for weekend and holiday traffic.
- Dollywood: plan arrival early to avoid lot congestion during peak days.
- GSMNP & Gatlinburg: check park entrance conditions and seasonal road updates before departure.
- For scenic or longer hikes (Cades Cove, Mount LeConte), check driving distances and parking at the trailhead—some destinations can be a longer drive.
| Attraction | Typical drive time from hotel |
|---|---|
| Dollywood | About 5 miles (time varies with traffic) |
| Gatlinburg / GSMNP entrance | About 15–45 minutes depending on traffic |
| Cades Cove | Roughly 1 hour (longer distance) |
Practical tips and accessibility
Check in/out policy before arrival—check-in at Margaritaville Island Hotel begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. If you need early arrival or late departure, contact the front desk; later check-outs beyond 11:00 AM are generally not available unless an extra night is added and space allows.
The hotel is ADA compliant and provides a pool lift for rooftop pool access; ask the front desk or concierge about accessible rooms or mobility routes around The Island if needed.
- Island Destination Fee covers in-room WiFi, pool and fitness access, bell services and two welcome margaritas—verify what’s included at time of booking.
- Pets: the hotel's official FAQ describes a pet-friendly policy with a non-refundable fee per pet per day, but third-party sites differ—confirm pet rules and fees with the hotel before traveling.
- Payment: the hotel accepts major credit/debit cards; cash is not accepted for incidentals—confirm deposit requirements at check-in.
| Policy | What to do |
|---|---|
| Minimum check-in age | 21; valid photo ID required at check-in |
| Parking fees | Confirm current rates with front desk on arrival |
| Pet policy | Verify with hotel directly—official site lists a per-pet fee, third-party sites may conflict |
