Best way to fly/drive to Knoxville from cross country? (Chattanooga: vs., airport)

[shania]

What is the fastest, most efficient way to get to Knoxville from the West Coast?
Fly into Atlanta and drive to Knoxville?...Or fly to Atlanta, fly to Nashville and then drive to Knoxville? ...Or can you fly from ATL to an airport closer to Knoxville? Can fly to ATL directly, but would have to switch planes to fly to Nashville but not sure if it would easier just to drive into Tennessee. How long does it take to drive from ATL to Knoxville or from Nashville to Knoxville?

Thanks. Just trying to figure out which way makes the most sense.

[Barking Spider]

It takes about 2.5 hours to drive to Nashville from Knoxville.
It takes about 3 hours to drive to Atlanta from Knoxville.

You can fly into Knoxville from just about anywhere, but you will likely stop somewhere on the way.
I think flying to Nashville or Atlanta might save you some money, but the tradeoff is time. What is it worth to you to be in the car an extra 5 to 6 hours?

[JMT]

Originally Posted by shania

What is the fastest, most efficient way to get to Knoxville from the West Coast?
Fly into Atlanta and drive to Knoxville?...Or fly to Atlanta, fly to Nashville and then drive to Knoxville? ...Or can you fly from ATL to an airport closer to Knoxville? Can fly to ATL directly, but would have to switch planes to fly to Nashville but not sure if it would easier just to drive into Tennessee. How long does it take to drive from ATL to Knoxville or from Nashville to Knoxville?

Thanks. Just trying to figure out which way makes the most sense.

You know, Knoxville does have an airport. Why not just fly directly into Knoxville?

But as Barking Spider said, if money is the main concern then Nashville or Atlanta would most likely be cheaper (particularly a Southwest flight into Nashville). I would recommend Nashville since its airport is on the east side of town and the drive from Nashville to Knoxville is a breeze.

[goodbyehollywood]

The Atlanta airport is a zoo. I always fly into Nashville, then drive to Knoxville from L.A. It's faster, cheaper and far less hassle. There aren't that many flights into Knoxville, so scheduling is a challenge, you'll have to change planes at least once, you'll pay a premium and ground transport is a pain, unless you have a pickup. Service is friendly at the Knoxville airport, and it lacks the lines and gridlock of the bigger airports, but if you want to get where you're going as easily and inexpensively as possible, Nashville's the ticket. JMO (but I make the trip about once a month.)

[knoxgarden]

With big airports, the little planes to Knoxville don't get top priority in getting a landing/departure slot. It's hard to count on making connections.
I do love the Knoxville airport, though.
Nashville is 110 miles from Knoxville. Not a bad drive at all. All Interstate, posted 70 mph most of the way, pretty countryside.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by knoxgarden

With big airports, the little planes to Knoxville don't get top priority in getting a landing/departure slot. It's hard to count on making connections.
I do love the Knoxville airport, though.
Nashville is 110 miles from Knoxville. Not a bad drive at all. All Interstate, posted 70 mph most of the way, pretty countryside.

I wish Nashville was only 110 miles from Knoxville! The Nashville airport is at exit 216. Downtown Knoxville is exit 386, so that's 170 miles.

[weisgarber1]

Originally Posted by knoxgarden

h.
Nashville is 110 miles from Knoxville. Not a bad drive at all. All Interstate, posted 70 mph most of the way, pretty countryside.

Actually it is about 180 miles.

[knoxgarden]

Sorry, had Chattanooga on my mind. That's 110 miles, according to the sign on I-40. It's still not a bad drive to Nashville, though.

[shania]

Originally Posted by goodbyehollywood

The Atlanta airport is a zoo. I always fly into Nashville, then drive to Knoxville from L.A. It's faster, cheaper and far less hassle. There aren't that many flights into Knoxville, so scheduling is a challenge, you'll have to change planes at least once, you'll pay a premium and ground transport is a pain, unless you have a pickup. Service is friendly at the Knoxville airport, and it lacks the lines and gridlock of the bigger airports, but if you want to get where you're going as easily and inexpensively as possible, Nashville's the ticket. JMO (but I make the trip about once a month.)

Thanks for the advice about airports.

[shania]

Originally Posted by weisgarber1

Actually it is about 180 miles.

But it's still a shorter/better drive from Nashville to Knoxville vs. ATL to Knoxville?