Tennessee requires all passengers to wear seatbelts, and you'll need a valid driver's license plus insurance coverage for your rental car. Speed limits vary from 25 mph in residential areas to 70 mph on interstates, with strict enforcement in school zones and construction areas. Mountain roads around the Smoky Mountains feature steep grades and winding curves, so choose an automatic transmission rental car if you're unfamiliar with manual transmissions on hills.

No, you don't need personal insurance coverage to rent a car on Turo. In the US, any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host's vehicle would kick in before your Turo protection plan. When booking a car in the US, you'll choose between three protection plans — Premier (eligibility requirements apply), Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of protection that's right for you. On each trip, you're covered with third-party automobile liability insurance provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company.* In New York state, you'll also choose between Premier (if available), Standard, or Minimum. With each plan, you're covered with liability insurance of $1,250,000.* Protection plans for New York trips also include access to roadside assistance, priority phone support, and 24/7 customer assistance.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park route leads southeast through Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, offering stunning mountain vistas and outdoor recreation opportunities. Head northeast toward the Blue Ridge Parkway for scenic drives through Appalachian highlands, or venture west to Nashville for music and culture. The Knoxville to Chattanooga route showcases Tennessee's diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to river valleys, making it perfect for SUV or luxury sedan adventures.

Some hosts offer unlimited distance for a trip; others set a daily distance limit — you'll need to check on each rental car individually to see if this service is provided. On the vehicle pages, you'll see the total miles or kilometers you're allowed to drive under the heading "Distance included." You can find cars offering unlimited mileage with every trip by using the "Unlimited distance" filter.

Multiple gas stations operate along Airport Highway and Alcoa Highway between the airport and downtown Knoxville, ensuring convenient refueling for your rental car. Electric car rental charging stations are available at various shopping centers and hotels throughout the Knoxville metropolitan area, including locations in Alcoa and Turkey Creek. The Tennessee Valley Authority has expanded charging infrastructure across the region, making electric rental cars increasingly practical for exploring both urban areas and natural attractions.

Tennessee has very few toll roads, and none directly impact travel from McGhee Tyson Airport to major destinations like Knoxville, Gatlinburg, or the Smoky Mountains. Most highways and interstates in the region are free to use, making your rental car adventures budget-friendly for gas and exploration. The state primarily funds road maintenance through fuel taxes rather than tolls, so you can focus on enjoying scenic drives without worrying about toll booth stops.

You can get discounts and low cost car rental on Turo. On your Account page, make sure you've checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we'll send you occasional promo codes, discounts, and deals. Additionally, frequent travelers on Turo can get rewarded with the loyalty bonus — earn a promo code for one bonus day when you take trips totaling 10 days in a 90-day period.

Yes there is — whether you want to rent a car for three days, three months, or even longer, you can on Turo. You'll find discounted prices on bookings lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.

Car rental at McGhee Tyson Airport gives you immediate access to explore Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains, downtown Knoxville attractions, and the scenic Tennessee Valley region at your own pace. The airport's convenient location in Alcoa puts you within reach of both urban adventures and natural wonders without depending on limited public transportation. Having your own rental car means you can easily visit Dollywood, historic sites, and mountain trails while carrying all your gear and supplies.