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SUV rental at McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)

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Rental cars in McGhee Tyson Airport

Average daily prices for a 3-day trip

McGhee Tyson Airport, EN

SUV rental at McGhee Tyson Airport

McGhee Tyson Airport serves as your gateway to the stunning landscapes of East Tennessee, where the Great Smoky Mountains meet vibrant city life in nearby Knoxville. This region offers an incredible blend of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and scenic mountain drives that showcase Tennessee's natural beauty. Booking an SUV enhances your exploration experience with elevated seating for better views of the rolling hills, ample cargo space for outdoor gear, and the capability to navigate both urban streets and winding mountain roads with confidence and comfort.

Why choose Turo?

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Enjoy a streamlined airport experience

100+ airports across the US and Canada let Turo hosts bring cars to airport parking lots and garages. Some smaller airports even allow curbside pickup at the terminal.*

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Get personalized service from a local host

Turo hosts are everyday entrepreneurs who share cars in their communities.

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Relax with support & damage protection

24/7 support and roadside assistance mean help is just a call away, plus you can choose from a range of protection plans.

Recent reviews

Emmett
Porsche Macan 2018

Amazing amazing experience. the vehicle was immaculate and exactly as described. Beautiful Inside and out and had zero issues. not a single hiccup with the rental process. And the communication with corey was arguably better then my girlfriend and i's haha. Would reccomend and quite honestly suggest you rent from him. This was quite literally the cheery on top of our Batchelor trip. 10 stars throughout the entire process. Will be back again next year and this is the first person im reaching out too.

Emmett
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Volkswagen Atlas 2018

Great host! Super easy to work with and had excellent communication throughout the entire rental. This was probably the easiest pickup and drop-off process I’ve ever experienced. The car worked perfectly, we had no issues at all during our trip, and everything went smoothly from start to finish. I would definitely rent from them again and highly recommend!

Brisbeyn
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Honda Pilot 2018

Host was quick to respond anytime I had reached out to them. This is so far the second time I’ve rented with them, and the 2018 Honda pilot was awesome! It rode so well so smooth and can’t beat the price for the rental. will continue to rent from this! 🙂

Heather
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Toyota Venza 2015

What a great experience the car was clean. With a great AC in this humid weather the host was the best even checked in on use to see how our trip was going. I’ll be back in two months and looking up this host again. Highly recommended.

Katy
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Stephane
Kia Sorento 2016

Andrea was an absolute pleasure to work with. She was warm, communicative, and made the entire process feel effortless. Check-in was seamless, no need to wander through a parking garage hunting for the car. She met us right at the gate, which was a thoughtful touch that saved both time and stress. Any questions we had were answered promptly, and she made sure we felt completely comfortable before driving off. The overall rental experience was smooth from start to finish. Everything was straightforward, with no unexpected surprises or complications. The car itself was spotless and in great condition. We would not hesitate to rent from Andrea again and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a stress-free, reliable rental experience.

Stephane
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MELISSA
Nissan Pathfinder 2023

The SUV was great and perfect for our trip. Very good on gas mileage, very comfortable, all features worked perfectly. The host is very responsive, very respectful.

MELISSA
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Anne
Ford Explorer 2018

Jordan was great to work with and Explorer was perfect for our trip. He was quick to answer any questions and appreciated his hospitality. Thanks for the easy, stress-free rental experience!

Anne
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Marcus
Kia Seltos 2023

Great pick up and drop off instructions, fast communication, clean vehicle. Hope to rent again!

Marcus
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Lacie
Ford Escape 2019

Clean car! Great host. Will rent again when we come back in a few months

Lacie
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Honda CR-V 2021

The host was great! The vehicle quality was amazing and when I had a question the host responded so quickly! 10/10 would absolutely rent again!

Alexandra
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James
Jeep Wagoneer 2023

Wow! This car is such a great vehicle! It is in top notch condition and is an extremely comfortable ride! My family of six and I enjoy our time here in Tennessee and in the Great Smoky Mountains. This vehicle was so great to travel around the Knoxville area. The host was extremely communicative and courteous. If I'm ever back in the area I definitely will see if this wagoneer is available again!

James
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Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2020

Great service and care, easy to use and very convenient, made my trip so much easier.

Joshua
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Robert
Kia Seltos 2026

An excellent experience in every way. The car was in excellent shape; clean and working great. Ken is a top-notch host – clear, communicative, and very organized. No issues identified whatsoever. Would definitely rent this car from this host again.

Robert
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jerry
Tesla Model Y 2022

Had a great experience with this great car, and Corey was very helpful and nice and helped with all questions and concerns. I will definitely rent again from him

jerry
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Joshua
Cadillac XT5 2017

Tim was a phenomenal host. Communicated well with pickup and drop off instructions. Car was extremely clean and well maintained. Definitely recommend Tim for your rental needs.

Joshua
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Megan
Honda Pilot 2025

Super nice and clean car! Great for our long weekend trip.

Megan
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Nissan Armada 2023

Our family enjoyed this Armada during our stay in Tennessee. The truck was spacious, smooth and comfortable enough to fit our family of 6 plus our luggages. Thanks again for everything!

Eric & Elizabeth
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Discover East Tennessee's treasures from McGhee Tyson Airport

From McGhee Tyson Airport, you'll have easy access to some of Tennessee's most captivating destinations. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park beckons with its misty peaks and wildlife viewing opportunities, while downtown Knoxville offers rich history and vibrant entertainment districts. Your rental SUV provides the perfect combination of comfort and versatility for exploring everything from scenic mountain overlooks to bustling city streets. Whether you're drawn to outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or charming small towns, this region delivers unforgettable memories around every corner.


Great Smoky Mountains National Park adventures await

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park stands as America's most visited national park, offering breathtaking vistas and diverse wildlife just a short drive from the airport. Your rental SUV provides comfortable access to numerous scenic overlooks and hiking trail entrances throughout the park. The elevated driving position of an SUV gives you excellent visibility for spotting black bears, deer, and other wildlife along the mountain roads. Parking is available at visitor centers and popular trailheads, though spaces fill quickly during peak seasons. The winding mountain roads showcase stunning views of mist-covered peaks and colorful wildflower meadows.


Downtown Knoxville's historic charm and modern attractions

Downtown Knoxville blends Southern hospitality with contemporary culture, featuring the iconic Sunsphere from the 1982 World's Fair and a thriving Market Square district. The city's compact downtown area makes parking straightforward, with several public garages and street parking options available. Your rental SUV allows you to easily explore beyond the city center to discover hidden gems in surrounding neighborhoods. The historic Old City district offers unique shops and restaurants housed in beautifully restored buildings, while the Tennessee River provides scenic waterfront views and recreational opportunities.


Dollywood and Pigeon Forge entertainment experiences

Pigeon Forge and nearby Dollywood theme park create an entertainment destination that attracts visitors from around the world. The area features numerous attractions, dinner shows, and shopping outlets nestled against the backdrop of the Smoky Mountains. Your rental SUV ensures comfortable transportation for your entire group while providing space for souvenirs and purchases from the many unique shops and outlets. The scenic drive through the foothills offers glimpses of traditional mountain cabins and craft shops. Ample parking is available at most attractions, though arriving early during peak seasons is recommended for the best spots near main entrances.


Norris Dam State Park's natural beauty and recreation

Norris Dam State Park showcases Tennessee's engineering heritage alongside pristine natural areas perfect for outdoor recreation. The park offers hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and scenic picnic areas overlooking Norris Lake. Your rental SUV makes it easy to access different areas of the park and transport outdoor equipment or picnic supplies. The lake's clear waters and surrounding forested hills create a peaceful retreat from urban life, with several boat ramps and swimming areas available for water activities.


Historic Rugby's Victorian village atmosphere

The historic town of Rugby represents a fascinating piece of Tennessee history, featuring well-preserved Victorian architecture and the story of an English utopian community from the 1880s. This unique destination offers guided tours of historic buildings, including the original library with its collection of Victorian-era books. Your rental SUV handles the rural roads leading to Rugby with ease, while providing comfortable seating for the scenic drive through Tennessee's countryside. The town's museum and craft shops offer insights into 19th-century life, and the surrounding area features beautiful hiking trails through unspoiled forests and along clear mountain streams.

Turo vs. Traditional car rental

Turo

  • App-based experience

  • No waiting in line

  • Get the exact car you choose

  • Delivery options & thousands of pickup locations

  • Contactless pickup and dropoff available

Traditional car rental

  • Standard rental counter experience

  • Waiting in line

  • Get one type of car “or similar”

  • Pickup at retail locations

  • Requires in-person handoff

Frequently asked questions in McGhee Tyson Airport

Can I get car rental discounts on Turo?

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.

How does car rental insurance work on Turo?

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.

Why should I rent an SUV at McGhee Tyson Airport?

An SUV rental at McGhee Tyson Airport provides excellent ground clearance and cargo space for exploring the Great Smoky Mountains region around Knoxville. These vehicles offer superior comfort for families visiting attractions like Dollywood or Gatlinburg, with ample room for luggage and outdoor gear. The elevated seating position in an SUV gives you better visibility when navigating Tennessee's scenic mountain roads and winding highways.

What are the most popular road trip routes from TYS?

The scenic route to Great Smoky Mountains National Park via Gatlinburg ranks as the top destination from Knoxville airport, offering stunning mountain vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities. Many renters choose the Blue Ridge Parkway adventure, which connects to incredible overlooks and hiking trails throughout East Tennessee. Downtown Knoxville beckons with its vibrant Market Square and historic Old City, while the Norris Dam State Park provides excellent recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts.

How do I get to downtown from McGhee Tyson Airport by car?

Take Alcoa Highway (US-129) north directly from the airport location toward downtown Knoxville for the most straightforward route. This main thoroughfare connects the airport to the city center, passing through Alcoa before reaching the urban core. Your rental SUV will follow clear signage along this well-traveled corridor, making navigation simple for first-time visitors to the area.

What documents and paperwork do I need to rent a car on Turo?

To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, have a valid driver's license, get approved to drive on Turo, and be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in Australia, or 23 years old or older in Canada. In the UK, you must be 21 years old or older and have held a UK or EU license for at least one year, or another driver's license for at least two years. In France you must be 18 years old or older and have held a driver's license for at least 2 years, longer for certain makes and models of vehicles. When you're booking your first trip, you'll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver's license and some other information. In most cases, you'll get approved immediately, and you'll be set for all future road trips, day trips, and business trips!

What should I know before I start driving?

Tennessee requires all vehicle occupants to wear seatbelts, and drivers must carry valid insurance documentation at all times. Right turns on red lights are permitted after coming to a complete stop, unless posted signs indicate otherwise. Mountain driving around the Knoxville area demands extra caution due to steep grades and curves, so maintain appropriate following distances and use lower gears when descending hills.

What kind of license do I need to rent a car on Turo?

Turo accepts valid licenses (not expired, suspended, or revoked) that allow for full driving privileges; this includes driver's licenses issued outside of the US. Licenses that Turo doesn't accept in the US include any that have expired, have been altered, are conditional, probational, provisional, or restricted. Learner's permit/instruction permits are not accepted.

Are there toll roads near TYS?

No toll roads operate in the immediate McGhee Tyson Airport area or throughout most of East Tennessee. The region's highway system, including major routes like Interstate 40 and Alcoa Highway, provides free access for all drivers. This makes budgeting for your rental SUV adventure much simpler, as you won't encounter unexpected toll charges during typical sightseeing around Knoxville and the surrounding mountains.

Where can I find gas stations and EV chargers near McGhee Tyson Airport?

Multiple gas stations line Alcoa Highway between the airport and downtown Knoxville, providing convenient fuel stops for your rental SUV. The airport vicinity features several charging networks for electric vehicles, with additional charging locations available throughout the greater Knoxville area. Many shopping centers and hotels in the region now offer charging facilities, making it easier to maintain your electric rental during extended stays.

  1. * Est. daily price. Search for up to date price information.