You’re standing in Austin-Bergstrom, likely waiting in a security line that feels long enough to reach San Antonio, and you're thinking about the Smokies. It’s a specific kind of craving. You want the mist on the mountains instead of the humidity of Lady Bird Lake. But here is the thing about flights from austin to knoxville: if you just hop on Expedia and click the first thing you see, you’re probably going to spend six hours in a terminal in Charlotte or Atlanta.
Nobody wants that.
Most travelers assume that because both Austin (AUS) and Knoxville (TYS) are mid-sized tech-adjacent hubs, there must be a dozen ways to get there. There aren't. In fact, the "insider" way to do this trip is surprisingly narrow.
The Direct Flight Myth (And the One Airline That Actually Does It)
Let’s be real. We all want the non-stop experience. You want to board in Texas and wake up two hours later in East Tennessee. For the longest time, this was a pipe dream. However, Allegiant Air has basically cornered the market on the direct route.
They fly it. But—and this is a big "but"—they don’t fly it every day.
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Usually, you're looking at a twice-weekly schedule, often on Fridays and Mondays or Sundays. It’s perfect for a long weekend, but if you have a Tuesday morning meeting in downtown Knoxville, Allegiant might leave you stranded. The flight time is roughly 2 hours and 10 minutes. That is a blink compared to the 16-hour drive through Arkansas and Memphis that your GPS would suggest.
The Budget Carrier Trap
If you go the Allegiant route, watch the "South Terminal" situation in Austin. It’s not the main terminal. You can't just Uber to the main entrance and walk to your gate. You have to take a separate shuttle or drive to a completely different part of the airport grounds.
Also, they will charge you for a carry-on. Honestly, by the time you pay for a seat assignment and a bag, that "cheap" $89 fare often looks a lot like a $210 United ticket.
When to Book Flights from Austin to Knoxville
Timing is everything. Knoxville isn't a "dead" destination in the winter because of the Gatlinburg crowd, but January and February are undeniably the cheapest months to fly. You can often snag round-trip tickets for under $150 if you’re flexible.
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- The Mid-Week Slump: If you aren't flying the direct Allegiant route, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are your best friends.
- The Football Factor: Avoid Knoxville when the Vols have a home game. Seriously. If Tennessee is playing at Neyland Stadium, hotel prices triple and flight availability vanishes.
- The 21-Day Rule: Data from 2026 shows that booking at least three weeks out saves about 35% on this specific route.
The Hub Hopper: American vs. Delta
If the direct flight doesn't line up with your life, you’re going to have a layover.
American Airlines usually runs through Charlotte (CLT) or Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW). DFW is a massive detour in the wrong direction, but it’s frequent. Charlotte is a smoother connection, though that airport has become notoriously crowded lately.
Delta will send you through Atlanta (ATL). It’s efficient, but Hartsfield-Jackson is a beast. If your layover is less than 45 minutes, don't do it. You won't make it from Concourse T to Concourse B in time. I've seen too many people sprinting through the Plane Train area with a Starbucks in hand, looking devastated.
McGhee Tyson: The Best Airport You’ve Never Heard Of
When you finally land in Knoxville, you’re at McGhee Tyson (TYS). It’s actually located in Alcoa, about 12 miles south of the city.
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It is a fantastic airport.
It’s small enough that you can get from your gate to the rental car counter in five minutes. They have these great rocking chairs by the windows. It feels like Tennessee.
Getting to the City
Don't expect a train. There isn't one. You have three real options:
- Uber/Lyft: Usually $25–$40 to get to Market Square.
- Rental Cars: All the majors are there (Hertz, Enterprise, etc.), but book in advance. They run out during peak hiking season.
- The Hotel Shuttle: If you’re staying at the Airport Hilton, you can basically walk there.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
Stop hovering over the "search" button and do these three things instead:
- Check the South Terminal: If you book Allegiant, double-check your departure terminal in Austin. It is located at 10000 Logistics Lane, NOT the main Barbara Jordan Terminal.
- Track the Route: Use Google Flights to set a "Price Track" for your specific dates. This route fluctuates wildly based on University of Tennessee events.
- Verify the Aircraft: If you’re a tall human, try to avoid the smaller regional jets (CRJs) that Delta and American often use for the final leg into Knoxville. They are cramped. Look for "Airbus A320" or "Boeing 737" in the flight details for more legroom.
Pack a light jacket, even in the summer. The mountains have a way of getting chilly the moment the sun goes down.
Disclaimer: Flight schedules and prices are subject to change based on airline carrier decisions and seasonal demand. Always verify terminal locations before departing for the airport.