BIG EARS

Travel

GETTING TO KNOXVILLE

WHETHER YOU’RE JOINING US BY PLANE, TRAIN, AUTOMOBILE, OR BOATING DOWN THE GREAT TENNESSEE RIVER, THERE ARE PLENTY OF WAYS TO ARRIVE IN KNOXVILLE.

PLANE

McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is only 20 minutes from downtown Knoxville and is serviced by six national airlines with both direct and easy connecting flights. For more information, visit the TYS website here or view their guide here.

TRAIN

There are no passenger trains with direct service to Knoxville. The closest AMTRAK stations are located in Toccoa, GA, Clemson, SC, and Spartanburg, SC. Rental car or other transportation will be needed to get to Knoxville which is about 3 – 3.5 hours from each station.

CAR

Located at the crossroads of I-40 and I-75, Knoxville is an easy drive from anywhere in the eastern United States. Knoxville is only 3 hours from Nashville or Atlanta and an easy 4 hours from Cincinnati, Louisville or Charlotte. For driving directions, click here.

GETTING AROUND KNOXVILLE

ONCE YOU’VE ARRIVE IN KNOXVILLE, GETTING AROUND IS EASY. ALL FESTIVAL VENUES, RESTAURANTS, BARS, AND SHOPPING ARE WITHIN EASY WALKING DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN HOTELS. SEE BELOW FOR OTHER OPTIONS.

BIKE

Knoxville has been recognized as one of the country’s “Bicycle Friendly Communities” by the League of American Bicyclists. Bike parking is conveniently available throughout the city and will be provided in front of festival venues for patrons.

BUS

Knoxville Area Transit’s regular, fixed route bus system can connect outlying areas of Knoxville to downtown. Basic cost to ride is $1.50. To plan your trip, click here.

FESTIVAL TROLLEY

During the festival weekend, Knoxville’s downtown trolleys will be available for patrons to conveniently ride between venues. Trolley stops will be clearly marked and the route will make stops at or near all festival venues. Trolley Route pick up points can be found in our program guide & map as well as our app.

LINK & BIRD SCOOTERS

The City of Knoxville has partnered with LINK & BIRD scooter brands to provide convenient transportation throughout the downtown festival footprint. Download either of the app in advance via the App Store (LINK or BIRD) or Google Play (LINK or BIRD) so you can hit the ground running when you arrive.

RIDESHARE

Knoxville is well supported by Uber and Lyft for your rideshare needs.

BIG EARS
Knoxville, TN · USA

Passes DONATE

Festival

Explore the lineup of upcoming Big Ears performances.

Explore

Discover travel, lodging, & dining options to enhance your festival experience.

Support

Big Ears is made possible by the passion & generosity of our supporters.

About

Learn more about what The New York Times calls “one of the world’s greatest music bashes.”