Anyone who has flown into McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) knows the drill at a traditional rental counter: a line that snakes toward closing time, a clerk upselling coverage you may not need, and a final total that somehow climbed well past the price you saw online. There's a simpler way to get on the road in Knoxville — and it doesn't involve a counter at all.
At Cruise Knoxville Car Rentals, we're a locally owned host on Turo. That means you book a specific, well-kept car online, we hand it off to you near the airport (or deliver it), and you're driving within minutes of landing. No concession fees, no membership tiers, no surprise line items.
First, the basics: TYS is Knoxville's airport
McGhee Tyson Airport uses the code TYS and sits in Alcoa, about 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville and right on the way toward Maryville, the foothills, and the Great Smoky Mountains. It's a compact, easy airport — which is exactly why a counter line feels so out of place there. You came for the mountains and the lake, not a queue.
Why "without the counter" actually matters
Booking a car through Turo instead of a legacy rental company changes the experience in a few concrete ways:
- No counter fees. Airport concession recovery fees, facility charges, and vehicle licensing add-ons are a big chunk of a traditional rental bill. You won't see those here — your price and options are shown up front at checkout.
- You know your exact car. Instead of "a midsize or similar," you pick the actual vehicle, see its photos, mileage terms, and reviews before you book.
- Protection is built into the booking. You choose a protection plan right at Turo checkout, so coverage and roadside assistance are handled before you ever turn the key.
- Local handoff. We're Knoxville people. You're meeting a real host, not clocking in at a kiosk.
💡 Traveling light on time? Ask about airport delivery when you book. We can have the car staged near TYS so it's ready the moment you're off the plane.
How to book your TYS car in about two minutes
The whole process happens online, so you can lock it in before you even pack:
1. Pick your dates and pickup
Open our fleet, choose a car, and set your trip start and end. Add airport delivery if you'd like it brought to you near TYS.
2. Reserve and choose protection
Book right on Turo and select a protection plan at checkout. Everything — price, mileage, coverage — is spelled out before you confirm. Want the full walkthrough? See how it works.
3. Land, meet, and drive
When you arrive, we meet you for a quick walkaround and photos, hand over the keys, and you're off. Most handoffs take just a few minutes.
Which car should you pick for a Knoxville trip?
It depends on why you're here. If it's a business trip, an airport run, or a weekend in town, our fuel-efficient Honda Accord Hybrid keeps your costs low and the ride comfortable. Heading up to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge with gear and passengers? A roomier option makes the switchbacks a lot more pleasant. We break this down in our companion guide, the best car for a Smoky Mountains trip.
A few tips for a smooth airport rental
- Book early. Summer and leaf-season weekends fill fast. Reserving ahead protects both availability and price.
- Have your license and Turo account ready. Setting up your Turo account before you travel means nothing slows you down on arrival.
- Message us with your flight details. If your plans shift or your flight is delayed, a quick heads-up helps us have the car ready right when you land.
- Plan your first stop. Downtown Knoxville, the University of Tennessee, and the Smokies are all easy drives from TYS.
Ready to skip the line?
Flying into Knoxville soon? Browse the cars, or reach out with your dates and we'll help you find the right fit. You'll trade the rental counter for a clean car and a local who actually wants your trip to go well.