Flying from Chicago to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS): what you need to know
Start planning your vacation by checking out the most convenient departure point for your flight from Chicago to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). Explore the options for taking off from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), two of the city's main airports.
Take a direct flight from Chicago to McGhee Tyson Airport and you'll be in the air for around 1 hour 44 minutes.
McGhee Tyson Airport is located in Knoxville. The city operates in the UTC-4 timezone and is 1 hour ahead of Chicago.
The most popular route is from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), with 71 direct weekly services. If you'd like to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from ORD to TYS is the 07:10 United service. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the final departure is at 21:14 with Allegiant Air.
Give yourself enough time to catch your flight from Chicago to TYS. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Popular months like August or vacation times such as spring break and Christmas will mean longer queues at check-in and security. Play it safe and head to the terminal even earlier. Arriving two hours before domestic flights and up four hours ahead of international flights is a wise move.
Airports in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Get there in one go from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Direct flights from Chicago to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) operate from here.
You can get away on a direct flight from Chicago to McGhee Tyson Airport with United. This popular airline operates departures from ORD.
The distance from central Chicago to ORD is roughly 40 kilometres. Check out Google Maps for the fastest way to get there, whether you plan to drive or take public transport.
Need a convenient hotel close to O'Hare International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Chicago to McGhee Tyson Airport, these stays will have you sleeping moments from check-in:
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) operates nonstop flights from Chicago to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS).
From MDW, direct flights from Chicago to TYS are available with United.
You can get to MDW from central Chicago in approximately 21 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The journey by public transport takes roughly 46 minutes to cover the 19 kilometres or so.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before your flight from Chicago to TYS? Unwind in a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your adventure officially starts. Here's where you can stay:
About McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Chicago to McGhee Tyson Airport. Stay at one of these accommodation options near TYS instead:
Getting from McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) to central Knoxville
From McGhee Tyson Airport, Knoxville is approximately 23 kilometres away. It takes around 19 minutes to get to the centre driving.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
The best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Chicago to McGhee Tyson Airport is C$56. The cheapest price for a return flight is C$121. Keep in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
8 months is how far you'll want to book ahead to lock in flight tickets from Chicago to TYS.
To score the lowest price on your tickets from Chicago to McGhee Tyson Airport, book your trip for May (it's when flights are cheapest). Got flexible travel dates? Use the 'Whole month' search function to see the most affordable day to fly.
Create a Price Alert and track any changes on this route through email or push notifications. We'll let you know when fares go down. Timing is key for finding flight tickets from Chicago to TYS.
Customize your trip using filters. Adjust the number of stops, total duration, and departure and arrival times to find the right flight from Chicago to McGhee Tyson Airport. You can also sort the results to see the 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' options first.
The best time to fly from Chicago to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
February is the quietest time to fly to Knoxville. Alternatively, join the crowds and visit in July. This is the busiest month for flights from Chicago to McGhee Tyson Airport, but the best time to go is your call.
When booking your flight from Chicago to TYS, think about the type of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in Knoxville, with the temperature ranging from 17ºC to 32ºC.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Chicago to McGhee Tyson Airport in January when temperatures average between -6ºC and 11ºC.
More about Knoxville
Start your Knoxville trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Chicago to McGhee Tyson Airport, browse our range of accommodation options including:
One of the best ways to get a feel for Knoxville is to explore its leading attractions. Highlights include Market Square, Sunsphere and World's Fair Park.
Complete your Knoxville trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Chicago to McGhee Tyson Airport isn't our only party trick. Browse our car rentals in Knoxville and explore the city on your own terms. We find deals from trusted car rental providers and put them all in one place. You can instantly compare offers and then book with no fees.
