While some attractions are walkable, the area is spread out, so transportation varies depending on where you stay and what you plan to do. This guide covers the most common options for exploring Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Smoky Mountains.
Updated Sep 2026
Driving Your Own Vehicle
For most visitors, having a car is the easiest way to explore the Smoky Mountains. Pigeon Forge stretches for several miles along the Parkway, while many scenic drives, hiking areas, and waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park require a vehicle.
Once in downtown Gatlinburg, however, many attractions, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance. Parking your vehicle and exploring on foot or by trolley can be easier than driving through the busy downtown area.
Gatlinburg Trolley - Free to Ride
The Gatlinburg Trolley is one of the easiest ways to get around the city, and there are no fares or fees to ride.
Gatlinburg's trolley system operates 365 days a year. Routes serve downtown Gatlinburg and other areas of the city, with a seasonal route serving the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community.
All Gatlinburg trolley routes stop at the Mass Transit Center near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, making it a useful transfer point for visitors exploring downtown.
Visitors can also park for free at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center and take the trolley into town. The Welcome Center is located at the entrance to Gatlinburg on U.S. 441.
Trolley hours vary by season, so check the current Gatlinburg Trolley schedule before your trip.
Pigeon Forge Trolley
The Pigeon Forge Mass Transit trolley system is an affordable way to travel around Pigeon Forge without driving. The system serves more than 200 official stops and also connects with select locations outside Pigeon Forge.
Pigeon Forge trolley routes serve areas including:
- The Pigeon Forge Parkway
- The Old Mill area
- The Island in Pigeon Forge
- Dollywood
- Dollywood's Splash Country
- Wears Valley
- Sevierville
- The Gatlinburg Welcome Center
Unlike the Gatlinburg trolley, Pigeon Forge trolleys charge a fare. Fares vary by route, so check the current routes and schedules before riding.
Pigeon Forge trolley service generally operates from 8:00 AM until midnight from early March through December, with shorter hours during January and February. Hours are subject to change, and the system does not operate on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day.
Traveling Between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
The Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg trolley systems are separate, but visitors can use them to travel between the two cities.
The Pigeon Forge trolley system has service to the Gatlinburg Welcome Center. From there, visitors can board a Gatlinburg trolley to continue into downtown Gatlinburg.
This connection can be useful for visitors who want to leave their vehicle at a park-and-ride location and avoid downtown parking and traffic.
Rideshare Services: Uber & Lyft
Uber and Lyft are available in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area, but availability can vary. Unlike a major metropolitan area, the Smokies have a large tourism-driven service area and mountainous roads, so a driver may not always be immediately available.
Availability can also be affected by:
- Seasonal tourist demand
- Time of day
- Weather and road conditions
- Location of your pickup
- Cell service limitations in some mountain areas
If you are staying in a remote cabin or planning transportation to a trailhead, airport, or other destination outside the main tourist areas, arranging transportation in advance may be preferable to relying on a rideshare request at the last minute.
Taxi and Shuttle Services
Several local taxi and shuttle providers serve Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and the surrounding Smoky Mountain area. Availability, service areas, and pricing can change, so contact the provider directly before making plans.
- A+ Shuttle by David Haywood
- Guided tours
- Airport shuttle service
- Hiker transportation
- Transportation to Cades Cove, Newfound Gap, Roaring Fork, and other destinations by request
- Bear Paw Taxi
- Taxi and shuttle transportation
- Service in the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville area
- Airport transportation
- Mountain transportation and local or longer-distance shuttle service
- Wedding, event, and group transportation
- Angels Taxi Service
- Service in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville
- Knoxville airport transportation
- Smoky Mountain tours
- Transportation to attractions, theaters, and hiking trails
- Advance reservations are encouraged
- Smoky Bear Shuttle
- Private transportation and airport transfers
- Cabin, hotel, and resort transportation
- Wedding and event transportation
- Group transportation
- Transportation throughout Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Knoxville, and surrounding areas
The above compilation of transportation options is based on publicly available information. Blue Mountain Cabins is not affiliated with the businesses listed above and is not responsible for changes to their services, pricing, schedules, or other information.
Walking in Gatlinburg vs. Pigeon Forge
Downtown Gatlinburg is very walkable once you park. Many attractions, restaurants, and shops are concentrated along the Parkway and nearby streets.
Pigeon Forge is more spread out, with attractions extending for several miles along the Parkway and surrounding roads. Walking between attractions is therefore less practical, and visitors typically drive or use the trolley when convenient.
Where to Stay Near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Many travelers choose to stay in a cabin outside the busiest areas while remaining within reasonable driving distance of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Blue Mountain Cabins offers private Smoky Mountain cabins with:
- Secluded mountain settings
- Hot tubs and scenic views
- Easy access to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge attractions
- Direct booking with no platform fees
For more tips on things to do in the area, check out our posts:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there public transportation in Gatlinburg?
Yes. The Gatlinburg Trolley operates 365 days a year and is free to ride. Routes serve downtown Gatlinburg and other areas of the city.
Is there a trolley between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg?
Yes. The Pigeon Forge trolley system serves the Gatlinburg Welcome Center. Visitors can transfer there to the Gatlinburg trolley system to continue into downtown Gatlinburg.
Do you need a car in Pigeon Forge?
Most visitors find having a car helpful because attractions, restaurants, and other destinations are spread out along the Parkway and surrounding roads. The Pigeon Forge trolley is another option for getting around without driving.
Is Gatlinburg walkable?
Yes. Downtown Gatlinburg is very walkable once you park your vehicle. Many attractions, restaurants, and shops are located close together along the Parkway and nearby streets.