Avis Car Rental Introduce
For visitors and residents flying into the Knoxville area, securing dependable ground transportation is the critical next step after landing at McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). **Avis Car Rental** at this key East Tennessee location serves as a major provider, offering a comprehensive fleet and the sheer convenience of an on-airport presence. Situated right in Alcoa, this location is a primary hub for starting your journey, whether you're heading into Knoxville for business, exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or visiting family across the state.
Operating as a full-service **Car rental agency** and a specialized **Van rental agency**, the Avis location at TYS aims to meet the needs of every traveler, from the solo business person needing an economy car to large families requiring a spacious van for a group excursion. The promise of **Onsite services**—meaning the counter is in the terminal and the vehicles are nearby—is a significant draw, streamlining the travel process and minimizing frustration associated with off-airport shuttles.
However, users of this location, particularly those depending on late-night pick-ups, should be highly informed about the local operating protocols and service delivery. While the location provides extensive official hours, and policies often state they wait for delayed flights (provided the flight number is in the reservation), customer feedback underscores the importance of being aware of the actual staffing situation, especially for late arrivals close to the midnight closing time.
A well-prepared Tennessee traveler will leverage the convenience of the location while taking necessary precautions, such as documenting vehicle condition thoroughly before leaving the garage and confirming reservation details, especially for rentals involving large vehicles or special discounts.
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The Avis Car Rental office is ideally situated on the airport property of McGhee Tyson Airport, making it immediately accessible to travelers landing in the Knoxville area. This proximity eliminates the need for any additional external transportation, which is a major convenience for anyone coming off a long flight.
The facility is located at:
2055 Alcoa Hwy, Alcoa, TN 37701, USA
To reach the counter, airline passengers should proceed to the baggage claim area on the lower level of the airport terminal. The rental counters, including Avis, are typically located immediately across from baggage claim. The rental vehicles are staged in the adjacent parking garage, which is just a short, indoor walk from the counter area.
The official operating hours for Avis at TYS are extensive:
- **Monday – Friday:** 6:00 AM to 11:59 PM
- **Saturday – Sunday:** 8:00 AM to 11:59 PM
These hours are designed to cover most scheduled air traffic. For the small number of renters arriving or needing to drop off outside these times, the location offers a **Keydrop Location** and **After-hours Returns**, where documents and keys can be left in a secure drop box at the rental counter. Customers who utilize this must assume liability for the vehicle until an Avis agent officially checks it in the following morning.
Regarding physical accessibility, the location ensures ease of use for all customers:
- **Wheelchair accessible entrance:** The terminal and rental counter areas are compliant with accessibility standards.
- **Wheelchair accessible parking lot:** Dedicated accessible parking is provided both for customers renting and those returning vehicles.
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Avis at McGhee Tyson Airport provides a wide array of services beyond the simple exchange of keys for cash. These services are structured to facilitate efficient travel and cater to various customer needs in East Tennessee.
The primary services available include:
- **Dual-Agency Service:** Serving as both a **Car rental agency** for standard sedans, SUVs, and luxury models, and a specialized **Van rental agency** offering vehicles like the Chrysler Pacifica or Chevrolet Suburban for larger groups traveling through Tennessee.
- **Onsite and Preferred Service:** Providing **Onsite services** with the counter located inside the terminal. For Avis Preferred members, the experience is designed to be even faster, with pre-printed agreements and keys potentially available at a garage booth during peak times, allowing members to skip the counter.
- **Diverse Fleet Selection:** Offering a full range of vehicles categorized by size, from Small (Kia Rio, Kia Soul) and Medium (Toyota Corolla, Toyota RAV4) to Large (Toyota Camry) and various SUVs.
- **Flexible Payment Options:** Accepting **Credit cards** from all major companies, **Debit cards** (subject to strict requirements, including proof of a return flight itinerary at airport locations), and modern **NFC mobile payments** for speed and convenience.
- **After-Hours Returns:** Providing a **Keydrop Location** for after-hours vehicle returns, with the understanding that the renter is liable for the vehicle until the office officially opens and processes the return.
These services are tailored to support the fast-paced nature of airport travel, offering options for almost every rental scenario.
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The Avis TYS location offers several key features and corporate benefits that stand out for the Tennessee community. These highlights are intended to provide value and streamline the rental experience for eligible customers.
Distinct features and policy highlights include:
- **Military and Government Discounts:** Avis is proud to offer **Active military discounts** and special rates through programs like Veterans Advantage, which can provide significant savings (up to 35% off PAY NOW rates for members) for U.S. military veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families. Government leisure rates are also available.
- **Avis Preferred Program:** Enrollment in the free loyalty program provides benefits like the ability to skip the counter at pick-up (during peak times) and access to express checkout upon return. Higher tiers may offer complimentary upgrades when available.
- **Flight Tracking for Delays:** If a flight number is provided during booking, Avis airport locations will typically track the flight and may remain open to accommodate delayed arrivals, although this service is not guaranteed to extend far past the advertised closing time of 11:59 PM.
- **Variety of Vehicle Sizes:** The dual designation as a **Van rental agency** means that travelers needing extra space for luggage or passengers—such as full-size SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban—have options readily available at the airport.
- **On-site parking:** Convenient **On-site parking** is provided for customers who leave their personal vehicles while renting.
The combination of military savings and a comprehensive loyalty program provides strong value for frequent renters. However, customers are strongly advised to note the potential for inconsistencies in vehicle condition and after-hours staffing, reinforcing the need for diligence upon rental and return.
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Clear communication is a critical component of any car rental experience, especially for airport locations dealing with varying flight schedules. Customers in Tennessee should use the following direct contact details for the Avis branch at McGhee Tyson Airport for all local inquiries, reservations, and service issues.
Address: 2055 Alcoa Hwy, Alcoa, TN 37701, USA
Primary Phone: (865) 970-2985
Mobile Phone: +1 865-970-2985
For official after-hours support or central customer service concerns, contacting the corporate customer service line may be necessary, especially in cases of reservation disputes or billing questions.
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The Avis Car Rental at McGhee Tyson Airport is worth choosing for East Tennessee travelers due to its **core logistical advantages and range of vehicle options**. The most compelling reasons to select Avis are its position as an on-airport provider with **Onsite services**, which dramatically cuts down on transfer time, and its capability as a reliable **Van rental agency**, offering larger vehicles that can be difficult to secure elsewhere, making it ideal for big groups or extensive trips across the Tennessee countryside.
The availability of **Active military discounts** and the Avis Preferred program further solidify its value proposition for eligible customers. The acceptance of various payment methods, including **NFC mobile payments**, also makes the transaction process smooth.
However, users must proceed with a high degree of caution. Based on public feedback, it is essential for customers to **thoroughly inspect their vehicle for existing damage and cleanliness** (especially in dimly lit garage areas), and to **meticulously document the time and condition of the vehicle upon return** to protect against future disputes. While the operational hours are favorable, late-night arrivals should not rely solely on the counter staying open past the official closing time and should have backup plans in place, as other competing agencies at TYS have demonstrated more reliable late-night staffing.
Ultimately, Avis at TYS offers the right tools—convenience, fleet size, and discounts—but successful execution relies on the renter’s proactive approach and attention to detail during both pick-up and drop-off.
Avis Car Rental Details
Service options
- Onsite services
Highlights
- Active military discounts
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- On-site parking
Avis Car Rental Photos










Avis Car Rental Location
Avis Car Rental Reviews
pick upcheck incredit cardflightfeesSUVreceiptprepaidparking garagecharge
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Worst customer service and rental experience to the point I had to send all documents and request video footage from the airport just in case. They gave me a damaged car which you cannot see anything in the dark parking garage. Rented a suburban it was wrecked in the front and the rear end, stains in the seat, broken pieces internally, dings and scratches all over the body and smelled like Marijuana for the entire week. I called to report the damage after talking photos, videos, getting my life 360 and ring camera videos and the guy i spoke with tried to charge my card AGAIN! Took it to the local avis in knoxville and they refused to do anything for me. So we ultimately were stuck with it because we couldn't find another vehicle of its size. My rental return was 7pm and I had it back at 5:22pm the following Saturday, got a text three days later saying I had not returned my vehicle. Called and spoke to several workers CSRs until finally someone closed out my rental agreement and gave me a rental receipt however I have a feeling this isn't the end so I put in a request for the video footage at the airport and plan to get a lawyer if necessary. After reading all of the other reviews of people getting scammed by avis I felt it was best to cover my butt.
October 15 · Sammi CoakerCurrently sitting in the Knoxville, TN airport completely stranded by Avis. My Avis confirmation was for an 11:30pm pick up with my flight info attached. I was at the counter before 11:30pm with no one in sight. Went out to the garage where another customer was also left high and dry. Call center couldn’t help (Angelica was pleasant enough but very unhelpful.) Their advice was to come back in the morning to get the car. So I’m just supposed to sit in the airport until the morning? My hotel is 1.5 hours away. No uber willing to bring me. Shame on you Avis!Unable to rent from the other car rental businesses that were still open, as they couldn’t accept walk ups at this time. For anyone looking to rent a car at the TYS Airport (Knoxville) the places that were still open (and they all confirmed they stay open until the last flight of the night gets their baggage) are as follows: Alamo, National, & HertzOne final note:**Tyler from Alamo was extremely kind!**
July 07 · michelle coteThis was one of the best Avis experiences I've had in recent years. No waiting for a car, no mistakes on the rental details, no spurious extra charges. Ironically this location had approximately the same staffing level as other larger airports (ATL, SJC, SAN) where I have had numerous and chronic issues. Avis corporate should take note that, unsurprisingly, staffing a location commiserate with the amount of customers makes the experience much nicer for said customer.
September 26 · Kyle ReidI have zero idea what's going on with Avis. I reserved a car at their downtown Atlanta location a few days ago to attend an event that I needed to be at by 4:30pm. I arrive and inquire on where I can park and leave my car. Instead of answering me she asked my name - I realize this is a bad sign! She goes on to tell me that they tried to call me and left me a message (who leaves messages in 2025?). I received an email a few hours earlier letting me know I can add on certain services on my rental today.I didn't even waste my time inquiring or trying to find an alternative solution. I just contacted another service because I was already running behind.There is obviously a disconnect between renting cars from satellite locations via the app or website vs what's really Happening. This really needs to be fixed!A few weeks ago I rented a car and it was visually not acceptable. I am picking up clients in these cars. It's gone from dirty to obviously damaged vehicles that should be pulled. I got both on my rental. Check out the pictures.I have been a happy, loyal customer to avis for many, many years but the last week years have been the worst!!What is going on?!If your app or website allows a customer to book and pay for a vehicle you guys need to figure out how to honor that and not wait until the customer shows up. Also if you're encouraging folks to use your app to rent cars you should also use that format to communicate with them.Unbelievable!
February 19 · Mack McKWaited almost two hours to pick up my reserved car. The staff was stress and stated they were understaffed. They shut down the counter and made 30+ people stand in the hot fume filled parking garage for more than an hour.
June 22 · fenny holly
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