Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your October journey
October is one of the most pleasant months to depart from McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) thanks to cooler temperatures and scenic fall foliage near the Great Smoky Mountains. Travelers flying TYS to RDU in October should book at least 3–6 weeks in advance for the best fares, especially around long weekends when leaf-peepers travel to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Expect typical nonstop flight times around 1 hour 35 minutes; choose midweek departures for lower prices and lighter security lines. For convenience, reserve parking ahead and consider TSA PreCheck; if you plan road trips, combine air travel with drives to Asheville or Nashville for extended itineraries. Use route-specific keywords like “TYS to RDU flights October” when searching to surface the best deals and schedule alerts.
A nonstop flight between McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) typically takes about 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes. In October, expect similar flight times; seasonal winds can slightly affect duration but not usually by more than 10–15 minutes. Check live schedules for exact times and consider one-stop itineraries via ATL or CLT if nonstop options are limited.
Weekends—especially Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons—are typically the busiest travel periods on the TYS to RDU route in October as leisure travelers take long fall weekend trips. Midweek departures (Tuesday and Wednesday) often have lower fares and less crowded terminals, so consider booking those days to save money and time. Also watch for local events like Great Smoky Mountains fall weekends that may spike demand.
October in East Tennessee brings crisp weather and popular fall foliage drives, so pack layers and a light jacket for mornings and evenings. Arrive 90 minutes before domestic departures during peak festival weekends and consider using TSA PreCheck to speed security; roads to McGhee Tyson can see heavier traffic during Smoky Mountain leaf-peeping weekends. Book airport parking or rideshare in advance if traveling during October festivals.
In October you'll commonly find flights operated by major carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines on this route, often with one-stop connections through hubs like Charlotte (CLT) or Atlanta (ATL). Seasonal schedules can add or reduce nonstop options, so check airline sites or metasearch engines for current TYS to RDU flight availability. Low-cost carriers or regional partners may also appear on specific dates.
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) serves Knoxville and nearby destinations like Oak Ridge, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and access to the Great Smoky Mountains. Travelers often combine flights with ground travel to Asheville, Chattanooga, and Nashville for broader regional itineraries; October fall foliage makes driving between these cities popular. Use multi-city search options if you plan to fly into RDU and drive to nearby North Carolina destinations like Durham or Chapel Hill.
TSA wait times at McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) generally remain manageable, but during October holiday weekends and fall festivals you may see longer lines; TSA PreCheck helps reduce screening time. Long-term parking can fill up on busy autumn weekends, so reserve airport parking or plan for an early drop-off to avoid delays. Check TYS parking maps and live TSA updates before departure for best results.
October arrivals at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) benefit from mild weather, fall festivals, and easy access to Research Triangle Park and university campuses. Ground transport options are plentiful—rideshare, taxis, rental cars, and shuttle services connect RDU to downtown Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill in 20–40 minutes depending on traffic. Expect higher hotel demand during the North Carolina State Fair and university home football games; book accommodations and transport early to lock in better rates. Use search phrases such as “RDU arrivals October” or “Raleigh airport transportation fall” to find up-to-date schedules and deals.
The quickest options from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to downtown Raleigh are taxi, rideshare services (Uber/Lyft), or airport shuttle; the ride typically takes 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. October traffic is usually moderate and pleasant with cooling temperatures, but plan extra time for events like the North Carolina State Fair. For budget travelers, check fixed-rate shuttles or regional bus services to nearby cities like Durham and Cary.
October brings major events like the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh, local craft and food festivals, and numerous college football games at nearby universities. The mild fall weather makes it ideal for outdoor festivals, brewery tours in downtown Raleigh, and leaf-peeping drives toward the Uwharrie and Eno River areas. Check event calendars before booking to avoid peak travel days and to secure accommodations early.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) serves Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and Research Triangle Park, and travelers commonly connect to nearby destinations like Greensboro, Fayetteville, and Charlotte by car or short flights. October is a great time to combine a trip to RDU with visits to the Blue Ridge Parkway for fall foliage or university campuses like Duke and NC State. Rental cars are widely available at RDU for regional exploration.
In October, bring light layers and a rain jacket for occasional showers; temperatures in the Raleigh-Durham area are typically mild with cool nights. Book hotels early for fair and festival weekends and consider public transit or shared shuttles for popular events to avoid parking congestion. Set fare alerts and look for midweek return flights to save on RDU route fares.
RDU experiences moderate passenger volumes in October with peaks during fall events and long weekends. Security wait times generally stay reasonable, but expect longer lines during event arrivals and early morning departures; use Clear or TSA PreCheck to expedite screening. Check the RDU live security wait updates on the airport website for day-specific planning.
Key October events to consider when traveling the TYS→RDU route include the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh, seasonal craft and food festivals in downtown Raleigh and Durham, and fall foliage weekends around the Great Smoky Mountains near McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge host extensive Halloween and autumn events throughout October that can increase road and airport traffic near TYS. If you prefer quieter travel, avoid weekends of major college football games and fair dates; if you want to attend, book flights and hotels early and search “TYS to RDU flights October” to lock in accommodations and transport.
For the best combination of price and convenience on TYS→RDU in October, fly midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) and book 3–6 weeks ahead. Early morning flights often have better on-time performance while late afternoon/evening flights can be cheaper. Avoid weekends around local events—such as university homecoming or the NC State Fair—when fares and hotel rates spike. Use fare prediction tools and set price alerts with keywords like “cheap TYS to RDU October” to capture deals.
Nonstop flights between McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) are fastest and reduce disruption risk, ideal for short October trips and weekend getaways. Connecting flights, often routed through Charlotte (CLT) or Atlanta (ATL), can be significantly cheaper and offer more schedule flexibility but add total travel time and potential layover delays. For October travel during peak festival weekends, nonstops reduce stress; for budget travelers with flexible schedules, one-stop itineraries can save money. Consider baggage transfer policies and minimum connection times when choosing connecting flights—search using phrases like “TYS to RDU nonstop October” for nonstop availability.
American Airlines: Often routes TYS→RDU via Charlotte (CLT) with frequent connections and competitive fares; good for AAdvantage loyalty members. Delta Air Lines: Commonly offers connections via Atlanta (ATL) and tends to provide solid schedule options and SkyMiles benefits. United Airlines: Connects typically via Chicago or Washington hubs depending on routing; can be competitive for mileage plan members. Low-cost or regional carriers may appear seasonally, offering lower base fares but limited flexibility or baggage inclusions. For October, compare total ticket cost including bags and seat selection and search for “TYS to RDU flights October” across carriers to find the best match for your priorities (price vs. schedule vs. loyalty benefits).
Pack light layers and a waterproof jacket for October trips between McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), as temperatures vary from cool mornings to mild afternoons. Arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic departures during busy fall weekends and reserve parking or rideshare in advance for convenience. If renting a car at RDU, book ahead to secure the best rates and consider roadside assistance for scenic fall drives. Keep travel documents handy and sign up for airline alerts; search for “TYS to RDU flights October” to compare prices and finalize bookings with confidence.
Nonstop flights between McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) typically take 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes. Many itineraries are one-stop via Charlotte Douglas (CLT) or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL), which can extend total travel time to 3–5 hours including layovers. Daily frequency varies by carrier and season; expect fewer nonstop options in the shoulder months and more connecting choices. For October travel, check early morning departure windows for the most reliable on-time performance and evening flights if you prefer lower fares. Always confirm live schedules on airline websites or Google Flights before booking.
To find cheap flights from McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) in October, aim to book 3–6 weeks ahead and favor Tuesday or Wednesday departures. Typical round-trip fares in October often range from $120 to $280 depending on carrier and connection; one-stop itineraries via hubs like Charlotte (CLT) or Atlanta (ATL) can be less expensive. Use fare alerts, flexible-date search tools, and consider nearby departure/return airports for further savings. If you need a specific fare estimate, run a quick multi-airline search for “TYS to RDU flights October” and book when a competitive fare appears—act quickly on weekday-priced seats as availability changes fast.
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Book your economy class flight from Knoxville (TYS) to Durham (RDU)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your october trip.
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Book your economy class flight from Knoxville (TYS) to Durham (RDU)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your october trip.
Starting from $294
Book your economy class flight from Knoxville (TYS) to Durham (RDU)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your october trip.
Starting from $294
Book your economy class flight from Knoxville (TYS) to Durham (RDU)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your october trip.
Starting from $294
Book your economy class flight from Knoxville (TYS) to Durham (RDU)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your october trip.
Starting from $294
Book your economy class flight from Knoxville (TYS) to Durham (RDU)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your october trip.
Starting from $294
Book your economy class flight from Knoxville (TYS) to Durham (RDU)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your october trip.
Planning a trip from Knoxville (TYS) to Durham (RDU) in october? SlickTrip helps you find the cheapest economy class flights with our comprehensive flight comparison tool. Whether you prefer direct flights for convenience or multi-stop flights for savings, we have options for every budget and schedule.
