The Gatlinburg trolley is one of the best and most affordable ways to get around Gatlinburg. You’re able to leave your car parked and hop on a trolley to see the area and get where you need to go.
The Gatlinburg trolley system has been around since 1980 to help visitors get to attractions, restaurants and more throughout the area. Every year, over 800,000 passengers take a ride on the trolley. With some routes costing as small as 50 cents, you’re definitely saving money on your ride. They even offer wristbands that will allow you unlimited rides for the day.
Where are the Gatlinburg trolley routes?
The Gatlinburg Trolleys are color coded by route. Look for the signs posted on the front and sides of each trolley to ensure you are on the correct route.
Downtown River Rd
Red Route
Fare $.50
The Red Trolley Route runs from the Gatlinburg Mass Transit Center south on River Road to the Parkway then north on Historic Nature Trail/Airport Road and the Convention Center to Park Vista Hotel. Trolley continues down Cherokee Orchard Road to Baskins Creek, onto Stephens and Newton Lane, and then enters onto the Parkway at traffic light #6. Departures are approximately every 30 minutes.
Downtown Parkway
Green Route
Fare $.50
May – November
The Green Trolley Route runs from Gatlinburg Mass Transit Center up Cherokee Orchard Road to Park Vista Hotel, continues down Historic Nature Trail to Parkway and travels south to M&O, River Road and Ski Mountain Road, and then travels north on Parkway to the Gatlinburg Mass Transit Center. Departures are approximately every 30 minutes.
Arts & Crafts Community
Yellow Route
Fare $1.00 All Day
April – December
The delightful mini-trolley that services the famous Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Yellow Route can be boarded at the Gatlinburg Mass Transit Center at traffic light #5. This Trolley makes the entire eight-mile Glades/Buckhorn Loop. One fare provides unlimited access all along the route. This route is available daily April through October and during November and December the route is available Monday through Saturday. *Please Note: This route takes approximately one hour to complete. Be aware that it may be as long as one hour before the Trolley returns to each pick-up/drop off point.
National Park
Tan Route
Fare $2.00 Round Trip
June – October
The National Park Tan Trolley Route runs June through October. The route departs from the Gatlinburg Mass Transit Center at approximately 9 am, 10:30 am, Noon, 2:30 pm, 4 pm, and 5:30 pm, and runs up River Road onto the Parkway and into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Stops include Sugarlands Visitor Center, Laurel Falls Parking Area, and Elkmont Campground before returning to Gatlinburg. Trip lasts about one and one-half hours.
Dollywood
Pink Route
Fare $1.00 Each Way
The Pink Trolley offers convenient access to Dollywood. Trolley departs from the Gatlinburg Mass Transit Center at traffic light #5 approximately every 60 minutes, with stops in Pigeon Forge at the Dollywood Information Center on Parkway and the entrance to Dollywood. Dollywood drop-offs coincide with the park’s opening time each day and pick-ups run one & one-half hours after the park closing time. On dates when Dollywood is closed, the Trolley runs to the Dollywood Information Center following the Operating Schedule at right. From November until late March, the Trolley runs only on dates when Dollywood is open.
East Parkway & City Hall
Blue Route
Fare $.50
The Blue Trolley serves the free Gatlinburg Park-N-Ride lot located next to City Hall on East Parkway, and offers convenient access to shops, lodging, and attractions. The route begins at the Gatlinburg Mass Transit Center at traffic light #5 approximately every 45 minutes and runs along the Parkway to East Parkway, then to the Gatlinburg Community Center before it returns to the Mass Transit Center along the same route.
North Gatlinburg Parkway & Welcome Center
Purple Route
Fare $.50
This popular Purple Trolley route serves the free Gatlinburg Park-N-Ride lot and Gatlinburg Welcome Center located on the Spur/Highway 441 between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The route departs from the Park-N-Ride lot south through the entrance to Gatlinburg and along the Parkway, ending at the Gatlinburg Mass Transit Center at traffic light #5 in downtown Gatlinburg. Departures are approximately every 30 minutes.
When can you ride the Gatlinburg trolley?
The Gatlinburg trolley is in operation 365 days per year. These are the specific times you can catch a ride throughout the year:
March through April
10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
May through October
8:30 a.m. to 12 midnight
November through February
Sunday – Thursday: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Via gatlinburgtnguide.com
