The Gatlinburg trolley offers visitors a free and convenient way to explore this popular Tennessee mountain town without dealing with parking headaches or traffic stress.
The trolley system connects major attractions, hotels, and dining spots throughout the city, making it ideal to get around town while maximizing their time and minimizing transportation costs.
Located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and just minutes from Pigeon Forge, this guide covers everything you need to know about trolley routes, schedules, maps, and practical tips for riding the trolley in Gatlinburg like a pro.
What’s Inside This Guide
- Quick Start Guide
- How the Gatlinburg Trolley Works
- What Is the Gatlinburg Trolley?
- Where to Board & General Information
- Gatlinburg Trolley Schedule & Hours
- Gatlinburg Trolley Routes Explained
- Gatlinburg Trolley Map
- Tips for Vacationers: Making the Most of the Trolley
Quick Start Guide
The Basics
- Free trolley service – no fare required
- Operates 365 days a year
- Color-coded routes (Red, Purple, Blue, Yellow)
- Most routes run every 30 minutes or less
- Yellow route operates approximately once per hour
- Download PDF Trolley map
How to Ride
- Board at any marked trolley stop
- All routes connect at Mass Transit Center (Ripley’s Aquarium)
- Look for route color on front of trolley
- Signal driver to board, be ready to exit quickly
Get Real-Time Info
- Download “Gatlinburg Trolleys” app for live tracking (Download for Apple, Download for Android)
- Check the Trolley Locator website for real-time bus location and schedule
- Text alerts available for service changes
Key Locations
- Park-n-Ride: Gatlinburg Welcome Center (1011 Banner Road) – free parking
- Transfer hub: Mass Transit Center at Ripley’s Aquarium
- Contact: (865) 436-3897 for questions
Quick Route Guide
- Red: Downtown attractions (Anakeesta, Ober Mountain, SkyPark)
- Purple: Welcome Center and Spur area
- Blue: East Parkway and local dining
- Yellow: Arts & Crafts Community (seasonal)
How the Gatlinburg Trolley Works
What Is the Gatlinburg Trolley?
The Gatlinburg trolley is a free service that serves visitors and residents 365 days a year. The system operates multiple color-coded routes that connect the city’s most popular attractions, hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas. The best part? There’s no fare to worry about, making it one of the most budget-friendly ways to get around town.
The trolley system provides several key benefits for vacationers. You’ll avoid the frustration of finding and paying for parking in busy downtown areas, especially during peak tourist seasons. The trolleys run regularly throughout the day, so you won’t be stuck waiting for rides. Plus, the scenic mountain views from the trolley windows add an extra enjoyment to your transportation experience.
Where to Board & General Information
You can board the trolley at any marked stop throughout Gatlinburg. Look for distinctive trolley stop signs that display route information and schedules.
All Gatlinburg trolley routes connect at the Mass Transit Center, located at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in downtown Gatlinburg, making it the central hub for transfers between different routes.
For visitors driving into Gatlinburg, the Park-n-Ride option at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center (1011 Banner Road) on the Spur lets you park your car for free and catch the trolley into downtown. This welcome center on the spur is particularly useful during busy periods when downtown parking is scarce or expensive.
If you need assistance or have questions about the trolley system, you can contact them directly:
- Address: 88 River Rd #101, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Phone: (865) 436-3897
- Toll-Free: 1-800-848-0298
- Email: [email protected]
Gatlinburg Trolley Schedule & Hours
Operating Days & Seasons
The Gatlinburg trolley operates 365 days a year, though schedules vary depending on the trolley route and season. This year-round service means you can count on trolley transportation whether you’re visiting during peak summer months or quieter winter periods when exploring the Great Smoky Mountains.
Hours of Operation
The trolley system adjusts its operating hours based on seasonal demand:
March–April: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
May–October: 8:30 AM – 12:00 Midnight
November–February:
- Red, Purple & Blue Routes: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Yellow Route: Monday–Saturday, 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Frequency & Wait Times
Most trolley routes run every 30 minutes or less during regular operating hours. The yellow route operates approximately once per hour due to its longer route through the Arts and Crafts Community.
Remember that the Gatlinburg trolley schedule can change during holidays, special events, or severe weather conditions. Summer months typically see the most frequent service due to higher visitor volume.
It’s always smart to check the Gatlinburg trolley tracker or Gatlinburg trolley locator for real-time updates before heading out, especially if you’re trying to catch a specific trolley or make timed connections.
Gatlinburg Trolley Routes Explained
The Gatlinburg mass transit system uses color-coded routes to simplify navigation. All routes stop at the Mass Transit Center at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, the transfer point between different routes.
Red Route: Downtown, River Road, and Attractions
The red route covers many of Gatlinburg’s most popular attractions and runs through the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. Key stops include:
- River Road hotels and attractions
- Cherokee Orchard Road
- Ski Mountain Road
- Airport Road
- Convention Center
- Calhoun’s restaurant
- Mysterious Mansion
- Park Grill
- SkyPark
- Anakeesta
- Ober Mountain Adventure Park
If you’re staying downtown or want to visit major attractions like Anakeesta or Ober Mountain, the red route will likely be your go-to option.
Purple Route: Welcome Center & Spur
The purple route connects downtown Gatlinburg to the welcome center area along the parkway (Highway 441) toward Pigeon Forge and Dollywood. This route is perfect for visitors using the Park-n-Ride service or staying at hotels along the main corridor. Notable stops include:
- Gatlinburg Welcome Center
- Speedwerkz
- Moonshine Mountain Coaster
- Ripley’s Davy Crockett’s Mini Golf
- Various hotels and restaurants along the Spur
Blue Route: East Parkway & Community
The blue route travels up East Parkway, serving the Gatlinburg community area and several popular dining spots. Key stops include:
- Rocky Top Sports World
- Gatlinburg library
- Community center
- Mills Park
- Alamo Steakhouse
- Mad Dog’s Creamery
- Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
- Crystelle Creek Restaurant
This route is ideal if you’re staying in the East Parkway area or want to explore some of Gatlinburg’s local dining gems.
Yellow Route: Arts & Crafts Community
The yellow route operates seasonally and serves the famous Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, one of North America’s largest groups of independent artisans. This route runs daily from April through October and Monday through Saturday from November through December. Stops include:
- East Parkway connection points
- Glades Road
- Buckhorn Road
- Alewine Pottery
- Morning Mist Village
- Winery Square
- Various craft shops and galleries
If you’re interested in handmade crafts, local art, or unique shopping experiences in the crafts community, the yellow route is your ticket to this special area.
Transferring Between Routes
All route transfers happen at the Mass Transit Center. When planning trips that require multiple routes, factor in transfer time at this central hub. The Mass Transit Center is located at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, so you can easily grab a snack or browse the area while waiting for your connecting trolley.
Gatlinburg Trolley Map and App
Accessing the Map
Physical trolley maps are available at the Mass Transit Center and the Gatlinburg Welcome Center. These paper maps show all routes, stops, and basic schedule information.
For the most current and detailed mapping information, visit the interactive online Trolley Locator
The city also provides accessible formats for visually impaired travelers. You can request these alternative formats by emailing the trolley department directly.
Apps
The “Gatlinburg Trolleys” mobile app, available for both Apple and Android devices, provides real-time trolley locations and arrival predictions.
You can also sign up for text alerts about service disruptions or schedule changes.
Tips for Vacationers: Making the Most of the Trolley
Planning Your Day
Start your trip planning with the online trip planner or mobile app to map out the most efficient routes for your desired destinations. If driving to Gatlinburg, consider starting at the Welcome Center to pick up area brochures and get oriented before heading downtown.
If you’re staying in one of our cabin rentals, many Cabins for YOU properties are strategically located along trolley routes or within easy walking distance of trolley stops.
When booking your cabin with us, ask about proximity to trolley access points – this can save you from driving into downtown Gatlinburg for attractions and dining. Our cabin guests often find that using the trolley system allows them to enjoy the mountain scenery without the stress of navigating busy downtown traffic, making their vacation more relaxing.
The Park-n-Ride option at the Welcome Center can save you significant time and money, especially during peak tourist seasons when downtown parking is limited and expensive. From there, you can easily access all trolley routes.
Accessibility & Rider Information
All Gatlinburg trolleys are equipped to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. The vehicles feature low floors and ramps for easy boarding. Parents with strollers will find the trolley much easier than navigating crowded sidewalks with their gear.
Service animals are welcome on all trolleys. The voice stop announcements help passengers with visual impairments know when they’re approaching their destination.
Safety & Etiquette
Wait at marked trolley stops and signal the driver when you want to board. Trolleys won’t stop in front unless passengers are visible at designated stops. Be ready to disembark quickly when you reach your destination, as trolleys need to maintain their schedules.
Keep aisles clear for other passengers and those boarding or leaving the trolley. During busy periods, be prepared to stand, as seating is limited. The front and sides of each trolley display route information clearly, making it easy to identify the correct trolley when multiple routes share the same trolley stop. Respect other riders by keeping conversations at reasonable volumes and controlling children appropriately.
The trolley drivers are knowledgeable about local attractions and can often provide helpful suggestions about stops and timing. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, but remember they must focus on driving safely.
Ready to Explore Gatlinburg the Smart Way?
The Gatlinburg trolley transforms what could be a stressful vacation experience into a relaxed and enjoyable way to explore the city.
With no fare required, regular service every 30 minutes, and connections to all major attractions around town, the trolley Gatlinburg system removes transportation worries from your Smoky Mountain vacation equation.
Whether visiting family-friendly attractions, exploring the arts and crafts community, or simply getting from your hotel to dinner, the trolley provides reliable and scenic transportation that lets you focus on making memories instead of finding parking spaces.