Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport, located 12 miles south of downtown, is served by three national carriers and six regional carriers. The city's other major facility is down-town's Island Home Airport, which is a base for smaller general aviation traffic and privately-owned planes.
Access to the city via car, truck, or bus is made easy by the fact that three of the nation's busiest interstate highways—I-40, I-75, and I-81—intersect in Knoxville. Completion of an extension of the Pellissippi Parkway, designed to relieve congestion on Alcoa Highway, is expected in June of 2005.
Public transportation is provided in Knoxville by Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) buses; lift service for the disabled and handicapped is available. KAT routes reach within a quarter-of-a-mile of 90 percent of Knoxville's population, with discount rates offered to students and senior citizens. Colorful trolleys reminiscent of those of the turn of the century provide free service in the downtown area.