My visit to the Knoxville Area Transit Center KAT

Megabus picks up at the Knoxville Area Transit Center on Church Street. Some of my blog readers have written to ask what the center is like and what’s nearby. Hopefully, this article will answer many of the questions that you might ask. If not, feel free to either email me or leave a message in the comment section below.

KAT Sign

Parking
The Knoxville Area Transit Center is across the street from the Coliseum. You enter into the main entrance on Church Street on the side of the building that Megabus serves. Long term parking for Megabus is available at the coliseum. Short term parking meters are in front of KAT for drop-offs and pick-ups.

Personal needs

Bathrooms, a small cafe and vending machines are inside the front door of the Knoxville Transit Center next to the bus stop.  I couldn’t find the hours posted for the cafe while I was there but this is the only restaurant option at the Knoxville Area Transit center.

Food
Drivers and those taking a cab may want to visit Cumberland Avenue (see below) for food and light shopping. This is probably the closest area to KAT that has an abundance of food choices and some shopping.

Street Parking

Gay Street
Walkers who don't mind going several blocks from the Knoxville Area Transit Center can find food and shopping options on Gay Street. It's about 5 blocks or more from KAT. The street is charming and historic. The Bistro by the Bijou is still a few blocks further ahead.

Photos on this page are the ones I took at the Knoxville Area Transit Center. They can tell you more of what to expect.

KAT Display

KAT background
The Knoxville Area Transit Center is a multi-million dollar facility that is relatively new to our city. It opened in August 2010. The halls are spacious and clean. There are both elevators and an escalator. It is an open and welcoming design.

The entryway walls at the Knoxville Transit Center are lined with an interesting exhibit. Looking over the wall displays are educational and help you pass the time while waiting on Megabus.


The top level of the Knoxville Area Transit Center is where the local buses pick up and drop off. There are a few benches and a small covered waiting area.

Inside KAT center

Cumberland Avenue

Other eateries are available on Cumberland Avenue. The most convenient bet for these may be to drive or hire a cab. A window with KAT staff is to the right just after you open the door. She will be glad to tell you how to go from the Knoxville Transit Center to Cumberland Avenue on the UT campus.

Cumberland Avenue has everything from fast food to mid-upscale dining at the Copper Cellar. Two mom-and-pop ethnic restaurants are Niro's Gyros and Ephesus Mediterranean. Mellow Mushroom Pizza, Panera Bread, Jason's Deli, Zaxby's and sandwich shops -among others.