GuntersvilleLake.com
Aerial view of a grassy lakeside lawn and a small boat dock near Guntersville

Getting there

Getting to Lake Guntersville, and getting around

Fly into Huntsville, Birmingham, Chattanooga, Nashville or Atlanta and drive the rest of the way. Here is how to reach Lake Guntersville and how to get around once you are there.

By air

The nearest airport is Huntsville International (HSV), about 50 minutes from Guntersville, with flights from several US hubs. For more choice and often lower fares, fly into Birmingham, Nashville or Atlanta, and hire a car.

Driving to Guntersville
FromDistanceTime by car
HuntsvilleAbout 40 milesAbout 45 minutes
Huntsville International AirportAbout 50 milesAbout 50 minutes
BirminghamAbout 75 milesAbout 1½ hours
ChattanoogaAbout 80 milesAbout 1½ hours
NashvilleAbout 140 milesAbout 2½ hours
AtlantaAbout 160 milesAbout 2½–3 hours

Times are approximate and depend on traffic, especially around Birmingham, Nashville and Atlanta.

By road

US Highway 431 runs through Guntersville, linking it with Huntsville to the north and Gadsden to the south. Alabama Highway 69 and Highway 79 also reach the town. From Interstate 59, leave at Gadsden or Fort Payne. From Interstate 65, go via Huntsville or Cullman.

By water

The lake is part of the Tennessee River waterway, so boaters can arrive by water through the locks at Guntersville Dam or Nickajack Dam. Check ahead with marinas for transient slips and fuel.

Getting around

  • Car: essential. The state park, boat ramps, Cathedral Caverns and the day trips are all spread out, and there is no useful public transport.
  • Boat: the lake itself is the best road. Rent a pontoon boat for a day, or bring your own.
  • On foot: downtown Guntersville and City Harbor are easy to walk around.
  • Ride-hailing: available in Huntsville, but cars can be few and far between around the lake.
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Getting there FAQ

Which airport is closest?

Huntsville International Airport (HSV), about 50 minutes away by car. Birmingham (BHM) and Chattanooga (CHA) are about 90 minutes away, and Nashville (BNA) and Atlanta (ATL) have more flights and are about 2–2½ hours away.

Do I need a car?

Yes. There is no useful public transport around the lake, and the state park, the boat ramps and the day trips are spread out. Hire a car at the airport.

How far is Guntersville from Huntsville and Birmingham?

Huntsville is about 40 miles (45 minutes) away, and Birmingham is about 75 miles (about 1½ hours) away. Chattanooga is about 80 miles (about 1½ hours) away.

Can I arrive by boat?

Yes. The lake is part of the Tennessee River waterway, and boats can pass through the locks at Guntersville Dam and Nickajack Dam. Check marinas ahead for transient slips and fuel.