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Kentucky Derby

How to Get to the

Ahh, Derby Season, the most magical time of the year in Louisville! All anticipating the day when celebrities and other fabulous visitors descend on Churchill Downs in a glittering, pastel-suited, giant-hat-wearing cloud of excitement.

Figuring out where to stay for the Kentucky Derby really comes down to how you’ll be getting to and from Churchill Downs.

There are no hotel shuttles to Churchill Downs, so you’re on your own to figure out your transportation – along with about 150,000 other people.

Coming from out of town? Check out Rally, a bus rideshare specifically for the Kentucky Derby with 60 pick-up locations.

Your cheapest transit option is to take TARC to and from Churchill Downs: a one-way adult cash fare is only $1.75, and buses run all day. To get to Churchill Downs, you’ll want to hop on Routes 4, 6, or 29.

Use Thornberry Avenue to access the designated guest drop-off areas. Rides can wait for you in one of the 16 numbered spaces located within the Blue Lot.

If you plan on driving yourself to Churchill Downs, it is critical to know that all parking is sold in advance for both Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby. You’ll need to buy a parking pass – and they are NOT cheap.

Louisville has two electric scooter companies operating in town: Bird and Lime. You’ll only want to take a scooter for short distances that connect to Churchill Downs via surface streets, such as from Old Louisville, Shelby Park, Schnitzelburg or Downtown.

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Ultimate First-Timer’s Kentucky Derby Guide

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Head to the blog for more!

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