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Home >> Travel to the Kentucky Derby
Travel to the Kentucky Derby
By: Jc Davis
Louisville, Kentucky is a major metropolitan city located in the Midwestern United States. Louisville has an international airport which is served by most major airlines including Delta, Comair, Atlantic Southeast, Continental, Northwest Airlines, Skyways AB, Southwest, TWA, US Airways, and United Airlines. Tickets can be obtained through many sources, travel agents, online, and directly from the airlines themselves. Airport parking consists of 4,300 long term parking spaces and 1,000 short term spaces.
For those who prefer a road trip Louisville in intersected by three major highways I-64, I-65 and I-71. Cabs and buses are plentiful in Louisville during Kentucky Derby week and many hotels have shuttles directly to Churchill Downs, so whether you fly or drive transportation is not a problem. Prices for air fare are determined by point of departure but if you search there are good deals and complete packages available with Kentucky Derby tickets including hotels. Search in your price range and you should be able to find accommodations to fit any budget. Charter buses are another means of transportation; however these are usually local groups from different towns across the country. Louisville can be accessed from any airport in the US with many direct flights. Louisville is a low crime city so for those attending for the first time don't be afraid to ask questions of the locals, they are friendly, helpful, and generally polite.
Flights to the Derby fill up early especially from racing centers like Baltimore and New York. It is recommended that flights be reserved at least six months before Derby time. Louisville is served by most major airlines and a few regional airlines.
For those who are not in a hurry rail travel is a good potion. Amtrak serves the Louisville area. This method of travel is relaxing and since most rail lines were built before automobiles and roads you can see scenery that can't be seen by other modes of travel. Amtrak has recently improved their service, the food in the dining cars has been improved and all Amtrak employees have spent a year training in all aspects of customer service. If, for any, reason, you are not satisfied Amtrak will issue a certificate good for a trip of the same length.
Hotels fill up early and some of the more popular hotels fill up the year before the Derby. Rooms should be reserved two or three months in advance and even sooner is advisable. Be advised that cab rates increase significantly during Derby time with the blessing of the Cab Commission so you will want to stay as close to town as you can. Louisville is served by all major car rental agencies and has several limousine services. There are always plenty of cabs to and from Churchill Downs.
Many race fans fly in the morning of the Derby and fly out that evening, but they miss all the fun that Derby time provides. Louisville goes all out during the Derby with Derby related activities and parties and guests are treated like royalty.
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