Flights to the Kentucky Derby
Book flights to the Kentucky Derby 2024
We make the booking experience as seamless and flexible as possible, helping you get to the Kentucky Derby with ease. We currently ticket over 600 different airlines including major US carriers meaning you can head straight from your departure city to the races stress-free. Not only do we offer hundreds of airlines but we make it even more flexible by allowing you to pay in one of 160+ different currencies including USD, GBP, MXN and CAD. When it's time to pay choose one of the 40+ payment methods including pay in full platforms such as Visa, AMEX and Diners Club or use one of our 'buy now, pay later' options to spread the cost. Contact our customer service team or search for flights today to find out more.
About the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is an annual horse racing event held at the Churchill Downs racecourse in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. The event is a 2-week long event finishing with the final day playing host to the main race. The event is often referred to as "The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports" as often the races only last about this long. because of its approximate duration. The festival traces its routes back to 1875 when the first races were held. The event is one of America's premier sporting and social events. Similar to European and other horse racing derbys, the Kentucky derby also requires attendants to follow strict clothing guidelines.
How to fly to Kentucky Derby
Flying Domestically
The 3 best airports to choose when flying to the Derby are Louisville, Nashville and Indianapolis airports. All airports offer a wide range of domestic destinations with services including Chicago, Denver, Houston, Boston, Washington D.C., New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and more.
Flying from an international destination
If you are travelling from a destination outside of the US then you may be required to connect via an airline's hub onwards to the derby. Louisville has no international services meaning a connection via another airport will be required. Cincinnati Airport is the nearest major international airport to fly into as it offers a handful of services to Canada, Mexico and Europe. However, it is recommended to fly into Louisville International (as it is the closest) and connect via American, Delta or United's hubs throughout the country.
Airports close to the Kentucky Derby
Louisville International Airport (SDF)
Louisville International is the closest airport to the derby. The airport is served by 10 different domestic carriers all serving continental US cities. There are no international services available. However, American, Delta and United all operate at the airport meaning if travelling from outside the US you could fly into one of their major hub airports and connect to Louisville. If heading to the derby you will need to book a taxi or hire a car to get you to the event as there are no shuttle services available.
Distance to Kentucky Derby: 4 miles (10 minutes by car approx)
✈ Domestic US airlines: Allegiant Air, American Airlines, American Eagle, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines and United Airlines.
Cincinnati International Airport (CVG)
Cincinnati Airport is another nearby city you could choose to fly into. The airport is under 2 hours from the racecourse and offers more destinations across the US with some international destinations also served. Canada, Mexico and Europe are all served with direct routes to the city, making it easier if you are an international traveller visiting the derby. There is no direct public transport link to the derby so a car rental or taxi service will be required.
Distance to Kentucky Derby: 100 miles (1 hour 40 minutes by car approx)
✈ Domestic US airlines: Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, American Eagle, Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines and United Express.
✈ International airlines: Air Canada Express & VivaAerobus
Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
Indianapolis is another great alternative to Louisville as the airport is around 2 hours from the derby. The airport offers a wide range of domestic US services to cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Las Vegas, New York and more. The airport has a limited number of international services with only Toronto in Canada and Cancun in Mexico being served. Similarly, the airport doesn't offer a shuttle or public transport service to get you to the derby so a private transfer will be required.
Distance to Kentucky Derby: 127 miles (2hr by car approx)
✈ Domestic US airlines: Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, American Eagle, Contour Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines and United Express.
✈ International airlines: Air Canada Express
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Flights to the Kentucky Derby FAQs
When is the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is a week-long event finishing with the derby. The event is scheduled to begin on 4h of May 2024.
Where is the Kentucky Derby?
The derby is held yearly at the Churchill Downs racecourse in Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
How do I get tickets to the Kentucky Derby?
If you wish to visit the derby then you must have a ticket. To purchase these as well as different ticket packages please visit the official Kentucky Derby website to do so.
How do I fly to the Derby?
If flying to the Kentucky Derby then the closest airport is Louisville airport, however, Indianapolis and Cincinnati international airports are also great alternatives.
How do I buy flights to the Kentucky Derby?
Use the simple search tool at the top of the page. Tell us where you are travelling from and where you are headed, is it Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati or somewhere else? Set your dates, class of travel and passengers travelling then hit search. You can easily filter the results by airline, flight times and durations and more, helping you find the flights best for you.
How can I pay for flights to the Kentucky Derby?
We make paying for your flights really simple and flexible. We accept over 160 different currencies including USD, MXN and CAD allowing you to pay in your local currency. Use one of our various payment platforms catered to your budget with both pay in full options with Visa and AMEX as well as a range of 'Buy now, Pay later' options including Zip, Klarna and Afterpay. For more information on payments please visit our payments page.
How do I get to the racecourse?
Unfortunately, there aren't any shuttle services or public transport options available to get you to the derby. This means that you will have to either book a taxi or private transfer. You could also either drive to the races and park in the grounds car park.