Some events are so spectacular that they demand to be seen in person. The Kentucky Derby & Oaks are the premier showcase of companionship between humans and equines, manifest as an adrenaline-pumping, groundshaking 2 minutes of full-speed racing. Whether you're backing Paladin, Chip Honcho, or any of the other Road to Kentucky Derby all-stars, you won't want to miss the finale, taking place at the historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Getting to Louisville in time for the action is made easy at Alternative Airlines. We take all the guesswork out of booking your flights, allowing you to book flights with your favourite airlines out of our 600+ available options. We also offer over 40 ways to pay for your flights, including all commonly accepted debit cards, cryptocurrency, and even Buy Now Pay Later options.
With an event as culturally significant as the Kentucky Derby, we know costs can rack up quickly. That's why at Alternative Airlines, we are proud to offer fan favourite Buy Now Pay Later partners such as Klarna and Affirm when you book your flights to Louisville. They allow you to spread the cost of your flights over a period that suits you. Witness legend in the making without all the strain of immediate payment.
At the time of writing in mid-February 2026, the official 20-horse field for the Kentucky Derby (scheduled for May 2, 2026) is not yet finalised. However, the "Road to the Kentucky Derby" qualifying series is in full swing, and several standout colts have emerged as the primary contenders. As of February 16, 2026, here are the top horses to watch based on leaderboard points and recent performances:
Following major prep races like the Risen Star Stakes and the Sunland Derby this past weekend, the leaderboard is currently topped by:
Planning for the 2026 Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2, 2026, requires a bit of strategy. Since the city swells with hundreds of thousands of visitors, choosing the right airport can be the difference between a smooth landing and a 3-hour traffic jam.
Best for: Absolute proximity and "no-fuss" arrivals.
Best for: Scenic views and horse enthusiasts.
Best for: Budget travellers and those seeking more flight options.
Ready to get a hoof on? You can book your flights to the Kentucky Derby today so they are sorted, then pay over time when you book with Alternative Airlines.
We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines
The Kentucky Derby is a week-long event finishing with the derby. The event is scheduled for May 2nd, 2026.
The derby is held yearly at the Churchill Downs racecourse in Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
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.
If flying to the Kentucky Derby, then the closest airport is Louisville airport, however, Blue Grass and Cincinnati international airports are also great alternatives.
Use the simple search tool at the top of the page. Tell us where you are travelling from and where you are headed. 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.
At Alternative Airlines, 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.
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 a private transfer. You could also rent a car and drive to the races and park in the grounds car park.
