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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