Explore Kentucky United States

Explore Kentucky United States

What is the best time to travel to Kentucky

The best time to travel to Kentucky depends on your interests and the activities you plan to do. Here are some things to consider:

Weather: Kentucky experiences four distinct seasons, with hot and humid summers and cold winters. Spring and fall tend to have mild temperatures and pleasant weather, making them popular times to visit.

Festivals and Events: Kentucky hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Kentucky Derby in May, the Bourbon Festival in September, and the World Chicken Festival in October. Consider planning your trip around one of these events if it interests you.

Outdoor Activities: If you’re interested in outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, or camping, the spring and fall months are the best time to visit. The weather is cooler and the foliage is beautiful.

Indoor Activities: If you’re interested in indoor activities like visiting museums or shopping, any time of year is suitable. However, winter months can be especially enjoyable as they offer holiday events and attractions.

Overall, the best time to travel to Kentucky depends on your interests and what you want to experience.

How to get to Kentucky

There are several ways to get to Kentucky:

By Plane: Kentucky has several airports, including Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, and Blue Grass Airport in Lexington. These airports are served by major airlines and offer domestic and international flights.

By Car: Kentucky is easily accessible by car, with major interstates including I-75, I-64, and I-65 running through the state. If you’re coming from the north, I-71 and I-75 are the most direct routes.

By Train: Amtrak’s Cardinal line runs through Kentucky, with stops in Maysville, Ashland, South Shore, and Fulton. The line connects Chicago with New York City.

By Bus: Greyhound, Megabus, and other intercity bus companies provide service to several cities in Kentucky.

By Boat: Kentucky is located on the Ohio River and has several ports, making it accessible by boat. However, this is a less common way to travel to Kentucky.

Once you arrive in Kentucky, there are several transportation options available to help you get around, including rental cars, taxis, and public transportation.

How to get around Kentucky

Kentucky has several transportation options for getting around the state:

Car: Renting a car is the most convenient way to get around Kentucky, especially if you plan on visiting multiple cities or rural areas. The state has an extensive network of highways, and driving is generally easy.

Public Transit: Public transportation options in Kentucky are limited, but some cities have bus systems, such as the Transit Authority of River City (TARC) in Louisville and Lextran in Lexington. Greyhound and Megabus also provide intercity bus services.

Train: Amtrak provides train service to several cities in Kentucky, including Louisville, Ashland, and Maysville. However, train service is limited compared to other states.

Air: Kentucky has several regional airports that offer flights within the state and to nearby cities, including Louisville International Airport, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, and Lexington Blue Grass Airport.

Taxi and Ride-Hailing Services: Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are available in most cities and can be a convenient way to get around locally.

Bicycle: Many cities in Kentucky, including Louisville and Lexington, have bike-sharing programs and bike-friendly infrastructure, making cycling a popular way to get around. Some areas also have scenic bike trails, such as the Louisville Loop and the Legacy Trail in Lexington.

National Airports

Kentucky has several airports, both international and regional, that serve the state. Some of the major airports in Kentucky include:

Louisville International Airport (SDF): Located in Louisville, SDF is the largest airport in Kentucky and serves the Louisville metropolitan area. It has daily flights to many major U.S. cities, as well as some international destinations.

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG): Located across the border in Hebron, Kentucky, CVG is a large airport that serves both Kentucky and Ohio. It has daily flights to many major U.S. cities, as well as some international destinations.

Blue Grass Airport (LEX): Located in Lexington, LEX is a regional airport that serves the central Kentucky region. It has daily flights to several major U.S. cities.

Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport (OWB): Located in Owensboro, OWB is a regional airport that serves western Kentucky. It has daily flights to Atlanta and Chicago.

Barkley Regional Airport (PAH): Located in Paducah, PAH is a regional airport that serves the western Kentucky region. It has daily flights to Nashville and St. Louis.

There are also several smaller regional airports in Kentucky that offer limited commercial service.

Trains in Kentucky

Amtrak, the national passenger railroad service, serves Kentucky with two train routes: the Cardinal and the City of New Orleans.

The Cardinal runs between Chicago and New York City, passing through several cities in Kentucky including Ashland, South Shore, Maysville, and Louisville. The train operates three times per week in each direction.

The City of New Orleans runs between Chicago and New Orleans, passing through Fulton and Paducah in western Kentucky. The train operates daily in each direction.

In addition to Amtrak, there are several tourist trains in Kentucky, including the Big South Fork Scenic Railway and the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train. These trains offer scenic rides through the countryside and a chance to enjoy a meal on board.

Buses in Kentucky

Kentucky has a number of intercity bus companies that provide transportation within the state and to other nearby cities and states. Some of the major bus companies serving Kentucky include:

Greyhound: Greyhound is a national bus company that serves many cities in Kentucky, including Lexington, Louisville, Bowling Green, and Paducah. Greyhound operates several routes to destinations across the country.

Megabus: Megabus operates in several Kentucky cities, including Louisville and Lexington. The company provides low-cost bus transportation to several destinations in the Midwest and Eastern United States.

Miller Transportation: Miller Transportation operates bus services between Kentucky and several neighboring states, including Indiana, Tennessee, and Ohio.

TANK: TANK is the public transit system serving Northern Kentucky, including the cities of Covington, Newport, and Florence.

Lextran: Lextran is the public transit system serving the Lexington metropolitan area.

These bus companies offer different schedules, amenities, and pricing options, so it’s important to compare them and choose the one that fits your needs and budget.

Accommodations in Kentucky

Kentucky has a wide variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference, ranging from luxury hotels to budget motels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds. Here are some of the most popular accommodation options in Kentucky:

Hotels: Kentucky has many hotels, ranging from budget to luxury, and everything in between. Some of the top hotels in the state include the historic Brown Hotel in Louisville, the 21c Museum Hotel in Lexington, and the Seelbach Hilton in Louisville.

Bed and Breakfasts: Kentucky has many charming bed and breakfasts, especially in the rural areas. Some popular options include the Bourbon Manor Bed and Breakfast in Bardstown and the Campbell House Bed and Breakfast in Lexington.

Cabins and Cottages: Kentucky has many cabin and cottage rentals in scenic locations, including near lakes and in the mountains. Popular destinations for cabin rentals include Red River Gorge, Cave Run Lake, and Lake Cumberland.

Campgrounds: Kentucky has many campgrounds, including state parks, national parks, and privately owned campgrounds. Some popular campgrounds include Mammoth Cave National Park, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, and Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area.

Vacation Rentals: Kentucky has a variety of vacation rentals available, including apartments, condos, and houses. Popular vacation rental websites include Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway.

It’s always a good idea to book your accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, and to compare prices and amenities before making a reservation.