Louisville travel guide

Louisville travel guide

National Airports

There are two major airports in Louisville, Kentucky:

Louisville International Airport (SDF): This is the primary airport serving the Louisville metropolitan area. It is located about 6 miles south of downtown Louisville. The airport offers non-stop flights to more than 30 destinations in the United States, including New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas.

Bowman Field (LOU): This is a general aviation airport located about 5 miles east of downtown Louisville. It serves private and corporate aircraft, flight schools, and other general aviation activities. Bowman Field is one of the oldest continually operating airports in the United States and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

These are the two national airports in Louisville, both of which offer convenient options for travelers to and from the area.

Trains in Louisville

Louisville is served by Amtrak, the national passenger rail service, which operates one train route that stops in Louisville. The route is called the Cardinal and it runs between New York City and Chicago, with stops in several cities along the way, including Washington D.C., Charlottesville, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis.

In Louisville, the Cardinal stops at the Louisville Amtrak Station, which is located at 720 West Muhammad Ali Boulevard in downtown Louisville. The station is open daily from 6:00 am to 7:45 pm, and offers ticketing and baggage services.

The Cardinal operates three times a week in each direction, with departures from Louisville on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and arrivals in Louisville on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The train journey from Louisville to Chicago takes approximately 10 hours, while the journey from Louisville to New York City takes approximately 23 hours.

Overall, while there are limited train services to and from Louisville, the Cardinal route provides a convenient and scenic way to travel between the city and other major destinations in the eastern United States.

Buses in Louisville

Louisville has a public transportation system called TARC (Transit Authority of River City), which operates a network of bus routes throughout the city and surrounding areas. TARC buses run daily, with service starting as early as 4:00 am and ending as late as 1:00 am.

The TARC bus system operates on a hub-and-spoke model, with the downtown Louisville Transit Center serving as the main hub for transferring between different bus routes. TARC also operates a paratransit service called TARC Access, which provides door-to-door transportation for people with disabilities who are unable to use the fixed-route bus system.

TARC’s fare system is based on a one-way, flat rate, with discounts available for children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. TARC also offers various pass options, including day passes and monthly passes, as well as a mobile app for purchasing and managing fares.

In addition to TARC, several intercity bus companies provide service to and from Louisville, including Greyhound and Megabus. These companies operate from the Louisville Bus Station, located at 720 West Muhammad Ali Boulevard in downtown Louisville. The bus station offers ticketing and baggage services, as well as waiting areas and restrooms for passengers.

How to get to Louisville

There are several ways to get to Louisville, depending on your starting point and preferred mode of transportation:

By air: Louisville International Airport (SDF) is the primary airport serving the Louisville metropolitan area. It offers non-stop flights to more than 30 destinations in the United States, including New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas.

By car: Louisville is located at the intersection of three major highways: Interstate 64, Interstate 65, and Interstate 71. Depending on your starting point, you may need to take one or more of these highways to reach Louisville.

By bus: Several intercity bus companies provide service to and from Louisville, including Greyhound and Megabus. The Louisville Bus Station is located at 720 West Muhammad Ali Boulevard in downtown Louisville.

By train: Amtrak operates one train route that stops in Louisville, called the Cardinal. The route runs between New York City and Chicago, with stops in several cities along the way, including Washington D.C., Charlottesville, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis. The Louisville Amtrak Station is located at 720 West Muhammad Ali Boulevard in downtown Louisville.

Overall, Louisville is well-connected to other major cities in the United States, with several transportation options available for getting to and from the city.

What is the best time to travel to Louisville

The best time to travel to Louisville depends on your interests and what you would like to do while visiting. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons and events to help you decide:

Spring (March-May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Louisville, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers. The Kentucky Derby Festival takes place in late April to early May, featuring several events leading up to the famous horse race.

Summer (June-August): Summer in Louisville can be hot and humid, but it’s a great time to enjoy outdoor activities and events. The Forecastle Festival, a popular music festival, takes place in July, and the Kentucky State Fair happens in August.

Fall (September-November): Fall is a popular time to visit Louisville, with cooler temperatures and beautiful autumn foliage. The Bourbon & Beyond Festival takes place in September, featuring music, food, and, of course, bourbon.

Winter (December-February): Winter in Louisville can be cold and snowy, but there are still plenty of indoor activities to enjoy, such as visiting museums or catching a show at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts. The Louisville Mega Cavern also offers an underground holiday light show during the winter months.

Overall, spring and fall are the best times to visit Louisville, with mild temperatures and plenty of events and activities to enjoy. However, if you don’t mind the heat, summer can also be a great time to visit.

How to get around Louisville

There are several ways to get around Louisville, depending on your preferences and needs:

TARC Bus System: The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) operates a network of bus routes throughout the city and surrounding areas. TARC buses run daily, with service starting as early as 4:00 am and ending as late as 1:00 am. The TARC bus system offers a one-way, flat rate, with discounts available for children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

Ridesharing Services: Companies such as Uber and Lyft are available in Louisville, providing convenient transportation options throughout the city.

Taxis: Taxis are also available in Louisville, with several companies operating throughout the city.

Biking: Louisville has a growing network of bike lanes and shared-use paths, making biking a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around the city. The city also has a bike-sharing program called LouVelo, which offers rental bikes at various locations throughout the city.

Walking: Many of Louisville’s attractions, restaurants, and shops are located within walking distance of each other, especially in the downtown area.

Driving: If you have a car, driving is also a convenient way to get around Louisville, with several major highways and streets connecting the city’s different neighborhoods and suburbs. However, be aware that parking can be limited and expensive in some parts of the city, especially downtown.

Accommodations in Louisville

Louisville offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Here are some options to consider:

Hotels: Louisville has a wide range of hotel options, from budget-friendly chains to luxury hotels. Some popular hotels in the city include the Omni Louisville Hotel, the Seelbach Hilton Louisville, and the Galt House Hotel & Suites.

Bed and Breakfasts: For a more intimate and unique experience, consider staying at one of Louisville’s many bed and breakfasts. Some popular options include the Inn at Woodhaven, the Central Park Bed & Breakfast, and the DuPont Mansion Historic Bed and Breakfast.

Vacation Rentals: Louisville also has a variety of vacation rental options, including apartments, condos, and houses. Popular vacation rental platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo offer a range of options throughout the city.

Boutique Hotels: Louisville also offers a selection of boutique hotels, which offer unique and stylish accommodations with a focus on personalized service. Some popular boutique hotels in the city include the 21c Museum Hotel Louisville, the Brown Hotel, and the Aloft Louisville Downtown.

Overall, there are many options for accommodations in Louisville, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury, and from traditional hotels to more unique and intimate options such as bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals.